On the evening of 25 February, UIC students and teachers reveled in joyous stage performances and booth games in the Union Square of the Student Hostel & Cultural Village, to celebrate the Lantern Festival.
UIC students and teachers celebrate the Lantern Festival
Prof. Ng Ching-Fai, President of UIC, said in his opening speech that the festival was meant to bring students together, and was an important means of social development in university life.
Prof. Ng Ching-Fai delivers his New Year greetings
Celebrants in the square had many entertainment options. They could watch festive performances staged by various artists, student dance clubs and individuals; play games in the booths littered around the square; and sample pastries and dumplings at the food tables.
Students’ glorious voices echo at the festival
Dancers impress the audience with their grace
Students play beautiful music on the pipa, known as the Chinese lute
“My favourites are definitely the Chinese Calligraphy writing booth and the treasure hunt booth, where participants draw cards and try to find people who match the physical description written on them,” said Angie Chen, a student who dragged her companion to her desired game.
Guessing lantern riddles is challenging yet interesting
Chinese Calligraphy is essential at a traditional event
The Lantern Festival is traditionally celebrated fifteen days after the start of the Lunar New Year, when the moon is at its brightest and roundest state of the month. Villagers in the olden days brought out lanterns to brighten the normally dark streets for the celebration.
"The Lantern Festival is truly a day to celebrate harmony and the gathering of kinship,” commented Elaine Ngan, a student volunteer at the festival. “That is why the celebration still continues today.”
Reporter: Chiu Wen Chin
Photographers: Liu Chang and Shan Chuan
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO, with special thanks to the ELC)
