On 19 and 20 December 2024, Little Bodhi Student Care Centre (LBSCC) came alive with festive cheer as students celebrated the Winter Solstice Festival, also known as Dongzhi or Tang Yuan Festival. This is a traditional Chinese festival that usually falls between 21 to 23 December. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the universe. Over the two days, our Little Bodhi students immersed themselves in traditional activities, learning about the cultural significance of this heartening season.
On 19 December, the students and staff at Little Bodhi came together to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival, with enthusiasm and joy. On the first day of the celebration, the festive occasion was marked by a delightful activity of making and sharing dumpling soup, a traditional dish that brought warmth and happiness to everyone involved.
The children learned to prepare this special soup, made with savoury dumplings cooked in a light mushroom powder broth. The dumplings, symbolizing prosperity and harmony, were crafted in two distinct shapes. The lower primary students created fortune-shaped dumplings, while the upper primary students made Shui Jiao, or gyoza-shaped dumplings. This creative activity not only highlighted the students’ culinary skills but also offered a meaningful way to connect with the traditions of Dongzhi.
The process of making dumpling soup was both educational and heart-warming. The students carefully prepared their ingredients and learned about the cultural significance of the dish. The hot soup, perfect for the chilly weather, brought a sense of warmth and togetherness to the celebration. As they enjoyed the delicious dumpling soup they had made, the students reflected on the importance of family, prosperity, and unity, which are central themes of the Winter Solstice Festival.
On 20 December, our Little Bodhi students learned to make tang yuan (sweet rice balls), a traditional dessert made from glutinous rice flour. These soft, chewy rice dough balls are often served in a sweet syrup and symbolise family togetherness and completeness. Some of the balls were pink while some were white, with the pink balls being intended to bring good luck. The activity brought smiles to everyone as the students shaped the dough into colourful spheres, excited to savour their creations during their tea break. Even though there isn’t any ‘winter’ in Singapore, the tradition of making tang yuan to celebrate the shortest day of the year is still being practised here. The winter solstice falls on 21 December 2024, making it the shortest day of the year. Due to Singapore’s proximity with the equator, it only means Singapore was 8 minutes shorter than the longest day.
All in all, the celebration at LBSCC was a wonderful way for the students to engage with their cultural heritage and embrace the spirit of the season. The joy of creating something meaningful together and sharing it with friends made the day truly memorable. By celebrating Dongzhi, the Little Bodhi students and staff, not only honoured tradition but also fostered a sense of connection and harmony that will linger long after the festival.
Figure 1: Students wrote the recipes to add to their recipe collection
Figure 2: Primary 1 boys were proud of their dumplings
Figure 3: Filling and folding their dumplings
Figure 4: The P2s were happy with their dumplings
Figure 5: Our student leaders were on hand to help out the younger pupils
Figure 6: Hot stuff… Be careful!
Figure 7: The P3s and P4s could not wait to cook their dumplings
Figure 8: Mdm Loo, teaching our students how to fold the dumplings
Figure 9: Filling up the dumplings
Figure 10: Our student leaders, hard at work
Figure 11: Step by step, the P1s eagerly waited for the next instruction
Figure 12: Batches of students await their turn at the cooking table
Figure 13: Learning more about the Winter Solstice Festival
Figure 14: Shu Xin and Prageena
Figure 15: Claire and Avery
Figure 16: It’s so delicious that Gladys couldn’t wait to sit down before eating her dumplings
Figure 17: Students wrote the recipes while awaiting for their turn to cook
Figure 18: Student leader, Ya Xuan, with the younger ones
Figure 19: Time to feast on their dumplings!
Figure 20: Let’s make our own dumplings!
Figure 21: Filling and folding the dumplings
Figure 22: Slowly, putting the dumplings into the steaming pot
Figure 23: Dishing out the dumplings
Figure 24: Boys can cook too!
Figure 25: Into the pot, they went
Figure 26: Tang Yuan
Figure 27: Yummylicious!
January 13, 2025