Photos & Text: Family Culture Governance Centre

On Winter Solstice, we pay homage to ancestors whose blessings descend upon later generations. By practising filial piety and reverence for forebears, we trace our roots, inherit their spirit and wisdom, give thanks for their grace and cherish their virtues.

On the morning of December 22, 2023, the company’s founder, General Manager Teng and other leaders together with staff gathered in the Hall of Filial Piety at Minglun Building for the Winter Solstice Ancestor Worship Ceremony.

As the ceremony began, stewards took up their respective duties. With simple and devout acts, we remembered our ancestors and engraved them in our hearts. As the saying goes: Heaven moves ceaselessly; a gentleman strives unremittingly.

Resounding drumbeats echoed through the hall. The first, second and third rolls of drums fell one after another, calming everyone’s minds and filling the space with solemn stillness.

With solemn expressions and grateful hearts, our colleagues advanced reverently and bowed to the ancestors. Every step carried profound meaning, enriching this journey of heritage.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, the chief officiant presented the first, second and final offerings in sequence and recited the Sacr Petition. Blooms spoke for true affection; sincere devotion is witnessed by heaven and earth. Though ancestors have long departed, our reverence in worship must never fade.

The founder delivered an address: “To worship ancestors is to honour our origins and nurture sincere virtue. We ought truly to learn all the fine qualities passed down by our forebears. We should reflect carefully on what they teach us to do and how we ought to live.”

Knowing how fleeting life is, we treasure the present all the more and learn to remember and give thanks. The Classic of Filial Piety states: “Our bodies, skin and hair are received from our parents and must not be harmed — this is the beginning of filial piety. To establish oneself, follow the Dao, gain renown for later generations and bring honour to one’s parents is its fulfilment.” Winter Solstice ancestor worship is no empty formality. It passes on filial love, carries forward our bloodline, spreads our culture, and calls us to fulfil our duties along the path to happiness.