Chinese New Year, a vibrant festival filled with traditions and symbolism, is a time for family, feasting, and fortune. While grand celebrations often take place at home or in dedicated venues, celebrating this special occasion here on campus at Davao Doctors College can be a wonderful way to introduce all the employees to different cultures and foster a sense of community. Here’s how we kept our campus Chinese New Year celebration simple, yet memorable:
A Taste of Tradition: Food is an integral part of any Chinese New Year celebration. While a full-blown banquet might not be feasible on campus, we incorporated symbolic treats. Think small red bean buns for good luck, and mandarin oranges representing wealth.
Learning Through Activities: We incorporated educational elements to make the celebration more meaningful. We shared stories about the Chinese zodiac, explaining the characteristics of each animal and what the new year held. We also discussed the significance of red envelopes (红包 – hóngbāo) and the tradition of giving and receiving them. Calligraphy demonstrations, even at a basic level, proved to be a fascinating activity for students.
The Dragon Dance: The dragon dance is a spectacular highlight of many Chinese New Year celebrations. We have a professional troupe from Davao Lion Dancers Association who wear their dragon masks and did their dragon dance moves, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and cymbals. It was a fun and energetic way to introduce this traditional art form.
Sharing the Joy: The most important aspect of our campus celebration was the spirit of sharing and togetherness. DDC employees participated in the games, and activities, learning about a different culture and enjoying each other’s company. The simple act of sharing snacks, exchanging greetings, and participating in the festivities created a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Keeping it Simple, Keeping it Meaningful: Our campus Chinese New Year celebration wasn’t about elaborate displays or expensive treats. It was about creating a shared experience, fostering cultural understanding, and celebrating the spirit of the Lunar New Year. By keeping it simple, we made it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, leaving a lasting impression. It showed that celebrating different cultures can be fun, educational, and enriching, even within the familiar setting of the school.
