Lunar New Year international youth festival at Lobachevsky University
On February 13, Lobachevsky University hosted the Lunar New Year festival to celebrate the arrival of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar. The event featured a rich programme, including musical performances, displays of national costumes, and various workshops. Over a hundred participants from among the university's students representing different countries took part in the festival, including students from China, Vietnam, and Mongolia, where the Lunar New Year has traditionally been the most important holiday. The festival was organised by the International Club of Students at Lobachevsky University, with the assistance of the UNN International Students Support Office.
Nadezhda Shlykova, Head of the UNN Department for International Student Affairs, addressed the audience with welcoming remarks:
"Today, we are celebrating one of the most ancient, traditional, and revered holidays of the East — the Lunar New Year. On this day, it is customary to come together, visit one another, exchange baskets of fruits, and give red envelopes with money. The Lunar New Year is a holiday that people spend with their family, and we are one big family here. That's why we will spend this evening not only with friends from different parts of Asia but also with representatives of completely different countries. Our cultures share many similarities: traditional family values and the continuity of generations. These are the things that unite us and make it easy to find a common language. I congratulate you all on the Lunar New Year and wish you to have warm meetings and bold ideas this year. May spring always be in your hearts, regardless of the weather outdoors!"
As part of the Lunar New Year festival, the Lobachevsky UniverSum exhibition and fair of national cultures was held. The guests had the opportunity to explore national stands representing the participating countries, try their hand at origami, and take part in calligraphy and Chinese language master classes. Musical and dance performances were also presented to the guests.
The Chinese, or Lunar, New Year is the most significant holiday for people in China and other East Asian countries. It occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. During this time, people visit each other and exchange gifts, such as fruit baskets and red envelopes with money. Fruits are believed to symbolise longevity, health, and joy. During these days, it is also customary to launch kites and lanterns. People usually make wishes as they launch them. It is said that if the lantern flies far away, the wish will surely come true.
