After Li Tung (the day that marks the beginning of winter in the Chinese calendar), people start eating all kinds of tonic foods loaded with extra nutrients. The custom originated because people in the old days overtaxed their strength during the harvest and needed extra nutrition to build themselves back up for the spring plowing.
「補冬」原是因為人們農事期間體力超支，而在收成農閒之餘特意吃些補品、休養生息，以待開春更有體力耕作。