subject: Winter Solstice Festival [print this page] A visit to China will always be a culturally rich experience, as the country"s beautiful traditions and ways of life are reflected everywhere that visitors may go. Yet the richness of the experience will be much greater for those who have the privilege to be in China as it celebrates one of its many attractive festivals. The Chinese have a great sense of community and many of these festivals are times when family and friends come together, and the inception of most of these festivals dates back centuries. When the western world is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, the Chinese have their own unique celebration, the Winter Solstice Festival.
This festival annually falls on a date approximately between the 21st and 23rd of December. The date depends on the Chinese calendar and is the shortest day of the year for that part of the world. For the Chinese the yin and yang are of great importance, and represent the balance and harmony of life. This makes the shortest day of the year significant and it is when the yin qualities of darkness and coldness are at their prime, but it is also from then that the yang qualities of light and warmth begin to arrive. It is thus a time of optimism for the Chinese who celebrate in style.
Various types of food also play a part in the traditions of the Chinese. During the Winter Solstice Festival different dishes will be prominent in several parts of China. For visitors who enjoy dumplings the North of China will be a great place to be as these Chinese favorites are consumed in these parts as a part of the celebrations. In the South visitors will witness elaborate celebrations where families come together to worship their ancestors.
The Winter Solstice Festival has been celebrated for centuries and thus there are many traditions that have come to be a part of the festival. It is a great time for the year for visitors to witness true Chinese culture and be a part of the beautiful festivities.
When visitors to this charming country are selecting China Hotels to spend their stay, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China will prove an ideal choice. Their many well located Hotels in China are stylish and comfortable, and a great place for visitors to stay in the winter months.
