Despite physical distancing and COVID protocols, Bolles Chinese language students said goodbye to the Year of the Rat and rang in the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Ox!

Chinese Week at Bolles typically is a much anticipated, celebratory event highlighting Chinese culture and language – including parties, food sales and other festivities. This year, student organizers focused on ways to honor the event safely. The week began with a Zoom talk by Dr. Norman Rothschild, professor of Asian History  at the University of North Florida. He presented a lecture on the life of Wu Zhao (624-705), China’s first and only female emperor. Rothschild received student questions following his presentation, commenting on students’ “cerebral and nuanced” questions.

Max Frohman  ’22 led a calligraphy activity during the week – an opportunity also enjoyed by Dr. Jeff Yeakel’s history students. They have been studying calligraphy, painting, printing and the civil service exams during the Tang and Song periods. Lara Morello ’21 hosted an online Chinese lantern-making workshop. To conclude Chinese Week, the Bolles Chinese Club offered a session of Tai-chi meditation to help students relax their bodies and minds.

May the Year of the Ox bring luck and happiness for all Bulldogs, their friends and families!