Exploring Traditions: HSE Students Celebrate Lunar New Year
On February 1, 2025, the HSE Cultural Centre hosted its annual celebration of the Lunar New Year. This large-scale event brought together students and teachers with an interest in the cultures of East Asian countries. The celebration was organised by the School of Asian Studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, the Department of Internationalisation, the HSE Chinese Club, as well as other university clubs—the Musubi Japanese Club and the Hanryang Korean Club.
Guests enjoyed calligraphy workshops where they could learn how their names are written in various Asian languages, try their hand at the art of ink painting, and create prints featuring the symbol of the year—the snake. Tea enthusiasts explored the intricacies of traditional tea ceremonies, discovered unique and unusual tea varieties, and learnt about the cultural significance of tea rituals in the East. Visitors were also offered traditional Chinese red envelopes containing New Year wishes—a custom in China where such envelopes are given to loved ones as a token of prosperity and good fortune.
Guests enthusiastically took part in traditional games and quizzes, testing their knowledge of Eastern customs and the history of the New Year celebration. The highlight of the evening was a concert that immersed the audience in the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year through theatrical performances, traditional songs, and dance group showcases.
Many international students compared the joyful atmosphere to the warmth of New Year celebrations at home. ‘I am from Asia, and this year I could not celebrate New Year in my home country. But here, I felt the warmth and comfort of a family celebration,’ shared Nguyen Hinh Ngoc Anh, a student at the HSE Graduate School of Business.
For Russian students studying Eastern cultures, the evening provided an excellent opportunity to connect more deeply with various traditions.
Guests praised the high level of organisation and the organisers’ attention to detail. ‘The interiors are beautifully decorated, and it is clear that the organisers put a lot of thought and passion into the event. Each area has a unique atmosphere that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture,’ said Ekaterina Klimenko, a fifth-year student of the Asian and African Studies programme. She attended the celebration with her friend Elizaveta, who does not study at HSE but happily spent the day at the university.
For many attendees, the event was not just an entertaining celebration but also an opportunity to meet new people. ‘It is a fun way to spend time, broaden your horizons, learn about different traditions, and meet students from various fields,’ noted Maria Fedyunina, a student of the ‘Management in Creative Industries’ programme at the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries.
The participants highlighted the importance of such initiatives, as they help strengthen the student community by creating spaces for interaction and knowledge exchange.
Text by Sofia Simina, Advertising and Public Relations Programme