SIBU: Dongzhi or Winter Solstice Festival, a traditional Chinese community celebration was observed by the Federation of the Seven Clan Associations (FSCA) here on Sunday.
The dinner reception hosted by its youth wing was graced by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang.
Speaking at the occasion, Tiang said the celebration which involved seven clans coming together with invited non-Chinese friends depicts how Sarawakian multi-racial and cultural society should be.
The Foochow clan is the biggest among the seven clans in Sibu, the others being the Hokkien, Hainan, Teochew, Cantonese, Hing Hua and Hakka.
“This auspicious occasion not only celebrates solidarity but also the need to be united to take care of each other so that no one would be left behind especially our young people,” said Tiang.
“Nowadays, due to the economic reccession, since we just emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not easy for young people who are facing the daily rigour of life and some of them are facing a lot of depression due to the stress.”
In this connection, the Pelawan assemblyman praised the FSCA’s youth wing for playing host to the celebration and willingly spending time to share the burden.
Young people should take the initiative to join the non-governmental organisation and take part in community-related activities to help others, Tiang said, adding that helping others will bring joy and happiness, thus generating positivity into society.
Earlier in his speech, president of FSCA, Ying Tien Chai said Dongzhi is one of the eight Chinese festivals of the year in the lunar calendar.
“The Winter Solstice falls on Dec 22 this year and is one of the most celebrated festivals, the origins of which can be traced back to the traditional Chinese medicine principles of yin and yang.
“And like most other Chinese festivals, is a time for families to get together, worship their ancestors, and feast on an array of traditional delicacies.
“The festival has been celebrated for over 2,000 years and usually revolves around the practice of families coming together to make and eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), which are symbols of reunion and prosperity,” he said.
Also present were chairman of FSCA’s youth wing, Edison Chiam Yong Biau and orgainsing chairlady, Sia Choi Yuong.
