winter solstice

(December 20-22) marks the last days of the old sun and the birth of the new sun.

It was a sacred time in the Taoist tradition.

The monks would tap on refectory tables in the dining hall non-stop for 72 hours. The ceremony goes from midnight on the 19th to midnight on the 22nd. And they would fast. As a detox’ they drank a small glass of plum wine every four hours with a large glass of water. We drink a pint of water after the wine.(...)

via stuartwilde