#China #Cultural Heritage #Chinese New Year #Yulin #Yulin Culture

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Yulin City

In March 2024, the Chinese New Year was officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This designation highlights the significance of the festival, which is celebrated by more than a fifth of the globe's population across over 20 countries. In Yulin, a city steeped in history and located in Shaanxi province, residents proudly showcase unique festive customs and invaluable folk skills that have been passed down through generations.

Yulin, known for its historical relevance as a fortification of the Great Wall and a critical stop on the Silk Road, serves as a site where various Chinese cultural traditions intersect. During the celebrations, visitors from around the world had an opportunity to engage with the rich heritage through hands-on workshops, offering them a deeper understanding of Chinese art and culture.

At the Yuyang district's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, the artistry of the Yang family in silver inlay captures the attention of all attendees. This skill, refined over five generations, has its roots in the Ming Dynasty. The intricately designed silver pieces merge aesthetics from the Central Plains with influences from nomadic cultures. Participants, including international guests, were enchanted by the elaborate process required to create traditional Chinese knot jewelry, leading them to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship inherent in these designs.

Throughout the workshop, expressions of amazement echoed as participants recognized how such detailed work reflects the skill and dedication of Chinese artisans. This led to a shared appreciation of the cultural significance embedded in the art form.

In a separate clay sculpture studio, Master Cui welcomed attendees with a demonstration using quintessential yellow clay to create vivid scenes reflective of life in Northern Shaanxi. This art form, which dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, distinctly embodies a strong sense of realism, portraying characters from rural life and vibrant street performances. One foreign participant, proudly holding a clay statue of an elderly man with a pipe, remarked on how these creations encapsulate the profound understanding of the Chinese way of life, emphasizing how artistry can narrate cultural narratives.

Moving onto the realm of paper-cutting, participants gathered at Master Dong’s booth to learn the intricate techniques involved. Yulin’s legacy in paper-cutting has evolved over centuries, showcasing stories from Northern Shaanxi folklore through carefully crafted layers of paper. Upon completion of their festive-themed paper cuts for the Chinese New Year, the attendees collectively expressed a wish for this Eastern art form to gain visibility and appreciation globally.

From the elegance of silver jewelry to the expressive nature of clay sculptures and the intricacy of paper art, Yulin’s craftsmen weave a narrative of cultural heritage through their skills and dedication. For those foreigners engaging with these ancient arts during the celebrations, the Chinese New Year transformed from merely a festive occasion into a profound opportunity for bridging civilizations, as they came to appreciate the depth of Eastern cultural narratives. As these dialogues between cultures unfold, the enduring legacy of thousands of years shines anew in today’s global context, reinforcing the significance of cultural exchange in humanity’s journey.

This vibrant celebration in Yulin not only marks a festive occasion but also invites the world to witness the evolution of a civilization rich in history and artistry. The essence of the Chinese New Year resonates far beyond its traditional roots, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among different cultures on the global stage.