Chinese as the Vessel Carrying National Beauty, Peony as the Invitation to Friends

Recently, the "Chinese: A Timeless Gift" International Chinese Language Day cultural event, co-hosted by the Confucius Institute at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and the Publicity Department of Chengwu County, Shandong Province, China, was successfully held at the university’s Second Teaching Building auditorium. The event featured a cultural carnival themed "Peony Sentiments·Heze Extends Invitation, Fragrant Rendezvous in Brazil," with multiple interactive cultural experience zones attracting hundreds of faculty and students.

Cultural Dialogue Between Chinese Characters and Peonies
Coinciding with the traditional Chinese Grain Rain solar term, the pouring rain echoed the ancient legend of Cang Jie creating characters when "millet rained from the sky." Cui Guangying, Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute, intertwined the origin myths of Chinese characters with peony culture in her speech, showcasing her meticulously crafted peony painting. A Brazilian professor from the University of London’s Birkbeck College, upon receiving the artwork, remarked, "The layers of petals make me feel the sophistication of Chinese art." During interactive sessions, students won panda plush toys and exquisite peony crafts through quizzes, playfully exploring the auspicious symbolism of the "King of Flowers."

Brushstrokes Bridging Civilizations
At the "Peony Messages" station, over 100 hand-painted peony postcards became cross-cultural ambassadors. Architecture student Júlio wrote Li Bai’s verse "Clouds yearn for her garments, flowers crave her beauty" with a brush, marveling, "These characters bloom as magnificently as peonies." Under Dean Cui’s guidance at the calligraphy zone, Brazilian students practiced brush techniques, with many noting, "The rise and fall of each stroke reveals Eastern philosophy."

Hanfu and Tea: Staging Eastern Aesthetics
Ten sets of exquisite Hanfu sparked a dressing frenzy. International attendees adorned with peony hairpins exclaimed, "Every fold in the fabric whispers history." As Hanfu-clad participants posed before peony-themed backdrops, the guqin melody "High Mountains and Flowing Water" filled the air. Tea artist Pan Yunan’s whisking demonstration drew crowds, with economics student David savoring Longjing tea: "The tea’s aroma and Hanfu’s elegance form a complete cultural immersion."

Interactive Games Deepen Cultural Understanding
Laughter echoed at the Chinese snack ring-toss game, where cheers erupted as students snagged White Rabbit milk candies. The intangible cultural heritage zone displayed students’ peony paper-cuttings and "Shishi Ruyi" (Persimmons Symbolizing Good Fortune) prints. Leonardo, a Chinese language learner, waved his paper-cutting artwork: "This beats textbook learning any day!"

Foreign Dean Miriam Mansur reflected: "We’re planting not just cultural symbols, but seeds of mutual understanding. These immersive experiences transcend language barriers." As the event concluded, stories intertwined with peonies are writing new chapters in cross-continental cultural exchange.