UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland

🌕 Celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival & UCD Global Week with Us! 🌏

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Chinese culture, where ancient traditions meet modern creativity. Discover the magic of the Moon Festival with hands-on cultural workshops. Dive into the art of paper cutting, master the intricate skill of Chinese knot making, unleash your creativity with ink blowing painting, and try your hand at calligraphy. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to savor the delightful flavors of traditional moon cakes!🌕🎨🖌️

Time: 1-3pm, Thursday 26 September
Venue: UCD Confucius Institute

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of Chinese folk music performed by the next generation of musical prodigies. Mini Summer Concert at UCD Confucius Institute , Tuesday 23 July. Reserve your seats now.

Chinese Folk Music by Jinan Children's Folk Music Ensemble Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of folk music performed by the next generation of musical prodigies. Reserve your seats now

Lion Dancing 舞狮

The resounding clash of cymbals and the steady beat of drums serve as auditory signals for the lion dance. While there are numerous enjoyable New Year celebrations, none quite compare to the exhilarating energy of lion dances. It's a celebration that truly awakens the spirit. Vibrant and thunderous, the lion dance is an ancient Chinese ritual believed to ward off evil spirits and bestow blessings upon businesses or homes.
Southern lions are thought to have originated in Guangzhou. Legend has it that they appeared in the dreams of the Qianlong Emperor during his Southern tour, leading him to commission their creation based on his description for use in festivals thereafter. However, it's more probable that they were adapted from the Northern lion, which has roots dating back to the Ming dynasty.

Nezha 哪吒

Nezha, a deity in Chinese folk religion, serves as a guardian figure. His Taoist designation is "Marshal of the Central Altar" (中坛元帅). Following his deification, he acquired the title "Third Lotus Prince" (莲花三太子). Nezha features prominently in Chinese mythology and ancient literature, notably in Fengshen Yanyi (also known as the Investiture of the Gods). However, his saga of conquering the sea stands out as the most renowned among Chinese households. In Journey to the West, Nezha serves as a general under his father, "Pagoda-wielding Heavenly King" Li Jing.

Mogao Caves 莫高窟

The Mogao Caves serve as the nation's primary institution for preserving cultural relics. Known as the Thousand Buddhas Cave, they are located west of the Gansu Corridor in Dunhuang. Renowned worldwide for their exquisite murals and sculptures, their origins date back to the former Qin dynasty and have been expanded and refurbished by subsequent dynasties including the Northern Dynasty, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Tangut, and Yuan. The cumulative efforts of these dynasties have resulted in the vast scale of the existing cavern complex (735 caves), encompassing approximately 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 square meters of painted sculptures. This makes it the largest and most content-rich Buddhist art site in the world. In modern times, extensive archaeological work has uncovered Buddhist scriptures and over 50,000 ancient cultural relics, contributing significantly to the field of Dunhuang studies, which specializes in the study of ancient texts and Dunhuang art.

海底捞 Haidilao

Haidilao is a well-known Chinese hot pot restaurant chain established in 1994. It is famous for its excellent customer service and interactive dining experience. Customers can customize their hot pot broths, select from a wide range of fresh ingredients, and enjoy various sauces and side dishes. Haidilao is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering services like free manicures and snacks while customers wait. The restaurant's success has allowed it to expand globally, bringing its unique blend of Chinese hot pot culture and exceptional service to diners worldwide.

瑞幸 Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee is a Chinese coffeehouse chain founded in 2017. It rapidly gained popularity for its convenient, app-based ordering and delivery services, challenging the dominance of traditional coffee giants like Starbucks in China. Luckin is known for its wide variety of coffee beverages, teas, and light snacks. The company experienced rapid growth, but it also faced a major scandal in 2020 regarding fabricated sales figures, which led to financial difficulties and regulatory penalties. Despite this setback, Luckin Coffee remains a significant player in China's competitive coffee market.

粤菜 Cantonese Cuisine:

Cantonese cuisine, originating from the Guangdong province, is known for its mild, delicate flavors and emphasis on freshness. Steaming, stir-frying, and braising are common cooking techniques. Signature dishes include "Roast Duck" and "Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions." Cantonese cuisine highlights the natural flavors of ingredients, and the use of sauces is subtle, allowing the ingredients to shine through. It is highly regarded for its balance and precision in culinary art.

Please register here if attending in person
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/iics-public-lecture-series-54th-confucius-phd-forum-tickets-861226109477?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hybrid Event, click here for zoom link
https://ucd-ie.zoom.us/j/62775868712
For more information:
https://www.ucd.ie/china/newsandevents/iicspubliclectureseries/professormsqianliu26march2024/

川菜Sichuan Cuisine:

Sichuan cuisine, also known as Szechuan cuisine, hails from the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan. It is celebrated for its bold, fiery flavours and liberal use of chilli peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique, numbing sensation in the mouth. Signature dishes include the famous "Kung Pao Chicken" and "Sichuan Hot Pot." Sichuan cuisine is characterised by its harmonious combination of spiciness and rich, complex flavours, making it a favourite for those who enjoy the thrill of intense taste sensations.

Loreto Secondary School in Bray, which is one of just eight schools in Ireland that runs a Confucius Classroom, celebrated Chinese New Year on Wednesday, February 21, with an array of Chinese music, dress, and culture.

Chinese New Year celebrated at Wicklow school as it marks 17 years hosting Confucius Classroom Loreto Secondary School in Bray, which is one of just eight schools in Ireland that runs a Confucius Classroom, celebrated Chinese New Year on Wednesday, February 21, with an array of Chinese music, dress, and culture.

中医整体观 Holistic View of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is built on a holistic perspective of health and wellness. It views the human body as an interconnected system where harmony between mind, body, and nature is essential. The core principles emphasise balance and the flow of vital energy, or Qi. Health issues are seen as disruptions in this balance, and TCM seeks to restore equilibrium through acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. TCM also recognises the body's self-healing capacity, aiming to support and enhance it. This holistic approach, deeply rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing health concerns.