Dōng Zhì: The Ancient Chinese Winter Solstice

Dōng Zhì: The Ancient Chinese Winter Solstice

冬至 Dōng Zhì: The Ancient Chinese Winter Solstice

Archaeological research has revealed that the Ancient Chinese have been observing the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars for more than 4,000 years. These observations determined and distinguished changes in seasons, climate and other important aspects of both our human and the planetary existence.

December 21st through January 4th marks the time of 冬至 Dong Zhi , or the Winter Solstice, the 22nd term in the Ancient Chinese solar calendar.

冬至 Dong Zhi is a major seasonal event in China and has been celebrated with the 冬节 Winter Festival for over 2,000 years. During the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) 冬至 Dōng Zhì was made an official three day holiday.  It is traditional during the Winter Solstice festival to eat tangyuan in southern China to symbolize family and prosperity. In Northern China, the traditional food is 饺子 jiǎozi, created by the famous doctor Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty.

“Dong Zhi is as great as Chinese Lunar New Year

– Old Chinese Saying

Let’s look at the direct translation of 冬至 Dong Zhi:

冬 (dōng) means winter
“至 (zhì) consists of “极 (jí)” and “最 (zuì)” characters, and is translated as “extreme”

During this time it is believed that:

  • 蚯蚓結, ‘Earthworms form knots’, referring to the hibernation of earthworms.
  • 麋角解, ‘Deer shed their antlers’
  • 水泉動, ‘Spring water moves’

Song of Nine & Nine 九九歌

According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the winter season consists of 81 days, starting on the winter solstice and ending in the beginning of the spring season. Those 81 days are further divided into nine sections, each corresponding to a particular condition. The 九九歌 Song of Nine & Nine depicts that in a simple and beautiful way

“During the First Nine and the Second, I keep my hands covered.
In the Third Nine and the Forth Nine, I walk on the frozen river bed.
When it’s the Fifth Nine and the Sixth, I see the willows along the shores sprout new buds.
When the Seventh comes, the river thaws.
And the Eighth, the wild goose arrives.
Eventually, the Ninth of Nine descends, farm cattle are everywhere tilling the fields.”

 

冬至 Dōng Zhì: Winter Indications

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Yin energy is at its peak. Although this is the darkest day of the year, it also marks the return of Yang energy. The Yin will continue to dominate throughout the winter season; however, the Yang will slowly but steadily grow in its presence. The blending of the Yin and the Yang indicates future rebirth.

On the day of the Winter Solstice the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 270°.

Winter solstice and the remaining days of winter continue an important phase of stillness. Consequently, diving within yourself and embracing introspection is recommended. Focusing on replenishment and conservation of energy in preparation for the next season of spring is imperative.

“This is the way of nourishing life in response to the energy
of winter. To act to the contrary will cause injuries to the kidneys and one will suffer weakened limbs in spring, because he is bound to be short of energy to cope with the spring.”

~黃帝內經Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

 

Expend Less, Store More

Remember, expend less and store more energy.

The entire winter season corresponds with the Water element and is associated with the kidneys, the bladder and adrenal glands.

“Nothing under heaven is softer or weaker than water; yet nothing can compare with it in attacking the hard and strong.”

-老子 Lao Tzu, 道德經 Dàodé Jīng

The 黃帝內經 Huangdi Neijing Su Wen, translated as Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, connects the natural progression of human life (growth, development, reproduction and aging) and changes in bone conditions, to be controlled by Kidney Essence.

The following tips will assist you with maintaining your well-being during winter months and preparing for spring:

  1. Expose your body to the right type of sunlight at the appropriate time of day for just 10-15 minutes a day. (see our article on Your Body’s Dance with the Sun)
  2. Spend 10-15 minutes per day outside absorbing fresh oxygen.
  3. Drink Water!
  4. Daoyin and the Way of Softness & Harmonizing Your Training – Such breathing methods require a minimal amount of movement to achieve maximum results leading to internal peace and a calm emotional state.
  5. Use sleep to repair, rejuvenate and restore.  “It is desirable to sleep early and get up late, to await the arrival of sunlight.”~ 黃帝內經Huangdi Neijing Su Wen

 

柳宗元 江雪 River Snow by 柳宗元 Liǔ Zōngyuán

A Famous Poem from the Tang Dynasty on winter:

柳宗元 江雪 River Snow
by 柳宗元 Liǔ Zōngyuán

千山鳥飛絕
萬徑人蹤滅
孤舟簑笠翁
獨釣寒江雪

In a thousand mountains, the flight of birds is not seen;
on ten thousand paths, human footprints have vanished.
On a lonely boat, in straw cloak and bamboo hat, an old man,
fishing alone, in the cold river snow.

