FASCA-SD & SDCA Host Winter Solstice Culture Day

Group picture - OCAC Council Member Steve Hsieh (row 2, right 1), FASCA mentors Peggy Han (row 1, right 3) and Irene Wang (row 1, right 2).

Culture class led by FASCA-SD project leaders - Katie Ger, Anya Lin, Zixi Shen, and Dianne Chen (top left picture from left to right). The classroom was filled with enthusiastic participation from SDCA students.

Culture class led by FASCA-SD. Facilitated team-based games to reinforce learning of the major solar terms.

Help with event setup and making tangyuan (glutinous rice ball).

On November 16, 2025, the San Diego Chapter of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA-SD) partnered with the San Diego Chinese Academy (SDCA) to host a Winter Solstice culture day highlighting the 24 Solar Terms. This year, the program was developed by the FASCA Course Team led by Evan Chen, with project leaders Anya Lin, Dianne Chen, Katie Ger, and Zixi Shen, and guided by mentor Marian Liu, who helped tailor lesson plans and activities by grade level.

The culture lessons opened with an overview of the 24 Solar Terms, with special focus on the Winter Solstice - its traditions, meanings, and values. Students then joined age-appropriate games: younger classes played a “siege” teamwork game to recognize major solar terms in Chinese, while older students competed in a Jeopardy-style quiz that tested knowledge and problem-solving. The games provided a lively and educational way to reinforce the knowledge presented in the lesson, and students were rewarded with prizes for their achievements. By the end of the class, students had not only deepened their understanding of the 24 solar terms but also developed a greater appreciation for the cultural heritage associated with this important festival.

In addition to offering the cultural lessons and games, FASCA-SD students also got to make tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and sampled both sweet and savory soups prepared by SDCA parents and volunteers. After hours of collaboration and creativity, the event concluded with participants tasting their creations, and pitching in to clean up the venue.

By combining structured learning and interactive games, the event deepened SDCA students’ understanding of the 24 Solar Terms and the cultural heritage connected to the Winter Solstice. The FASCA-SD students once again not only demonstrated their commitment to preserving and sharing Taiwanese cultural traditions, but also contributed to the education and engagement of younger generations within the community.

Reported by: Aiden Han

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The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors – San Diego empowers Taiwanese American youth to develop leadership skills, promote cultural exchange, and serve their local communities through education and outreach initiatives.

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