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Einleitung:
As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, SRYLED celebrated this important Chinese holiday with an engaging and meaningful event: making zongzi. This day not only allowed us to immerse ourselves in China’s cultural heritage, but also served as a platform to strengthen our team bonds.
Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a time-honored tradition that dates back over 2,000 years. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month to honor the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister of Chu State who drowned in the Miluo River after his state fell to Qin. According to legend, the local people, who admired Qu Yuan, raced out in their boats to save him or recover his body, hence the dragon boat races. To prevent fish from eating their bodies, they threw rice dumplings into the water, which evolved into the practice of eating zongzi.
The Significance of Eating Zongzi
Zongzi, pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, have become synonymous with the Dragon Boat Festival. The ritual of making and eating zongzi is deeply rooted in the history and folklore associated with Qu Yuan. It symbolizes people’s respect for the poet and their efforts to keep his spirit alive.
SRYLED’s Zongzi Making Event
Our event kicked off with a brief introduction to the history and significance of the Dragon Boat Festival. Many of our colleagues, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, found this part enlightening. It set the stage for the main activity of the day – zongzi making.
The process of making zongzi proved to be both challenging and rewarding. From soaking glutinous rice to preparing bamboo leaves and filling dumplings with various ingredients such as red beans, dates, and pork, every step required precision and patience. Many of us were novices, and our initial attempts resulted in strangely shaped or leaking zongzi. However, under the guidance of a few skilled colleagues, we gradually improved. The spirit of teamwork was palpable as we helped each other, shared tips, and laughed at our mistakes. By the end of the session, we had produced an impressive array of zongzi, each one a testament to our collective effort and persistence.
Other Festive Activities
In addition to making dumplings, we also organized various traditional games and activities. These activities include blowing candles and pinching ping pong balls, which foster a friendly competitive spirit and encourage team cohesion. Colleagues who rarely interact due to different roles in the company find that they encourage each other and work closely together. This friendship extends beyond games and enriches our lives.
In addition to this, our send-off is also included. It is a pleasure that the SRYLED team will be sending our representatives to attend InfoComm 2024 in the United States. As we all know, the distance from China to the United States is so far away, and we sincerely wish them every success. At the same time, we also sincerely invite you to visit our exhibition, and we will bring you a wonderful visual experience.
Reflecting On The Success of The Event
The Dragon Boat Festival celebration at SRYLED was a huge success. It provided a rare opportunity to celebrate a traditional Chinese festival while promoting cultural exchange and understanding within our diverse team. Through the shared experience of making zongzi and participating in games, we built stronger relationships and gained a deeper appreciation for each other’s backgrounds and contributions.
This event reminded us of the importance of teamwork, communication and cultural exchange in fostering a positive work environment. By engaging in such meaningful activities, we not only honour our traditions but also enhance our cohesion as a team. The Dragon Boat Festival celebration at SRYLED is a shining example of how cultural festivals can bring people together, create lasting memories and strengthen the fabric of our community.