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NARRATOR: The Winter
Solstice Festival

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is one of the most
significant festivals

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in several East Asian countries
celebrated in the 11th lunar

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month.

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This festival represents
balance and harmony,

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and the origin of the concept
is from the Chinese philosophy

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of yin and yang.

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On the shortest day of the
year, darkness and cold,

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which are qualities of yin, are
believed to be at their peak.

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But at the same time,
it marks a turning point

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for the coming of
light and warmth,

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the qualities of yang
with longer days.

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It is a time for families to
get together and celebrate

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with hearty meals.

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People typically eat
dumplings in Northern China.

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And in Hong Kong,
meals generally

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include tang yuan, a sweet
soup with sticky rice.

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Also, the name tang yuan
sounds similar to tuan yuan,

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which means reunion in Chinese.

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And the winter
solstice festival is

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all about reuniting and
celebrating optimism.

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