A Lecture on Chinese Festivals Ignites the Enthusiasm of Australian Audience

Traditional Chinese culture, with its richness and depth, has attracted numerous fans around the world, including people in Australia. To satisfy the interests of Australian people, especially the younger generation, for more knowledge about traditional Chinese culture, Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (BPAFFC) and Australia China Friendship Society Western Australia (ACFSWA) jointly held an online lecture on traditional Chinese festivals on Feb 24.

The lecture was given by Ms. Dou Wenna, lecturer of Institute of Cultural Development/School of Humanities, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Ms. Dou is a specialist in traditional Chinese festivals and their rituals, and presented a cultural feast with Chinese characteristics and style. The lecture focused on traditional festivals such as the Chinese Spring Festival, and short films were played and other lively means employed to introduce the long-standing Chinese New Year customs, meanings behind the festivals and special food and dishes on special occasions. The Australian audience was captivated, with young audience popping up questions from time to time. The Q&A session was engaging and lively. The one-and-a-half-hour lecture left the audience wanting to hear more, and they all looked forward to more similar activities in the future.

Mr. Dai Jianjun, Level II Bureau Rank Official of BPAFFC, and Bruce Reynolds, Vice President of ACFSWA, each delivered a message on behalf of the two organizers, respectively. The event received strong support from the Australia-China Friendship Society whose president Ms. Jan Everett attended via video link.