SISS Hosts Early Winter Solstice Celebration for MCU Students

By Nabi Bui

On November 27, the Section of International Student Service at MCU (SISS) organized a cultural exchange event in Room E202 to celebrate the Winter Solstice and help international students learn more about the meaning of this traditional holiday in Taiwanese culture. Held ahead of this year’s Winter Solstice on December 21, the event attracted enthusiastic participation from students of various nationalities.

The program began with a sharing session led by Ms. Judy, a Mandarin instructor, with Ms. Cindy from the SISS office serving as translator. Ms. Judy introduced the origins and cultural significance of the Winter Solstice. She shared a touching folktale about the origins of tangyuan and explained its importance during the festival:

“冬至 (dōngzhì) is more than a seasonal change—it’s a reminder of family, warmth, and reunion,” she said. “Each tangyuan carries a wish for peace and togetherness.”

Following the storytelling, students participated in a series of interactive Mandarin and English quiz questions. Even students with little or no Mandarin proficiency were encouraged to join.

Ms. Judy added, “You don’t need to speak Mandarin to appreciate the culture. Curiosity and an open mind are enough—we’re here to help you connect and feel included.”

Students who answered the questions correctly received small gifts, adding excitement and encouraging cultural engagement among participants from various countries.

In addition to the cultural activities, Ms. Nancy also reminded students of several important guidelines before the winter break. She emphasized:

“Please keep your ARC, passport, and personal documents safe. Never lend your bank account or personal information to others. Your safety always comes first.”

The event concluded with students enjoying warm bowls of tangyuan together, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. Many students shared that it was their first time celebrating 冬至 (dōngzhì) and that they appreciated learning the deeper meaning behind the traditional food.

SISS extends sincere thanks to all participants and looks forward to welcoming students at upcoming cultural and community events.