 

Yíngyǎng (营养) Nutritional Corner – Ancient Chinese Winter

It is recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eat warming foods and cooked foods during the Winter months.  Therefore, avoid raw and cold foods as well as foods and spices that generate extensive heat.

ALL Body Types may try fruits such as Chia, Flax, Hemp, and Sesame Seeds.

If you are a Yang Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Almonds
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Cacao
  • Cashews
  • Chestnuts
  • Pecans
  • Macadamia Nut
  • Pili Nut
  • Pine Nuts
  • Pistacios
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Walnuts

If you are a Yin Body Type, consider adding more of the following fruits to your diet:

  • Hazelnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Soy Nuts
  • Squash Seeds
  • Tiger Nuts
  • Watermelon Seeds

Enjoy your holiday season from Jiao Shi and the OHO Seminars Team!

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

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And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi, Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 4:00pm ET for ALL, 4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members, and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars. See you there!

Dà Xuě: Major Snow

Dà Xuě: Major Snow

大雪 Dà Xuě: Major Snow

December 7th through December 20th marks the time of 大雪 Dà Xuě, or Major Snow, the 21st term in the Ancient Chinese solar calendar and 3rd portion of Winter.  It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 255° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 270°e of 240°.

The temperature drops significantly in Northern China and across the Northern Hemisphere as snowfall increases and dryness ensues. According to the Ancient Chinese, during this period it is especially important to prevent the outbreak of respiratory illnesses by wearing a warm scarf to protect the neck, drinking water, and practicing daily Dao Yin exercises.

Plum blossoms begin to flower in southern China, and sometimes bloom even earlier. This beautiful tree, which originated in China, is revered in Chinese culture for its resilience during severe winters. It is considered one of the Three Friends of Winter along with the pine tree and bamboo.

大 Dà means “big, great or major,” and 雪 Xuě is “snow.” It is said that “A fall of seasonal snow gives promise of a fruitful year.”

 

Winter According to The Ancients

Hot porridge is believed to help warm and nourish the body in cold weather. In China, it is customary to eat red bean porridge on the first day of Major Snow and eight-treasure porridge on the eighth day of the last month of the lunar year. In addition, there are other varieties such as wheat porridge, sesame porridge, radish porridge, walnut porridge and tuckahoe porridge – something for every Body Type!

 

梅花 Plum Blossoms

A Famous Poem from the Song Dynasty:

梅花 Plum Blossoms
By Wang Anshi

“At a wall corner some plum trees grow;
Alone against cold white blossoms blow.
Aloof one knows they aren’t the snow,
As faint through air soft fragrances flow.”

Enjoy the natural landscapes all over China during Major Snow!

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into 大雪 Dà Xuě. Enjoy the beautiful story of Hua Tuo below, and stay warm!

Hua Tuo, The Innkeeper & Two Men

“In the ninth day of the ninth month is the double ninth festival. A group of young men from a rich family were in a bar at an inn to see who could eat the most crabs. The big crabs had much flesh with yellow, delicious oil. All of the young men found that the more they ate, the more delicious the food became. The empty shells on the table were like a small tower.

Hua Tuo brought his apprentices to the inn to have a drink. He saw the group of young men. He thought they were crazy for trying to outdo each other in devouring crabs. Hua Tuo kindly advised them that the crabs were cold in character and that they shouldn’t eat too much.

“Young men you have your match to see who can eat the most crabs. It is not a good thing.”

The young men felt quite unhappy with the words of the old doctor, “We have the food that we buy with our own money. Who cares what you have to say!”

Hua Tuo advised, “If you have too much of the crabs you will get diarrhea. Then maybe risk your lives.”

One young man hastened, “Go, go, go. Don’t come here to frighten other people. We are just eating crabs. It is none of your concern.”

The young man who said these words was drunk. He did not heed the advice of Hua Tuo. The young men continued to eat and drink to their hearts’ content.

