A winter solstice tradition 冬至

The obervance of winter solstice or Toji 冬至 presents both a passage of time and brings to mind traditional customs. This year the solstice will take place on sunday, December 21st at 10:03am eastern standard time. To welcome the new year with good health, it is a Japanese tradition to bathe in hot yuzu bath 柚子湯。Health benefits associated with this hot yuzu bath 柚子湯 include warding off colds and having softer skin because of the high content of vitamin C in the citrus fruits. Spiritually a hot yuzu bath is also thought to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. The month of December is a significant month for several reasons, for some it represnts holiday celebratips while for others in indicates th observance of the witner solstice: a passage of time and traditional customs.