To Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa add Dong Zhi in the Winter celebrations column.
in 2009, Dong Zhi, the Chinese winter solstice festival runs from December 22 to January 5, 2010 (correct me if I am wrong).
On That's Qingdao we learn about the roots of Dong Zhi and its traditions:
"The origins of this festival can be traced back to the Yin and Yang
philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this
celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and
therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical
significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù
("returning"). Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time
for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these
get together (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese
communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tang Yuan, as
pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tang Yuan are made of glutinous rice flour and sometimes brightly colored. Every one in the
family receives at least one large Tang Yuan and several small ones.
The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet
soup or savory broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in
one bowl."
philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this
celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and
therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical
significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù
("returning"). Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time
for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these
get together (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese
communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tang Yuan, as
pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tang Yuan are made of glutinous rice flour and sometimes brightly colored. Every one in the
family receives at least one large Tang Yuan and several small ones.
The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet
soup or savory broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in
one bowl."
Sally of Singapore City Guide Online in Chinatown Dong Zhi Festival 2009 (December 19) writes:
"Dong Zhi indicates the “arrival of winter”. Coinciding with the
winter solstice, it is an occasion for the family to get together to
celebrate the good year that they have had. And what is Dong Zhi
without the sweet soup of glutinous rice flour balls- Tang Yuan.
Eating Tang Yuan is symbolic of family unity and prosperity. For good
luck, families prefer to mix some pink Tang Yuan with the white ones."
winter solstice, it is an occasion for the family to get together to
celebrate the good year that they have had. And what is Dong Zhi
without the sweet soup of glutinous rice flour balls- Tang Yuan.
Eating Tang Yuan is symbolic of family unity and prosperity. For good
luck, families prefer to mix some pink Tang Yuan with the white ones."
What led me to Dong Zhi?
A mention by Rasa Malaysia of a Tang Yuan Recipe (on Nyonya Food, December 17) by contributor Siew Loon gets the credit.
She was kind enough to let me use her appetizing photo (above).
Celebrating Dong Zhi, enjoy the holiday (and the food)!