Confucius Institute Celebrates Spring Festival on Campus

As part of promoting Chinese language and culture in Ghana, the UCC Confucius Institute has celebrated the third Spring Festival  on campus.

The Chinese Spring Festival

The Spring Festival is an annual event held in China and in Chinese communities around the world. This massive event takes place on different dates each year, but it typically begins during the beginning of February and continues until the middle of the same month.

The Chinese Spring Festival dates back to the beginning of the Shang Dynasty about 4000 years ago. During this time, the Spring Festival began as a tradition of respect to ancestors and deities during the close and beginning of years. In order to prepare for this festival, people clean every part of their homes and bodies. This ritual of spring cleaning is a tradition that continues in most parts of China even in today.

Celebration of Spring Festival on UCC Campus

Explaining the reasons for celebrating the festival on campus, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Hu Liangcai, said the celebration was to help people understand the tradition and culture of  China.  He noted that for three years, the festival has been celebrated in a special way on campus under the auspices of the Confucius Institute for students and lecturers to experience the Chinese culture through various activities.

Appreciation to University Community and the General Public

Prof. Hu said he appreciated the enthusiasm, support and participation of the people of Ghana and UCC for making the 2019 Spring Festival Celebration a successful one, and wished the University Community in particular and the entire Ghanaians a happy life and a happy future. 

Participants of the Spring Festival on Campus

A number of students, lecturers and the general public took part in the festival which was held at the Congregation grounds. Some of them said they were fascinated by the arts and crafts; others also said they enjoyed the games and the sumptuous Chinese food at the occasion.

Amongst the functionaries present were the Ghanaian Director of Confucius Institute, Prof. Ishmael Mensah; the Headteacher, University Primary School (UPS), Mrs. Georgina Aglobitse; and some lecturers.  Members of Chinese Club of Confucius Institute – UCC, Chinese Volunteer Teachers, National Service Personnel and students were also present.