Expressing heartfelt sentiments on the Dragon Boat Festival, sharing joy and prosperity through zongzi.

Release date:

2020-06-23 00:00

“Fragrant Zongzi Leaves, Savoring the Dragon Boat Festival”

In the heartwarming month of May, the fragrant aroma of zongzi leaves fills the air. As the traditional Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Suzhou Tongtai New Energy organized a zongzi‑making competition under the theme “Festival Love, Zongzi Affection at Tongtai,” aiming to enrich employees’ holiday cultural activities and strengthen corporate cohesion. More than 200 Tongtai staff gathered together, savoring the festive atmosphere.

At 5 p.m., the pre‑prepared essential ingredients—glutinous rice, sweet bean paste, bamboo leaves, candied jujubes, and more—had been neatly laid out on the table. The participants were divided into ten teams, and at the host’s signal, everyone got to work, quickly finding their rhythm. They rolled up the bamboo leaves, stuffed them with glutinous rice, and as the leaves fluttered back and forth, the finished zongzi were tied with string. In the deft hands of each team, fragrant bamboo leaves and glistening grains of rice were transformed in an instant into perfectly shaped, plump zongzi.

Many employees were wrapping zongzi for the first time and felt at a loss—folding the leaves, stuffing in the rice, shaping them, and tying the strings. The results were all uniquely shaped, each with its own distinctive flair, as teams vied to showcase their signature techniques. Faced with their creations, some couldn’t resist showing them off everywhere, while others made sure to snap a photo to commemorate their handiwork. The subtle fragrance of bamboo leaves mingled with deep, heartfelt bonds; every thread wove connections, every gesture carried tender affection. Throughout the zongzi‑wrapping process, laughter and cheerful chatter rose and fell in waves.

The entire event was buzzing with energy, conducted in a tense yet orderly atmosphere, and filled with joyful camaraderie. After 30 minutes of spirited competition, the judges evaluated each team’s zongzi based on a three‑pronged criterion—speed, aesthetics, and quantity—and presented small gifts to the winners. “It’s been ages since things were this lively,” one participant remarked. “Bundling zongzi together has really heightened the festive spirit, and getting to savor the ones we made ourselves feels absolutely wonderful! Everyone was beaming, and they all agreed it had been a truly unique Dragon Boat Festival.”