Belgian people gathered at the -Mid-Autumn Poetry Festival- in Brussels to taste Chinese culture
On September 21, nearly a hundred individuals gathered at the Chinese Cultural Center in Brussels to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in a vibrant “Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering.” Participants recited Tang poetry, practiced writing Chinese characters, answered engaging questions, and enjoyed delicious mooncakes.
The event drew attendees from various backgrounds, including students and their families affiliated with the Translation Institute of the University of Mons, the Confucius Institute in Brussels, and the Confucius Institute in Liège. The crowd was wonderfully diverse, featuring everyone from elderly community members to playful children, university students studying Chinese, and newcomers eager to explore Chinese culture, all united in their appreciation of Mid-Autumn traditions.
During the poetry recitation section, participants brought classic works to life with readings of “Spring River, Flower Moon Night,” “Climbing the Stork Tower,” “Quiet Night Thoughts,” and “Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear?” Musical interludes included enchanting performances of “A Thousand Year Wait” and “Moonlit Night.” Tai Chi fan and accordion solos added to the lively atmosphere, prompting continuous applause from the audience.
An interactive quiz segment kept everyone engaged, featuring thought-provoking questions like, “Which of the following—osmanthus, dragon boat, or jade rabbit—is not associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival?” and “Which couplet best reflects the cursive style of Eastern Jin calligrapher Wang Xianzhi’s ‘Mid-Autumn Post?'” These enjoyable questions not only entertained but also enhanced the audience’s understanding of Chinese culture in a relaxed setting.
Additionally, participants relished activities such as mooncake tasting, the art of Chinese character writing, and exploring an art exhibition at the center. The atmosphere reached a peak when attendees proudly displayed their beautifully written Chinese characters, joyfully sharing the festive greeting, “The bright moon rises over the sea; we share this moment, no matter the distance.”
Following their mooncake indulgence, newcomers like Marco Iopriore shared their reflections on the event. He expressed how the poems and music, along with the culinary delight of mooncakes, illuminated the richness of Chinese culture, igniting his enthusiasm to learn more. Gong Yi, the director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Brussels, highlighted that this poetry gathering is a key part of the center’s 2024 series titled “Together Under the Moon—Mid-Autumn Festival,” designed to offer the Belgian public an immersive experience of traditional Chinese celebrations.
