CHINESE FESTIVALS - Eleventh Moon

DONG ZHI (WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL)

Luner Dates: Eleventh Moon
Western Dates: 21, Dec 2008 (Almost December)

Dong Zhi is the second most important festival of the Chinese calendar.

Celebrated on the longest night of the year, Dong Zhi is the day when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest. The coming of winter is celebrated by families and is traditionally the time when farmers and fishermen gather food in preparation for the coming cold season. It is also a time for family reunions.

Winter Solstice This celebration can be traced to the Chinese belief in yin and yang, which represent balance and harmony in life. It is believed that the yin qualities of darkness and cold are at their most powerful at this time, but it is also the turning point, giving way to the light and warmth of yang. For this reason, the Dong Zhi Festival is a time for optimism.

Dong Zhi is celebrated in style. The longest night of the year is a time to put on brand new clothes, visit family with gifts and to laugh and drink deep into the long night.