WHAT-IS: "The Winter Solstice Festival or The Extreme of Winter (Chinese and Japanese: 冬至 / Pinyin: Dōng zhì) is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest; i.e., on the first day of the dongzhi solar term.
The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical significance of this is symbolized by the I Ching hexagram fù (復, "Returning"). Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of Tangyuan (湯圓, as pronounced in Cantonese; Mandarin Pinyin: Tāng Yuán) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion." [wiki]
Well, I've had my Tangyuan (and so did Monster Burp / pic above) - now all I
need for the new year to come, are longer hours - regardless day or night ... heh.
*Happy Winter Solstice, Y'all!*
