Today is Midwinter's Day, also known as Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. After this day, the frost winter(entering nines) begins and the coldest temperature comes to everywhere. I'm sure most people in China have now experienced the significant drop in temperature. Two days ago I was wearing short skirts and thin coats; now I doubled my clothes and put on a down jacket and still feel the cold when I'm writing this blog.
In northern China, many cities ushered in the first snowfall this winter. When will snow come to Wuhan? I really miss the picture when the whole city turned white.
Back in my hometown, we eat dumplings to celebrate this traditional festival. It is said that if you don't eat dumplings at Midwinter's Day, you'll get cold ears in the coming frozen winter. I just got back from the dumpling restaurant. There is no doubt that the business will be very good tonight 'cause dozens of people are waiting in line.
Have you eaten dumpling today? Hurry up, or you'll got cold ears: )
Some pics of the snow:
People waiting for bus in the snow. Penlai, Shandong. 2008.12.21.
A passenger is waiting for the traffic lights in snow. Jinan, 2008.12.21.
Cars covered by snow. Tianjin, 2008.12.21
Wuhan is located too south to have big snows, especially when the planet gets warmer ;)
'Ifgogo' is an interesting website for me who lives in the tropics. Of course I have been exposed to the four seasons in the west but each country and it's people have different lifestyle and I am learning about some of the Chinese cultures here. I have never heard of the old belief of 'getting cold years' if you missed out on eating the dumplings!
Having learned this, I am glad I do live in the tropics as I have missed out on eating these dumplings for the greater part of my life : ). Do you know we have three seasons in the tropics instead of four? Yes we do and the seasons are: Hot, Hotter and Hottest! Thanks for the lovely photos too Gijo.
So, you can be hot all your days! haha
Well, now I understand the meaning of Midwinter's Day.
You can also try some photoes of HUST. Snowscape in HUST is wonderful, always in my memory after graduation.