To promote excellent traditional Chinese culture, foster exchanges and integration between Chinese and international faculty, and create a warm, harmonious festive atmosphere, Limerick International College (LIC), in collaboration with the Academic Publishing Center (APC), successfully held a“Fragrant Artemisia Drifts Across Nations, Well-being Wishes Shared at Dragon Boat Festival”staff fellowship event on the afternoon of June 3rd. Faculty members from LIC and APC, University of Limerick (UL) teachers, and student representatives gathered together to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.
At the start of the event, Professor Zhang Changsen, Secretary of the Party Committee and Dean of LIC, delivered an opening speech. He warmly welcomed and sincerely thanked all participating faculty, UL teachers, and student representatives. He pointed out that holding this event amidst the fragrance of zongzi leaves aimed to allow everyone to experience the unique charm of this traditional Chinese festival together, promote cultural exchange and understanding between China and other nations, andenhance the friendship among colleagues. He concluded by wishing everyone a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival.
Following this, student representatives presented a captivating bilingual cultural micro-lecture. Using both Chinese and English PowerPoint slides, they vividly recounted the ancient origins and rich customs of the Dragon Boat Festival – from the patriotic legend of Qu Yuan to the exhilarating Dragon Boat races, from health-signifying sachet wearing to the tradition of hanging Artemisia to ward off evil and disease. This immersive presentation allowed both Chinese and international faculty present to deeply appreciate the profound cultural heritage of the festival.
Fragrant Artemisia filled the air as skillful hands wove bonds. The sachet DIY session after the lecture brought the event to its climax. Artemisia emitted a fresh scent from the tables, while colorful fabrics and threads dazzled. Chinese and international faculty enthusiastically threaded needles, stuffed sachets with Artemisia, and exchanged crafting techniques. Each stitch sewed not only a delicate sachet but also embodied an experience of traditional Chinese handicraft and a shared wish for health and well-being.
The aroma of zongzi leaves wafted through the event space. Participants freely sampled soft, sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) with savory and sweet fillings, sharing friendship in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Chinese and international faculty sat together, exchanging stories about festival traditions from their respective countries. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, creating a scene of warm camaraderie.
This fellowship event skillfully blended cultural heritage with international exchange. Using the Dragon Boat Festival as a bond, it not only deepened faculty's understanding and appreciation of this traditional Chinese festival but also built a solid bridge for Sino-foreign cultural interaction. It ensured the“fragrance of Artemisia”truly drifted across nations and the wishes for“peace and health”warmed hearts. The event concluded successfully amidst a rich atmosphere of traditional culture and warm international friendship.
