"How long will the full moon appear? Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky." As the sound of Prelude to Water Melody echoed in the room, the vibe of UIC's Mid-Autumn Festival experiencing activity had reached its peak.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions, moon-gazing, and social gatherings, holds a special place in Chinese culture. To introduce UIC's international members to its rich customs and traditions, UIC organised the activity and around 30 international students, faculty and staff participated in it.
Through this event, UIC aimed to create a cultural bridge, allowing foreign associates who are away from their homeland to experience the warmth and joy of this traditional festival.
During the activity, participants tasted mooncakes, a traditional Chinese pastry associated with the festival, and participated in other activities that highlighted Chinese traditions, including riddle guessing and lantern making.
Riddle guessing
Lantern making
Mooncake making
Ms Charu Kumari, who arrived in China just 20 days ago, will be spending her first Mid-Autumn Festival with her family at UIC. When asked about her impression of the festival, she said: "I love it! It symbolises unity, and we can celebrate it with the family; it's really good!" Her four-year-old son, Aviral Kumar, also enjoyed the event. "I like the lantern-making and mooncake-making," he said.
Ms Charu Kumari (right), with her son, Aviral (middle) and her husband, UIC's assistant professor Dr Anilesh Kumar (left)
The event also featured a display of Hanfu, a traditional Chinese clothing, which gave attendees a glimpse into China's historic fashion. One of the hosts, Mr Jonathan Austin, acted as a model, telling us that the clothes were prepared by Dr Kung Yuan-Chih, a researcher of Chinese costume history, and it was the first time he had ever put on the Hanfu. "It's a bit hot, but I like it and I can see why it was popular at the time."
SGE lecturer Mr Jonathan Austin, one of the hosts of the event
The event concluded on a high note, leaving participants with a memorable experience imbued with traditional Chinese elements and the joyous spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival. "So let us wish that man will live as long as he can! Though miles apart, we'll share the beauty she displays."
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Hanna He
Editor: Deen He
