Monday, December 22, 2008

Happy Dongzhi!

Winter Solstice (image credit:http://www.wildhunt.org/)

Today is dongzhi or winter solstice. The Chinese in ancient times found out that the Winter Solstice was the shortest day in a year, after which the sun begins its slow return to the North. It is also significant because it also means that the lunar Chinese new year will only be one month and a half away from the Winter Solstice. To most Chinese, Winter Solstice meant a happy family get-together. Some would put on their best clothes, visit friends and celebrate it late into the longest night. Food plays an important part in the festivities. The most common is tong yuan I was also surprise to have heard fire-crackers exploding this morning! Some people are definitely takes this celebration seriously!

Tong YAN. (image credit: http://yungyaw.net/)

I had good celebration in Seremban - with lots to eat (a little too much though). It was good to see families coming together. Of course, we had tongyan. Being Chinese, we should take opportunities for families to come together and enjoy! Good excuse to strengthen family ties.

Happy Dongzhi!

No comments: