The Myanmar-Chinese Pen Pals Association held its annual Chinese New Year (CNY – also known as Spring Festival) couplets giveaway event yesterday at the “Three Lamps” (Rotunda de Carlos da Maia) roundabout.
The association’s chairman, Huang Quanchang, said in a speech at the launch of the two-day event that, since its establishment six years ago, his association has consistently upheld its founding purpose of “preserving Chinese culture, fostering connections within the overseas Chinese community, and serving the residents of Macau,” adding that, for the past six years, the association has organised a public welfare initiative of giving away Spring Festival couplets.
According to Huang, held in locations such as the peninsula’s Three Lamps and Iao Hon districts, as well as in Taipa, the event involves using brushes and ink to inscribe hopes for the Chinese New Year and convey heartfelt wishes to neighbours, adding that each couplet carries the profound essence of Chinese culture. This event is not just a cultural public service, he said.
Huang emphasised that the event has become an important link during the Spring Festival season, connecting the overseas Chinese community with local residents and passing on traditions and warmth.
Meanwhile, the Macao Great Wall Calligraphers and Painters Association also held a CNY couplets giveaway event at the government’s senior citizen rental housing estate on Plot P in Areia Preta district.
The association’s president, Iun Iok Meng, said in a speech at the launch of the one-day event that with the approach of the Chinese New Year, 28 calligraphy pieces centred on the theme “Welcoming Spring and Ushering in Blessings” have been created and are now exhibited at the art gallery of the that estate.
Iun also said that these artworks, each featuring the character “福” (fortune), correspond to the 24 solar terms and convey wishes for well-being throughout the four seasons, adding that some also incorporate elements of the Year of the Horse.
Iun said that the artworks aim is to extend CNY greetings to the estate’s residents, wishing everyone greater success in all endeavours, good health, and prosperity in the coming year.
Pedestrians gather around Chinese New Year (CNY – aka Spring Festival) couplets giveaway booths to receive them free of charge in Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, colloquially known as “Three Lamps” roundabout. – Photo: Armindo Neves
