Winter Solstice Celebration with Warm Dinners and Tong Jyun

Description

Chinese Winter Solstice is one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Its name dung1 zi3 (冬至) translates literally to winter’s extreme, referring to the day with the longest night in a year.

Taking place on 21 December this year, Chinese Winter Solstice is widely celebrated in Hong Kong. Traditionally, people gather with their families to enjoy a warm dinner, often referred to as zou6 dung1 (做冬 or celebrate winter). The night isn’t complete until everyone has a bowl of tong1 jyun4 (湯圓) — glutinous rice balls typically stuffed with sesame or peanut paste. It is important to eat an even number of these rice balls as even numbers symbolise completeness and reunion with family.

Alongside family gatherings, some families also visit places of worship such as Wong Tai Sin or Man Mo Temple to offer prayers and make offerings.