Also known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is the most important holiday celebrated in China and has long been a time when deities and ancestors were celebrated. For CBU’s more than 400 Chinese students, the event is a time to celebrate the New Year, as well as educate non-Chinese members of the community about a time very close to their hearts.
“This event is a wonderful chance for CBU students to work together to showcase a holiday with high cultural significance,” says Norm Smith, Senior Director of Student Services. “Students have been involved from the onset and sit on the organizing committee to ensure that all aspects are traditional, meaningful and authentic to the various regions of China. This event will truly be a way for our students to feel a little closer to home during a special time.”
Though Chinese New Year officially takes place on Thursday, February 19, this Thursday’s event will allow an official celebration to take place before students depart for CBU’s Reading Week.
“I’m very excited to celebrate the year of the Goat with fellow CBU students,” says Yue Wang (Shirley), a Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management student, from Shangdong Province. “I’ve learned much about Western culture from my friends, colleagues and peers during my time here at CBU. I’m very much looking forward to giving back and teaching them about this prominent Chinese holiday.” In Chinese astrology Goats are described as loving, peaceful, kind and popular and can expect to have a year of good health.
Chinese New Year celebration takes place 6-8 pm in the Cafeteria. Students from the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program will prepare and serve the authentic cuisine of dumplings and other Chinese dishes. A traditional Chinese choir will entertain with songs, a soloist will perform a traditional song on a Chinese Guqin, and a traditional dragon dance will serve as the kick-off. To top-off the celebration, a fireworks display will erupt at 7:30 pm and will help ward off evil spirits for the 2015 year.
Tickets are limited, but are free, and anyone wishing to attend can email chinesenewyear@cbu.ca to RSVP.
