By Paige Miller, Features Editor
On Friday, Feb. 1, students of all nationalities came together for this year’s Lunar New Year Celebration, known by some as the Chinese New Year. The event, which took place in the Student Center, was presented by the Confucius Classroom, Global Engagement Office, Office of Intercultural Affairs and Alpha Sigma Alpha.
The event ran from 4-6 p.m. and was packed from start to finish as students dove into experiencing Chinese culture, whether it was through the food or the activities available. Students were given the opportunity to travel to different workshops, such as a tea ceremony, calligraphy, mahjong games and paper folding, all while tasting unique foods. These different workshops gave students and the public a chance to exchange cultures with others and become aware of what people in that culture may do to celebrate.
Carissa Sweeney, a member of the Merciful class, recognized the beauty of the experience. “I love that our cultural events are interactive,” she said. “It’s cool that you get to interact with a different culture.”
Throughout the event, cultural performances took place, including music played on the Guzheng, a Chinese instrument, and Tai Chi. Both performances were unique and gave attendees insight into practices within Chinese culture.
Morgan Owen, an Appointed class member, said, “The event was great but what made it even better was that prospective students got to experience this kind of cultural event during their visit.” The event was held during the Salvation Army Visit weekend, which gave prospective students a quick glimpse into Asbury’s focus on intercultural affairs.
Those unfamiliar with the Lunar New Year Celebration may be curious as to why it is called the Year of the Pig. CNN reported that 2019 is the year of “Ji hai” in Chinese culture. The article also stated that the pig is “the last animal sign of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle,” and this “is often considered an auspicious year, in general signifying wealth and fortune.”
Asbury University’s Confucius Classroom, Global Engagement Office, Office of Intercultural Affairs and Alpha Sigma Alpha did a wonderful job sharing the Chinese culture with students and faculty of all different nationalities. By celebrating the Lunar New Year, or Year of the Pig, students gained insight into a culture that may be different from their own. The learning experience and activities provided showed how Asbury chooses to equip their students to understand each culture and, in return, impact the world.
