Folk Culture Experience Day
Come join us at the China Cultural Center in Brussels to ring in the Year of the Dog through a wide range of activities!
Program:
18.30: Registration
19.00: Performance
20.00: Workshops
Entry is free; however, due to the limited number of seats, registration is compulsory:
The Chinese New Year (or Chinese Spring Festival) is the most important festival in the Chinese culture, with lots of century-old traditions. During this time of the year, people from all corners of the country and of the world, return to their parental homes to make special arrangements for the festivities and to celebrate together with their families. One of the most important preparations is -of course- the food, such as the popular dumplings and an obligatory dish with fish. However, it is also customary to make special arts and crafts to brighten up the homes and give them a festive vibe.
The Folk Culture Experience Day will be the opportunity to step into the shoes of the Chinese people getting ready for the Spring Festival. Through a range of workshops, such as Shanghai paper-cutting, Chinese Knot Sachet embroidery, Duo Yun woodblock watermark and Luodian lantern making, given by a special delegation from Shanghai, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the homely Chinese New Year’s spirit.
On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the China Cultural Center is both honoured and excited to welcome the A Cappella Vocal Band from the Baoshan District, Shanghai. The famous band has already been awarded multiple prizes: at the Second A Cappella Music contest in Shanghai, they received the title of “Best Stage Performance”, and at the 6th National A Cappella Music Contest, they won the first prize. In addition to the vocal performance, the Center welcomes a magician who will bring you in awe of his unique artistry. With said performances, we hope to convey you into the joyous atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
A delegation from Shanghai will also give workshops at the China Cultural Center in Brussels about typical Chinese New Year’s arts and crafts.
- Shanghai paper-cutting Workshop:
The art of paper-cutting originates in the Southern and Northern Chinese Dynasties during the 3rd and 4th century. It is a decorative form of art that is widely recognized in China as a traditional folk decoration. Among the depicted images are: birds, flowers, insects, landscape sceneries, characters, buildings, etc…
- Chinese Knot Sachet embroidery Workshop:
The Chinese Knot Sachet is one of the ancient Chinese folk embroidery handicrafts. It is made of brocade and is embroidered with traditional auspicious motifs using various techniques. The finished product is usually worn on or under the waist as a traditional piece of fashion accessory. The Chinese Knot Sachet is also used as a lucky object on bed sheets or cars, or as a gift exchanged between friends and relatives, symbolizing unity happiness and peace.
- Duo Yun woodblock watermark Workshop:
The technique of engraving an image in wood, covering its surface in ink and then stamping it onto paper, originates from 868 AD. During the Tang Dynasty, the woodblock watermark art has often been used to depict illustrations in books.
- Luodian lanterns Workshop:
The Luodian lanterns are Chinese traditional folk lamps. The custom of hanging up lanterns originated in the Han Dynasty, and illustrates the lanterns hanging in the palace of the Emperor; it became customary for people to hang up red lanterns during special occasions. Later on, the Buddhist doctrine compared the lights (of the lanterns) with the Buddhist concept of the God of Wisdom. The custom of hanging up lanterns gradually became an essential part of Chinese folk festivals. Nowadays, this handicraft has developed and is often made into the shapes of animals, plants and people.
The program is subject to change. Follow our Facebook page to stay tuned!
