The Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing organized a creativity workshop on Saturday, March 25, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Galaxy SOHO headquarters. This workshop was held with the children from the Beijing International School Kids Club. Originally scheduled for early March, the event had to be postponed due to springtime illnesses affecting the children who were planning to visit the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing.
Sixteen students from the Beijing International School Kids Club, aged 9 to 12 years, accompanied by two teachers, visited the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing to learn more about Romania, its culture, traditions, and specificities as spring approached.
The "Mărțișor" is an ancient Romanian tradition, and the name "mărțișor" is a diminutive form of the month of March, symbolizing the arrival of spring. This celebration is characterized by unique traditions, including symbolic arts and crafts. In this regard, a workshop was organized to create traditional Romanian "mărțișoare" (symbols of spring) that the students wore and took home.
To start, the students watched an introductory video about the significance of "Mărțișor" in Romania, sang Romanian spring songs ("Vine, vine primăvara"), created their own "mărțișoare," and learned a few words in the Romanian language. At the end of the event, the BIS Kids Club students presented an artistic performance, including a traditional Chinese dance and a recital of native poetry. They received a certificate of appreciation from the Institute as future cultural representatives.
This event allowed Chinese children to become familiar with Romanian cultural traditions and values, helping them form a more comprehensive understanding of Romania.
Event Schedule:
11:00 AM – Welcoming the young guests at the Romanian Cultural Institute Beijing, with a welcome speech from the director of ICR Beijing;
11:00 AM – Watching a video about the "Mărțișor" celebration in Romania;
11:30 AM – Workshop to create traditional Romanian "mărțișoare";
1:00 PM – Snack - Romanian food and a small buffet for the children;
1:30 PM – Romanian dance and an artistic performance offered by the Beijing International School Kids Club;
2:00 PM – Certificates, gifts, and farewell.
