冬至大如年，人间小团圆。
December 21 marks the start of "Winter Solstice," or Dongzhi, the 22nd of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar. On this day, the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year, as the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn. Dongzhi also marks the approach of the coldest period of the year.
“冬至不端饺子碗，冻坏耳朵没人管，”这句民间谚语意思是如果在冬至这一天没有吃饺子，就会导致人们容易感冒、受冻，甚至冻坏耳朵。这句话的背后有着深厚的文化内涵和历史渊源。相传，张仲景辞官返乡，时值隆冬，不少贫寒百姓的耳朵因冻疮发作而溃烂，张仲景让弟子在城外支起大锅，把羊肉和一些祛寒药物熬煮后切碎，再用面皮包成耳朵模样，分给人们食用。
There's a humorous folk saying that if you don't eat dumplings on this day, your ears might freeze and fall off!
Adding a modern twist to this age-old custom, people now make colorful dumplings crafted from natural ingredients. As families come together to prepare and share these parcels of joy, they embrace the spirit of warmth, unity and hope for the year ahead.
From traditional flavors to creative additions, Dongzhi dumplings remain a cherished symbol of nourishment, love and blessings during this special time of year. This winter solstice, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves and make your own colorful dumplings.
