LEARN · SOLAR TERMS
Winter Solstice (冬至): Yin at Its Peak, Yang Begins, a Turn Comes in Every Matter
The Winter Solstice (冬至, Dongzhi) is one of the 24 solar terms, and in 2026 it falls on Tuesday 22 December (Malaysia and Singapore time). The old saying is: "at the winter solstice one yang is born." Master Mandy Lim shares a short note on what it can teach us.
Yin at its peak, yang begins to grow
The Winter Solstice is one of the 24 solar terms and an important one in traditional culture. The ancients said: "At the winter solstice one yang is born."
The solstice stands for yin qi reaching its fullest while yang qi starts to sprout. From the I Ching view of yin and yang, rising and falling follow each other: when something reaches its fullest, it begins to decline, and when it has declined to the end, it begins to rise again. This is the natural law of heaven and earth.
What it reminds us
It reminds us that life will not stay in a low point forever, and will not always sail smoothly either. Luck has ups and downs, and life has advancing and retreating.
- In a low point: do not hurry to change. Steady yourself first and build up strength.
- In a good time: do not get carried away. Stay aware of possible danger even when things are peaceful.
A bowl of tangyuan
The bowl of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) at the solstice stands for reunion and completeness. But real completeness is not that everything goes as we wish. It is to treasure the people in front of us and to accept that life is not perfect.
The winter solstice is not a fresh start for everything. It reminds us that a turn often quietly takes shape inside change.
May everyone have a reunion with family this winter solstice, a mind at ease, and follow the season, quietly waiting for the flowers to bloom.
This page is an English version of Master Mandy Lim's Chinese note. It shares her reflection on the day and does not predict anything for any one person.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the winter solstice in 2026?
Tuesday 22 December 2026, in Malaysia and Singapore time.
What does "at the winter solstice one yang is born" mean?
At the solstice yin qi reaches its fullest and yang qi starts to sprout. In the I Ching view of yin and yang, what is fullest begins to decline and what has declined to the end begins to rise again.
What does Master Mandy Lim say about the winter solstice?
That life will not stay at a low point forever or sail smoothly forever. In a low point, steady yourself and build strength. In a good time, stay aware of danger. A turn often quietly takes shape inside change.
What do tangyuan stand for at the solstice?
Reunion and completeness. Real completeness, in her words, is to treasure the people in front of us and accept that life is not perfect.
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