22nd December

Today is a Special Day! It is the Winter Solstice (between December 21 and December 22) for the Northern Hemisphere. The earth's axial tilt is furthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Today marks the shortest day and longest night in the North, as the Sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn.

For the Chinese, we call today the Extreme of Winter (冬至; Dōng zhì). After today, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in the flowing in of positive energy. The Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together, eating Tāng Yuán (湯圓) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion.

I have eaten my tangyuan, thanks to Siew Lee and Zhini. For those who read this series of short compilation, just to inform you that today is my birthday, in case you haven't known this. Thanks for all the kind wishes. May all of you be well and happy always!