As the beginning of the twenty-four solar terms, the winter solstice has been the turning point since ancient times when "the yang energy begins to grow when the cathode reaches the end". "The Book of Han" says: "The Yang Qi rises at the winter solstice, so I congratulate you." This tribute to the reincarnation of heaven and earth has gone through thousands of years of precipitation, and finally condensed into a bowl of steaming dumplings on the Chinese dining table. Now, in Changchun People's Pharmaceutical Group, this ancient tradition has been given the warmth of a new era - on the eve of the winter solstice on December 18, when the third employee dumpling-making competition kicked off in the cafeteria, thousands of years of cultural memory and the warmth of modern enterprises perfectly blended at this moment.
This competition was carefully planned and organized by the group's labor union, and various departments responded actively. A total of 18 teams participated. The canteen has completed all material preparation work in advance, providing sufficient guarantee for the competition. At 14:00 on the day of the event, the first floor of the cafeteria was very busy. The contestants came to the scene early, gearing up and preparing to show off their skills. On the chopping board, the white dough and two carefully prepared fillings - pork, sauerkraut and leek and eggs - are already ready. This not only takes care of employees with different eating habits, but also reflects the company's meticulous care for each employee.
As soon as Mr. Li, the head of the group's party workers and young women, gave the "start" command, the eighteen teams immediately plunged into the intense competition. The rolling pin rolls regularly on the chopping board, and the entire space is filled with an atmosphere of concentration and order. As the game progressed, each team became more proficient in their operations and their efficiency steadily improved. The dumplings on the chopping board increase at a visible speed, forming a neat and uniform arrangement. When the final whistle sounded, rows of finished dumplings of even size and standard shape appeared in front of the operating table.
After fierce competition, three winning teams from the raw material workshop, warehousing department, and safety and security department were finally selected in this competition and received a beautiful gift.
At lunch time on December 19, the group canteen was filled with a warm festive atmosphere. The employees lined up in an orderly manner to receive the boxed dumplings. When the steaming hot dumplings were handed to their hands, the whole canteen was filled with the enticing aroma of food. Everyone sat together and savored this special feeling. There were happy conversations from time to time during the meal - this event continued the much-loved badge session from previous editions. 20 special commemorative badges engraved with People's Pharmaceutical's logo were carefully wrapped into dumplings. Employees who received the badges could use the badges to receive an additional handmade dumpling at the canteen service window and take the warmth home to share with their loved ones. This continued care makes the simple lunch moment full of festive warmth.
Although the Winter Solstice marks the coldest time of the year, through this event, a warm glow surged in everyone's heart. This warmth came not only from the steaming hot dumplings but also from the temperature transmitted through colleagues' fingertips, the tacit understanding in their exchanged glances, and the consistent care embedded in the corporate culture.