“The Chinese characters referring to day and month do not constitute the Chinese character referring to today. Then what is it? Please write down the Chinese character.” ... On the morning of February 15, the international students of the NEFU living both at home and abroad gathered online to listen to the introduction of the cultural customs of the Lantern Festival and participated in lantern riddle guessing games. The international students also learned how to cook Tang-yuan from their teachers and dormitory ladies, and tasted traditional Chinese food together.

“Happy Lantern Festival!” At the beginning of the online lecture, the international students rushed to pass their blessings to the teachers in standard Chinese. When Teacher Zhang Wei introduced the origin of the Lantern Festival and its customs and habits, the international students listened with great interest and exchange ideas from time to time. In the lantern riddle guessing session, everyone was very active. The answers were quickly typed to the screen, even before the teacher gave the interpretation. “The students’ Chinese proficiency and thinking response are very good. I’m really happy for them.” Zhang Wei said sincerely. “Guessing lantern riddles is so funny, and I like this way of celebrating the festival.” Obi, a master student majoring in Forest Conservation from the Indonesia, guessed 4 lantern riddles all by herself. She said that although she couldn’t go back to the NEFU due to COVID-19, getting together with teachers and classmates in this way made her feel very warm.

After the online lecture, the teachers and students came to the kitchen and turned into “master chefs” to experience the fun of cooking and eating Tang-yuan. “The black sesame-flavored Tang-yuan is so delicious, and the sweetness of Tang-yuan is accentuated by boiling in water. In my hometown, Bogor of Java province in Indonesia, a grand event is held every year to celebrate the Lantern Festival. When I return to the Indonesia, I will also use black sesame as filling to make Tang-yuan for my family.” said Alina, a doctoral student majoring in Forest Conservation from the Indonesia, while tasting Tang-yuan.

Teachers and students shared their feelings about Chinese culture while tasting Tang-yuan. “Tang-yuan sounds like reunion in Chinese, and people express their longing for distant relatives and their wishes for a better life by eating Tang-yuan. Through the sweet dumplings, I wish you and your families be sweet and happy. According to the Chinese traditional customs, the Spring Festival is not over until the Lantern Festival is over. I hope that you will quickly adjust your status and devote yourselves to the new term study.” said Yue Xihua, Deputy Dean of the School of International Education and Exchanges.