A Night of Dumplings Delight and Hinghwa Unity - Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network

Fragrant Dumplings and United Hearts: Four Xinghua Groups Celebrate a Warm and Joyous Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore

To mark the Dragon Boat Festival, four Hinghwa community associations in Singapore—Pu Tian Association, Heng Ann Tian Hou Temple, Licheng Club, and the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network —jointly organised a heartwarming celebration titled “Fragrant Dumplings, United Hinghwa” on the evening of May 31. About 300 members of the community gathered at the clubhouse on the ground floor of the Putian Building and Heng Ann Tian Hou Temple to share in the festivities, savour traditional rice dumplings, enjoy a sumptuous buffet, and bask in the festive ambiance complete with hanging herbal eggs and cultural performances. The event was filled with warmth, laughter, and a strong sense of community.

Among the evening’s highlights was a stirring opera performance by 15-year-old Lim Qian Qian, who appeared in full costume to perform a scene from Mu Guiying’s Valley Reconnaissance. Despite humbly sharing that she hasn’t studied opera for long, Lim delivered a poised and agile performance that impressed the crowd with her solid technique and expressive presence. When asked by emcee Huang Wan Yun why she chose to learn Chinese opera, Lim shyly replied, “Because hardly anyone performs it in Singapore now, so I want to learn it and pass it on.” Her candid and heartfelt response moved many in the audience.

Huang also recited a well-loved traditional Hinghwa nursery rhyme, familiar to older generations for its catchy, rhyming lines:
"On the first day, cake;
On the second, peach;
Third day, dumplings;
Fourth, mugwort;
Fifth, feast all day long;
Sixth, the mouth is empty."
The nostalgic tune sparked fond memories among the elderly and introduced younger attendees to the rhythm and flavour of their cultural roots.

Another crowd favourite was the magic show by magician Ong Wei Jie. Children gathered eagerly at the stage, wide-eyed and completely captivated by his dazzling tricks featuring floating tables and blooming roses. With each illusion, gasps of wonder and peals of laughter filled the air, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The buffet spread, meticulously prepared by the organising committee, was equally memorable—aromatic and inviting, it brought people together around tables filled with conversation, laughter, and new friendships. For many overseas Chinese working and living in Singapore, sharing a holiday meal with fellow townsfolk brought a comforting sense of belonging and home.

The success of the “Fragrant Dumplings, United Hinghwa” evening was no coincidence—it stemmed from weeks of dedicated planning and preparation. The behind-the-scenes work began the day before, on May 30, when volunteers from the Shiyin Bayue team and others gathered early at the Putian Building. With laughter and camaraderie, they washed bamboo leaves, wrapped dumplings, boiled herbal eggs, and tied bundles with straw string—each task completed with heart and teamwork, laying the groundwork for the festive gathering and ensuring everyone could enjoy a warm, freshly made dumpling the next day.

During his speech, Mr. Chen Jin Yong —Secretary of Licheng Club, Vice-Chairman of Pu Tian Association, Vice-President of Heng Ann Tian Hou Temple, and Vice-President of the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network —emphasised the deeper meaning of the celebration:
“Duanwu is not just a festival. It is a continuation of our culture and spirit. In this season of dumplings and friendship, I hope everyone can feel the warmth and meaning behind our Chinese traditions. May you all be safe, healthy, and blessed with happiness.”

He also noted two upcoming milestones in the Hinghwa community: the 70th anniversary celebration of the Pu Tian Association and the centennial celebration of the Heng Ann Tian Hou Temple, which will be held from October 18 to 26. The temple celebration promises to be a major cultural and spiritual event that crosses religious, ethnic, and even national boundaries—a truly significant occasion that welcomes participation from all.

As the fragrance of dumplings lingered in the air, the festive evening drew to a close amid cheerful chatter and heartfelt farewells. Though the dinner ended, the bonds of kinship and community spirit remained strong.