Mandarin

What wonderful weeks we have had Mandarin classes in ENPS!

Over past few weeks, we have been exploring two very special Chinese characters: 福 (fú) and 春 (chūn). Students practised writing the characters carefully on red and yellow squares, just like traditional Chinese New Year decorations. They wrote the characters carefully and beautifully decorated it with creative patterns and colours. 

But why are 福 and 春 so important?

The Chinese character 福 means good fortune, happiness and blessings. 春 (chūn) means spring, symbolising new beginnings and growth. In Chinese culture, these two characters are especially important during Chinese New Year, which is also called 春节 (chūn Jié) - the Spring Festival. Spring represents a new beginning, growth and hope for the year ahead. During festival, families often hang the symbol 福 on their doors or windows. But you may even see it placed upside down! This is because in Chinese, the word for “upside down” sounds like the word for “arrive,” symbolising that good luck has arrived. And the colour red represents happiness, celebration and protection. That’s why these two characters are written on red paper - to bring extra luck and joy to the home.

We are so proud of their efforts and can’t wait to continue our festive learning in the coming weeks!

新 年 快 乐！(Happy New Year)

xīn nián kuài lè

王 老 师 (Wáng lǎo  shī, Ms King) and 李 老 师 (Lǐ  lǎo  shī, Miss Li)                

Mandarin Teachers