In China and Asia the Mid Autumn Festival, also called as Moon Festival, is the biggest celebration after the New Year day. It is held according the traditional lunar-calendar during the full moon of the 8th month. This year that date was 8.9. Friends of the chinese culture, Oulun Taijiseura and chinese community celebrated this year at Saturday 20.9. at Kaijonharju Youth Centre, Kaijonharjun Nuorisotalo at 13-16 o’clock. The organizers were Kiinalaisen Kulttuurin ja Yhteistyön Keskus, Oulun Taijiseura and Oulu Chinese Students and Scholars Association. This was the first time that we had this kind of collaboration but definately not the last!
The Moonfestival is the end of harvest thanksgiving party and families and friends reunion. Earlier also the moon worshipping and praying for good luck has been important.
The Youth Centre was cozy and nice, there was a kitchen where for food preparation. Also there were a lobby with big tv-screen where the lectures were kept and a large hall where was demonstrations and tables.
We had a table there with taiji books and stuff.
There were lot of interested people, Finnish, Chinese and also international and national students. Jiaozi-dumplings and mooncakes were soon sold out also tea and other products had a lot of interest. Some people told us after my lecture about Taiji and Jenni’s performance of Taiji-fan, that they want to come and try Taiji!
In addition to taijiquan the program included a lecture about Feng Shui by Song Fengchun, Tea seremony and lecture. Chinese Calligraphy vs. depression and demonstration by Judy. Jari-Pekka Raitamaa was hosting the event.
This was a nice gathering of old and new friends thank you everyone! See you again next Autumn during full moon!
Aki
