Was reminded yesterday to be back home for dinner. All too soon, it's 'dong zhi' (冬至), the Chinese festival that marks the winter solstice, or arrival of winter. Looks like I will give the fund raising duties a break.
Traditionally, it's observed even more importantly than the Chinese New Year. A little research into the origin of this festival..... it marks the day that the sun is at the
Tropic of Capricorn and it results in the longest night of the year for those living in the northern hemisphere. Wonder how true this is. The festival began as a farmer's festival to celebrate year-end harvest. But for us, it is still being observed as a celebration for family reunion. Beside the sumptuous meal prepared for all to gather round and eat, there is also that sweet dumpling 'tang yuan' 湯圓 which traditionally is a must.
It also apparently had been adopted by many as an important taoist festival. Something about the 'ying' and 'yang' and the dieties returning to the heavens...... (or whatever). For me, it's quality time spent with family around the dinner table.
Well, I guess I didn't lose that much of my chinese culture despite being English educated all these years.
Traditionally, it's observed even more importantly than the Chinese New Year. A little research into the origin of this festival..... it marks the day that the sun is at the
Tropic of Capricorn and it results in the longest night of the year for those living in the northern hemisphere. Wonder how true this is. The festival began as a farmer's festival to celebrate year-end harvest. But for us, it is still being observed as a celebration for family reunion. Beside the sumptuous meal prepared for all to gather round and eat, there is also that sweet dumpling 'tang yuan' 湯圓 which traditionally is a must.It also apparently had been adopted by many as an important taoist festival. Something about the 'ying' and 'yang' and the dieties returning to the heavens...... (or whatever). For me, it's quality time spent with family around the dinner table.
Well, I guess I didn't lose that much of my chinese culture despite being English educated all these years.
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