The Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen, which was established jointly by Wuhan University and University of Aberdeen, has organized and vigorously conducted a series of activities to mark the Chinese New Year.
On 19 February, 2015, the CI cooperated with Hazlehead School in launching a successful celebration. The day-long celebration is centered around three major themes: Chinese art work, lion dance and historical play.
The Chinese art work is headed by three CI volunteers, under whose explanation and guidance, the pupils set about enthusiastically doing paper cutting, lantern making and least of all, writing Chinese characters with writing brushes. The lion dance is carried out by a troupe from Dundee at the invitation of the CI. Pupils and their parents are amazed by the beautifully dressed-up lion, and its various tricks and dances. The historical play is performed in the form of Scottish opera by Hazlehead pupils to represent the glory of China’s first emperor and his warriors. The creation and the rehearsal of the play was supported by the CI.
At the same time, celebratory activities were going on at the University’s Students Hub and the library. The Hub is decorated with red lantern, Chinese knots, and upside down Fu’s. Paper cutting, Chinese chess, calligraphy, Guzheng playing, red envelop distribution, Chinese food truck, and lion dance (after they have completed their performance at Hazlehead) have attracted large crowds of people to have a look and get involved.
The next day, four CI volunteers went to Elrick School to have another celebration of Chinese New Year with pupils. They told Chinese stories, taught Chinese songs and showed them how to make paper cutting. The pupils also had their first Chinese lesson and learned to Happy New Year in Chinese.
The celebration was covered by local press The Press and Journal. And the CI also got messages of congratulations from Principal Sir Ian Diamond and vice-Principal Seth Kunin.
The Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen was established in 2013 with the joint effort of Wuhan University and University of Aberdeen. The CI serves as a platform for local people to know about China and Chinese culture.
(Resource: CI of University of Aberdeen, edited by Sijia Hu)
