Confucius Institute Celebration Showcases Han Culture

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2014) — In celebration of the work being done at Confucius Institutes across the globe, the Office of Chinese Language Council International (colloquially known as the Hanban) and the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI) present Confucius Institute Day. The events include a showcase of Han fashion, dance and ancient music beginning 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall. The events are free and open to the public.

"Hanfu Costumes through the Chinese Dynasties: A Celebration of Confucius Institute Day" features the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese ethnic group. The Han have an immense history, spanning 4,000 years — from the legendary Yellow Emperor all the way to the end of the Ming Dynasty. In collaboration with Mu Dan Hong, UKCI shares with the Bluegrass community the fashion, technology and elegance of this ancient Chinese apparel.

The event caps off a day of celebration which begins earlier that day in Triangle Park. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the UK Confucius Institute will present Chinese cultural activities for the community. Visitors can create opera masks, try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, eat Chinese food, listen to traditional Chinese music, play hackey sack and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.

The mission of the UKCI is to serve as Kentucky’s gateway to China in the areas of education, arts, culture and business. UKCI Director Huajing Maske and her staff have been largely successful in fulfilling this mission at UK, local Kentucky schools and in the community at large.

Since its inauguration, UKCI has positioned itself as a conduit of UK’s China initiatives, and created many successful partnerships between colleges at UK and Chinese universities. UKCI has also played a valuable role in K-12 Chinese language and cultural education.

UKCI's success was recognized globally with the university's program being among the 25 named 2012 Confucius Institutes of the Year. Awarded by the Hanban, the honor distinguishes UKCI among the more than 430 Confucius Institutes in 115 countries, including 90 Confucius Institutes in the U.S. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu