Recently, in order to celebrate the Chinese New Year, San Marino Confucius Institute invited student representatives to have an immersive festival experience by making dumplings, making Chinese New Year dishes, pasting window flowers, playing mahjong, etc.

During the activity, teachers from Confucius Institute introduced the implied meaning of each dish and the good wishes it carries, so that the students could understand the connotation of Chinese idioms such as fish in Chinese taking same pronunciation with the word “surplus” in Chinese, that’s why cooking fish is a must in spring festival, expecting gain more in the coming year, and the yearning for a happy reunion in Chinese culture. The students enjoy the night in Confucius Institute, reading the menu, tasting the New Year dishes, learning Chinese characters, and knowing the customs of the Spring Festival.

Chinese food culture and etiquette, festival activities and customs have always been one of the most interesting topics for Chinese learners. This activity has effectively shortened the distance between students and Chinese culture.