Duanwu Festival at the Confucius Institute of Mogilev State A.Kuleshov University

A festive atmosphere with the scent of bamboo leaves in the air and joyful voices prevailed at the Confucius Institute of Mogilev State A. Kuleshov University on June, 19. A cultural event, called "The fragrance of zongzi in the house — the warm atmosphere of the Duanwu holiday" took place there. This event was dedicated to the traditional Chinese holiday of Duanwu. Teachers, students of the Confucius Institute, their parents, as well as university students gathered together to get acquainted with Chinese customs and experience a unique charm of Chinese culture.

At the beginning of this event Wang Xiaomei, director of the Confucius Institute from the Chinese side, told the audience in details about the history of this festival. The most popular became a master class on making scented pouches. Under the guidance of teachers of the Confucius Institute, the participants of this festival immersed themselves in the technology of making pouches. For many of its participants it was their first creative experience.

This event clearly demonstrated the implementation of the Confucius Institute's educational concept — "starting with language learning, bring cultures closer together, strengthen mutual understanding between peoples," thereby allowing Belarusians to experience the unique flavor of Chinese culture through practical activities. Such an experience, which goes beyond the traditional classroom work, allows us to deepen mutual understanding between China and Belarus and enrich intercultural dialogue through a living example. As the audience noted the Confucius Institute helps the world to get to know and understand China better. In the near future the Confucius Institute will continue to serve as a cultural bridge, organizing new innovative events and giving a new impetus to the development of Chinese-Belarusian humanitarian exchanges.