Cultural knots forge links between college and overseas students
(jyt.jiangsu.gov.cn) Updated：2017-11-29
International students from Yangzhou University in Jiangsu learn to tie a traditional Chinese knot on Nov 14. [Photo/yzu.edu.cn]
Ever since Jiangsu's Yangzhou University initiated the Chinese cultural experience series in early November, the program has become increasingly popular with overseas students.
In its second edition, which took place on Nov 14, the focus was on the traditional manual art of knotting (中国结). Students from Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, South Korea and Mozambique participated.
Under the experienced guidance of Yangzhou University teacher Yang Qiannan, students learned various Chinese knotting styles and techniques like the square knot or "four-in-hand", a basic style that's easy to tie or untie and has been widely used to connect different parts of more elaborate ties.
Students marveled at the pipa knot, known for its resemblance to the four-stringed Chinese instrument of the same name.
The traditional craft also introduced students to the connection between knot tying and blessings, making coin-like knots for good fortune, butterfly-shaped knots for a happy future, and knots shaped like osmanthus flowers that are said to promote grace and nobility.
