Dongzhi Festival has changed very little since it first started. People today celebrate it in the same way their ancestors did. In Northern China, families gather and eat steamingplates of dumplings together. In fact, the ancient Chinese believed that because dumplings were shaped like ears, they could keep one’s ears warm. Dishes with gingerand garlic are also popular on Dongzhi.
In Southern China and Taiwan, noodles and tangyuan are the preferred dishes to enjoy on Dongzhi. Tangyuan are small balls made from sticky rice and usually filled with red bean, black sesame, peanut, or other ingredients. They are served in a hot, sweet soup. The Taiwanese also enjoy mutton or ginger duck hot pot on this day.
