1.
winter solstice
The day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year, occurring around December 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere. In Japan, it is traditionally associated with eating kabocha squash and taking yuzu baths.
今年の冬至は12月22日だ。
This year's winter solstice is December 22nd.
冬至にはかぼちゃを食べる習慣がある。
There is a custom of eating kabocha squash on the winter solstice.
冬至を過ぎると、少しずつ日が長くなっていく。
After the winter solstice, the days gradually get longer.
In Japanese tradition, the winter solstice is associated with specific customs:
- 柚子湯 — taking a bath with yuzu citrus fruit, believed to ward off illness
- かぼちゃ — eating kabocha squash for good health
The opposite is 夏至 (summer solstice).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 冬至の日 (the day of the winter solstice)
- 冬至を迎える (to reach the winter solstice)