← Glossary
Lidong (立冬) — Beginning of Winter
Around November 7-8; astronomical start of winter; water element strengthens.
Lidong occurs at celestial longitude 225°, around November 7-8. The astronomical start of winter in the traditional almanac. Water element strengthens; yin energy moves toward annual peak.
Tradition: "tonifying winter" (補冬) — eating warming foods like mutton stew, ginger duck. In northern China, dumplings are traditional. Climate: noticeable cold settles in.