Local communities observe filial festival with communal potluck

Communities in Pingtan, Southeast China’s Fujian Province, hosted a variety of activities for showing respects and cares for the elderly in the run-up to the Aojiu Festival, otherwise known as Filial Festival. To serve the local senior citizens, both Wangfu and Taikang Communities have organized a communal potluck on March 2 inviting members of the public to contribute to the ingredients for making the festive Aojiu Porridge, putting on a lively ambiance.

24 children were divided into 6 teams, each of which was led by two adults to collect ingredients in the communities.

Among the participants is young Meng Qingzhi, a first grader of Pingtan from Taiwan. Meng's father is one of the many Taiwan compatriots who have found a better career on the island and migrated to Pingtan with his family.

"I find it interesting to make new friends and even get to make porridge for these grannies and grandpas", Meng said.

Hu Naiwen, Meng's mother, said that it is their first time to join the Aojiu Festival in Pingtan. She hopes to educate the kids on the importance of filial piety and blend in with the local community.

The "rice-raising" squad came to a household. Xie Xiawei, a community member, opened the door and was told their purposes. A few bags of glutinous rice, red dates and peanuts were brought to the children’s buckets .

“It is significant to host such activities,” said Xie Xiawei.

A total of more than 50 kgs of glutinous rice and other ingredients were collected on the day. The communities made the Aojiu porridge and gave it out to the elderly and residents.

Aojiu Festival, unique to Fuzhou (including Pingtan), takes place on the 29th day of the first lunar month (falls on March 5 this year), a time to pay respect to the elderly and wish them longevity and peace.