Submitted by urci on
~~According to an old Chinese saying, “The golden rooster farewells the old year; the auspicious dog barks in the new year.” In 2018, the Confucius Institute at University of Regina participated in and hosted a series of Chinese New Year activities to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dog.
On January 20th, the Regina Chinese Freemasons held the Annual Chinese New Year Gala which was supported by the Confucius Institute at the University of Regina. Mr. Gao Zhengting, the Deputy General Consul for the People’s Republic of China in Calgary, attended the event along with more than one thousand local people.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Regina assisted the Chinese Scholar and Students Association to host the annual Chinese New Year Gala on campus on January 27th. About 500 local people enjoyed wonderful programs such as crosstalk, singing, dancing and etc. The Confucius Institute dance group performed traditional Chinese dance.
On February 10th, the Confucius Institute at the University of Regina collaborated with the Regina Chinese Canadian Association to host the 2018 Chinese Spring Festival Gala. The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canadian Member of Parliament and Minister of Public Safety; Madam LU Xu, the Consul General of People’s Republic of China in Calgary; City of Regina Mayor Michael Fougere, Ms. Liu Guili, President of the Regina Chinese Canadian Association; and Dr. Thomas Chase, University of Regina Vice President (Academic) attended the grand event and brought their greetings. Over 800 local people participated in the Gala.
On February 16th, the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Confucius Institute at the University of Regina co-hosted a Chinese New Year Temple Fair with Chartwells Food Services at the University of Regina to welcome the Year of the Dog. During the event, the Confucius Institute invited members of the Regina Chinese Martial Arts Center to perform the Lion Dance, which was one of the community’s favourite performance. The Confucius Institute also set up a cultural experience corner to showcase Chinese culture and help students and staff to better understand traditions and culture about the Chinese Spring Festival. Chinese Calligraphy and Paper-cutting were demonstrated, along with other popular festival activities, such as handing out lucky red envelopes, writing the Chinese character “Fu” for blessing and happiness, and guessing lantern riddles. These activities attracted over 500 people from the University campus and the local community. Additionally, participants enjoyed a delicious Chinese buffet.
Through these celebration events and the cultural activities, the local communities learned about Chinese traditions and rich culture, and felt a sense of unity with the Chinese community as they celebrated together.