Chinese Conversation Club celebrates the Lunar New Year

International Student Services and Chinese Conversation Club Lunar New Year Event:

On February 12^th, International Student Services (ISS) and the Chinese Conversation Club ushered in the Year of the Ox, with their virtual Lunar New Year Event. As a part of the ISS Global Café series, participants got the unique chance to learn about the significance and various traditions surrounding the Lunar New Year with several engaging activities. Starting with a brief presentation on the origins of the Lunar New Year, participants were then able to learn about the art of Chinese calligraphy, testing out their calligraphy skills by drawing the Chinese Character ‘Fú’, meaning fortune.

With help from the members of the Chinese Conversation Club, participants received their own Chinese name and discovered the symbolism surrounding the Chinese Zodiac animals and birth years. Finally, one of the club members gave a captivating demonstration of a Traditional Chinese Tea ceremony while sharing the various region-specific traditions celebrated globally to welcome in the New Year!

This event was a part of the International Student Services Global Café, a monthly event series that promotes cultural sharing and learning through fun and engaging activities. With events ranging from more culturally specific traditions such as the Diwali Global Café to more general cultural sharing like an ‘open mic night’ with the African Caribbean Students’ Association, Global Café events give students the chance to learn more about the different cultures that help build the UCalgary community. This Lunar New Year event was held in collaboration with the Chinese Conversation Club, a student-led club that brings together native and non-native Chinese speakers to explore the Chinese language and culture together. The success of the Lunar New Year event, and previous Global Cafés, highlight the importance and value of cross-cultural sharing, not only expand one’s knowledge but to connect with others.

Do you want to learn more about different cultures and traditions? Come join the ISS next Global Café on March 15^th, held in collaboration with the UCalgary American Sign Language Club, to learn more about American Sign Language!