at the beginning of winter
Eating dumplings: 1.Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter is a very common custom. Dumplings are a traditional Chinese winter delicacy that symbolizes reunion and the warmth of family. Eating dumplings also expresses expectations for a good harvest and a happy life.
In the south, the custom of eating glutinous rice balls during at the beginning of winter solstice is very popular. Tangyuan, also called Yuanxiao, is a round ball made of glutinous rice flour with sweet and salty fillings. Tangyuan means reunion and happiness, and there is also a saying that “eating glutinous rice balls makes you one year older”.
