the Mid-Autumn Festival

Among the myriad of traditional festivals in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival stands out with its unique cultural connotations and rich celebratory activities, becoming a significant moment for families to gather under the bright moon and express their yearning and thoughts. Within this warm and reuniting festival, a highly localized folk activity – Boling, adds a touch of laughter, joy, and a profound festive atmosphere to the occasion.

The Origin and Significance of Boling

Boling, also known as "Pabo", is an indispensable traditional custom during the Mid-Autumn Festival in the southern Fujian region, particularly in Xiamen and Quanzhou. According to legends, this custom originated from the ancient imperial examination system, symbolizing people's aspiration to win the top rank of zhuangyuan (the imperial first-degree scholar) through the game, thereby bringing honor to their families. As time passed, Boling gradually evolved into a folk game integrating entertainment and blessings, becoming a vital activity during Mid-Autumn gatherings among friends and relatives.

The Rules and Delight of Boling

The equipment for Boling is a special set of six dice, each face of which is inscribed with different prize levels ranging from "Yixiu" to "Zhuangyuan Chajinghua". Participants take turns rolling the dice, and the resulting points and combinations determine the prize they win. From the modest joy of "Yixiu" to the exhilarating cheers for "Zhuangyuan Chajinhua", each prize represents different good fortune and blessings.

The joy of Boling lies not only in winning the grand prize but also in the thrilling tension and laughter throughout the process. Whenever someone rolls a high score, the crowd erupts in cheers; occasional "funny" rolls evoke a wave of good-natured laughter. This relaxed and joyful atmosphere makes the Mid-Autumn reunion even warmer and more harmonious.

The Cultural Value Behind Boling

Boling is more than just a simple game; it carries profound cultural values and emotional attachments. In playing Boling, people not only enjoy the fun of the game but also convey their aspirations for a better life and pursuits. This activity deepens familial bonds and strengthens neighborhood friendships. Additionally, Boling embodies the optimistic and challenging spirit of the people of southern Fujian, as well as their commitment to preserving and promoting traditional culture.

To uphold traditional culture and foster communication and team cohesion among employees, the Xiamen TOB Boling event was successfully held on September 13, 2024. The Boling activity was organized into several groups, with members randomly selected from different departments, aiming to bridge departmental gaps and promote cross-departmental collaboration and exchange. During the event, employees took turns rolling the dice, each roll captivating the hearts of all present. From the pleasant surprise of "Yixiu" to the enthusiastic cheers for "Zhuangyuan," every prize announcement was accompanied by rounds of applause and laughter, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.