Beginning of Winter
Nov 7–8 · 水 · Water
Typically falls on November 7–8. Winter's official start — the year's yang energy has retreated deep underground, and the kidney season begins.
Lìdōng marks winter's official start. Ancient Chinese held grand ceremonies to welcome the winter deity and begin winter preparations. Families would can vegetables, prepare warm bedding, and eat warming foods. The philosophy: winter is not a time to fight the cold, but to surrender to it gracefully.
Dumplings (饺子) — especially in northern China, eating dumplings on Lìdōng is essential. Legend says dumplings shaped like ears prevent frostbite. Lamb Hot Pot — warming, kidney-nourishing. Ginger in all dishes.
Story: On Lìdōng, northern Chinese eat dumplings in a tradition called 'welcoming winter.' The dumplings are shaped like crescent moons or ears — folk wisdom holds that eating them prevents frostbite and helps the body adapt to winter's harsh cold.
Winter is the kidney season — in TCM, kidneys store your fundamental life energy (jing). This is the most important time for kidney nourishment: black sesame, walnuts, lamb, and ginger. Go to bed early and wake late. Conserve your energy — winter is not for pushing.
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