In the dimly lit multimedia room of the China Cultural Centre in Yangon, students sat in silence with their eyes fixed on the stage as the gentle rhythm of a poem filled the air.
A tall boy in a long-sleeved white shirt stood on stage, reciting the Chinese classic poem, A Moonlit Night on the Spring River, with a melodic voice and graceful gestures.
The poem recital, along with other cultural performances and activities, was part of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Yangon on Saturday.
After his poem recitation, the 16-year-old boy, Wai Yan Lin, explained, “I like this poem because it is gentle and speaks of love.”
With a smile, he added, “I love this festival because I enjoy its story (The Story of Chang’e and Hou Yi) and mooncakes as well.”
He shared that he is of Chinese descent, has visited China many times, and celebrates both the Spring Festival and the Mooncake Festival at home.
The audience at the event was also captivated by the soft, melodic notes of a Chinese zither played by 15-year-old Htet Thiri Win.
“For this festival, I really enjoy mooncakes. The tea is very great. Other cultural activities are superb and amazing,” she said.
Htet, whose grandparents are Chinese, shared that she also speaks Chinese at home.
“Among all the Chinese festivals, I love Chinese New Year the most. We get red packets, play outside with friends, and have time to see relatives,” she said.
The celebration attracted about 150 participants, including about 80 students.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, begins tomorrow. — Xinhua
