The Nottingham Confucius Institute (NCI) welcomed a vibrant crowd of over 60 students, staff, and local residents on October 17th for a special Mandarin Corner dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The evening began with an overview of the festival's legends and traditions. Participants then divided into small groups, each bearing poetic names like "Osmanthus" and "Jade Rabbit," which helped foster a collaborative and friendly atmosphere from the start.
A series of interactive activities formed the core of the event. Attendees learned cultural idioms such as "花好月圆" (huā hǎo yuè yuán), which evokes the perfect harmony of blooming flowers and a full moon. The energy in the room was palpable during a lively game of charades, while the mooncake tasting offered a more reflective highlight. Many sampled the traditional pastries for the first time, sparking conversations about their flavours and symbolism.
During the team games, a focused buzz of collaboration filled the room as participants worked together on various challenges. These included deciphering ancient oracle bone script, matching Disney characters to their Chinese names, and testing skills with chopsticks and tongue-twisters, providing a fun platform for cultural exchange.
The evening drew to a serene close with a recitation from Su Shi's classic poem, "Prelude to the Water Melody," under a projected moon, allowing guests a moment for quiet reflection.
The event was very well-received, with many attendees expressing interest in the next gathering. The upcoming Mandarin Corner will explore ‘The Art of Song Brocade’ on Friday, November 7th.
