Fuqua School’s International Club celebrated Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2016, the Year of the Monkey. 

Using Power Point and YouTube, students shared with their fellow students the meaning and importance of Chinese New Year, the 12-year Chinese animal zodiac and their own customs and traditions.  Shio Moribe, a member of the International Club and an exchange student from Japan, explained how Japan’s New Year is different. 

Fuqua School English and ESL teacher Chelsey Green said, “Our international students worked hard to provide us with a better understanding of their culture and traditions of the Spring Festival. I appreciate their openness and willingness to share such an important cultural experience with us.”

Wearing traditional Chinese attire, Dr. Bob Frank emceed the program. He brought with him many items from his travels to China. Each student was given the opportunity to have his or her American name written in Chinese, Japanese, or both.  As is the custom in China, each student received a red envelope with “money” (in this case, a chocolate coin).  Red is the symbol of energy, happiness and good luck, and the envelope is an opportunity for sending good wishes, luck and good fortune.