Shanghai Celebrates Traditional Culture with the 2023 Want Want Filial Piety Awards Ceremony
Shanghai – In a grand demonstration of the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and traditions, the Want Want Group held its third Filial Piety Songwriting and Short Film Competition awards ceremony on Monday. The illustrious event, which aimed at celebrating and promoting China’s age-old values of respecting and nurturing the elderly, was strategically timed to coincide with the traditional Chongyang Festival. The festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, symbolizing longevity in Chinese culture.
The city’s air was thick with anticipation as a whopping 178 awards were given out to the most outstanding songs and short films. This year’s competition saw winners receiving a generous prize pool totaling 1.45 million yuan (approximately $198,360).
Revisiting the History of Want Want Group and its Legacy
The Want Want Group, a titan in its right, has been at the forefront of promoting filial piety. Founded in 1962 in Taiwan as I Lan Foods Industrial Co., the organization, after more than six decades of evolution, has expanded its footprint to over 60 countries and regions. Spanning continents from Asia to Europe, its influence is undeniable. While the group started primarily in the food and beverage sector, its diverse portfolio now encompasses media, insurance, elderly care, and several other industries.
Yet, beyond their commercial success lies a deeper commitment to cultural preservation. The group’s involvement in promoting the venerable Chinese tradition of “filial piety comes first” is evident in their consistent efforts to celebrate and honor it. The first and second filial piety awards were held in 2016 and 2018, both aiming to extol the virtues of this excellent Chinese cultural tenet.
The Filial Piety Awards: A Global Affair
The success and outreach of this year’s competition were evident in the overwhelming support it garnered. Over 70 major media outlets and social organizations from the global Chinese community rallied behind the cause. The credibility and authenticity of the event were further elevated by the distinguished jury panel, comprising celebrated musicians, renowned music critics, and eminent personalities from related fields.
Adding star power, the organizers roped in Jam Hsiao to act as the honorary chairman of the jury, a decision that resonated positively with attendees and the media alike.
A Meeting of Minds: The Power of Collaboration
The awards ceremony was not just about accolades. It was a powerful gathering, a melting pot of thought leaders, both political and business-oriented, from both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The presence of esteemed guests like Tsai Eng-meng, chairman of the Want Want Group, and Li Yafei, vice president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, underscored the event’s significance.
Furthermore, the diversity in attendance was remarkable, with over 300 guests hailing from 21 provinces and cities spanning the Chinese mainland, Taiwan island, Hong Kong, Macao, and even international territories like Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the US. This vast representation highlighted the universal resonance of the theme of filial piety and its deep-rooted significance in the Chinese diaspora worldwide.
Delving Deeper into the Theme: A Two-Way Street of Respect
The event’s theme, “Child, do you know what I need?”, was thought-provoking. It called attention to the often-overlooked aspect of filial piety: communication. While respect for elders is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, this theme underscored the need for a two-way dialogue. It urged the elderly to voice their needs, desires, and concerns, fostering a deeper and more meaningful parent-child interaction.
By focusing on this theme, the Want Want Group highlighted the dynamism of cultural traditions. While respect for elders remains a constant, the methods and means of expressing that respect can, and should, evolve to reflect contemporary society’s nuances.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues
As curtains came down on the awards ceremony, it left attendees and viewers worldwide reflecting on the profound message of filial piety. The Want Want Group, through events like these, has cemented its legacy as more than just a business conglomerate. It stands as a beacon, championing the preservation and propagation of China’s rich cultural tapestry.
In an ever-evolving world, the commitment of organizations like the Want Want Group to uphold and promote traditional values is not just commendable but necessary. As the group looks ahead, one can only anticipate more initiatives that beautifully blend tradition with modernity, ensuring that the core values of Chinese culture remain relevant and revered for generations to come.
Read More: