Is it true that Dong Zhi is more important than Chinese New Year?

Question

I heard old folks said that Dong Zhi is celebrated more importantly than CNY. Family members suppose to come home for re-union dinner.

Answer 1

Not true anymore for "dong zhi"
It use to be hard life during winter time and people celebrate at home quietly eating hot "tang yuen" to celebrate winter finally came.
Wherelse CNY is celebrate openly and a lot of preparation need to be done before CNY.
And CNY used to celebrate for 15day, now I heard it still celebrate for 7days in China, 4days in Taiwan and others part of the Asia 2days.
Btw re-union is done on eve of CNY.

Answer 2

Dong Zhi = 冬至, the equivilant of winter solstice. There used to be this old saying : 冬大過年 = winter solstice is more important than new year. Is it true? 50 years ago, may be, but not anymore nowadays.
It is still an important day on the farmer's almanac and a traditional family gathering day for certain lines of businesses related to agriculture, food and restaurants. But it just doesn't get the commercial or merchandising attention like CNY does.

Answer 3

there's the saying that Dong Zhi is bigger than CNY.. but it seems that CNY is still much more celebrated.. i believe that as long as people are willing and has got that heart, we need not wait till festivals for reunion or celebration, everyday should not be taken for granted and be celebrated! =)

Answer 4

CNY is still the most celebrated festival in China. And it is maybe the only day when most of the shops are closed. Even on labor day, shops are open

Answer 5

No. Dongzhi is just one of the solar terms. It is much less important than the Spring Festival. People like to celebrate Dongzhi by eating dumplings. After Dongzhi, it enters the real winter, the weather is rather cold. But the Spring is more and more closer.

Answer 6

Not ttue because they represent different events, and each event has its own merit of celebrating.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

nah...
its not important again