Winter Solstice (dōng zhì) is the astronomical event marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere—usually around December 21–23. The character 冬 means 'winter', evoking cold, dormancy, and seasonal stillness; 至 means 'to arrive' or 'utmost', signifying the peak of winter’s influence. Together, 冬至 literally means 'the arrival of winter'—though it specifically denotes the solstice itself, not the start of winter season.

In traditional Chinese culture, dōng zhì is one of the 24 solar terms and holds deep significance: it symbolizes the turning point when yin (darkness, cold) begins receding and yang (light, warmth) starts returning. Families often gather to eat symbolic foods like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) in southern China or dumplings in the north, expressing hopes for family unity and the renewal of energy.