Tang Yuan Festival

Have you ever heard of the Tang Yuan festival? Also known as “Winter Solstice (or Dong Zhi) festival”, Tang Yuan festival is celebrated by the Chinese to “signify family reunion and to mark the arrival of winter.” It is a Chinese traditional celebration where glutinuous rice balls are made and family members gather to enjoy them in bowls of sweet ginger soup.

“The glutinous rice balls are meant to symbolise family unity and perfect health — the rounder the balls, the stronger the family ties are. On the day of the festival, the whole family will gather together for prayers. The tang yuan will be placed on the altar and once prayers are over, family members will have the sweet dessert together.”

Some families now still practice this tradition and my family is no exception. My mother would make the glutinuous rice balls on every Tang Yuan festival. I feel that this festival act as a good reminder for people to make it a point to visit home. This is especially useful for those working in large countries where there are numerous provinces and those leading a hectic city lifestyle. This is a good chance for people to take time off and visit their family after “slogging” for a year.

I hope this practice will not vanished as it not only allows the Chinese to get in touch with their roots but also helps family members strengthen their bond. It is a tradition that is unique and special where other races can also learn to appreciate it.

Now that you know more about the Tang Yuan festival, hope it would be more enjoyable for you next year!

Credits:
(News Source)
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/12/22/central/7664184&sec=central, 22 Dec 10

Done By: Kwek Wan Ling
Admin Number: 103503L