TLI’s Calligraphy Session
Alright ladies and gentlemen, lets do one more post for today, alright?
The past Friday was going along like any normal day at school, with me enjoying my three hours with my teachers practicing my Chinese, up until Tan Laoshi, my second hour teacher, informed me that the school was having a calligraphy lesson free of charge to all students and teachers who so desired them. Of course, I managed to convince my third hour teacher, Ge Laoshi, to assist me in my practicing.
The reason for the calligraphy is due to the upcoming Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger, which is coming at the end of this week. By painting calligraphy onto square pieces of paper, you express what you desire. You then hang them upside down to attract them to you and your household. The color of the squares, red, is also significant, as it is designed to scare away a monster that devours humans. Additionally, the use of fireworks also frightens him, the reason why the Chinese New Year is rung in by many firecrackers.
As I do not wish to be eaten by this cannibalistic monstrosity, I took it upon myself to paint some calligraphy of my own, for how else could I repell him? As one might expect, there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to learning the PROPER way to paint calligraphy. I was fortunate enough to have had some training before from a very good Taiwanese friend, but even with those lessons, my painting was atrocious. Despite having a hard job ahead of her, Ge Laoshi took the time to help me practice my writing and I achieved a level of “Well, you are getting better.” Something I consider to be a major success.
The TLI staff was kind enough to enlist the help of some professional painters to show the ropes to the students. Something I am grateful for, because I will now be returning home not just with my scribbles, but also with proper, professionally drawn characters to hang up and bring those I love prosperity. Even if it is a little late to save them from the man-eater. Thankfully he is probably on the TSA do not fly list.
In any case, it was a lot of fun and showed me that I really ought to buy a set of my own with which to practice once I return state-side.
Well, that is all for today,
Thanks for reading and have a terrific week,
Alex
Dear Alex,
I am very impressed with all of your postings and your pictures. Just saw your Dad this morning. He was off from work; so he came over to see Grandma. We are all looking forward to your return home. Take care and love you very much. Aunt Marianne