(Chinese New Years decorations, which we contributed to. Pic cred: the author)

A club that’s a hotpot of culture!

This quarter, I decided to join the Chinese Culture Club, which was mainly a decision on a whim – however, part of me really wanted to indulge in Chinese culture. I was immensely interested in cultures and traditions outside of my own, so this seemed like a club I’d enjoy participating in.

I was very correct! Every Tuesday at this club, we explore a different part of prominent Chinese culture – delving into the history first, afterward modern works, and finally participating in it! This means that the Chinese Culture Club is a very hands-on ASA.

The first session – which, interestingly fell on the 1st day of Chinese New Year – was a calligraphy lesson. We started off by being introduced to basic characters drawn for New Year, such as the ones below:

花 – flower

钱 – money

幸福 – happiness

And after being taught how to hold the calligraphy brush and practicing, we were ready to write the characters with ink. Let me tell you, although it looks easy – IT’S NOT. Calligraphy was much harder than I imagined, and after some time your wrist would start to get tired. Nonetheless, it’s something that I want to become better at and master!

This was just an example of one session, there are various other activities that we’ve done in the Chinese Culture Club.

(My painted lantern (the one in white). Pic cred: the author)

This activity was particularly enjoyable, while I do admit it was a bit stressful to make sure that the paper lanterns don’t rip, it’s been one of my favorite things to do so far. I was rather proud of my ability to paint very fine branches, and involve myself with the overall aesthetic – which I was rather surprised about.

(剪纸 – Papercutting, which we had created. Pic cred: the author)

With the help of the Chinese Culture Club, I believe that I was able to learn more about a new culture much more deeply than usual. Not only that, I think that I have been able to figure out certain aspects of my identity as well – such as my strengths in painting with fine lines, or succumbing to the aesthetic of empty canvases.

I’m truly glad that I joined this club, not only is it a rather relaxing way to cap off a Tuesday, it allows me to learn more about other cultures and even participate.

Learning outcomes:

• LO1 – Strength and growth 
  • I have definitely understood my areas of strength and other areas that I may be lacking in during this ASA. 
  • For example, I was able to realize that getting the exact thicknesses of parts in certain Chinese characters is definitely something that I have to work on, as well as maintaining the correct hand positioning when writing calligraphy.
  • However, I was also able to acknowledge my skills in painting very fine details and rather “flowy” objects (such as flowers, branches, etc). I think that this is a strength I am definitely proud of.

• LO2 – Challenge and skills
  • I believe that I have surely encountered challenges when conducting certain activities in the Chinese Culture Club – namely when holding calligraphy brushes or controlling the amount of strength I put into it.
  • These are factors that would influence the quality of work I produce, therefore aspects that I have to transform into skills instead, through practice!
  • I have gained many skills due to this ASA, mainly very artistic ones. However, also things such as picking up Chinese vocabulary.