FASCA Princeton members introduce Dragon Boat Festival traditions through bilingual presentations to TCML adult learners and students.
FASCA members enjoying tea eggs and zongzi, TCML students displaying handmade sachets, making mugwort door hangings, and final product of mugwort door hangings.
FASCA is preparing material, helping young students with DIY activities, and assists TCML adult students in practicing writing “端午安康” on red paper. (Bottom left) TCML student participate in an interactive Q&A game for the Dragon Boat Festival.
After a successful day of cultural learning, students and participants from FASCA Princeton, TCML-Tzu Chi and North Tzu Chi Academy Chinese School gathered together to display their artwork and take group photos.
CEDAR GROVE, NJ — On Sunday, May 17, 2026, FASCA Princeton (Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors) and TCML-Tzu Chi (Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning) jointly hosted the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Experience Day in a Fun and Easy Way, offering American adult learners a unique opportunity to explore Mandarin language and Taiwanese cultural traditions through hands-on activities.
Held in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, the event brought together over 40 participants, including FASCA Princeton cultural ambassadors, TCML-Tzu Chi adult Mandarin learners, and fourth- through sixth-grade students from North Tzu Chi Academy Chinese School, creating a vibrant, multigenerational learning environment.
For many TCML adult learners, the event provided an eye-opening introduction to one of the most important traditional holidays in Taiwanese and Chinese culture. Through bilingual presentations, storytelling, crafts, games, and food, participants gained a deeper understanding of the Dragon Boat Festival beyond textbook learning.
Throughout the morning, FASCA members introduced the festival’s origins and customs, explaining that the Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and will be celebrated on June 19 this year. Participants learned the holiday’s many alternative names, including the Double Fifth Festival, Poet’s Day, Zongzi Festival, and Mugwort Festival.
FASCA members also shared the story of Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet whose sacrifice inspired dragon boat racing and the tradition of eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Participants explored the Legend of the White Snake and learned how folklore influenced customs still practiced today.
“I’ve studied Mandarin for a while, but this was my first time truly understanding the meaning behind the Dragon Boat Festival,” shared one TCML adult learner. “Learning the traditions, stories, and even proper greetings made the culture feel much more personal.”
Participants were particularly curious about why people traditionally say “端午安康” (Good Health on Dragon Boat Festival) rather than “Happy Dragon Boat Festival,” as the holiday emphasizes remembrance, protection, and wellness. They also discovered cultural customs, such as why can’t we give a string of zongzi as a gift, and the symbolic role of mugwort in warding off illness during the warmer months.
Hands-on cultural activities quickly became the highlight of the event. Under the guidance of TCML teachers, FASCA members helped participants make fragrant sachets (香包) filled with herbs believed to repel insects and bring blessings. Participants also made mugwort door hangings (艾草掛飾) and practiced writing “端午安康” on red paper to decorate their handmade crafts.
“As second-generation Taiwanese Americans, we want to share traditions that are important to our heritage in ways that feel fun and approachable,” said FASCA member Jaslene Jen. “It was rewarding to see learners of all ages genuinely excited about Taiwanese culture.”
The excitement continued with an interactive Dragon Boat Festival quiz led by FASCA Princeton counselor Tina Liu, where participants eagerly tested their knowledge of festival traditions and history.
No Dragon Boat Festival celebration would be complete without food. Participants enjoyed sweet and savory zongzi and tea eggs, giving many first-time learners an authentic taste of the holiday.
“Thank you to FASCA for the wonderful presentation and support,” said TCML teacher Jenny Chang. “Our students gained so much knowledge while having fun, and it truly deepened their understanding of both language and culture.”
Reported by FASCA Princeton – Grace Ni and Jaslene Jen
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