Preparing for Winter Solstice

The Dongzhi festival marks the arrival of Winter and falls on the shortest day of the year. Also known as Winter Solstice, the day falls on the 21st December this year and is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Chinese people. In the past, Winter solstice signified a new year, as the amount of daylight gradually increases after this day. Nowadays, families come together for a meal and the day is marked by a number of customary traditions. Read on to find out what they are!

Dumplings

Jiaozi style dumplings and wonton soup are traditionally eaten in Northern China during the Dongzhi fesetival. In the past, piping hot dumplings were eaten to keep warm during the bitter cold of Winter. Additionally, this custom is also thought to commemorate Zhang Zhongjing, an ancient doctor whose dumpling soup supposedly cured people’s frostbitten ears!

Roasted meat, Chicken, Fish, Pun Choi

More specific to Cantonese culture, roasted meat, chicken and fish are also enjoyed during Dongzhi festival. Pun Choi is a single dish consisting of eight delicacies, including oysters, abalone and prawns, and is a go-to for those who prefer to celebrate at home. The act of coming together and sitting around the table to enjoy the Pun Choi, layer by layer, is symbolic of family cooperation and linked to fortune for each other.

Glutinous rice balls

In Southern China, ‘tangyuan/tong yuen’ are commonly consumed during the festival. These sweet glutinous rice balls are usually enjoyed as dessert and symbolise family unity and prosperity. They are typically filled with black sesame or peanut and served in a deliciously warming sweet, ginger soup or glutinous rice wine with Osmanthus flowers. It’s not uncommon to enjoy savoury versions too though. The chewy texture of the rice balls comes from the glutinous rice flour and, sometimes, you may find them served in a variety of beautiful colours!

Feeling prepared for Winter Solstice? Whilst these may be popular traditions, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate without them! Come by to our Chinatown restaurant for the best Chinese food, or order delivery of your favourites, and celebrate in your own style.