Sodexho brings China to GCSU through lamps
The Chinese Lantern Festival traditionally celebrates the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year. On March 8, Sodexho was briefly transformed with a touch of the festivities.
At the beginning of the dinner session, Karen Ramirez, the Campus Services Coordinator for Sodexho, and some assistants introduced the festival, the preceding events, and a short history of the lanterns.
“I was hired to implement our cultural events, as a marketing specialist, and execute monthly promotions for the Sodexho Corporation,” Ramirez said, “They usually run for about a week; so for this month, the theme is the Chinese New Year since it is about this time of year.”
Historically, the lanterns that are colorfully hung represent ancient story scenes, the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, heroic figures, and riddles. Over time, limitless possibilities for beautiful and ornamental lantern designs have emerge to express Chinese tradition.
The lanterns are not the only noteworthy part of the festival. The last night, Xiao, is used to make peace, forgive old grudges, symbolize a new start for families, and perpetuate unity throughout the community.
The tang yuan dish is a food necessity during the festivities and is comprised of rice balls filled with black sesame paste, tangerine peel, walnuts, meats, and vegetables. The round shape represents a full moon, and corresponding with the festival, marks the first full moon of each year.
While the exact origins are uncertain, Buddhism, Taoism, and the legend of the Taiyi worship god predict the festival’s creation around 206 BC through 221 AD. Nevertheless, the cultural and social aspects of the lantern festival have made it popular in the United States and throughout the world.
“[The events] serve a purpose; they are educating the students about different cultures in a social environment,” Seigler said.
General Manager of Sodexho, Neil Seigler, was pleased with the turnout and success of the event. The Tunes and Tastes promotions, held by Sodexho, constructively relate to students and faculty. Michael Dykes, a junior psychology and math major, was positively influenced by the experience.
“I like to learn about different cultures in general,” Dykes said, “It’s really good to have the opportunity to try new foods and learn about other traditions.”
The community aspect of Sodexho events generates a crowd of students and visitors to gather, learn, and enjoy the foreign culture.
“We know they are coming to eat in a social environment and then we have more time to get their attention during dinner and execute by educating,” Seigler said.
During the evening, chopstick contests were enjoyable, as well as fortune cookie contests, Tae Kwon Doe basic free-spare without contact, and music that entertained and amused. The entire event was student-geared and engagingly connected to their taste buds and eye balls alike.
Ramirez is planning a Luau for the end of March with the Pause organization to resemble a carnival-like Spring Fest. After such a huge success with the celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival; the staff of Sodexho has a lot to live up to.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Mar 16 2007. Filed under Features.
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