Lidong (Start of Winter) | All things gather and store; cultivate vitality through seasonal nourishment (Includes a Winter Wellness Guide)

November 7, 2025 (the eighteenth day of the ninth lunar month) marks the nineteenth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms—Lidong (Beginning of Winter), which signals the official start of winter. In traditional Chinese health philosophy, the essence of this season lies in the character "Cang" (storing/concealing), which means following the natural law of "closing and storing" to internalize and protect the vital essence of life, laying a solid foundation for health in the coming year.

 

Definition and Timing of Lidong

As one of the twenty-four lunar solar terms, Lidong occurs precisely on November 7 or 8 of the Gregorian calendar each year, when the sun reaches the position of 225° ecliptic longitude. This solar term holds a significant place in traditional Chinese culture; along with Lichun (Beginning of Spring), Lixia (Beginning of Summer), and Liqiu (Beginning of Autumn), it is known as one of the "four beginnings," symbolizing the change and cycle of the four seasons.

"'Li' means the start of establishment; 'Dong' means the end, where all things are stored away. "—Detailed Explanations of the Seventy-Two Pentads of the Lunar Calendar

Literally interpreted, "Li" represents beginning and establishment, while "Dong" signifies conclusion and storage. Therefore, Lidong not only marks the official start of winter but also indicates that all things in nature have begun to enter a state of dormancy and contraction, accumulating strength for the rebirth of the coming year.

 

The Three Pentads of Lidong: Subtle Changes in Nature

First Pentad: Water begins to freeze

On the day of Lidong, as temperatures drop, water surfaces begin to freeze. At this stage, the ice is still thin and not yet solid; it only appears sporadically on the water surface, marking the first hint of winter’s chill.

Second Pentad: Earth begins to freeze

Five days later, as the cold intensifies, the moisture in the soil freezes due to low temperatures, causing the ground to harden and even develop fine cracks.

Third Pentad: Pheasants enter the great water to become clams

Five days after that, the ancients observed that large birds such as pheasants gradually disappeared, while clam-like shells appeared in the water. This symbolizes the transformation of life forms and the concealment of energy.

 

Folk Customs of Lidong

Celebrating Winter (Paying Homage to Winter)

In ancient times, Lidong was an important festival, and the Han Dynasty already had customs for celebrating it. On this day, people would change into new clothes and exchange greetings, much like at the Lunar New Year.

Tonifying for Winter

There is a folk saying: "Tonifying in winter saves you from illness in the coming year." In the south, people consume foods that nourish Yin and Yang and have higher caloric density, such as chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

Eating Dumplings

"If you don't eat a bowl of dumplings at Lidong, your ears will freeze off and no one will care." Eating dumplings, which resemble ears, is the most thoughtful care from family members to prevent frostbite.

Winter Swimming

In many parts of China, winter swimming enthusiasts welcome the arrival of winter by swimming, challenging themselves and strengthening their bodies.

Health Preservation After Lidong

Core Principle: Follow Nature and Prioritize Storage

After Lidong, the Yang energy of heaven and earth is hidden, and Yin energy reaches its peak; all things enter a state of dormancy and storage. Traditional health wisdom emphasizes that human life activities must remain synchronized with the rhythms of nature. Therefore, the core principle of winter health is to "follow nature and prioritize storage".

 

Dietary Care: Nourish Yin in Autumn and Winter without Disturbing Yang

"Tonifying in winter saves you from illness in the coming year."—Folk Proverb

The general principle of winter diet is to "nourish Yin in autumn and winter" and "do not disturb the Yang." This means that while tonifying, one must avoid depleting Yin fluids or disturbing the Yang energy.

"The winter air is cold, it is appropriate to eat millet to treat the cold with its warming nature."—'Principles of Correct Diet' by Hu Sihui, Yuan Dynasty

Eat fewer raw and cold foods to avoid damaging the Yang energy of the spleen and stomach, which affects digestion; avoid overly hot or dry foods, prevent excessive consumption of spicy foods, and avoid internal heat accumulation.

Dietary advice for different body types:

• Qi-deficiency constitution (shortness of breath, lethargy, easy sweating), recommended: yam, red dates, peanuts, astragalus.
• Yang-deficiency constitution (aversion to cold, cold limbs, frequent clear urine), recommended: lamb, chives, walnuts, longan.
• Yin-deficiency constitution (dry mouth and throat, hot palms and soles, prone to insomnia), recommended: duck meat, pears, snow fungus, lily bulb.

 

Key points of tonification by age group:

• Youth focus on nurturing — Focus on balanced nutrition and strengthening the spleen/appetite; avoid excessive tonification.
• Middle-aged focus on regulation — Regulate Qi and blood, soothe the liver, and replenish kidney essence.
• Elderly focus on protection — Use mild, nourishing foods that are easy to digest, with an emphasis on nourishing the kidneys and heart.

 

Daily Life and Emotional Regulation

In addition to diet, daily routine and emotional regulation are important components of winter health. By following natural laws and maintaining good habits and mindset, you can better "store" your health.

Key points for daily life:

• Sleep early: Sleep early and rise late, ensuring adequate sleep, which helps in concealing Yang and accumulating Yin essence.
• Drink water: Winter is dry, and daily water intake should not be less than 2,500 ml to keep the respiratory tract moist and prevent internal heat and constipation.
• Break a sweat: Choose gentle aerobic exercise, ideally to the point of light perspiration. Avoid heavy sweating that depletes Yang, and warm up thoroughly before exercise.
• Protect your feet: "Cold starts from the feet." Soak your feet in warm water before going to bed every night to promote blood circulation. Mugwort or ginger can be added to enhance the warming and cold-dispelling effects.
• Eat fruits: Eat more fruits rich in vitamin C and E, such as kiwis, apples, pears, and citrus, to enhance immunity.

Emotional and spiritual care:

Regulate the spirit: Maintain emotional stability and avoid irritability and depression.

• Sunbathe more and increase indoor lighting.
• Listen to music, read, and chat with friends.
• Engage in moderate outdoor activities.

Laugh more:

Nourish the lungs with laughter; laughing heartily can increase lung capacity and promote the circulation of Qi and blood. Laughter is the best "natural medicine," but it should be done in moderation.

Prevent illness: Winter is the high-incidence season for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

• Pay attention to keeping warm, especially protecting the head, neck, chest, and back.
• Chronic disease patients should take medication on time and keep emergency medicine ready.
• Undergo regular health check-ups.

 

As the ancients said: "Tonifying in winter saves you from illness in the coming year." After Lidong, the body’s metabolism slows down relatively, and at this time, nutrients are more easily absorbed and stored. I wish everyone good health in the coming year by following reasonable routines, diets, and emotional regulation.

Sleep early and rise late, follow the time of heaven, and nurture Yang energy.

Eat warm and tonifying foods, nourish the organs, and store energy.

Remain calm and collected, internalize your spirit, and maintain your peace of mind.

 

Recommended Reading:

The Origin of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms