In Taiwanese culture, Dongzhi, or the Winter Solstice, is not just the shortest day of the year. In the past, people believed that after Dongzhi, everyone officially became one year older.

One of the most important Dongzhi customs in Taiwan is eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Their round shape symbolises wholeness, reunion, and harmony within the family. 

This week, we'll learn some vocabulary about Dongzhi, so that you can celebrate the day with your friends in Taiwan! 

●Words to Know:

1. 冬節 tang-tseh (n.) Dongzhi

2. 挲圓仔 so înn-á (phr.) making tangyuan

3. 團圓 (v.) reunion

4. 烏麻仔 oo-muâ-á (n.) sesame

5. 塗豆 thôo-tāu (n.) peanut

●Idiom of the week:

冬節圓仔食落加一歲。Tang-tseh înn-á tsia̍h lo̍h ke tsi̍t huè.

Eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) on Dongzhi means you've turned one year older.