Tang chek 2023

Today's the day of the Winter Solstice when the sun hovers over that imaginary line known as the Tropic of Capricorn. I am informed that the exact moment it happens is at 11.29am local time this morning. As such, today is supposed to be the shortest day of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. 

In Malaysia, like East Asians everywhere, we refer to today as Tang Chek (冬節). During olden times in China, that is, during the Tang and Song Dynasties, the Winter Solstice was an occasion for ancestral worship. Today, this celebration has evolved into a cultural tradition observed by many Chinese worldwide, signifying an auspicious festival.

Usually, Tang Chek is embraced as a time for families to gather. Many families come together to enjoy making small glutinous rice balls. These balls are rolled from glutinous rice flour and are prepared in several colours. They are then cooked in a light syrup. And having made them, the rice balls are offered as worship to the ancestors. However, my family only offers them for worship to our deities. 

PS. We call today Tang Chek. In three days' time, we shall have another happy festival, the Angmo Tang Chek. Mmm, I haven't used this expression for years! Regardless, happy celebration to everyone as we end 2023 (I survived another year relatively unscathed!) and hope that next year will be better!