Chinese calligraphy booth
FASCA diabolo team group picture
Explaining the cultural relevance of Chinese calligraphy
On Saturday, February 28, a Lunar New Year event was held at the Fremont Main Library. The event was lively and included many different performances and hands-on activities. There was music, dancing, kung fu, singing, traditional musical instruments, and Chinese yo-yo performances, as well as Chinese calligraphy, dough figurines, and stamping activities.
The Vice Mayor of the City of Fremont, Yajing Zhang, attended the event and thanked organizers Chien-Chun Chang, emcee Sandra Su, FASCA advisor Katy Wu, and library manager Becky Machetta for all of their work in making the event a reality. Vice Mayor Zhang said, “I see our libraries as more than places for books - they are civic gathering spaces where generations connect and cultures are shared … our talented performers - especially the most adorable little 'dumplings' - fills the space with energy and pride. When we invest in cultural programming and community partnerships, we invest in the social fabric of Fremont.”
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors in the San Francisco Bay Area (FASCA SFBA) assisted with cultural activity booths that were part of the event. They maintained order at the Chinese calligraphy and dough figurine booths, introduced the origins of the Lantern Festival, and led the public and children in making glutinous rice balls by hand.
For their Chinese yo-yo(diabolo) performance, FASCA performers had a unique entrance in circular formation, representing reunion. They demonstrated their diabolo skills together, then groups of members tossed their diabolos in synchronization. Pairs showed off their skills, followed by a solo section in the performance. Their moves left the audience in awe, applauding throughout the performance at each new trick.
FASCA members guided community members and children in crafts: Chinese paper cutting, paper lanterns, and stencil New Year printing. As cultural ambassadors, FASCA members patiently explained the significance of Spring Festival couplets and traditional Chinese paper-cutting characters during the New Year.
FASCA advisor Katy Wu stated that this year marks the third year that FASCA has been invited to participate in the Fremont Main Library's Lunar New Year celebration performance. “Being able to showcase Chinese culture on the stage of a public library in the greater community is a highly significant cultural exchange experience for all. Special thanks to the library for its support of the event and the FASCA SFBA yo-yo team. We are proud of the professionalism and confidence demonstrated by the participants who have long been dedicated to practicing their craft.”
The ten FASCA SFBA participants embodied the highest spirit of community service as cultural ambassadors. The event brought together over two thousand residents from various ethnic communities to celebrate the Lunar New Year, where everyone was respectful and had a good time. We are very proud of the successful event with the help of FASCA SFBA members!
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