December 21, 2021
Have you heard about Boxing Day? When I first heard about this holiday, I thought someone legendary in Boxing Sport is living here in Hong Kong and they offer this holiday for the contribution he made to the country. But then I realized that there wasn't a famous Boxer here in HK, and we have him in the Philippines, Manny P. We don't even have a Boxing Day for him, haha. But his match day is always like a holiday, lol. People would stop working and would gather around inside the place with free telecasts, like gymnasiums, restaurants, even beauty shops, and other places.
Back on track...
It was only last year when I found out the real meaning of Boxing Day. From the Chinese young lady friend of mine, it says to be the day where everyone is boxing, exchanging, and unboxing gifts. For some, they would spend the day relaxing, shopping galore, and spending the red pockets they received from Christmas day. And for sports lovers, they would celebrate Boxing day by watching sports like their favorite football matches, or watching and betting in Jockey Club's horse racing. I guess, many Hongkongers are doing the last one, the betting, lol.
But according to some folks, this holiday is supposed to be the gift-giving of employers to employees. Unfortunately, not in here, or maybe it depends on the employers, the richest families perhaps. Some would allow their employees to take a holiday too on this day. But most of us Filipinos only take one holiday, either on 21, 25, or 26.
The official date for Boxing day is the 26th of December. And today, December 21 (the time of writing), is another special day. They call it Winter Solstice or December Solstice.
Some would celebrate Boxing Day on this day just so they could have another celebration on the 26th of December, especially those with big families. For some, they would have gift-giving on the Winter Solstice, so that would be two celebrations at the same time. But many Hongkongers would solely celebrate this day as Winter Solstice day alone, as it is one of the most special holidays for the Chinese.
Employers then would decide, whether they would allow their employers to take a holiday today or on Christmas day. But in my case, I prefer to spend my holiday on Christmas day so I could freely enjoy this special day, either with myself or with my HK friends. And my boss prefers that for me as well.
Winter Solstice or December Solstice is said to be the shortest day of the year. It looks short though, as it is so gloomy today due to a bad weather condition. A typhoon signal #1 was hoisted here yesterday as typhoon Odette from the Philippines wants to pass by here as well, and there are still rain showers up to this day. But hoping for it to just vanish in the air, so it won't create another havoc here.
Back on track...
Cantonese call this holiday Dung Zi and this year, it falls today December 21, since we are in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, they had it on June 21.
Since Chinese people are full of traditions, this special day involves religious practices like prayers and offerings to their ancestors or deities, as well as to their beloved ones in the afterworld. Early this morning, the Chinese family set off for a ride and went to I don't know where, perhaps to the temples. All I am certain of is the young Chinese lady joined their school picnic which is held at HK Ocean Park. And tonight, they will be having a family gathering somewhere in HK, and I am glad that I would be left alone at home again, as I don't want to join in their so-called family gathering in this special Winter Solstice.
On this special day, by the way, Chinese people like eating the food called Tangyuan as part of their tradition.
(I can't find my photos of this food, just take one from GG)
It is served as desserts on most special occasions here, especially today. It is made from glutinous rice flour shaped into balls and stuffed with mostly sesame and red bean pastes. Some would stuff tangyuan with meat and peanut butter. But I only tasted the sesame and red bean paste stuffed tangyuan. Nowadays, people can buy and cook tangyuan at any time as it is available in supermarkets in frozen packs. But the homemade ones are tastier.
It's a special day but not a public holiday. However, office works would end early so they could prepare for the night's celebration with their families and relatives.
This isn't only a special day for the Chinese, it is as well for me. Why? Because it's my payday! Yay! I hope my boss won't forget about it, lol. Yesterday was a so busy day as it was their first time to accept visitors here at home and had a small celebration. As part of the family, again, I did things that weren't even part of my job. But it's okay. I'm expecting a bonus in Christmas, haha.
Happy Winter Solstice Day everyone! Enjoy the long night.
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I also thought it was something about boxing or boxes. They only give you one of those three days off, I prefer these holidays, I already have a week celebrating and Christmas hasn't arrived yet, haha. Of course, only with music and sometimes a toast from a neighbor.