Celebration of Chinese Chongyang festival with Slovenian seniors
Confucius Institute Ljubljana organized another very successful celebration of Chongyang Festival. The celebration took place on Tuesday, October 23th 2012 at the Retirement home Trnovo.The opening speech was held by our guest of honor His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xiany, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Slovenia. His speech was followed by a few words of Director of the Retirement home Trnovo Mr. Blaž Razvornik and director of the Confucius Institute Ljubljana, Mrs. Danijela Voljč. All three speakers emphasized the relevance of celebrating this holiday. Chongyang festival reminds us of importance of intergenerational symbiosis and respect. We are all aware that today we would not be where we are if it were not for our seniors. Therefore, the Chinese have dedecated one day especially to elders.
Few words about the Chong Yang festival from Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xiany:
»The date of Chongyang festival is 9th September in Chinese Lunar Calendar. As we all know, 9 is the biggest one-digit number, and its pronunciation in Chinese language is same with “Long”, “double nine” means long-lasting or longlife. Also each year when Chongyang festival is celebrated, it’s in the right middle of the harvest golden season–Autumn. So with so much rich and lucky meanings, Chinese people has been always use this day to pay tribute to senior people.«
Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xiany
After a few introductory words, a Chinese student from the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana, Mr. Bao Jie, said some words about Chongyang festival; when and how it is celebrated and what is its purpose.
Then our Chinese teachers presented themselves and their talents. And they have many. Each has its own special talent. Ms. Yao Cheng, played on the Cucurbita flute the song »The Lotus Pool By Moonlight«. Ms. Ding Zhonghui presented practice with Tai chi sword, Ms. Chen Lingshan sang a song »Memory in Water«. Ms. Chixu Daiwei played on the ancient Chinese instrument Gu Zheng. 
Last but not least was Ms. Huang Qianrui, a Chinese teacher, who came to Slovenia but lives and teaches in Maribor with the song: »The same song«. We also saw preparation of traditional Chinese tea by Ms. Tina Samsa.
We were also very pleased that children from Elementary school Trnovo came and sang two Chinese songs. We were all very impressed, and His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xiany praised their clear and good pronunciation. Congratulations children!
To conclude, a home resident, Mr. Lapuh played a few Slovenian songs on the mouth harmonica. To show their appreciation to Confucius Institute, director of CI Ljubljana Mrs. Danijela Voljč, His Excellency Mr. Zhang Xiany and to all the performers and visitors, home residents sang Slovenian anthem »Zdravljica«, »En hribček« and »Trnovska fara«.
Although the official program ended there was much more good things to come. All visitors and performers were able to try traditional Chinese food and Chinese tea.
Another successful Chongyang festival was over, and certainly we all had a very pleasant time and are looking forward to next year.
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