With the fragrance of rice dumplings wrapped in the May wind, Epsom Community Center welcomed a unique Dragon Boat Festival activity, bringing together a wealth of multi-cultural elements for residents to celebrate the festival. This time, Daren Life Society was invited to participate in the event. Using calligraphy as a bridge and culture to meet friends, this cultural resonance that transcends language filled the entire event venue with humanity and warmth.
Ink and brush conveyed love, writing together for well-being
The calligraphy booths were filled with ink and ink writing like dragons, causing the children to stand on tiptoe and exclaim, “I want to write too!” The children held the brushes curiously and traced carefully under the guidance of the volunteers, and their tender strokes flowed with the desire for traditional culture and art.
Chess game enjoyment
Halfway through the activity, Chinese chess brought by the participants became an unexpected highlight. Beside the Chu River and Han Han Boundary, there were old chess players playing calmly, and there were also children learning the rules, and in the laughter, the prayers for happiness and well-being of the Dragon Boat Festival were quietly transformed into a collision of wisdom between the horizontal and vertical squares.
Golden lion dance
At noon, with the rhythm of the drums, the mighty lion dance took the stage! The golden-red lion’s head swung flexibly with the drum beat, blinking mischievously at times and leaping up at others, causing the children to cheer and chase. Residents raised their cell phones to record this wonderful moment, and the atmosphere of the scene reached its climax.
Laughing and talking, culture collision
Residents gathered together, sometimes discussing the origins of Dragon Boat Festival customs, sometimes comparing similar festivals in their own cultures, and sometimes exchanging experiences in calligraphy. These conversations flowed naturally from curiosity about cultural differences to recognition of commonalities in human nature.
Working together to build warmth
Since October 2022, Daren Life Society has been using Epsom Community Center as a regular venue for various mutual help activities. This Dragon Boat Festival activity not only continued this precious friendship, but also brought together different cultures.
Thanks to all the volunteers and staff of Epsom Community Center, let’s look forward to more wonderful chapters in this venue that holds countless beautiful stories!