The Origin and Customs of Han Yi Festival

Han Yi Festival, also known as the Cold Clothing Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 24th solar term of the Chinese lunar calendar, around the beginning of November. The festival has a long history and is celebrated in various ways across different regions of China.

The origin of Han Yi Festival can be traced back to the ancient Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). According to historical records, the festival was originally a day for people to change into their winter clothes and prepare for the coming cold weather. It was believed that wearing warm clothes on this day could help ward off evil spirits and prevent diseases.

As time went by, the customs of Han Yi Festival evolved and diversified. In some regions, people would make offerings to the gods and ancestors, burn incense, and pray for good fortune and health. In other regions, people would eat special foods, such as glutinous rice dumplings and sweet potatoes, to mark the occasion.

One of the most distinctive customs of Han Yi Festival is the wearing of Han Yi, which is a type of traditional Chinese winter clothing made of thick padded cotton or wool. Han Yi is usually dark blue or black in color, with a high collar and a long gown that reaches down to the ankles. It is warm, comfortable, and durable, and has been a popular choice for people in northern China for centuries.

In recent years, Han Yi Festival has regained popularity among young people in China, who see it as a way to connect with their cultural heritage and embrace traditional values. Many people now wear Han Yi on the day of the festival, and some even organize Han Yi-themed events and activities to celebrate the occasion.

Overall, Han Yi Festival is a unique and meaningful part of Chinese culture, which reflects the importance of preparing for the changing seasons and honoring one's ancestors and traditions.