Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice) Festival


Dong Zhi or winter solstice festival usually falls on the longest night of the year, which is either Dec 21 or 22. Dong Zhi used to be a time when families in China got together after a year of hard work to celebrate their bountiful harvest.

It is a reminder to the community of another year gone by and a new year approaching.

Clan association members would also gather to collectively pray to their ancestors and patron saints.

At home, family members would come together to roll coloured rice dough into balls to signify completeness, unity and satisfaction.

The rice balls would then be served as a sweet dish.

The roundness of the tang yuen symbolises complete happiness and purity. This is why they are also served to couples on the eve of their weddings.

The Chinese in Malaysia has observed this age old tradition to this day.
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