For the run-up to Christmas, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages planned a series of Advent activities. What took place first was the Christmas Lighting Ceremony on November 29th. With each of them holding up a candle, thousands of faculty and students lined up to form a giant star that glittered under the evening sky. The large Christmas tree on campus was also lit up during the ceremony to declare the coming of Christmas. Earlier that day, there had been a charity bazaar on campus, and proceeds from the selling of products would be donated to Mother of Peace Primary School in Cambodia to spread the love of Taiwan to Southeast Asia.
During the most anticipated Christmas Lighting Ceremony, faculty and students followed the Catholic tradition of lighting up an Advent Wreath to light up the candles in their hands. On the final countdown, everyone lined up to form a giant star and held up their candle while watching the Christmas tree and lights being lit up.
The theme of this year’s Christmas celebration in Wenzao was Hope. During the Advent, Wenzao lit one candle every week to count down to the day of the birth of Jesus Christ and raise the curtain for the series of activities. Advent refers to the four weeks before Christmas during which time people wait for the coming of Jesus Christ. The four weeks represent repentance, penance, joy, and peace, respectively. It is a period when people prepare their hearts, minds, and souls to let in the love and truth from God.
Wenzao Christmas Lighting Ceremony started from the charity bazaar at noon. Faculty and students prepared fine food, fun games, and cultural and creative products developed by themselves and second-hand items to be sold at the bazaar. The cuisines ranged from traditional Taiwanese snacks like grilled sausage and minced pork rice to indigenous delicacies, Indonesian yellow rice, pan-fried Korean rice cakes, Vietnamese spring rolls, and French desert macaroons. The activities included kimono try-on, bottle-up game, dart game, and board games. The wonderful food and entertaining games made the bazaar an enjoyable event.
President Margaret Mei-Hua Chen receives the light from the angel to light up the first candle.
Wenzao faculty and students participate in the Christmas Lighting Ceremony.
Students dress up in traditional Thai costumes and sell Thai drinks.
Stalls sell delicacies and cultural products.
Kimono try-on activity
