What is the winter solstice?

In Japan, there is not only the four seasons, but also the concept of the "24 solar terms," which divide the year into 24 parts based on the movement of the sun.
Among these are the summer solstice, the longest day of the summer, and the winter solstice, the shortest day of the winter.

[What is the winter solstice?]
The winter solstice isThe shortest day and longest night of the yearThis is what I mean.
In Japan, the winter solstice usually occurs around December 22nd.
In ancient Japan, the sun was considered a symbol of power.
For this reason, the winter solstice, when the sun's power is at its weakest, is special to people and has been cherished as the day that marks the beginning of the return of the sun's power.

What do you do on the winter solstice?
On the day of the winter solstice, the following customs are observed in Japan.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Take a yuzu bath
→ The scent of yuzu helps you relax, warms the body, and is a custom that prays for protection from catching a cold.

'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Eat pumpkin
→ Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and are said to help prevent colds.

[What is Yuzu Bath?]
Yuzu bath isA bathing technique in which yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, is floated in the bath.Yuzu has a pleasant fragrance, and the ingredients in the peel are said to warm the body.
By taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice,
・Less likely to catch a cold
Stay healthy all year round
・Relaxing
It has been believed that...

In Japanese households, on the night of the winter solstice, people put whole yuzu fruits into their baths or cut them in half to enjoy their fragrance.
Many hot springs and public baths also offer yuzu baths on the winter solstice.

The winter solsticeThe shortest day of the yearIt has long been a special day in Japan, where people pray for good health by eating pumpkins and taking yuzu baths.

[Let's learn Japanese phrases!]
◎Today is the winter solstice.
◎Have you taken a yuzu bath?
◎It has a nice yuzu scent.
◎Today is the shortest day of the year.
Eat pumpkin and stay healthy.

Foreigners visiting Japan in the winter should definitely try the "Yuzu Bath" on the winter solstice. It will warm you up and give you a taste of Japanese winter culture.