Chinese Culture Day 2023: Celebrating the Rich History and Traditions of China

Hsin-Tzu Jen
March 03, 2023

Chinese Culture Day is an annual event that brings together the UHM community from different backgrounds to celebrate the rich history and traditions of China.

An elementary school student looks at the lion curiously

Chinese Culture Day is an annual event that brings together the UHM community from different backgrounds to celebrate the rich history and traditions of China. This year’s event was organized by the UHM EALL Chinese Section faculty, the Chinese Language Flagship Center staff and students, and the Center for Chinese Studies. The event hosted more than 300 people and saw attendance from Chinese major students, CLFC students, students from local K-12 institutions like Le Jardin Academy, Maryknoll School, and other members of the UHM community.

The event started at 9:00 am and continued until 1:30 pm, providing attendees with a variety of hands-on cultural activities and performances. One of the highlights of the day was the Lion Dance performance, which captivated the audience with its high-energy drumming and acrobatic movements. Throughout the performance, the crowd also followed the tradition of feeding the lions red envelopes, which is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

Hsin-Tzu Jen Laoshi looks over an attendees' calligraphy work
An attendee feeds a red envelope into the lion’s mouth

In addition to the Lion Dance performance, there were also a variety of cultural exhibits and workshops for attendees to explore. One booth featured Chinese calligraphy, allowing visitors to try their hand at this ancient art form. Another booth offered Chinese paper cutting, where attendees could create intricate designs using just a pair of scissors and a sheet of red paper. Meanwhile, the Taichi booth provided a calming and meditative experience for those looking to practice this popular Chinese martial art.

Hsin-Tzu Jen Laoshi looks over an attendees' calligraphy work
Meng-Ting Lin Laoshi and Prof Gaye Chan from the Department of Art and Art History do paper cutting
Prof David McCraw teaches attendees different Taichi poses

These cultural exhibits and workshops provided attendees with a chance to learn about the nuances of the Chinese language and gain a deeper appreciation for the underlying cultures.

For those looking to relax and enjoy a cup of tea, there was also a Chinese Tea booth, where visitors could sample a range of different teas and learn about the history and traditions of tea in Chinese culture. The Face Painting booth allowed attendees to transform themselves into colorful characters and animals, adding a playful touch to the day’s festivities. For those looking to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture, there were also workshops on measure words and the Chinese zodiac. These sessions provided attendees with a chance to learn about the nuances of the Chinese language and gain a deeper appreciation for the underlying cultures.

Nini Li Laoshi makes tea for attendees and teaches them how to differentiate various kinds of Chinese tea
Prof Song Jiang illustrates with care a small wrist painting for one of the young attendees
Jinhui Chen Laoshi introduces the Chinese Zodiac to an attendee
Jacob Algrim / Yueshi Ouyang Laoshi demonstrates his Guqin skills and invites attendees to give it a try
Prof Yun Peng tests an attendee’s knowledge on Chinese culture
Jiaxin Tian Laoshi and Ying-Yu Chen Laoshi shows attendees how to tie a proper Chinese knot

Overall, the Chinese Culture Day event was a wonderful celebration of Chinese culture and a great opportunity for attendees to learn and engage with different aspects of Chinese traditions. The Lion Dance and other cultural performances were mesmerizing, while the cultural exhibits and workshops offered a chance to learn and participate in various aspects of Chinese culture. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and cross-cultural exchange, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate the rich history and traditions of China.

It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and cross-cultural exchange, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate the rich history and traditions of China.

In front of the crowd gathered together for Chinese Culture Day, Prof Haidan Wang unrolls a red scroll blessed by the lions meaning good luck and great fortune at the end of the lion dance performance
Group photo of the Chinese faculty and activity hosts