A Taste of Tradition and Togetherness: Huizhou Songhong Industry's Dragon Boat Festival

In the vibrant month of June, as the scent of mugwort and rice wrapped in bamboo leaves filled the air, Huizhou Songhong Industry Co., Ltd. embraced the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival with a series of heartfelt activities. For the company, this traditional holiday is more than just a day off work; it is an opportunity to honor cultural heritage, strengthen bonds among employees, and infuse the workplace with warmth and joy.​

A Workplace Adorned with Festive Flair​

Days before the festival, the company’s offices and workshops underwent a charming transformation. Red and yellow lanterns, adorned with patterns of dragons and boats, hung from the ceilings, casting a soft glow over the workstations. Bundles of fresh mugwort and calamus, known for their symbolic meaning of warding off evil spirits, were placed at the entrance of each department. These simple decorations not only added a festive touch but also sparked conversations among employees, many of whom shared childhood memories of helping their families prepare for the holiday.​

The administrative team went the extra mile by distributing small gifts to every employee – a beautifully wrapped package containing zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) in various flavors, from classic pork and chestnut to sweet red bean. “It’s a small gesture, but it makes us feel like part of a big family,” said Li Jia, a member of the sales team, as she unwrapped her gift. “My parents always make zongzi at home, and receiving these here reminds me of that warmth, even when I’m at work.”​

Bonding Over Zongzi-Making: Laughter and Shared Skills​

The highlight of the festival celebrations was the zongzi-making workshop held in the company’s cafeteria. Tables were lined with bamboo leaves, glutinous rice, pork belly, salted egg yolks, and other fillings, ready for the employees to showcase their skills. Some were seasoned pros, having learned the art from their grandparents, while others were complete beginners, eager to try their hand at the traditional craft.​

Mrs. Wang, a 58-year-old cleaner in the company, quickly became the star of the workshop. With deft fingers, she folded a bamboo leaf into a cone, filled it with rice and fillings, and tied it tightly with a string, all in a matter of seconds. “When I was young, my family would gather in the yard to make zongzi together. My mother always said that the tighter you tie them, the better the flavor,” she explained, as a group of young employees gathered around her, watching intently.​

Laughter filled the room as the beginners struggled with the bamboo leaves, which seemed to have a mind of their own. Zhang Wei, an engineer from the R&D department, accidentally spilled rice all over the table, prompting his colleagues to tease him gently. “It’s harder than fixing a machine!” he joked, before Mrs. Wang stepped in to guide his hands. By the end of the workshop, everyone had made at least a few zongzi, some neatly shaped and others a bit lopsided, but all carrying the pride of creation.​

Stories Over a Festive Feast​

On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the company hosted a lunch gathering where employees sat together to enjoy a hearty meal featuring traditional dishes. Alongside plates of steaming zongzi, there were dishes like braised pork, salted duck eggs, and fresh fish, all symbolic of prosperity and abundance.​

As they ate, employees shared stories about their festival traditions. Chen Xiao, from the logistics team, talked about how his hometown holds dragon boat races every year, with teams from neighboring villages competing fiercely on the river. “The sound of drums and cheers is deafening, and everyone joins in, whether they’re in the boats or watching from the shore,” he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. Others spoke about visiting relatives, hanging colorful sachets, or drinking realgar wine, passing down customs that have been kept alive for generations.​

Mr. Chen Hefei, the CEO, joined in the conversation, sharing his own memories of the festival. “When I was a child, my grandmother would tell me the story of Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet who inspired the Dragon Boat Festival. She said that we remember him not just for his sadness, but for his love for his country and his people. That’s a lesson we can carry into our work – to care about our company, our colleagues, and the community around us,” he said. His words resonated with the group, reminding everyone that tradition is not just about rituals, but about values that connect the past to the present.​

A Day of Rest and Reflection​

In addition to the workplace celebrations, the company encouraged employees to take time off to spend with their families. Many took the opportunity to travel back to their hometowns, while others organized small outings with colleagues, such as hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting local parks. These moments of relaxation allowed everyone to recharge, returning to work the next day with renewed energy and a deeper sense of connection.​

As the sun set on the Dragon Boat Festival, the lanterns in the company’s offices continued to glow, a gentle reminder of the day’s joy. For Huizhou Songhong Industry, the festival is a testament to the power of tradition to bring people together. It is a time when the busy rhythm of work slows down, and employees can connect not just as colleagues, but as members of a community bound by shared culture and mutual respect. In these moments, the company’s spirit – one of unity, warmth, and pride in both heritage and teamwork – shines brighter than ever.​