WINTER Solstice Festival or better known as Dong Zhi among the Chinese community is deemed as an important annual tradition.
The celebration is a time for members of a family to get themselves together and have glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) to symbolise reunion, longevity and prosperity among family members.
Fortunately for this year, reunion is permitted by the Government as the spread of Covid-19 infections has slowed down after the virus has taken a high toll on lives and livelihoods.
Some in the Chinese community also believe that the festival is more important than Chinese New Year as well.
Winter Solstice Festival falls on Dec 21 this year.
Buletin Mutiara spoke to a cultural organisation and two dessert house owners about their plans for the coming festival.
Penang Cultural Inheritors Society chairman Kwoh Shoo Chen said they would organise a virtual glutinous rice balls making event on Dec 19.
“It will take place from 3pm to 4.30pm and it is open to children aged seven and above.
“Registration for the event is free,” she said.
Kwoh said a total of 600 people are expected to participate in the workshop as more than 500 had already registered themselves.
“Non-Chinese communities can also join in the workshop to understand the culture and tradition in a better manner,” she said.
Those who are interested can refer to the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/my.inheritors
According to Osmanthus HK Dessert Ramen Congee House owner Frederick Toh, they are expecting an overwhelming response come the Winter Solstice Festival.
“Although some families might opt to make glutinous rice balls at home, we are still expecting more orders.
“Many of our customers prefer traditional glutinous rice balls soup, osmanthus soup and ginger soup with glutinous rice balls,” he said.
Tang Yuan Dessert owner Penny Lai is also looking forward to the festival, expecting mostly her regular customers to turn up.
“We are still maintaining our prices although some other dessert shops have increased their prices,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees