Mid Autumn Festival
The Confucius Institute (CI) at Newcastle University recently organized a lively celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 4th at the Courtyard of the Old Library Building, bringing together a diverse audience of students, teachers, overseas Chinese, and international friends.
The opening ceremony, led by Professor Zheng, the CI’s Chinese Director, featured speeches from Dr. Andrew Law, International Director of the CI, Professor Nigel Harkness, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, and Andrea Wilczynski, Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages. Dr. Law's recitation of Su Shi's renowned work in English added a cultural touch to the occasion.
Under the guidance of CI Chinese teacher Wanxiu Chen, attendees engaged in interactive learning about the Mid-Autumn Festival's cultural significance and enjoyed a tasting session of various mooncake flavors. CI Chinese teacher Yingying Wei and student Kunchen Guo from Durham University enriched the event with captivating traditional Chinese songs and music.
The highlight of the evening was the "Bobing" game, a traditional activity dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Participants, guided by bilingual instructions, rolled dice for a chance to win prizes, fostering a joyous and festive atmosphere.
Mr. Shanxiong Wu of the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education praised the event for connecting the Chinese community in the UK to their cultural roots.As the "Bobing" game concluded, participants gathered for a buffet, sharing experiences and fostering cultural understanding. Kaelyn, a Malaysian Chinese participant, expressed joy at feeling connected to her cultural traditions despite being away from home.
Volunteers in traditional attire played a crucial role in event coordination, contributing to the overall success.
With over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds, the CI's Mid-Autumn Festival celebration provided an enriching experience for both the Chinese community and international guests. Through engaging activities and cultural displays, the event successfully showcased the cultural richness and human sentiments associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
