December, when so many great events come together, is also the month of this particular solarterm. Dōngzhì, 冬至, is the 22nd solarterm, the winter solstice. The shortest day begins – and with it the longest night. Many cultures attach great importance to this festival. Because at this time an important transformation happens: the yin qi has reached its lowest point and now the young yang qi emerges.
What does this mean? In China, the most important festival is the Spring Festival. The second most important is Dōngzhì. The term ‘Dōngzhì’ translates as „the peak of winter“. Thus, the winter solstice represents a very clear point where qi changes. When the energy changes, it is always a chance to get moving yourself, whether to let go of something or to start anew.
From the winter solstice onwards, the light increases from day to day, the yang rises and increases again. Another cycle begins.