By: Lance Lawton
On Oct. 9, Spratt Hall was filled with the smells and sounds of traditional Chinese culture, thanks to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Mid-Autumn Chinese Festival is a time for students and faculty to celebrate harvest time and the gatherings of families. This is the second largest festival in China, after the Chinese New Year.
For anyone who is not familiar with Chinese culture and traditions, this was a good opportunity for both students and the public to learn more about the festival that honors thankfulness and peace. Another name for the event is the Moon Festival, since the moon is at its roundest and brightest this time of year.
Dr. Stacia Bensyl, chair of the English department, said that the festival is perfect for people who might not ever be able to travel across the world to visit China.
“If you’re originally from northwest Missouri or almost anywhere in the Midwest, you may not get the chance to travel to China,” Bensyl said. “The root of the word university is ‘universal’, so we are basically a small universe here on campus and that’s what we’re trying to do: experience more of the world without having to leave home.”
The festival began with a short play performed by students. They acted out the legend of mid-autumn and how the festival became a true Chinese tradition.
Two students in the play, Sky Blue Lux and Lauren Brunner, were excited and anxious practicing for the festival.
“Everyone was nervous about the play, especially Lauren, so I decided to volunteer both of us for the play,” Lux said. “It was a fun experience.”
After the ceremony concluded, everyone had the chance to participate in Chinese activities, including fan painting and calligraphy writing.
Austin Edwards, a senior art major, was pleased to see that Western holds a variety of cultural activities for the students.
“We have such a diverse campus,” Edwards said. “A lot of people don’t know a lot about China, so this festival was an opportunity to learn more about the culture.”
