• 10 Oct 2023
• 2023

Dreamers under the Moon: Empowering cultural diversity

With the purpose of bringing cultural diversity together, UEH English Zone has held the Cultural connections: Dreamers under the moon event with the presence of hundreds of UEH and international students. In the heart of autumn, when the moon was the brightest and fullest, the participants immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the event and shared their understanding of different values, beliefs and priorities.

In a world where cultural diversity is celebrated, "Dreamers under the Moon" emerged as a remarkable cultural connection event that spotlights the beauty of traditional festivals. Moon Festival or Mid Autumn Festival is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia countries such as Taiwan, Singapore,Viet Nam, and so on. Even though the Mid-autumn Festival originated in China and is celebrated in many Asian countries, each has its own traditions and unique traits. For this reason, the cultural connection “Dreamers under the Moon” is held to learn more about the characteristics of the indigenous culture of the countries.

During the event, the participants were able to learn about the way Vietnamese people celebrate the Mid Autumn festival and delve deeper into one of the most famous legends in Vietnamese culture - Chu Cuoi and the Banyan tree through a fascinating performance of the EZ crew. Such a play has made the folklore come alive on stage and  transferred a meaningful message of enduring love and togetherness.

One of the highlights of the event was the series of interactive workshops where the participants can transform themselves into craftsmen, bakers, or artists. We had an explosive DIY session with unforgettable activities like decorating lanterns with many fantastic ideas, painting masks, and crafting adorable mini Vietnamese Conical Hats. All the items created have special spiritual values and are perfect as souvenirs or gifts for friends during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Additionally, we also savored the unique Phuc Linh cakes of the Mid-Autumn season, which we made ourselves! These workshops not only showcased the Vietnamese iconic Mid Autumn symbols but also provided a hands-on experience for attendees to appreciate other cultures on a personal level. And of course, what gathering would be complete without a tea party, right? We enjoyed the soothing flavors of hot tea paired with delicious mooncakes, each with its own unique taste.

The key element of the event came where all the attendees gathered together with their products on hand. We came together for the most appealing tradition of the Mid Autumn Festival - the lantern parade. The gentle glow of the full moon along with the shining light from the  lanterns had made the enchanting night more beautiful than ever.

The Cultural Connection: Dreamers under the moon was a delightful celebration that showcased the beauty of unity and diversity. As the moon illuminated the night sky, so did this event enlighten the hearts and minds of attendees, leaving a lasting impact and a call for more celebrations that unite cultures and bring communities closer.

News and photos: Department of Student Affairs UEH