Students try their hands at paper-cutting. [Photo/Nantong International Communication Center]

Students from the Siena College of Future Biotechnology at Nantong University in Jiangsu province visited the University of Siena and the University for Foreigners of Siena, Italy, from Jan 16 to 26.

Through a hands-on experience, a presentation on Spring Festival customs, and a cultural salon on Chinese New Year traditions, the students helped promote the spread of traditional Chinese culture overseas.

Students show off their Spring Festival couplets. [Photo/Nantong International Communication Center]

The volunteers explained the historical origins and cultural significance of paper-cutting in both Chinese and English, incorporating traditional customs such as decorating windows with paper-cuttings and putting up auspicious characters during the Spring Festival. They also demonstrated how to cut window decorations and write Spring Festival couplets, providing one-on-one guidance to the Italian students.

The volunteers also explained the spirit and origins of Spring Festival culture, covering distinctive customs such as giving red envelopes for good fortune, writing Spring Festival couplets for blessings, reunion dinners, and dragon and lion dances.

Using traditional festival blessings as a topic, the volunteers facilitated in-depth exchanges between Chinese and Italian students. Participants shared their own heartwarming New Year stories and exchanged greeting cards, bringing the event to a lively climax.