Hanbin after the winter solstice

     The Winter Solstice, also known as the Winter Festival, seems to be given a new name, "Little New Year," in Hanbin, Ankang, southern Shaanxi. This likely signifies two things: first, that the year-end is approaching and there are few days left; and second, that the Winter Solstice is of great importance. Celebrating the Winter Solstice as a festival originated in the Zhou Dynasty, flourished in the Tang and Song Dynasties, and continues to this day.

    The *Book of Han* states, "At the Winter Solstice, the yang energy rises, the ruler's way grows, therefore it is celebrated." In other words, people originally celebrated the Winter Solstice to welcome the new year. For me, the Winter Solstice in Hanbin, Ankang, holds deep meaning. From childhood to adulthood, I've celebrated it almost every year with my family. As the saying goes, "When the Winter Solstice arrives, eat dumplings." Every Winter Solstice, the family gathers together, busy kneading dough, rolling out wrappers, and preparing fillings. When the last step is completed, the whole family sits together to enjoy the happiest moment of the day—making dumplings. Each person holds different fillings and dough, weaving them into shapes that resemble jewels, stars, and agate. However, our Li family has a special rule: it's said that every dumpling is shaped like a gold ingot, a tradition passed down from generation to generation, seemingly a sign that life will get better and better. Besides dumplings, our family also eats a bowl of hot noodles. "Eat winter solstice noodles, and the days grow longer by a thread." This day happens to be the shortest day of the year. After the winter solstice, the sun's direct rays gradually move northward, and the days in the Northern Hemisphere gradually lengthen while the nights shorten.

    After the winter solstice, Ankang Hanbin is once again shrouded in a layer of white. The mornings after the frost are a vast expanse of white, everything seemingly lifeless. The moment the sun shines through the mist onto the earth, footsteps crunch on the snow-covered meadows, and the puddles on the roads have frozen into ice sculptures, the thick ice sealing everything underground. Gradually, smoke rises from the chimneys of each house, breaking the silence of yesterday, and another busy day begins.

    People who have eaten breakfast are about to begin their day's work. The rising sun filled the house with warmth. The wife busied herself with household chores: pickling sauerkraut, brewing rice wine, and smoking cured meat. The husband went up the mountain to chop firewood, ensuring a sufficient supply for the fire. Soon, their family would begin brewing (distilling) liquor.

    The origins of alcohol can be traced back to prehistoric times. In today's society, alcohol has become a consumer product. Human history of brewing alcohol extends from the Paleolithic "new humans" stage to the present day. In Hanbin, Ankang, the custom of distilling liquor seems to have continued uninterrupted. People use ancient traditional recipes to ferment the lees and then distill them over a high flame, resulting in a liquor that can be tasted. After distillation, people often store the best liquor of the year in jars, supposedly to offer to guests during the Spring Festival, providing them with unforgettable memories.

    As smiles spread across the faces of every household, the day also comes to an end. As evening fell and darkness descended, the cold wind, as usual, began to chill the air. People gathered around the fire pit, chatting and laughing, preparing a sumptuous dinner. Sitting by the fire, you could see the fragrant chicken soup simmering in the glowing embers of the firewood, and the carefully smoked cured meat roasting over the hearth—a feast for the eyes and the

    palate. There were also homemade wines—jujube wine, persimmon wine, and sweet sorghum wine—each a sip of which brought a sense of complete comfort. Winter in the villages of Hanbin after the winter solstice is a place filled with happiness and joy. Friends, old and new, let's meet! The warm and hospitable people of Ankang eagerly await your arrival on the beautiful banks of the Han River!