Winter Solstice Dang1zoih4 冬節

 

Winter Solstice (冬至) Celebrations in Singapore: Honoring Teochew Heritage

The Winter Solstice, known as "Dang1zoih4" (冬節) in Teochew and "Dongzhi" (冬至) in Mandarin, is a festival celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide, including Singapore. Marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, this festival is a time of optimism, symbolizing the gradual return of longer days and the arrival of spring. The Dongzhi festival dates back over 2,000 years, with its origins rooted in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE).

Traditional Teochew Winter Solstice Practices

In traditional Teochew culture, the Winter Solstice is a time for thanksgiving to the gods, ancestor worship, and tomb sweeping. A unique offering during this festival is sweet dumplings, known as Tangyuan (汤圆). These practices emphasize the importance of family unity and respect for one's heritage.

This tradition is still actively practiced in Singapore. One notable example is the annual thanksgiving and ancestral worship organized by Ngee Ann Kongsi at the Teochew Memorial Park in Yishun. In 2024, the ceremony took place on December 15.

Solemn Rituals at Teochew Memorial Park

The ceremony at the Teochew Memorial Park is a solemn event with deep cultural significance. It consists of two parts:

Offerings at the Side Altar

                                                                                  Side Altar

Side Altar at the start of the ceremony

Video of Prayer 

Main Offering in Front of the Obelisk 

Altar in front of the the Obelisk

Offering being done at the front of the Obelisk

Video of Prayer

The entire ritual is conducted in the Teochew dialect, accompanied by traditional Teochew music provided by Nam Hong Siang Theon. This immersive cultural experience highlights the importance of ancestral worship to the Teochew people.

Preserving Teochew Identity

The ceremony demonstrates the continued relevance of ancestral worship and cultural preservation among the Teochew community. For those who wish to explore more, additional photos of the event can be found here. 

Group Photo at the end of ceremony

Tangyuan: A Symbol of Reunion

Another hallmark of the Winter Solstice festival is the preparation and consumption of Tangyuan (汤圆). The name "Tangyuan" sounds like "tuányuán (團圆)," which means reunion in Chinese, symbolizing family togetherness and harmony. Eating this dish is believed to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Traditionally, families gather to make Tangyuan by hand, reinforcing familial bonds and honoring ancestors. However, in modern times, many families purchase ready-made Tangyuan, potentially losing the social bonding aspect of the tradition.

Teochew Tangyuan

The Teochew version of Tangyuan, also known as "Guēng Nîng (汤圆)," is served in a lightly sweetened soup. The glutinous rice balls are usually plain or filled with peanut or black sesame paste. Some are colored to add a festive touch. Teochew Tangyuan also include the use of pandan leaves in the soup, adding a subtle aroma that enhances the dish's appeal.

Source :  潮州汤圆 | Teochew Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Ball)

Cultural Highlights: Winter Solstice at Yueh Hai Ching Temple

In 2024, the Singapore Teo Yeoh Huai Kuan (漳阳会馆) organized a Winter Solstice festival at Yueh Hai Ching Temple (粤海清庙) on December 21. The event featured cultural performances, including the Yingge (英歌) dance performed by the "Chaoyang Chengnan Zhonging Yingge Troupe" from Chaoyang District, Shantou City, China.

The Yingge Dance

Yingge, which translates to "Songs of Heroes," originated in the ChaoShan region during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This dynamic dance features performers in elaborate costumes with painted faces, moving energetically to the beat of drums. They wield sticks, striking them rhythmically in sync with the drumbeats, creating an enthralling performance.

Here is a video of that was capture near Philip street where Yueh Hai Ching Temple is located. 

More pictures of the event can be found here.

Preserving Cultural Identity

The efforts of clan associations in organizing such events help promote traditional festivals and cultural heritage. Events like the Winter Solstice celebration at Yueh Hai Ching Temple not only showcase the vibrancy of the festival but also bring attention to the historical significance of the hosting venues.

A Festival of Togetherness

The Winter Solstice festival is more than just a festive custom; it is an expression of cultural identity, familial love, and shared heritage. As modernization and Western influences continue to shape society, it is vital to preserve the essence of such traditions. Let us hope that this festival continues to thrive, maintaining its cultural richness and significance, rather than becoming merely an occasion for eating Tangyuan or, worse, seeing Tangyuan reduced to just another dessert.

References :

1. Teochew Custom

2. Wikipedia

3. What is the Chinese Winter Solstice Festival (冬至) and how is it celebrated?