With the first snow of winter and the Winter Solstice drawing near, it's a time for reunion and togetherness. On December 22nd, to promote traditional Chinese festival, enrich students' extracurricular lives, and enhance their life skills, while strengthening the bond between teachers and students and spreading warmth during the winter season, the China Rural Research Institute organized a dumpling-making event titled “One-stop” Student Community | “Winter Solstice Reunion Dumpling Affection, Close Bond between Teachers and Students at China Rural Research Institute”. The event took place at the fourth building of Guojiao which is the branch center of the Comprehensive Service Center for the "One-stop" Student Community.
Preparation Phase - All set and ready
"Dumpling wrappers, dumpling fillings"
"Ready!"
"Fruits, beverages"
"Ready!"
"Cooking utensils"
"Ready!"
The teachers and students have prepared all the ingredients for making dumplings and the Division 4 Center of the Comprehensive Service Center of the "One-stop" Student Community has been decorated in a warm and cozy manner. Everything is ready, so what are we waiting for? Teachers and students, let's start making dumplings!
Dumpling Making - Showcasing Skills
Everyone joined in and competed to be the "Master of Dumplings!" Dividing the dough, preparing the filling, and wrapping the dumplings, teachers and students participated together, cooperating and assigning clear roles. With skillful hands, they crafted unique and personalized dumplings. Teachers and students taught and learned from each other, exchanging techniques for dumpling making, creating a lively atmosphere. Through collective efforts, the table was filled with dumplings of various shapes: some round and plump like golden ingots, while others were slender and elongated resembling willow leaves. "Lucky coins" were added to some of them, bestowing warm blessings specific to the Winter Solstice.
Eating Dumplings - Spreading Good Fortune
As the dumplings were boiled, flipped, and cooked to perfection, steaming and tender, they were brought to the table. Dipped in aged vinegar and splashed with chili oil, taking a bite released a burst of flavorful broth, delicious and refreshing. At this moment, the winter chill dissipated, replaced by the taste and warmth of "home" permeating the air. While savoring the delicacies, teachers and students gathered together, exchanging knowledge and sharing their lives. The joyful and relaxed atmosphere dispersed the cold of winter. Teacher Li Huayin happened to eat a "lucky dumpling," symbolizing good fortune like a koi fish. It conveyed abundant blessings, wishing everyone a joyous Winter Solstice and a timely arrival of all things beautiful!
A Small Reunion on Earth, Winter Solstice as Grand
as New Year
Winter dumplings dispel the cold of the past year, while the reunion warms our hearts. Outside, the weather is freezing, but inside, the bonds of affection are warm. A bowl filled with steaming dumplings overflows with blessings for a bright future. Winter sings its melody, and the days ahead are abundant. Hand in hand, let's share the warmth of China's rural areas during the Winter Solstice. Year after year, with each Winter Solstice, may everyone find joy and happiness!
Source: China Rural Research Institute of CCNU
Translator: Zhang Haoyun
Date: December 29, 2023
