Lidong welcomes winter with harvest rituals, warming feasts

Traditions begin with worship

In ancient China, a society of agriculture, the day of Lidong is celebrated with worship. People would present offerings to express gratitude for a harvest year, and to pay tribute to the deceased with the food in storage.

It was also a time to reward the whole family for a year’s hard work. In rural areas, people usually prepare a big dinner with produce from their own fields to celebrate the harvest.

But things have changed a lot nowadays. Instead of chowing down, many people prefer to do sports to keep healthy. In many cities, outdoor swimming competitions are popular.

Most of the participants are local amateurs. Though it takes great courage to jump into the cold water, swimming in winter is thought to be beneficial for one’s health.

Editor：梁子硕