The Spring Festival, one of China's most cherished traditional holidays, is a time of vibrant celebrations and deep cultural significance. This year, Ericka Koo, a student from Costa Rica, immersed herself in the festivities, discovering the warmth and joy that come with family reunions and traditional foods.
Ericka shared her impressions of the Spring Festival, highlighting her love for dumplings and tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings). To her, these dishes not only embody tradition but also bring a special warmth to the celebrations. The experience of enjoying these foods allowed her to connect more deeply with Chinese culture.
Drawing parallels between China and Costa Rica, Ericka introduced festivals from her home country that share similarities with the Spring Festival. She noted that a common thread among these celebrations is the emphasis on gathering with family and friends to cherish special moments. This universal focus on togetherness allows people to experience the same sense of warmth across different cultures.
Through her participation in the Spring Festival, Ericka found that cultural traditions can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Her experiences reflect how festivals, no matter where they are celebrated, highlight shared human values and the joy of coming together.
