On January 27, 2024, the first event of the 2024 Mingde Cultural Forum organized by the RUC North America Alumni Association (RUC-NAAA), the “RUC–McGill University Lunar New Year Cultural Salon,” was successfully held in Montreal, marking the opening celebration of the Lunar New Year season for RUC alumni across North America.
Hosted by the Montreal Chapter of RUC-NAAA and organized by Jingtian Culture, the cultural gathering offered participants an engaging and creative platform for cultural exchange.
Under the theme “Soaring Dragon, Seizing the Moment,” the event featured a series of activities, including keynote presentations, collaborative calligraphy, parent-child games, and a festive luncheon, creating a cultural experience that was both informative and entertaining.
During the keynote session, Zining Zhang, Secretary-General of the Canada China Antique & Art Collectors Foundation, offered an engaging introduction to dragon-themed artifacts and the evolution of dragon motifs in Chinese art and culture. She explored C-shaped and S-shaped dragon forms found in ancient artifacts and traced the evolution of dragon claws in decorative motifs across different dynasties, from three claws to four and ultimately five. She also brought several small dragon-themed collectibles for participants to examine and appreciate, sparking great interest among the audience.
Liping Han, Senior Investment Manager in TD Bank’s Private Wealth division, approached the topic of children’s financial planning through the familiar tradition of giving red envelopes during the Lunar New Year. She shared practical strategies for helping parents prepare education funds and plan for their children’s financial future, offering useful guidance for everyday family life.
Master Deyu, an expert in traditional Chinese metaphysics, explored the cultural significance of the dragon in the Year of the Dragon. Beginning with stories from the Chinese zodiac and the concepts of yin and yang, he introduced participants to some of the fascinating ideas and traditions of Chinese metaphysical culture in an accessible way. Through an interactive Q&A session, he also shared his perspectives on the Year of the Dragon, the Lunar New Year, and the preservation and transmission of traditional culture.
Tian Tian, President of the Montreal Chapter of RUC-NAAA and a calligrapher, introduced participants of all ages to the cultural meaning behind the Chinese character “福” (good fortune). She demonstrated traditional calligraphy and invited children to join her in writing the character themselves. The bright red paper, flowing brushstrokes, and enthusiastic participation brought a lively Lunar New Year atmosphere to the gathering, giving alumni living abroad a strong taste of the traditions and festive spirit of the holiday.
The parent-child games and luncheon that followed added even more warmth and laughter to the celebration, creating opportunities for families to enjoy time together while strengthening friendships and connections among alumni.
More than 20 people attended the event, including RUC alumni and their families from the Montreal area, as well as professors and Ph.D. students from McGill University’s Department of East Asian Studies and Faculty of Education.
The Montreal Chapter of RUC-NAAA extends its sincere appreciation to the event organizer, sponsors, and everyone who participated. It was through your support and participation that this cultural salon was able to achieve such a successful outcome.
As we begin a new year, let us move forward together and celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, contributing to greater cultural exchange and understanding. We look forward to bringing you more exciting events as part of the Mingde Cultural Forum series.
