The Dragon Boat Festival, which falls in midsummer, marks the beginning of the clear and lengthening days. The term "Duanwu" signifies the beginning. The festival, also known as Duanwu or Duan Yang, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar. There is a popular saying among the people: "On the 5th day of May, paddle dragon boats, and celebrate Duanwu." In the eyes of the ancient people, Duanwu was a festival to ward off evil and misfortune. People prayed for health and well-being throughout the year by worshipping deities and ancestors, hanging up colorful threads, and displaying herbs like mugwort and calamus.This good wish for well-being is also brought to JPED, let's see how JPED celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival!
Event Preparation is a Team's Brave Journey
This year's Dragon Boat Festival event was initiated by the Human Resources department, with strong support from the Administrative department and the Marketing department. The departments worked closely together, brainstorming and developing the event plan, aiming to enhance the fun of the activities while showcasing the traditions and joy of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Through careful planning and research, we sourced high-quality bamboo leaves for zongzi, fragrant sachet materials, and colorful threads to ensure that every detail met the requirements of the event. It's worth mentioning that when the event materials arrived at the school, every staff member passing by lent a helping hand, relay-passing boxes of zongzi to the designated locations.
Faculty and staff carry zongzi together
On the eve of the event, the staff gathered to decorate the lounge by inflating balloons. With anticipation, we adorned the lounge with vibrant colors, creating a festive atmosphere. Through this small gesture, we not only created a joyful ambiance in advance but also demonstrated the cohesion and spirit of our team.
Through the collective preparation, we not only accomplished the set design tasks but also deepened our understanding of each other and fostered a sense of cooperation. Now, let's move on to the exciting segment of making zongzi. Scroll down, don't go away!
DIY Crafts, Experience the Charm of Traditional Culture
The foundation of international relations lies in the connection between people, and that connection stems from mutual understanding. In order to allow foreign teachers to deeply appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture through this event, and to enhance their understanding and communication of each other's culture, as well as strengthen team cohesion, they were invited to actively participate in traditional festive activities such as making zongzi, fragrant sachets, and colorful threads.
01 Whether Sweet or Savory, All for Reunion
Do you like sweet zongzi or salty one?
The debate between sweet and savory zongzi fillings has always been a topic of diverse opinions. As the staff of Daloche School gather here from all over the world due to a shared educational philosophy, the event planning team has prepared both sweet and savory fillings to cater to everyone's dietary preferences as much as possible.
Ingredients for making zongzi
The process of making zongzi starts with ingredient selection. We carefully selected high-quality glutinous rice and fillings to ensure that each zongzi would bring a delightful taste and food safety. Everyone actively participated, sharing their experiences and techniques, learning from and inspiring each other. Whether it was their first attempt or they were experienced in making zongzi, everyone put their hearts into it and infused thier enthusiasm into the process.
Students and teachers make zongzi together
Through the process of making zongzi, we not only engaged in simple manual work but also experienced the importance of teamwork and synergy. Each person could feel the warmth and inclusiveness of the team. Daloche School has always been a loving little family, where everyone helps each other, collaboratively solves problems (very PBL style, right?), and works closely together. This made the process of making zongzi filled with laughter, unity, and the power of togetherness.
02 Making Fragrant Sachets, Transmitting Blessings
Do you know the meaning of wearing joss sticks on Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival also has the tradition of wearing fragrant sachets. Fragrant sachets are also known as scented bags, and wearing them symbolizes blessings for a safe and smooth year. Most fragrant sachets contain medicinal herbs, which not only emit a pleasant fragrance but also help awaken the senses and invigorate the body.
Making handmade incense pouches
Well-made fragrant sachets can be given to family and friends, conveying the care and blessings of the festival to those around us. This special gift is not just a simple handicraft; it represents our wishes for a better life and our love for our family and friends. When they receive the fragrant sachet, they also receive warm wishes and sincere emotions from JPED.
03 Tying Colorful Threads, Connecting Hearts
Do you know how to weave colorful threads?
Colorful threads, also known as rainbow threads or five-color threads, are worn during the Dragon Boat Festival and symbolize blessings and good fortune. The term "five colors" refers to white, red, black, yellow, and green, which represent the five elements and directions in Chinese culture. Ancient people believed that the colorful threads gathered the magical power of nature and could bless people with health and happiness.
According to the Eastern Han Dynasty's "Customs and Traditions: Miscellaneous Writings," it is recorded that wearing colorful threads on the arm can ward off ghosts and soldiers, prevent diseases, and is also called "longevity thread." In ancient times, during the chaotic and troubled periods, and especially during the midsummer season of May, which was prone to epidemic diseases, it was believed that tying colorful threads on children during the Dragon Boat Festival could protect them from military disasters and ensure their safe and healthy growth. Therefore, colorful threads are also known as "longevity threads" and "avoiding military disasters."
Although we are now living in the peaceful era of the 21st century, the heartfelt wish for the safety, joy, and lifelong smooth journey of our loved ones transcends time and is passed down from generation to generation. Through the act of tying colorful threads, the staff of Daloche School expresses their sincere wishes for the health, happiness, and growth of every student at JPED!
Savoring Culture, Sharing Joy
Festivals have seen many customs and cultural changes throughout history, but the hope for reunion, auspiciousness, harmony, and well-being remains unchanged. The Dragon Boat Festival connects the cultural genes of the past and present, and in the atmosphere of the traditional festival, every staff member of JPED immerses themselves in the joy of the festival. Through the planning, organization, and implementation of this event, the JPEDers have formed a more united, harmonious, and loving family.Festivals have seen many customs and cultural changes throughout history, but the hope for reunion, auspiciousness, harmony, and well-being remains unchanged. The Dragon Boat Festival connects the cultural genes of the past and present, and in the atmosphere of the traditional festival, every staff member of JPED immerses themselves in the joy of the festival. Through the planning, organization, and implementation of this event, the JPEDers have formed a more united, harmonious, and loving family.
Each zong leaf delicately wraps our longing,
Each grain of glutinous rice carries heartfelt intentions.
On the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival,
Wishing everyone an abundance of health, happiness, and joy!
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