Ever wondered the significance of Winter Solstice(冬至) and the need for glutinous rice balls?

Well, the solstice is either of the two times a year when the Sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice(冬至) occurs either December 21 or 22. While the earth rotates about the sun, it also spins on its axis, which is tilted some 23.5 degrees towards the plane of its rotation. Because of this tilt, during winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight (creating winter) while the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (creating summer).

For those weak in astronomy, winter solstice simply marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter solistice is celebrated with glutinous rice ball by the Chinese. The rice balls signify unity within the family and an increase in age for everyone in the household (that's sad).
Usually in Singapore, I would just buy packaged rice balls from the supermarket for convenience's sake. But in Taiwan, thanks to teacher Ping, I was so fortunate to gain hands on experience for the making of traditional glutinous rice balls! Here are some pictures I took at Ms Ping's House...

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