The students of Sinology at the Faculty of Humanities of Tbilisi State University celebrated the “Dragon Boat Festival.” The event was attended by a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Georgia as well as by the students and faculty members.
The day is also celebrated as the national traditional holiday of China. It is sometimes called the May festival because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of every year. The objective of this program organized at the University Campus was to highlight the rich cultural and traditional values of Georgian life to the attendees.
Sinology program students on this occasion also presented poems of Chinese poets and their own translations and got appreciation from the audience present as well. They also performed Chinese songs and dances, and a painting exhibition on the theme of “Dragon Boat Festival” was exhibited, which witnessed the participation of many art students as well.
According to the people who are familiar with Chinese cultural values the festival is held in honor of the ancient Chinese patriotic poet Qiu Yuan. He lived in the Chu Kingdom during the Warring States Period. After the fall of the Chu kingdom he was very sad and angry, he killed himself by jumping into the river on the fifth day of the fifth month. Qiu Yuan was greatly loved by his fellow villagers so they immediately sailed by boat to find him.
The performers were dressed in beautiful, different-coloured dresses. They also depicted the life of the Qiu Yuan through their performances. There were many solo performances by the students, along with other group events. At the same time the students shed light on the life story of the Chinese national hero with their melodious songs and received the appreciation of the event attendees .
It is to be specifically mentioned that many students from China are currently studying at Tbilisi State University. They extended their gratitude to the University administration for their cooperation in holding this event.
