Happy Womens' Day to our Female Rice Wine Brewers

Last week, I was walking through the streets of Chengdu, and since it's very close to the International Women’s Day, I couldn’t help but notice the buzz of excitement in the air. Everywhere I went, I see stores with signs wishing "女神节快乐" which means Happy Goddess Day. It made me smile because these signs are spot-on, there are all these women in my life who are true goddess, and hearing those words reminded me of how deeply women are honored in different cultures.

What's Women's Day? 

In China, “妇女节” (Women’s Day) is often referred to as Goddess Day, which carries this reverence and respect for women, recognizing their strength, wisdom, and contributions to society. The day isn’t just about flowers or gifts (though those are always appreciated!) but about acknowledging the power, grace, and resilience of women everywhere. It felt amazing to see so much recognition in such a public and heartfelt way.

Women Brewers in My Family

I was reminded of my own family—how my mom, grandmother, and aunts are the “goddesses” in our world, keeping traditions like making rice wine alive and passing them down to the next generations. Just like how the city celebrated Women’s Day, I’ve always felt like these women in my life are celebrated every day, even if it’s in quieter, more intimate ways. But it was incredible to see that same spirit reflected on a much larger scale.

Rice Wine and Womens' Day

Rice wine has played a role in various celebrations and rituals throughout history. It is often associated with traditions, rituals, and festivals that mark important milestones in life, including those that highlight women’s contributions in their communities.

In many Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, rice wine is an essential part of ceremonial offerings, feasts, and even weddings. It is often produced by women, who are the caretakers of traditional brewing methods passed down through generations. In fact, even when I visit my ancestral home in Fuzhou, it's always the women introducing this craft instead of men. The production of rice wine in many cultures is symbolic of the care, patience, and attention to detail often associated with the role women play in preserving cultural heritage.

In countries like Japan, rice wine (or sake) is deeply intertwined with spiritual and cultural traditions. Women were historically responsible for the brewing of sake, which was considered a sacred craft. Today, women still play a central role in the sake industry, despite challenges to break through a male-dominated field. This mirrors the broader global movement for gender equality, where women are striving for equal recognition in various professional fields.

On this March 8, a day to celebrate our accomplishments, and a reminder that you're a goddess! Happy Goddess Day.