On Wednesday, January 10, OUS’s Japanese and international students came together at the Sky Lounge in the 50th Anniversary Building to celebrate A New Year Cultural Exchange organized by GLOBOLA at Sky Lounge. The theme of the event was New Year’s Day around the World.
After separating into three teams, introducing themselves, and sharing what they did on New Year’s Day, OUS students engaged in New Year’s games and activities representing four countries.
Sri Lanka – Elephant’s Eye
One of many Avurudu (traditional New Year) games people play in Sri Lanka is called Aliyata Aha Thabeema (Draw the Elephant’s Eye). On a blackboard is a drawing of a side view of an eyeless elephant with a circle indicating where the eye should be. After turning around several times, blindfolded players attempt to draw an eye. The one who draws the eye within or closest to the circle wins. In the GLOBOLA version of the game, three drawings of elephant heads were taped to the wall. Each team chose a representative to place a ready-made eye on an elephant in the same fashion as Fukuwarai. After placing the eye, three judges decided which elephant looked best.
Japan – Sugoroku Sugoroku is a board game played on a cardboard gameboard with dice and game pieces. GLOBOLA took the game to the next level by transforming Sky Lounge into the gameboard, making large dice, and coming up with obstacles such as “Lose turn,” quiz questions, juggling, Kendama (Ball and Cup game), and Darumaotoshi (Toppling Dharma), and teams moved together as game pieces.
China – Lantern Quiz
China’s Lantern Festival is famous throughout the world. It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. In keeping with the tradition, GLOBOLA attached papers to five lanterns containing a question about Chinese New Year’s traditions on one side and three possible answers on the other. Each team had ten seconds to choose the correct answer. After answering all of the questions, teams learned the answers, and Mr. Shin of the Global Center, who is from China, was on hand to briefly explain each answer.
Example: The Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different date each year; when is the Chinese New Year in 2024?
1. February 1
2. February 6
3. February 10
Guess the correct answer.
Bangladesh – Dance
The Pohela Boishakh (First Month) festival is celebrated on April 14, the first day of the Bengali calendar, the official calendar of Bangladesh. Activities include parades, fairs, and family time. For GLOBOLA’s event, participants did a traditional dance.
Many participants reported that they enjoyed the activity and would like to participate in future GLOBOLA events. They hope to see more participation from international students.
After separating into three teams, introducing themselves, and sharing what they did on New Year’s Day, OUS students engaged in New Year’s games and activities representing four countries.
Sri Lanka – Elephant’s Eye
One of many Avurudu (traditional New Year) games people play in Sri Lanka is called Aliyata Aha Thabeema (Draw the Elephant’s Eye). On a blackboard is a drawing of a side view of an eyeless elephant with a circle indicating where the eye should be. After turning around several times, blindfolded players attempt to draw an eye. The one who draws the eye within or closest to the circle wins. In the GLOBOLA version of the game, three drawings of elephant heads were taped to the wall. Each team chose a representative to place a ready-made eye on an elephant in the same fashion as Fukuwarai. After placing the eye, three judges decided which elephant looked best.
Japan – Sugoroku
Sugoroku is a board game played on a cardboard gameboard with dice and game pieces. GLOBOLA took the game to the next level by transforming Sky Lounge into the gameboard, making large dice, and coming up with obstacles such as “Lose turn,” quiz questions, juggling, Kendama (Ball and Cup game), and Darumaotoshi (Toppling Dharma), and teams moved together as game pieces.
China – Lantern Quiz
China’s Lantern Festival is famous throughout the world. It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. In keeping with the tradition, GLOBOLA attached papers to five lanterns containing a question about Chinese New Year’s traditions on one side and three possible answers on the other. Each team had ten seconds to choose the correct answer. After answering all of the questions, teams learned the answers, and Mr. Shin of the Global Center, who is from China, was on hand to briefly explain each answer.
Example: The Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different date each year; when is the Chinese New Year in 2024?
1. February 1
2. February 6
3. February 10
Guess the correct answer.
Bangladesh – Dance
The Pohela Boishakh (First Month) festival is celebrated on April 14, the first day of the Bengali calendar, the official calendar of Bangladesh. Activities include parades, fairs, and family time. For GLOBOLA’s event, participants did a traditional dance.
Many participants reported that they enjoyed the activity and would like to participate in future GLOBOLA events. They hope to see more participation from international students.