Students came to the celebration for various reasons.  When questioned about his attendance, Derek Schmeichel replied, “I’m here for the chi”, a Mandarin twist on the English phrase, “the eats”.  “It is good food!” said the Chinese major, simply put.  Derek’s first time eating jiaozi was this past summer while participating in the Tianjin Nankai summer study abroad program. 

Others, both native Chinese speakers and those newer to the language, had come to continue their tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year.  Japanese major and Chinese language student Errol Packard said, “I’ve been celebrating the Chinese New Year since I was a kid.  My dad has a lot of Chinese friends.  We used to go to big jiaozi parties like this!”

Professor Cheng took time to answer the questions of students less familiar with the celebration.  He has been celebrating the Chinese New Year his entire life, and recalled details like helping his mother cook for the big event.  Professor Cheng discussed numerous different aspects of the celebration including games, offerings, meals, color symbolism, regional differences and even how the celebration has changed throughout the years.  However, he stressed that no matter what, “the main thing is to enjoy family togetherness.”

Although many of the attending individuals, both from China and other parts of the United States, had to be apart from their families during this extravagant celebration, the First Annual Jiaozi Party certainly provided an amazing cultural experience, fashioning and strengthening the togetherness of a less traditional family.  On this evening, community members and the students and teachers of the East Asian Department’s Chinese division, a family in their own right, shared much knowledge, many experiences and, quite simply, an excellent time. 

This 2005 event was presented by the UW - Madison East Asian Language and Literature Department. Next Year, CLACC will be working with this department to throw the Second Annual Chinese New Year Jiaozi Party.