Sean Marco, News Reporter
Humber North celebrated Lunar New Year on Feb. 11 by allowing students to engage in traditional Chinese activities and learn more about the culture.
The event also gave students the chance to indulge in Chinese cuisine provided by the First Year Experience (FYE) staff. But there was a catch: students had to participate in events and talk to hosts to earn coins to buy food.
The activities included Chinese calligraphy, lantern making, and how to use a Chinese Diabolo.
Event volunteer Christine Tran was happy to see people interacting with booth hosts at the event in the Student Centre.
“There are many different types of people that seem to be interested,” she said. “S
Hosting the Chinese calligraphy booth, Tran was kept busy as people were both curious about how it’s done and impressed by its beauty.
Students were also given the chance to learn more about Chinese history and traditions, zodiac signs — the event marks the Year of the Pig — and Humber’s traditional Chinese medicine practitioner program.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner student and FYE staff, Mangala Ranasinghe said the event was organized by the FYE but was ultimately hosted by the TZU Chi Clinic and Chinese community.
“Being in this program, you don’t only learn about the medical practice but you also get to know how rich the Chinese culture is,” he said.
TZU Chi Clinic therapist
“People forget the importance of traditional medicine,” he said. “Our clinic offers traditional Chinese therapy, from herbal teas to suction cups and acupuncture.”
Chen also offers students of the traditional Chinese medicine program jobs after they graduate from Humber.
“Students at Humber offer therapy at the North Campus where they can practice,” he said. “This allows them to get comfortable with what they learn and confident in their abilities.”