Why eat Jiu Niang (Fermented Glutinous Rice Wine) for Winter Solstice? 

As we become more "modern" in our ways, we tend to forget and leave behind "traditional" practices, perhaps thinking that they are a remnant of the past, or maybe believing that they are not backed in modern science. Here at Ye Traditions, our goal is not just to introduce (or reintroduce) disappearing traditions, but also to make sure that we continue to share the wisdom of ancient foods that is also backed by science. 

One of the foods that we love, jiu niang (酒酿), also known as sweet rice wine or fermented glutinous rice, is packed with benefits because of the probiotics in it, and also holds cultural value! This dish is often consumed during the Winter Solstice Festival (冬至, Dōngzhì), which falls around December 21st or 22nd.

What is the symbolism of Winter Solstice?

1. Symbol of Warmth and Nourishment: Jiu niang is served warm, providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. Its slightly sweet, fermented taste is seen as both nourishing and energizing, which is important during the winter when people seek warmth and vitality.

2. Traditional Health Benefits: In Chinese medicine, fermented foods like jiu niang are believed to aid digestion, improve circulation, and promote general well-being. Of course, this is not just an "old wives tale", because modern science has also proved that fermentation provides probiotics perfect for gut health, and in turn, your immunity! The Winter Solstice marks a turning point when the yang (active, warm energy) begins to rise again, and consuming warming, nourishing foods like jiu niang aligns with this natural cycle.

3. Cultural Significance: The Winter Solstice is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture, symbolizing the longest night of the year and the return of longer days. Living in Singapore, maybe we don't experience that as much; but when the founders lived in Shanghai, this was a huge event and signified that soon they will no longer be wearing thick long-johns and will be returning to Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year with the family. Eating jiu niang represents the idea of welcoming the light and balance after the darkest days, as well as celebrating the harmony between food, health, and the changing seasons.

4. Symbolic of Family and Togetherness: The festival is often a time for family reunions, and meals like jiu niang are commonly shared among family members. While this is just a simple dish that takes 15 minutes to prepare, families would come together just to partake in this tradition. The sweetness of the dish can be seen as symbolizing the sweetness of family bonds and togetherness.

Ways to Prepare Jiu Niang (Fermented Glutinous Rice)

The most popular way is eating Jiu Niang Tang Yuan, and you can find the recipe here. We are also surrounded by very creative customers, and they have also used it as a hotpot dipping sauce (especially best with mala hotpot to temper the heat while bringing out the sweetness of the food), and also used it as a meat marinade (just like how the Japanese use their sake lees for!) Some customers who prefer a direct nutritional boost just consume 1-2 teaspoon directly! 

So, consuming jiu niang during the Winter Solstice is both a practical and symbolic tradition, tied to health, warmth, and family. Why not give it a try this Winter Solstice?