21/12/2025
Winter solstice or Dōng Zhì which means ‘Winters Arrival’. Is the shortest day of the year and longest night, it symbolises the peak of Yin and the transition when Yin (dark, cold and still) turns to Yang (light, warm and active) energy as the days start to get longer again. This transition gives us time to reflect on the year we have had and consider any goals you may have for the new year.
The Dōng Zhì festival is actually as big as the Lunar New Year but in more recent years gets overshadowed by the Chinese New Year. Traditionally this is a time celebrated with loved ones and honouring their ancestors, sharing warm dishes like dumplings in the North and Tang Yuan rice balls sweet and savoury in the South.
How to embrace Yin- this is a time to rest, slow down, conserve your energy and focus inwards. Short days and long nights gives the opportunity to go to bed earlier and wake up later. Eat nourishing foods that are warm like soups, casseroles, bone broth and stews than cold and raw foods
