Meaning and Customs of Ipdong (立冬) — The 19th of the 24 Solar Terms, Around November 6-8
Ipdong (立冬) is the 19th of the 24 solar terms, falling around November 6-8 when the sun reaches celestial longitude 225°.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 立冬 |
| Season | ❄️ Winter |
| Gregorian timing | Around November 6-8 |
| Solar longitude | 225° |
| Saju monthly command | Solar term node (節) — the Hae (亥) month begins on this day |
| Key ideas | Threshold of winter, kimchi-making season |
Meaning and origin
Ipdong means “winter (冬) stands up” or “winter begins,” marking the start of the winter season. Water begins to freeze, the ground hardens, and animals enter hibernation.
Customs and foods
The period around Ipdong was considered the right time for kimjang, the large-scale preparation of kimchi for winter. Villages began their biggest winter preparation by making kimchi together through communal labor. There was also a custom called chigyemi (雉鷄米), in which food was offered to village elders.
Saju and solar terms
The calendar of Korean Four Pillars astrology moves by solar terms. Ipdong is one of the 12 solar term nodes (節), and from this day, the month pillar (月柱) in Saju changes to the Hae (亥) month. This is why the sexagenary sign of a birth month is determined by solar terms, not by lunar calendar dates.
Wisdom for this time
Preparing for winter is half the work of getting through it. This is a time to secure the body, the home, and plans for closing out the year.
Learn more
- See all 24 solar terms: 24 Solar Terms Dictionary
- Today’s daily stem-branch, zodiac, and tarot: Today’s Universe (oiyo.net)
- The Saju calendar moved by solar terms: Saju Dictionary
Solar terms are a seasonal calendar that divides the sun’s path into 24 segments. This is a traditional explanation based on the climate of the Korean Peninsula, and the actual date may vary by about a day each year.
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