The sun lazily leaned against the clouds, and the prelude of spring swayed the branches and dyed them into a deep and bright green color.
On April 23, 2022, Esther Hall held the“National Style Bazaar” event of antique beauty by the water. Lanterns were floating, silk was swaying, and many students wore clothing with national elements to come and enjoy the scenery. The crowds were bustling, and walking among them felt like being transported back to an ancient marketplace.
Event Preparation
The power of life is contained in every moment of effort to bloom, and behind every wonderful event lies long-term preparation. The initial small idea gradually became a reality through numerous adjustments and improvements.
On-site Arrangement
Setting up the viewing area
Preparing the booths
Dance rehearsal
“Maple leaves are gorgeous after frost, plum blossoms emit fragrance through the snow.”
This wonderful event could not have happened without the efforts of every participant. Each Esther Hall-er decorated the venue from morning to night and patiently communicated with the merchants; the performers rehearsed time and time again to present a better stage; the vendors carefully prepared and arranged everything, just to make everyone say“I really like it” when passing by.
In this“National Style Market” event, they constantly showcased themselves, improved themselves, and realized their own blooming.
Booth Review
Every booth at the market was surrounded by people. The bowl cakes at Yinbingji were refreshing and satisfying, the jewelry at Fangfeige was exquisite and beautiful, the green rice balls at Zhiwei Qinghuan Ge were soft and round, and the calligraphy works at the“Luo Zhi Yun Yan” small shop were elegant and graceful...
(Student picking out accessories)
Night Market Stalls
There were tea art performances, showcasing the artistry of brewing a cup of tea, and painting exhibitions, where a few brushstrokes could evoke the charm and beauty of a scene. In the shadows of the lights, one could hold a cup of freshly brewed tea and taste the sweet and sour tang of hawthorn berries. As the night fell, a gentle breeze brushed over the black and white pieces on the Go board, while crowds gathered on the lawn to watch stories unfold through light and shadow.
Tea art performances
Painting exhibitions
Students contemplating over a game of Go
Crystal-clear hawthorn berries
Students watching movies on the lawn
As the sun, which had shone brightly all day, dragged its steps to the west, splashing colorful clouds, the world solidified into a night market.
(Group photo of Huaijin Han Culture Center)
Crowds of people come and go in the market
Review of Performances
The lingering sound echoes with ancient charm, and the dance portrays the vastness of the land from afar. Without visiting the gardens, one cannot fully appreciate the beauty of spring. With swords in hand and boundless energy, the Chinese Wushu Association’s “Martial Arts Blossom” captures the essence of youth and freedom.
The elegant and graceful “March in Spring” performed by the Esther HallClassical Dance Troupe blooms with the scent of spring.
The melodious music of “Liu Shang” played by the DeyiGuqinAssociation is a refreshing breeze that brings joy and freedom.
The enchanting “String Puppet Show” by the Huaijin Han CultureCenter is a mesmerizing performance that is like a dreamy haze.
The tender and delicate “Purple Bamboo Tune” played by theYuyin MusicCenterexpresses deep emotions.
The gentle and soothing sounds of the pipa in “Chasing the Moon in Colored Clouds”create a peaceful atmosphere in the moonlit night.
The sweet and gentle songs of the Guitar Association are filled with tender and warm feelings.
# WhatThey Say
“Luo Zhi Yun Yan” small shop: The staff atEsther Hall were very organized and patient when coordinating with us. The promotion of the event was very comprehensive, and both the lucky draw and the live performances were very attractive. Even though setting up the stall was tiring, we felt fulfilled and happy!
Yinbinji: It was heartwarming to see that the small products and games we prepared were well received by everyone. During our lantern riddles game, even strangers helped each other to guess the answers, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of ancient lantern festivals. We hope to have the opportunity to make bowl cakes and ice jelly in the future, and to play the throwing pot and guessing lantern riddles game with everyone amidst the bustling crowd.
Fei Zhu Ya Ge:I never expected that so many students and teachers would love our traditional architecture models. It was worth staying up all those nights to make them. I hope we will have more opportunities in the future to promote Chinese culture and exchange ideas with students from different majors through our work at the Architecture Association.
“To hold water in one’s hand and moon in the other, to collect fragrance of flowers in one’s dress.” It’s a pleasure to meet you at the Chinese cultural market and feel the charm of Chinese culture’s blooming flowers. Let’s make an appointment for the next beautiful performance together.
