While dealing with classes and work, sometimes it’s difficult to see your family as much as you want.
But at Wayne State’s Confucius Institute, regulars — some whose family is on the other side of the world — are affectionately referred to in Mandarin as “da jia ting,” or “extended family.”
“I think there is a general sense of community and belonging for many of the people who come here,” said Dr. John Brender, director of the CI. “I have seen a number of friendships develop between Chinese and non-Chinese, and their exposure to opportunities both here and in China have increased tremendously as a result of communication with each other and with our staff.”
Last semester, between 20 and 40 students and faculty members dropped by every Thursday between classes.
Past lecturers included Professor Congrong Dai, who discussed Confucius and Confucianism; Judy Chou, who spoke about the use of black lines in Chinese Art; and Professor Haiyong Liu, who answered the question, “Why is Chinese so darned hard?”
Jan. 26 was widely celebrated because it marked the Chinese New Year.
“It is definitely the most important festival of the year because it means 365 days have passed and a new 365 days will come,” said Shanshan Qiu, a graduate assistant at the institute. “The Chinese Spring Festival is a special day because it’s a time for families to be together.”
Qiu said that on the Spring Festival, it is bad luck to say ill-favoring words like “death” or “sick.” It is also bad luck to cry, which includes babies, and to go to the hospital … unless, of course, it’s very necessary.
On the Chinese calendar, 2009 is the Year of The Ox. According to Dr. Jiuming Liu, vice director and visiting professor of CI, these animal representations do not hold much significance.
“I think it has to do with the Chinese Zodiac,” said Qiu. “The old generation has the belief that when their sons or daughters marry, whether their zodiacs match is very important. It’s superstitious.”
“Maybe there is some good fortune in a pig year,” Liu joked. “You can eat and sleep all year.”
Significant or not, Qiu relishes it. She was born in “a horse year.”
“Horses are vigorous, energetic and warm-hearted,” she said. “I’m that kind of person.” The Year of The Ox promises great things for CI.
“I am excited about the Summer Service Learning Program, now in its fourth year, where we take Wayne State students to teach English to students in rural China,” Brender said.
"We had a wonderful group of students last year, and I am equally excited about taking our group of selected students this year.”
The Confucius Institute is also working with TechTown to provide office space and soft-landing assistance to businesses from China looking to start up in Detroit.
CI celebrated the New Lunar Year on Jan. 31, as well as its one-year anniversary.
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