The Confucius Institute at UKIM recently launched an educational series to deepen students’ understanding of China’s Spring Festival and Lantern Festival traditions. As part of a cross-cultural initiative, Chinese teachers designed interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and multimedia presentations across all language levels, transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange.
Interactive sessions included regular Chinese character lessons for Chunjie (春节) and Yuanxiao (元宵节), alongside hands-on workshops crafting intricate paper-cut lanterns. A highlight emerged as students attempted the lively Errenzhuan handkerchief twirl—a Northeastern Chinese folk art—sparking laughter and curiosity.
(A Chinese teacher is showing two exquisite lanterns)
(A Chinese teacher is supporting students to make paper-cut lanterns)
(A student is trying Errenzhuan handkerchief twirl)
Through multimedia presentations, students explored the festivals’ historical roots, symbolic customs, and familial significance. Along with pictures and videos, Chinese teachers meticulously unpacked the festivals’ historical evolution, from ancient rituals to modern global celebrations. Students explored symbolic elements like red couplets, dragon dances, and yuanxiao-making through teachers’ vivid explanations, while comprehended philosophical concepts of renewal and unity embedded in the customs.
(Multimedia presentation of Henan province lantern festival gala)
(Multimedia presentation of ancient rituals of Chinese new year)
(Multimedia presentation of modern global celebrations of Chinese new year)
Beyond language acquisition, Confucius Institute aims to cultivate nuanced cultural literacy. These activities of Chinese traditions provided an immersive learning experience, bridging cultural gaps and enhancing mutual understanding between China and North Macedonia.