Written for Dished by Jason Ye, general manager of Chinatown BBQ in Vancouver, BC.
The Winter Solstice Festival, also called Dongzhi Festival, will be celebrated on December 21 this year. The day is an important traditional celebration observed by many Chinese communities and is equally as important as the Lunar New Year.
It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The festival signifies the arrival of winter and celebrates the harmony of family and the balance of yin and yang.
Here’s a bite-sized guide on how to eat and celebrate your way through the Dongzhi Festival.
What does “Dongzhi” mean?
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The direct translation for “Dongzhi” is “winter arrives.” It is a time for family gatherings and giving thanks, in addition to gifting friends for the year ahead. Traditionally, it symbolizes the growing strength of positive energy as daylight begins to increase after the solstice.
What are the traditional foods to enjoy during Dongzhi?
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There is a wide variety of foods enjoyed during Dongzhi, but they usually involve nourishing and warming dishes, as well as savoury and sweet dumplings.
Each region in China may have a different unique dish. Examples include roasted meats, such as roast pork and char siu; stews and soups with lamb and pork, such as braised lamb clay pot with bean curd sauce; and duck, such as BBQ duck.
What is tangyuan?
Tangyuan/Rich Won
One of the most popular foods enjoyed during Dongzhi is tangyuan, also known as glutinous rice balls. They are usually sweet and are served in a light syrup or with sweet fillings like sesame or peanut.
Tangyuan symbolizes family unity and togetherness, as their round shape represents completeness.
Community celebrations
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In some neighbourhoods, especially in the older districts of Hong Kong, community groups often organize Dongzhi celebrations with cultural performances and traditional food.
Today, many younger families celebrate simply by enjoying tangyuan at home or dining out together. While traditional customs like ancestral worship are less prevalent among the younger generation, the festival is still valued as a time to bond with loved ones.