Winter Solstice Festival

"Tang yuan"

December 22, according to the western calendar is the shortest day of the year. This winter day and others close to it are marked by many cultural observances around the world. Universally, the Winter Solstice was regarded as the beginning of the annual reawakening of nature. Days would grow longer and the nights shorter. For the Chinese, the Winter Solstice celebrated the beginning of the triumph of Yang over Yin (??!! LOL!). It was their holiday to celebrate near Christmas.

Having "tang yuan" (glutinous rice dumpling balls in broth) is one of the signature ritual for celebrating "Dong Zhi" (Winter Solstice Festival). Tang stands for reunion and yuan means round or complete. Am going over to my gramps for a reunion dinner of sort soon! Will post some photos if I'm not too lazy!

The scene at gramps - 2 tables with numerous dishes!