London celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival early on January 23, 2025, with the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Yaji” event. Attendees enjoyed traditional music, Kunqu Opera, and interactive workshops on calligraphy and paper cutting, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture ahead of the Year of the Snake.
On January 23, 2025, London kicked off the Spring Festival spirit early with the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Yaji” event, celebrating Chinese arts and culture. The evening dazzled audiences with performances of traditional music featuring the guqin and Kunqu Opera, showcasing the beauty of Chinese cultural heritage.
Paddy Rodgers, director of Royal Museums Greenwich, expressed his admiration, stating that Kunqu Opera is a blend of lovely music and exquisite costumes. The event also marked the first celebration since UNESCO recognised the Spring Festival as an intangible cultural heritage last December.
As preparations for the Year of the Snake, which begins on January 29, progressed, a calligrapher displayed five styles of the character for “Snake.” British sinologist Frances Wood praised the calligrapher’s skill, noting the beauty of the strokes.
Attendee Richard Horley, eager to learn Chinese calligraphy, attempted to replicate the strokes, mentioning the tranquillity of the brush technique compared to European styles. Horley also tried paper cutting under a craftswoman’s guidance, creating intricate designs from red paper.
The event illuminated the richness of Chinese traditions, as many attendees engaged hands-on with the art forms, fostering cultural appreciation. The vibrant showcase effectively built excitement for the upcoming Spring Festival and highlighted the deep connection between the UK and China’s cultural heritage.
The “Intangible Cultural Heritage Yaji” event in London serves as a platform to introduce the British audience to Chinese traditional arts ahead of the Spring Festival. This event reflects the growing interest in and recognition of Chinese culture globally, particularly as the Year of the Snake approaches. The inclusion of calligraphy and paper cutting workshops allowed participants to engage directly with these time-honoured traditions, enhancing cultural exchange.
The early celebration of the Spring Festival in London not only showcased rich Chinese traditions through music, calligraphy, and crafts but also reinforced the significance of cultural heritage. Attendees, including British sinologists and enthusiasts, demonstrated a keen interest in learning and appreciating Chinese art forms, highlighting the ongoing cultural dialogue between China and the UK.
Original Source: en.people.cn