Host a Chinese tea party, and practise calligraphy on red hard-boiled eggs

After years of civil war, Communist leader Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

Every year, on October 1, China’s National Day is a time when people reflect on the country’s achievements, look towards a brighter future and reflect on how things can be improved.

Some people watch the military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Others enjoy a show at the National Day Evening Gala with singing and dancing. People also celebrate with fireworks, concerts, sports events and cultural events. Cities and towns decorate their streets in a patriotic theme.

Many people also see it as a time to celebrate Chinese culture, such as calligraphy and tea.

Host a Chinese tea party

Materials

• Chinese tea leaves

• teapot

• tea cups

• hot water

Instructions

1. Rinse the teapot and teacups with hot water.

2. Place a teaspoon of tea leaves into the teapot’s strainer. Pour hot water onto the tea leaves before emptying the water. This step “awakens” the tea leaves to release their smell and taste.

3. Pour hot water over the leaves, and let them steep for a few minutes. Read the instructions on the tea packaging to see how long it needs to steep. The selection and preparation of tea leaves is an art form, and each tea has a special way to be prepared.

4. Pour the tea into cups and share with family and friends! In Chinese culture, tea is offered to guests as a sign of respect, and it is a symbol of harmony and purity.

Calligraphy with red hard-boiled eggs

Materials

• hard-boiled eggs

• ½ cup of hot water

• vinegar

• red and black food colouring

• brush pen

Instructions

1. Put the hard-boiled eggs in a bowl of hot water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar.

2. Add 15-20 drops of red food colouring. Red symbolises good luck in Chinese culture, and dyed red eggs are served on important birthday celebrations.

3. Use a spoon to pour the red liquid all over the eggs, and turn the eggs around. Repeat.

4. Place the dyed eggs on a rack to let them dry for at least 30 minutes.

5. In a small dish, mix a few drops of black food colouring with ½ teaspoon of vinegar.

6. Dip the brush pen in the ink to write Chinese blessings or other messages on the eggshell.

7. After drying, display your celebratory eggs.