For: Lunar New Year celebrations, February 2010.

Upper Riccarton Library celebrated the Lunar New Year from February 20-21, by creating a space for local communities to mark the important calendar event. On Saturday the Korean community gave performances of dancing and drumming, and on Sunday the Chinese community celebrated with Tai chi, choir and Lion dance performances. There were also songs and stories, as well as lantern making and papercraft sessions.

On Feburary 16, the library hosted a workshop run by Chinese Paper Cut Artist, Liu Jieqiong, who was awarded the title of Master of Folk Art and Craft by UNESCO. Participants made Chinese paper cuts incorporating bat, bird, and flower designs, which symbolise good luck, health, wealth and success for the New Year. Paper cutting is a traditional art in rural Chinese communities as a way of recording ancient myths and storytelling. The workshop was supported by Asia NZ Foundation and the Christchurch Arts Centre.

Upper Riccarton Library’s celebrations are part of a wider Christchurch City Libraries initiative to recognise and celebrate diversity and multiculturalism in the city.