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As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, faculty and students from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) gathered to immerse themselves in the cultural charm of this traditional Chinese festival. Nearly 200 participants took part in activities such as making Cantonese-style mooncakes and painting Chaoshan lanterns.

The event began with a baker explaining the customs and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival and demonstrating how to make Cantonese-style mooncakes. Known for their thin, tender crusts and abundant, diverse fillings, these mooncakes typically feature a golden, tender pastry with fillings primarily made from lotus seed paste, sweet bean paste, or mixed nuts, often enhanced with salted egg yolks for added flavor. The mooncakes made by the GTIIT community this time were filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk.

Guided by the baker, the attendees enthusiastically dove into the hands-on process¡ªkneading the dough, wrapping the fillings, and pressing the molds, with great focus. Soon, many people handed their mooncakes, imprinted with phrases like "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival", "Good Fortune" and "Peace and Happiness" to the bakers for baking with joy and anticipation.

While waiting for their creations, a lively DIY painting session for Chaoshan oil-paper lanterns commenced. Bamboo-woven oil-paper lanterns, an ancient traditional folk art in Chaoshan, showcase unique local craftsmanship and carry people's heartfelt wishes for life. Under the mentor's detailed guidance, participants gained a deeper understanding of the lanterns' cultural significance and learned key aspects of their craftsmanship.

After listening attentively to the instructions, everyone eagerly picked up their "mini" blank lanterns. Using brushes dipped in colorful paint and boundless imaginations, they successfully created their own unique lanterns, with vibrant and beautiful patterns, carrying Mid-Autumn Festival blessings and visions.

During the event, refreshments were also provided. Faculty and students chatted while enjoying the snacks, sharing Mid-Autumn Festival traditions from their respective hometowns. A warm atmosphere of friendship and festive spirit filled the campus. When the handmade mooncakes were freshly baked, the participants happily retrieved their culinary works by number with a sense of accomplishment.

"This is my fourth time joining the Mid-Autumn event at GTIIT," said Assoc. Prof. Elissaios Stavrou from Greece of GTIIT Materials Science and Engineering program. "We don't have similar Mid-Autumn customs in Greece. Each time I make mooncakes myself, I gain a new understanding of traditional Chinese culture and feel the beautiful meanings embedded in this traditional festival."

This cultural experience not only honed practical skills and fostered the relationship among participants, but also deepened everyone's understanding of traditional Chinese culture amid the aroma of mooncakes and the warm light of lanterns. It built a bridge of shared Mid-Autumn memories for the Chinese and international faculty and students.

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Zhang Letong

Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Yu Dongshi, Huang Jiaji