Penangites celebrated the Winter Solstice Festival (in Hokkien "Tang Chek" meaning "arrival of winter") on Thursday, 22nd December. Traditionally, "Tang Chek" is a time for the family to get together and enjoy "kueh ee", glutinous rice balls cooked in light syrup.
This time of year always brings back fond memories of my younger days in Grandpa's house. In those days, it was a must to observe this auspicious festival and as a young girl, I was only too eager to participate in the rolling of "kueh ee" which are also made to offer to the gods and one's ancestors.
I remember it took a certain skill to roll the balls and at the beginning, I made balls which were either too big or too flat! Nowadays with the stress and fast pace of modern living, we take the easy way out and buy our "kueh ee" from Phor Tay temple nearby. The temple makes "kueh ee" every year for worship and I was told that the roundness of the "kueh ee" symbolizes completeness and prosperity. The traditional colours are white (for abundance and that's probably why they are made bigger than the other colours) and pink or red (for good luck). Other colours are green and yellow but I'm not sure what they symbolize.
Unfortunately I was not able to take photos of the ladies at the temple doing the rolling but managed to snap a few photos of the altar offerings during "Tang Chek".
Offerings of pink "huat kueh","kueh ee" (in small bowls)
and fruits to Kuan Yin
and the Laughing Buddha (below)
Our altar
Spare bowls of "kueh ee" in Phor Tay's kitchen
Incidentally, "Tang Chek" this year started off with bright sunshine and blue skies but at around 2 p.m. the sky darkened and heavy rain followed for half an hour or so. It drizzled again at 6 p.m. but the uncertain weather didn't bother us. We were content to stay in and indulge in our "kueh ee"!
May this Winter Solstice bring you moments of peace
and reflection.
May your cup overflow with health and happiness.
May all your days be happy ones!
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