I refer to the report 'Dancing lions, sweet riceballs awaits PM at Chinese winter do' (Dec 19). The dong-zhi (winter solstice) festival is to celebrate "the beginning of a year/spring" since it is the day that we have the shortest daylight, which becomes longer after that.

The festival is important as the reunion day for Chinese families. It has nothing to do with the kitchen-god nor the Jade Emperor. The Chinese 'send' the kitchen-god back to heaven with sweet new year cake seven days before the lunar new year, and welcome him back one or two days before new year.