“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.”
——Author unknown

With a history that spans thousands of years, China has undergone waves of transformation that has resulted in its rich cultural heritage. Beyond historical documents and literature, China’s traditional culture can also be found in its architecture, music, cuisine, arts and crafts. It is challenging to settle on one aspect that stands out the most, and that is exactly why such a vibrant culture should be celebrated. At Auesome Place, our Auesomers have been given an opportunity to enhance their appreciation for this fascinating culture through immersive and engaging experiences.

As food is so deeply embedded in Chinese culture, it is important for our Auesomers to learn more about the culturally-significant delicacies enjoyed by millions. With eight major regional cuisines, China’s food culture has distinctive characteristics that places a great emphasis on flavor, nourishment, and harmony. Involving our Auesomers in culinary activities also allows them to work on their fine motor skills and coordination, improve their understanding of nutrition, as well as continuously develop their math skills (measuring and counting) and language skills by navigating instructions and recipes.

When we learn about food, we also recognize how much individual tastes can differ and texture can be just as much a factor as flavor. Laba congee is a traditional Chinese dish that is typically eaten during the Laba Festival, which happens on the 8th day of the 12th month in the lunar calendar. This festival is celebrated as a prelude to the Chinese New Year festivities. While the ingredients of Laba congee may vary, it generally contains a mixture of beans, grains, dried fruits, and nuts. By using different kinds of ingredients, we are building positive food experiences for our Auesomers by giving them opportunities to sample new food items with a range of textures and sensory experiences.

As a staple in Chinese cuisine, dumplings also hold a special significance during the Spring Festival – China’s most important and festive traditional holiday. The shape of the dumpling, which resembles ingots that were once used as China’s currency, is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year. Our Auesomers eagerly took on the task of preparing the ingredients and practicing a variety of cooking techniques – such as kneading, slicing, and mixing – resulting in a fitting tribute to the Chinese New Year celebrations and could be proudly served in any authentic restaurant.

To mark the end of our Chinese New Year festivities, our Auesomers made some delectable tangyuan, a traditional dessert made of glutinous rice flour and sweet fillings. Tangyuan symbolizes reunion and harmony, and its round shape represents unity and completeness. It is traditionally eating during the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. As an extension to this activity and to further promote cross-curricular learning, our Auesomers were also taught how to paint tangyuan in their visual arts class. Their creativity was brought over from the kitchen to the canvas, and everyone made use of a variety of vivid colors and artistic techniques to create beautiful pieces of artwork. After all, it makes sense to appreciate such a tasty treat in more ways than one.

With the arrival of spring, our Auesomers were also given an opportunity to learn about qingtuan, a traditional Chinese snack made of glutinous rice flour mixed with mugwort, which gives it a distinctive green color. Typically shaped into small balls and filled with sweet bean paste or other unique flavors such as salted egg yolk and pork floss, our Auesomers carefully prepared each qingtuan and eagerly brought them home to share with their loved ones.

Our Auesomers were also tasked to create their very own miniature persimmon trees by constructing persimmons using clay and hanging each one on carefully-arranged branches. In addition to being known for its medicinal properties, persimmon trees are associated with longevity in Chinese culture and can serve as a symbol of a promising future. The tree's long lifespan and ability to produce fruits for many years is also seen as a sign of good fortune and abundance. Our Auesomers’ creativity and ability to follow step-by-step instructions truly flourished.

The purpose of learning doesn’t end with words and numbers. It reaches beyond that, allowing us to experience diverse cultures and gain an awareness of unique traditions. Essentially, the aim is to create well-rounded and informed individuals, and exposure to deeply-ingrained traditions and respected practices is an important stepping stone to achieve this. Equally important is learning how to recognize that we all sense the world around us in different ways, so the same experiences can have a profoundly different impact on individuals. Our Auesomers have not only learned more about the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, but they have also enjoyed the benefits that come from pure immersion.