Festival du froid

The Cold Food Festival, a poetic Chinese holiday, celebrates loyalty, nature, and renewal. Held 105 days after the winter solstice, typically in late March or early April, it coincides with spring’s arrival. This festival, rooted in ancient customs and folklore, invites families to honor the past through unique traditions like eating cold food and avoiding fire. Below, we explore its origins, customs, and cultural significance, ensuring you grasp why this festival captivates hearts worldwide. Quick Facts About the Cold Food Festival Aspect Details Date 105 days after winter solstice, usually March or April Main Custom No cooking fires; eat pre-prepared cold food like qingtuan Origin Tied to Jie Zitui’s loyalty and ancient fire-changing rituals Cultural Value Honors loyalty, family, and respect for nature Origins of the Cold Food Festival The Cold Food Festival began in ancient China, blending folklore with practical traditions. One key origin is the “fire-changing” ritual. In ancient times, people believed winter’s fire carried bad luck. So, in spring, they extinguished old fires and lit new ones, symbolizing renewal. For three days, families ate cold food to…