STUST held the 2021 Chinese Language and New Year Gathering for International Students on the 2nd of February, inviting international students to experience the atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year in Taiwan, with the idea to turn things around and create new opportunities at the beginning of the year. Teachers from the Chinese Language Center of STUST led the students to learn about the cultural customs and origin of the Lunar New Year, introducing the delicious food and symbols of the reunion dinner. For example, the rice cake represents the gradual progress, while the pineapple represents good luck and prosperity.

[Teachers of STUST were leading the international students to do window grilles and paper-cutting art, thereby embracing the strong atmosphere of New Year.]

Through the course of traditional paper-cutting art and window grilles, the international students cut out patterns of the Year of the Ox and auspicious words that symbolize heavenly blessings and good luck, painting their own totems with their personal creativity. While learning the beauty of Taiwan's traditional art, they came to understand the meaning of paper-cut patterns as symbolizing good luck and warding off evil spirits. Teachers from the Chinese Language Center of STUST also taught the international students how to say auspicious words for the New Year and how to understand their auspicious meanings; by listening and singing Taiwan New Year songs, they also came to feel the joyous atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

[Deng-Maw Lu, President of STUST, was giving New Year greeting to the international students on behalf of all the teachers of STUST]

By the end of the gathering, President Lu, on behalf of all the teachers of STUST, sincerely wished all the international students a Happy New Year in advance. At the same time, the teachers explained to the international students the symbolic meaning of the Year of the Ox in the Chinese society and the meaning of the Zodiac, so that every international student could better understand it. President Lu also stated that the purpose of organizing such a gathering every year on the eve of the Lunar New Year is for the STUST international students who stay in Taiwan to experience the traditional New Year culture and feel the lively New Year atmosphere. He hoped that in the new year everyone can have great achievement and their days in Taiwan can be exciting and fulfilling. He also hoped that the days when the international students study at STUST will be the greatest help to them in the future career. Owing to the severe international pandemic this year, those who have to stay in Taiwan to celebrate the New Year need to follow pandemic prevention rules and regulations and remind themselves of washing hands and wearing face masks frequently when going in and out of public places to protect themselves and others.

[A group photo of the 2021 Chinese Language and New Year Party for International Students at STUST]

Makoto Matsumoto, a Japanese student at STUST, said that this was the first time she spent the Lunar New Year in Taiwan. This event gave her a deep experience of the lively atmosphere of the New Year. She benefited a lot from the teacher’s explanation, which was unique and interesting. She came to a deeper understanding of the culture of the Lunar New Year. As this culture is both novel and interesting, she is now much more interested in Taiwan!

Deng-Maw Lu, President of STUST, said that he wished all the students good luck in the Year of the Ox, with all the good health, safety, and success they deserve in Taiwan. President Lu also gave everyone a red envelope with money in it on the New Year's Eve, which symbolizes auspicious wealth in the coming year. The international students also said auspicious greetings to the president. Everyone was excited and happy when they received the red envelope and rushed to take pictures. The annual Chinese New Year gathering for international students ended successfully when the international students wished one another a happy new year.