Assumption University of Thailand (AU) welcomed the Year of the Dragon with a grand Chinese New Year celebration that captivated the hearts and imaginations of the AU community. Held in front of the Cathedral of Learning the Suvarnabhumi Campus, this event was a collaborative masterpiece brought to life by the Confucius Institute of Assumption University (CIAU), Department of Business Chinese from the Theodore Maria School of Arts, Student Affairs, Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, Louis Nobiron School of Music, and the Central Library.
The celebration was honored with the presence of Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, President of AU, alongside Rev. Bro. Dr. Amnuay Yoonprayong, Vice Rector for Moral Development Education, Rev. Bro. Dr. Verayuth Boonpram, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Rev. Bro. Dr. Monthol Prathumarach, Vice President for Student Affairs, marking the event with their presence and support.
The festivities transcended traditional boundaries, featuring mesmerizing lion and dragon dances, face-changing performances, as well as captivating cultural Chinese dances and singing presentations by students from the Department of Business Chinese' Theodore Maria School of Arts, Louis Nobiron School of Music, and Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts. The event also offered immersive experiences of Chinese culture and cuisine through specially designed booths, allowing students and attendees to fully engage in the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year.
Bro. Bancha, President of AU, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "Today, we celebrate not only the vibrant culture and traditions of Chinese New Year but also the spirit of unity and diversity that thrives within our AU community. The Year of the Dragon symbolizes strength, prosperity, and good fortune. Let this year bring us all closer, fostering a community that thrives on understanding, respect, and mutual support."
The celebration aimed not only to entertain but also to facilitate cultural exchange, providing a joyful platform for interactions and heralding the Year of the Dragon with abundance and merriment. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength, good fortune, and the ancestral lineage of the Chinese people, making the Year of the Dragon especially significant.
As the celebrations concluded, the community came together to share laughter, blessings, and a collective anticipation of a year filled with prosperity, joy, and cultural enrichment. "May the spirit of the dragon guide all AU members through the coming year, bringing good fortune, unity, and an enriched cultural experience to our diverse community." concluded Bro.Bancha.
Assumption University remains committed to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering an environment of mutual understanding and respect among its students and staff. The Chinese New Year celebration is a testament to this commitment, promising a year ahead filled with hope, achievement, and community spirit.
About the Year of the Dragon:
The Year of the Dragon is one of the most anticipated zodiac years in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength, luck, and prosperity. Dragons are revered for their power, courage, and nobility, embodying the spirit of leadership and ambition. The year 2024 marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, promising a year of innovation, growth, and boundless potential. In Chinese tradition, the Dragon year encourages us to embrace change, pursue our passions with courage, and face challenges head-on, promising a journey filled with adventure and success.
Assumption University is proud to have celebrated the onset of the Year of the Dragon with such a magnificent event, embracing the cultural richness and symbolic significance of this auspicious year. As we move forward, AU remains committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding.