EVERY year, we are greeted with the cultural festival that marks the beginning of winter.
Today is that day, and although we may not be experiencing the actual harvesting of crops and celebrating the abundance of it directly here in Malaysia, we do commemorate the season with cultural festivities of Dongzhi through warm and comforting servings of tangyuan – a type of glutinous rice ball served in hot syrup dessert.
This is a dish that has been widely consumed by the Chinese community observing the festival for generations, usually savoured after prayers together with family members during reunions as a chance to bond.
Social media saw Malaysians nationwide preparing the treat together even as we continue social distancing – some even creating them with a modern twist.
The Dongzhi Festival, or the "Winter Solstice Festival" which originated during the Han dynasty, is an important...
Posted by Peter - Live Through Experiences on Sunday, December 20, 2020
Today is DONGZHI 冬至。 ?? The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important Chinese and East...
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Politician and Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng also posted on Facebook how he recently celebrated the festival:
The 21st December is the day for the Dongzhi Festival. A famous delicacy during this festival would be the colourful...
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Tangyuan was once seen as a ‘poor man’s’ dish where historically, the majority of the people preparing it were farmers that could not afford meat. Hence, making tangyuan the alternative. This is, of course, different today as the beloved dessert is now seen as a favoured delicacy across all tables welcoming the merriment.
Much like any other gatherings that mark a festive season, there are other type of treats that the Winter Solstice also brings. Another great dish is, of course, the variations of dumplings to relish.
The Vibes wishes Happy Winter Solstice to all who are celebrating! – The Vibes, December 21, 2020
