Rabu, Disember 22, 2010

Happy Winter Solstice


Today, 22nd of December, marks the Dong Zhi Festival a.k.a. Winter Solstice.

There are special menu for today; Tang Yuan.

Did you know that Chinese delicacies?

It is made from glutinous rice flour.

After offering these Tang Yuan to the Gods and our ancestors, each of us in the family will then savour a bowl of it.

It is believed that the number of Tang Yuan we can eat is equally to our age. Is it true? I'm not sure about it.

But we Chinese believe that after consuming the Tang Yuang, all of us are officially one year older. So later I'm going to have mine. :)

History

During our forefathers' day, the advent of winter meant that the farmers would lay down their farming tools and celebrate their harvest by returning home. A feast would be held to mark the special occasion.

Although nowadays (modern era), Dong Zhi is still a very important cultural day for all the Chinese.

It is the time when those Chinese families who still hold dear to the old, golden traditions, to make an effort to get together as a family and enjoy tang yuan as a family.

Ying & Yang

Do you know that this special celebration can be traced to the Chinese belief in yin and yang?

Yin and Yang represent the balance and harmony in our life.

It is believed that Yin (darkness and cold) are at their most powerful during the Winter Solstice, BUT it also marks the pivotal point where yang arrives (light and warmth).

Hence Dong Zhi festival is the time where all Chinese will feel very optimistic



Best Regards,

Oo Yong Koh Beng
Bachelor of Laws, LL.B (Hons)