Hot treats for cold comfort

By Zhang Lei | China Daily | Updated: 2022-11-07 08:05
Share
Share - WeChat
A tallow tree in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, turns red as winter approaches. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Lidong has been highly valued since ancient times. An emperor greeted winter in Beijing's northern suburbs. He would hold a grand ceremony on the day, and at the same time, reward families of the deceased who had contributed to society, and show care for their orphans and widows. Three days before the ceremony, the emperor would start to take a bath and fast before welcoming the arrival of winter with piety and solemnity.

In the meantime, average people started to prepare winter clothes. In addition, they also offered sacrifices to ancestors with seasonal agriproducts, and prayed to heaven to bless their harvest in the coming year.

Since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), people developed the habit of putting on new clothes on lidong just like during new year celebrations. The families of scholars and officials paid tribute to their elders and exchanged greetings with each other. The custom is also called "worshiping winter".

|<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next   >>|
Photo

Related Stories

Top
BACK TO THE TOP
English
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US