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University celebrates Chinese New Year

Press release issued: 27 January 2006

Calligraphy, cookery and the Biggest Game in China will feature in a special celebration at Bristol University to mark the start of the Chinese New Year this Monday [30 January].

Calligraphy, cookery and the Biggest Game in China will feature in a special celebration at Bristol University to mark the start of the Chinese New Year this Monday  [30 January].

The University’s Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS) is hosting an afternoon of China-themed activities to mark the beginning of the Year of the Dog.  The dog is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.  According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits.  People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and trustworthy, though sometimes stubborn and selfish.

The afternoon will begin with a session on Chinese food preparation and tasting, with food generously provided by the Mandarin Restaurant on Whiteladies Road.  The form of cookery that originated in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan has spread and developed throughout the world and is widely regarded as representing one of the richest and most diverse culinary heritages on Earth. 

Catherine Hua Xuang of the CEAS will then host a workshop on Ma Jiang (also known as mahjong), the most popular game in China.  Ma Jiang is usually played by four people with special tiles bearing various designs that have evolved from tiles used in Chinese domino games.  It bears a resemblance to Western rummy card games but is more sophisticated and versatile than these games, allowing for the use of diverse strategies and requiring the unwavering attention of the players.

Chinese calligraphy is the focus of the next session, hosted by Xinxin Xue of the Chinese Calligraphy and Chess Society.  Calligraphy is considered one of the Three Perfections (the others are Poetry and Painting) and has been widely practised throughout China’s history.  It typically uses ink brushes to write Chinese characters and is considered an important art throughout East Asia.

The afternoon concludes with a seminar by Professor Tim Wright of the University of Sheffield, entitled 'Beans, Gold and Silver', followed by a screening of the film Hero, directed by Zhang Yimou.  The film will be introduced by Dr Maurizio Marinelli of the CEAS.

Professor Ka Ho Mok, Director of the Centre for East Asian Studies said: “The University is delighted to host such an exciting programme of events to celebrate Chinese culture at the beginning of the Year of the Dog.   We hope to give people an insight into a fascinating country and also promote greater understanding of the East Asian world.  The vital importance to UK and European interests of understanding and engaging with this emerging super power is the inspiration behind the Centre for East Asian Studies.”

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