JAPANESE national Wako Yoshimori, 11, enjoyed wrapping traditional rice dumplings for the first time at a contest in Penang.
He stood out as the only boy among 16 participants in the dumpling wrapping contest held by the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) women’s wing.
“I never thought about this being a girl’s activity as I just wanted to try something new.
“It took me about a week to learn how to wrap and tie the dumplings. I learned from my mum and by watching videos.
“I managed to wrap only two dumplings at the contest but it was nice to try.
“I guess it helps that I enjoy eating Chinese food,” said Wako, who has been living in Penang for two years.
(From right) Wako and Orkid joining other participants in the dumpling wrapping competition at the Penang Chinese Town Hall in George Town. — Photos: KT GOH/The Star
Another contestant Orkid Noor Hikmee, nine, learnt to wrap the dumplings from her Chinese-language tutor.
“My tutor said I should give the competition a try as I have the patience needed to wrap dumplings.
“It took me around 30 minutes to learn to wrap a dumpling and it seemed easy.
“At this contest, I needed to wrap and tie the dumplings tightly, otherwise they would come apart,” said Orkid, who studies at SJK (C) Keong Hoe.
Joanne checking her completed dumplings during the competition.
She wrapped and tied four dumplings.
“I am happy to learn something new about another culture.
“I have made glutinous balls before and now it is nice to learn about the Dragon Boat Festival,” she added.
The members dancing to a Hindi song during the event.
The winner of the competition, Ng Joanne, 12, learnt to wrap the dumplings from her grandmother.
“I usually help her and it is a time of bonding for us.
“This is something we do every year,” she said.
Joanne, who studies at SJK (C) Kwong Hwa, wrapped nine dumplings within the time limit of 15 minutes.
“It was easier than I expected, probably because I recently made some with my grandmother.
Ooi checking the dumplings wrapped by Joanne (second from left), together with Emily Hughes (left) and Ong Cominne, who came second and third respectively.
“I have participated in these contests before but this is my first time winning one.
“It was a fun experience. I really enjoy eating dumplings as well,” she added.
Event organising chairperson Datuk Ooi Siew Kim said this was the 20th year the group had organised this event.
“We do this every year to celebrate the Duan Wu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival).
“The competition is open to children aged between seven and 12, regardless of their nationality.
“We give all of them trophies and goodie bags so no one feels left out.
“The top three winners get bigger trophies,” she said.
Guests were treated to nine types of dumplings during the event held at the town hall.
Women’s wing members making traditional dumplings.
“We served traditional dumplings which included the Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew, Cantonese, Nyonya, alkaline and vegetarian ones,” said Ooi.
“Our members also got creative in making their own versions, which are wrapped in corn leaves and others made with fresh fruit and jelly.
“Our members and their families also put up various performances to entertain the crowd.”
Ooi, who is the women’s wing chairman, said the event was a way of sharing traditions and keeping the Chinese culture alive.
“It also brings people together to have a good time and experience something new,” she said.
The traditional rice dumpling, popularly known as chang or zongzi, is a highlight of the Duan Wu Festival celebrated today on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
The festival commemorates the Chinese poet Qu Yuan who drowned himself in protest against corrupt practices in China over 1,000 years ago.
After his death, the local people started to throw rice dumplings wrapped in lotus leaves to prevent the fish in the river from eating his remains.
