As 'Eating Bai Bai' Fades, 100-Year-Old Tsao Ching Promotes Dragon Boat Festival Community Events to Rekindle Human Connection

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, June 15) On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, 100-year-old Tsao Ching, founder of the Hua-Shan Foundation, visited a Taipei community to share the tradition of wrapping zongzi with reed leaves from his hometown. He said that 'eating bai bai' once strengthened village solidarity, but this practice has faded, leading to social isolation, low birthrates, and aging—now national security issues. He hopes to revive human warmth through community festivals.

The Hua-Shan Foundation is hosting nearly 300 'Dragon Boat Festival Neighborly Events' across Taiwan, strengthening community ties and fostering kindness. On the morning of June 13, the Taipei Shilin headquarters held a neighborly event, bringing together elderly residents, community members, and families to wrap zongzi and celebrate. Amid the aroma of rice dumplings, participants experienced the warmth of the holiday, spreading the spirit of mutual support throughout the community.

At the event, elders served as instructors, guiding families through the cultural practice of zongzi-making. From folding leaves and filling ingredients to tying the strings, seniors shared years of craftsmanship. Children focused intently, and through intergenerational interaction, not only was the Dragon Boat Festival tradition passed down, but the vitality and value of older adults were also highlighted—naturally integrating respect for elders into community life.

Tsao Ching recently stated in a press release that 'eating bai bai' once united village communities in Taiwan, but this scene is gradually disappearing. To counter this, the Hua-Shan Foundation celebrates the three traditional festivals—Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Winter Solstice—by sharing zongzi, mooncakes, and tangyuan with communities. These events promote harmony, energize neighborhoods, and ultimately bring happiness to Taiwan.

Tsao shared that in his hometown of Anhui, people wrap zongzi with reed leaves and throw them into rivers to feed fish during the Dragon Boat Festival. He believes Taiwan's current challenges—social isolation, low birthrates, and aging—are national security issues. He hopes that festive community interactions can restore Taiwan's traditional warmth and smiles.

The Hua-Shan Foundation has established 404 'Love Angel Stations' across Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, serving about 30,000 elderly individuals who are disabled, cognitively impaired, or socially isolated. Services include home visits, medical accompaniment, material assistance, and home environment improvements. Upholding the vision of 'aging in place' and 'community mutual aid,' the foundation calls on the public to support long-term services. A monthly donation of NT$1,250 can sponsor one elder, helping vulnerable seniors live securely and age with dignity in their communities. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150615

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