What’s Dong Zhi?

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Dong Zhi, sometimes written as Dongzhi, is the Chinese (and sometimes other Asian groups) celebration of the winter solstice. This holiday is usually held on December 22, although this date can change each year depending on when the solstice falls, and is often considered to be only slightly less important than traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s a time to celebrate the end of the darkest days of the year, the end of the harvest, and also to honor ancestors and support family unity.

Dong Zhi celebrations have been around for a long time. Scholars believe that Solstice observations began during the Han Dynasty, which lasted from about 200 BC to AD 200. The idea of ​​family reunification soon became intertwined with the holiday, because traditionally this was the time when many farm workers finished their work and returned to their families, often after many months of absence. Since the harvest is over, Dong Zhi is somewhat comparable to Thanksgiving; the collected food is stored, and the celebrants express gratitude for the bounty provided that year.

An interesting practice that can occur during Dong Zhi, especially for those who keep animals, is that many thoroughly clean the areas where livestock are kept to reward the livestock for serving them well throughout the year. Others give household utensils an extra special cleaning as a gesture of thanks and respect for the service of these utensils.

Dong Zhi celebrations usually involve families getting together, again reminiscent of Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada and the United States. The feast is part of the harvest celebration and there are some special foods associated with the feast. In southern China, families typically make Tang Yuan, brightly colored glutinous rice balls. These can be stuffed and can be served in a broth or sweet soup depending on family tradition. The rice gluten that holds the balls together symbolizes family togetherness and each member of the family will get one or more.

Northern Chinese tend to prefer hot dumplings, which are almost always filled with meat. In both northern and southern celebrations, tang yuan or dumplings are usually served hot as a promise of warmer days to come and as a contrast to the cold outside. Many other foods may be served, varying according to region and family preferences.

In addition to celebrating the harvest, the end of the long winter days, and family union, Dong Zhi refers to the principles of yin and yang set forth in the I Ching. The longest night of the year gives way to longer days, which are believed to increase positive energy. Thus the day not only celebrates the days of winter and the harvest it has brought, when positive energy has diminished, but awaits the increase of positive energy which helps balance the universe.

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