Winter Solstice

Yuzu Japanese citrus

The Winter Solstice falls on December 22nd this year.It is marked by the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

In ancient times, people had difficulty finding enough food in cold winter because most plants died and many animals hibernated. And with shorter days, they could not fully enjoy the blessing of the sun, causing them to worry about their well-being. As a result, they began to perform rituals to encourage prosperity, which is the origin of the modern Midwinter traditions.

pumpkin cooked with soysauce, sugar and sake

At this time, many Japanese people take yuzu bath in an effort to stay healthy during the cold winter. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus rich in refreshing aroma. We put some yuzu in the bathtub and soak in hot water filled with rich aroma. I'd like to add one more thing. We have pumpkin dish on this day because it has vitamin A and carotene to protect against cold and cerebral problem. This is the Japanese custom on the Winter Solstice.

I'll bring this cooked pumpkin to the Cristmas party today.