On the morning of February 25, 2026, SCCCA was invited for the third year to host a Lunar New Year cultural workshop at Honda Center (Newport office).
This year’s theme, “Embrace AAPI Communities through Lunar New Year Celebration,” aimed to showcase Chinese culture to a wider community through diverse cultural experiences.
The event was full of attendees, mostly adults, with a majority being non-Asian Americans. They participated enthusiastically, displaying curiosity and appreciation.
The event allowed attendees to enjoy traditional arts while experiencing the vibrancy of Chinese culture in a modern community setting.
Erhu Melodies: Horse Racing, The Moon Represents My Heart, and Golden
The program opened with an erhu performance by Brittany Chen, capturing everyone’s attention. She performed three pieces: the energetic Horse Racing, the well-known The Moon Represents My Heart, and the third popular piece, Golden.
The erhu’s unique timbre and the rhythm of bowing captivated the audience, many of whom listened intently, while some nodded gently along with the music.
The performance not only showcased the elegance of traditional Chinese music but also introduced the erhu’s cultural significance.
After the performance, many non-Asian attendees asked questions about the instrument’s structure, playing techniques, and the history behind the pieces, demonstrating deep interest and respect for Asian culture.
Hands-on Experience: Traditional Calligraphy
Following the music, participants engaged in a calligraphy workshop.
Using brushes dipped in gold ink, attendees wrote couplets and the character “Fu” on red paper, while learning the auspicious meaning of red decorations and the legend of the Nian monster.
Guided in brush handling and basic strokes, participants experienced the fun of traditional Chinese writing.
Many non-Asian attendees were eager to learn about the Chinese zodiac, the Five Elements, and the symbolism of red.
They actively asked questions and discussed how to apply traditional wisdom in everyday life. The interactive session created a warm and lively atmosphere, allowing participants to “see” and “touch” culture.
Finally, they enjoyed hot dumplings, experiencing the family warmth and festive spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Community Engagement: Sharing Culture and Celebrating Together
Through this event, SCCCA demonstrated a complete cultural system from education and training to community performances, allowing traditional culture to thrive in modern society.
The workshop enabled attendees to appreciate and experience traditional Chinese arts, while fostering a deeper understanding of Lunar New Year traditions among diverse communities.
Many non-Asian attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Asian culture up close and looked forward to sharing these stories with family and friends.
As the event concluded, attendees left with meaningful experiences and blessings, and SCCCA hopes to continue promoting the value of Chinese culture while enriching Lunar New Year celebrations across the community.
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