Dec 22

CENTRAL and soUTh easT asia DONG ZHI (WINTER SOLISTICE FESTIVAL)

In Chinese, ‘Dong Zhi’ refers to the astrological phenomenon of the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. Observed since the Han Dynasty period, it is a time for families to gather and feast in celebration of longer days ahead. Sweet glutinous rice balls symbolic of togetherness (due to its Chinese pronunciation) or dumplings are always eaten on this occasion.