One cried out loudly, “Crab is a delicious food. Has anyone heard anything as ridiculous as they can kill people? We are at the limits of our stomach. We just make the old man envious.”

Hua Tuo found that the young men were making much noise, were unreasonable, and would not follow his advice. So he decided to say something to the master of the inn.

“Don’t sell anymore crab to them. The food can endanger human life.”

The innkeeper was more interested in the money of the customers than the words of Hua Tuo.

With an angry tone he snapped, “This matter is none of your business! Don’t meddle in my matters.”

Hua Tuo sighed heavily and sat down to have his own drink. Until midnight, the group of young men kept eating. Suddenly, one fell to the floor and doubled over in abdominal pain. Soon, the others followed. Their pain was so intense that they began to sweat profusely. They were on the floor writhing with pain.
The master of the inn became terribly frightened and dumbfounded.

“What is the matter with you boys?” he asked nervously.

“We have much pain, please ask a doctor to help us.”

“In the depth of night, where can I find a doctor!” the innkeeper cried.

“We entreat you to charitably achieve this good act, if no doctor comes to see us, we may lose our lives!”

By that time Hua Tuo came over and said, “I am a doctor.”

The young people were surprised and their faces turned red with embarrassment. They thought that the old person asked them not to have too many crabs because he was jealous. Now they lose face as they had turned away the words of the old man. Doubled over in pain, they clutched their abdomens with both hands.

They begged Hua Tuo, “Please cure our disease.”

Hua Tuo laughed, “Just now you said you don’t need me to manage your business.”

“Your Excellency, please forget our villainous words,” one young man pleaded.

Another added, “Please good doctor, show your mercy upon us. How much money would you like, it is no problem. We only ask you to save our lives.”

“I don’t need money.”

“If you want anything else, just name it!” the boys replied.

“I only ask you to agree to one thing.”

“One thing, one thousand, ten thousand things, we will do! Please offer your demand quickly!”

“From now on,” Hua Tuo said, “you should accept the advice of older persons. Don’t run wild again.”

“Certainly, certainly, whatever you ask, please save our lives quickly, please!”

Hua Tuo left them to await his return. He went to get his apprentices and sent them to a wild area to collect a purple-colored herb. They harvested the stems and the leaves of the herb and decocted them for the young men. After drinking the decoction, their abdominal pain stopped.

Hua Tuo asked, “How do you feel after drinking the medicine?”

“Much more comfortable,” they replied.

Hua Tuo thought to himself, hmmm, the herb hasn’t a name.  He then said aloud, “After consuming this herb people have a comfortable feeling, so from now one we will call it purple comfortable herb.”

The young people gave thousands and thousands of thanks, said good-bye and left.

Hua Tuo scolded the innkeeper, “How dangerous. From now on, you must pay attention to more than just earning money. You must pay attention to the lives of others!”
The innkeeper solemnly nodded his head again and again.

When Hua Tuo left the inn, the apprentices asked him, “The leaves of the purple herb can expel the poison of crabs? Which book recorded this knowledge?”

Hua Tuo told his apprentices. “None of the ben cao [Chinese herbals] mentions this. I learned it from an animal.”

The story is this: One day I was in the mountains in the south part of the Yangtze River to collect some drugs. I saw a common otter. The otter caught a very big fish, spent a long time eating it, and finally swallowed it. His abdomen was swollen, as full as a drum. Then the otter spent time in the water, and time on the bank, time lying without moving, and time turning from side to side, as if writhing in pain. We can guess that the common otter was very uncomfortable. At last, the otter crept to the bank to a clump of purple plants. The otter ate some leaves of the herb and then laid down for a rest. Unexpectedly, nothing happened. Hua Tuo thought that the fish character belonged to cold and that the purple herb character belonged to warm.

“I thought that the purple herb could expel the fish poison. Since this time I remembered this in my mind,” he told his apprentices with a glint in his eye.”

Story Credit: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/82/table-of-contents/article3397/

Don’t forget to check out the newest videos on our YouTube Channel!

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And join us for Jammin’ with Jiao Shi, this Saturday at 4:00pm ET for ALL, 4:45pm ET for TypeMe Community Members, and 5:30pm ET on Clubhouse @ohoseminars. See you there!