The Confucius Institute at Stony Brook University

Confucius Institute Chinese Culture Short Film Series at Stony Brook

Chinese Wushu/ Chinese Lion Dance
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012

Chinese Wushu or Kungfu is considered the quintessence of China. It is typical of Chinese traditional culture to pursue the development of a strong body and a sound mind. This short film introduces the development of Chinese Kungfu, including its different styles, weapons, and the legends of Shaolin Kungfu.

Chinese Lion Dance is a particular art form typical of Chinese culture. Although there are no lions living in China, lion culture and lion dance are wide spread. This short film introduces the skills needed and the stylistic differences between the reserved and delicate Chinese lion dance in the south of China and the more majestic Lion Dance of the north.

More information: Click here.

— Chinese Culture 中国文化系列

Mid-Autumn Festival

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According to The Journal of Folklore Research, China’s Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional occasion to celebrate family unity and harmony and is related to two Chinese tales. The first is the myth of Cháng'é, who flew to the moon, where she has dwelt ever since with “Moon Rabbit” for company. The second is the legend of the Han Chinese's uprising against the ruling Mongols at the end to the Yuan dynasty (1280–1368 CE) in which the Han Chinese used traditional mooncakes to conceal the message that they were to rebel on Mid-Autumn Day. Since the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911) Mid-Autumn Festival has continued to grow in wide-spread popularity.

The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Lunar calendar (usually in September or October) and is the second most important festival in China. Mid-Autumn Day has become an occasion for Chinese families to gather together and is also thought of as “the Family Reunion Festival” when families celebrate by sharing dinner, eating mooncakes and enjoying the beauty of the full, round moon.

Traditionally incense is burned to “Chang E”, candle lit lanterns are made and can be seen everywhere lighting up the night as they float by on rivers or through the air. The traditional “Dragon Dance” is performed as entertainment by dancers dressed as a huge dragon and in some part of China trees are planted as reminders of the occasion and of friends and family near and far.

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