Reflection from past three weeks and Chinese New Year

1. Reflection on the past three lessons

From the past three lessons, i have learnt quite a lot of things that cannot be learnt from textbooks. For one, i have learnt how to analyze pictures, also reading past the surface of the pictures and trying to get a deeper understanding of the picture that way. We were showed a picture of a vulture and child, taken by photographer Kevin Carter. At first, i thought that it was a picture to show how many less fortunate people there are out there to show us to be appreciative of what we are blessed with. However, through the lesson, i gradually began to think about how someone was able to actually get that picture, as the picture seemed like the photographer was waiting for the vulture to get close to the child. The vulture was in the background of the picture and the child was in the foreground, implying that the photographer must have waited for the perfect moment to capture that shot. Why did he not help the poor, starving child? I thought of these questions, while i would never have been able to before.

Also, we were shown two pictures- one of a homeless man holding up a board asking for help and another of a woman holding a baby, asking people around for money. If i saw those pictures before the lessons, i would have simply passed them off as two pitiful beggars, but never would i have thought that the woman was from a con organization.

Just from these simple pictures, there are a world of possibilities. It just depends on how you analyze it, how you decided to see it.

2. Colour, symbol and image of Chinese New Year

Colour: Maroon

When it comes to selecting a colour describing Chinese New Year, many people would undoubtedly choose the colour red. However, that is not the case when it comes to me. For me, the colour to describe Chinese New Year would be maroon. Yes, a darker shade of red, that is basically what maroon is. Of course, new year is a time for everyone to get together and have fun celebrating, also, i love the fact that we get red packets. However, since we get red packets, our parents will have to give away red packets too. That basically means that however much we get, however much our parents would have to give away. This is kind of sad as they never get anything in return, since i get to keep my own red packet money.

Symbol: Heart

For the symbol of Chinese New Year, i decided to choose a heart shape to represent love and care for all of the people whom i celebrate Chinese New Year with. During Chinese New Year, people often go around with two mandarin oranges to wish others health, prosperity and other nice things. I think this is a great way to show love and care to our family and friends. 

Image: 福

The symbol of Chinese New Year for me is the Chinese character 福.

It is often hung upside down as a meaning of 福到, meaning blessing in Chinese.

We get to enjoy tons of fun during Chinese New Year, as we get together with friends and family to enjoy thus special occasion. Thus, i feel very blessed to be and spend time together with them.

Zheng Boya (24)

2E 2014