The Tradition of Celebrating Chunjie Was Discussed at the Scientific Library of PetrSU

The seminar was organized and held by the Department of Foreign History of the Institute of History, Political and Social Sciences and the Scientific Library of PetrSU for students of the Institute of Philology with the participation of students and teachers of the Glazunov Petrozavodsk State Conservatory within the framework of the discipline "History and Culture of China".

Natalia Vladimirovna Smirnova, Head of the Department of Foreign History, PhD in History, Associate Professor, paid attention to the traditions of celebrating Xiaonianjie - the Small New Year Festival, which the Chinese celebrate a week before the Spring Festival (Chunjie). Xiaonianjie is considered the first in a series of New Year holidays and is therefore especially important for Chinese families. N. V. Smirnova spoke about the traditions of preparing for the holiday based on the novel by Chinese writer Chi Zijian "White Snow, Black Crows" (2010) translated by Alexey Rodionov.

Vladimir Ignatovich, a third-year student at the Institute of History, Political and Social Sciences of PetrSU, in his report "Notes by Lorenz Lang 1715-1717 on the Celebration of the New Year in China" pointed out the role of centuries-old traditional Chinese holidays, one of which is the New Year, which serve as a "link" between the Chinese nation, society and generations. The symbols of the holiday are blossoming plum flowers or daffodils, indicating the approach of spring.

Anastasia Romanovna Zelinskaya, Associate Professor of the Department of Wind and Percussion Instruments of the Glazunov Petrozavodsk State Conservatory, told the audience about sacred animals and fantastic creatures of China:

“2025 will be held under the sign of the wooden green Snake, which replaces the Dragon. The Year of the Snake will last from January 29, 2025 to February 16, 2026.

The seminar ended with a festive concert performed by Dmitry Aleksandrovich Suslov, Professor of the Vocal Art Department of the Glazunov Petrozavodsk State Conservatory, Ilona Aleksandrovna Pokrovskaya, Accompanist, Teacher of the Chamber Ensemble Department and Accompanist Class of the conservatory, conservatory students from the PRC: Bian Siyu, Wu Siqiao, Ge Yitong.

The seminar was attended by university students, philologists and historians, as well as guests from educational institutions of Petrozavodsk and residents of the city.

The staff of the Scientific Library prepared an exhibition on the history of Chinese culture.