Lunar New Year Celebration at the Faculty of Health Sciences

On 13 February, the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK), held its Lunar New Year celebrations. The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in Chinese culture, representing renewal, new beginnings, and the importance of family and community.

According to the lunar calendar, each year is defined by an animal sign that imbues the period with a specific meaning. On 17 February, we enter the Year of the Fire Horse. In Chinese astrology, this symbolises energy, freedom, and progress, often associated with mobility, openness, and perseverance. Tradition suggests that this year is particularly favourable for launching new plans, embracing change, and personal development, as the character of the Horse is brave, passionate, and purposeful.

Students and teachers from the Confucius Institute prepared a vibrant cultural programme for the event, featuring Chinese musical performances, traditional and modern dance displays, and spectacular productions rooted in Chinese culture.

The event holds particular significance for the institute’s Chinese students, who are unable to travel home to their families during this period due to their studies. For them, the celebration is more than just a cultural programme; it is a "piece of home" that allows them to experience Lunar New Year traditions within a community.

The Confucius Institute has played an essential role in the life of the faculty for many years, offering students the chance to familiarise themselves with the Chinese language, mindset, and cultural values. Such initiatives build bridges between cultures and help to foster a more international outlook.