Chinese Winter Solstice Festival Aka Dong Zhi (Fun Facts)

People celebrate the Chinese winter solstice festival, commonly known as Dong Zhi, around the globe, especially in Asian countries. It falls around 22 December yearly (usually a few days before Christmas Day). People also regarded this date as an important event, similar to the Chinese New Year. Therefore, it is also known as “过小年”/a little new year’s day.

Besides that, it is also one of the 24 solar terms. Scientifically, it has the shortest day and longest night of the year.

The Chinese winter solstice is highly regarded as an important event because it is closely associated with “Yin” and “Yang”. The Chinese believed that the Yang (masculine) energy gets more powerful daily after the fading of Yin energy. When this happens, positivity regains, and it is worth celebrating.

Winter Solstice Festival Dates

There are no fixed dates that the Winter Solstice falls on, and it might vary every year. However, the festival usually falls on the 21st, 22nd or 23rd of December. You can refer to the information below for the exact dates from 2022 to 2025.

What Are The Chinese Winter Solstice Festival Traditions?

Many people in Chinese culture celebrate this festival. They celebrate this festival with their families, friends, and neighbours. They give each other gifts during this time to show love and appreciation for one another. Besides that, there are many traditions surrounding this day.

Eating Tang Yuan

The Tang Yuan is a traditional Chinese dessert that people eat during the winter solstice festival.

One of the most popular dishes is eating a dessert dish with rice balls called the Tang Yuan (汤圆). It usually comes with different colours and filling of red bean, sesame paste, peanut paste, and many other flavours.

You can even make it yourself. One way to make a Tang Yuan is to use glutinous rice flour mixed with hot water until it becomes soft and doughy. Next, shape them into balls and boil them in a pot of boiling water for about three minutes until they become smooth and transparent before being served with some sweet syrup or sugar water on the side.

What Does The Color Of The Tang Yuan Symbolize?

White – To boost relationship and friendship luck.

Pink – Enhance romance luck and marital bliss.

Red – This is the favorite auspicious color Chinese love that represents happiness and good luck.

Yellow – Improving wealth luck and abundance.

Green – For health and longevity.

Blue – Representing success luck in career and business venture.

Purple – Self-development, and wisdom.

Black – Bad luck.

What Are The Numbers of Tang Yuan to Eat for Good Luck?

It is best to eat in a multiple of 9.

9 – Symbolize good fortune and longevity

18 or 27 – Represent wealth and prosperity

28 (All pink/red) – For romance luck

Reunion with Family – Tang Yuan symbolizes “unity, reunion and harmony”. In addition, the Chinese believe that eating it will encourage unity among family members.

Paying Respect – It is also a day to worship your ancestors for blessing and respect to the elderly.

I wish everyone a happy Chinese winter solstice festival. Remember to spend time with your family.