日本語は英語の後に続きます。Japanese follows.
Today, the 22nd is the Winter Solstice. It is
the shortest day and longest night of the
year in the northern hemisphere.
The winter solstice is the height of the “Yin
(negative)” in which the power of the sun
has weakened the most, and it is thought
that it will change to “Yang (positive)”
from the next day.
It is called “IchiyoRaifuku (return of spring)”
and it is said that the winter solstice marks
the turning point of upward fortune.
On the winter solstice, there is a custom to
purify ourselves by taking “yuzuyu (hot yuzu
citron bath in which yuzus are put and set
afloat)”. We pray for “longevity” and
“perfect state of health” after yuzu trees,
which have a long life and are resistant to
deseases.
It is also said that if you eat food with “n”
on this day you will be able to bring your luck.
Amongst them, squashes (“nankin” in
Japanese) are said to be auspicious food
heading south (nan) of “Yang (positive)”
今日22日は冬至。北半球では一年で最も日が短く
夜が一番長い日。冬至は太陽の力が最も弱まった
陰の極みで、翌日から再び陽にかえると考えられ
「一陽来復」といい、冬至を境に上昇運に転じる
といわれている。
冬至には柚子湯に入る。身を清め、寿命が長く
病気に強い柚子の木にならって「長寿」や
「無病息災」を祈願する。
この日に「ん」のつくものを食べると「運」を
呼び込めるといわれており、中でもカボチャ
（南瓜なんきん）は、陽の南へ向かう縁起の
良い食べ物とされている。