On September 14th, the Southern Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, the North California Chinese Cultural Learning Center, and the Silicon Valley International Elite Association jointly organized a free cultural event titled “Five Elements Handicraft” in Milpitas. The event attracted nearly a hundred students from Chinese schools, TCML learners, and enthusiastic parents.
During the event, Principal Li Tingyi and teachers such as Xie Yizhen, Chen Liling, Liu Huimin, and Liao Xiuqing explained the cultural concept of the five elements – gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.
Various handicraft booths were set up on-site representing the five elements using different items: plant bonsai symbolizing “earth,” pearl milk tea decorations representing “water,” snow skin mooncakes symbolizing “fire,” bell bookmarks representing “gold,” and powder paint illustrating “wood.”
Participants not only engaged in hands-on creativity but also gained a deeper understanding of Chinese five elements culture through their artwork, creating a lively atmosphere. Additionally, renowned calligrapher Qiuqiu was present to write bookmarks and spring couplets in golden ink, adding a rich artistic atmosphere to the event.
Principal Li Tingyi expressed to the media that the event aims not only to promote the Chinese language but also to help learners understand the philosophy and practical applications behind the five elements, such as color and food pairing, as well as the wisdom of interpersonal relationships regarding generation and control.
Through the hands-on experience, participants could intuitively feel Chinese culture and establish a stronger foundation and interest in language learning.
Director Zhuang Yashu of the Overseas Chinese Education Center mentioned that the center collaborates annually with TCML to conduct Taiwanese cultural tours, with this year marking the fifth event. Today’s activities centered around the five elements, combining plantings, mooncakes, spring couplets, milk tea, and painting to deepen students’ understanding of Taiwanese cultural meanings while learning Chinese.
She noted that there are currently six TCML branches in Northern California with approximately three to four hundred learners. Through such activities, the Overseas Chinese Education Center has become an important window to showcase Taiwanese culture.
Moreover, many expressed interest in joining TCML following the event, finding the cultural experience enjoyable and even hoping to sign up for friends or family members who do not speak Chinese, indicating the effective promotion of the event.
Alice Yang shared that she attended the event with her family of four for the first time. Her children enjoyed the experience of plant bonsai, pearl milk tea decorations, snow skin mooncakes, and felt happy. She believed that such designs were both fun and educational, allowing children to learn about Taiwanese culture and the concept of the five elements while gaining valuable insights.
Eight-year-old Ryan shared that he studies Chinese at home and particularly enjoys pearl milk tea, expressing his desire to participate in such activities again in the future.