Sunday marks the winter solstice of 2013. The Northern Hemisphere will have its longest night and shortest day in the year.
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon as well as a traditional holiday in many cultures. The Chinese tradition of celebrating dates back some 2,000 years. For many, it’s nearly as important as the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.
In Northern China, people make dumplings known as jiaozi, and in the country’s South, it’s glutinous rice dumplings. These traditions carry wishes for family reunions and a good harvest in the next year. People also drink wine to fend off the cold and visit the graves of family members. The Winter Solstice is one of 24 solar terms on the traditional East Asian calendar.