A meeting with Li Xinwei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Armenia, held in honor of the Chinese New Year, took place at RAU on February 27. 

During the event, RAU students spoke about the history and traditions of this holiday, held topical quizzes, and performed New Year’s songs in Chinese.

“We are grateful not only for today’s visit, but also for your constant care and attention. We sincerely hope that in the foreseeable future we will be able to expand the list of national events related to Sinology and the Chinese language. We are very happy to welcome our guests on this festive day, in such a warm and beautiful atmosphere," noted RAU Rector Edward Sandoyan.

Li Xinwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, also delivered a welcoming speech.

“I am very pleased to be at the Russian-Armenian University. March 3 marks the Chinese New Year, and I sincerely congratulate everyone on this holiday! I hope that each of you will have the opportunity to celebrate this day in China itself!” said the Ambassador.

Yervand Margaryan, Director of the RAU Institute of Oriental Studies, shared his professional perspective on the significance of the Chinese New Year: "In Chinese mythology, the Snake is a symbol of quiet wisdom: it never rushes, yet always achieves its goals and gets everything done. I am convinced that a true sinologist should possess precisely this character: never rush, but always arrive first. Our university has been following this principle for decades. We have been celebrating the Chinese New Year for many years now, carefully preserving traditions and passing them on to new generations of students. May this holiday serve as a symbol for us that profound knowledge and patience always lead to great victories."
 
A special highlight of the celebration was a demonstration performance by Alisa Aleksandrovskaya, a student at RAU’s Usmunk School and the Armenian wushu champion.

 

It should be noted that the Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated from January 20 to February 21. In China, each year is associated with a specific animal, which becomes its symbol. Twelve animals - from the rat to the pig - form the zodiac cycle and, according to tradition, determine the character and general atmosphere of the year.

 

 

 

Translated by Tatevik Ghulyan