Boroondara Arts event listing ᐁ
2025 Lunar New Year Activation
2025 Lunar New Year Activation
📍Hawthorn Arts Centre
360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
📅 January 22 - February 26 2025
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
“春风又绿江南岸，明月何时照我还。”(宋·王安石)
(Translation: The spring breeze once again brings green to the southern shore, and when will the moonlight guide me home once more? Credit：Wang An Shi, Song Dynasty 1021 - 1086)
The Lunar New Year, or 春节 (chūn jié /Spring Festival), marks a time when nature stirs anew, inviting reflection on the past while embracing fresh beginnings.
Blossoms of Renewal offers a space where participants create their own vibrant 窗花 (chuāng huā/window blossoms), intricate paper-cut designs symbolising joy, celebration, and the warmth of community. These traditional decorations, often displayed during the Lunar New Year, bring good luck and happiness, and are made with colourful, delicate paper cuttings.
Participants will contribute their creations to the space and as the installation grows, it transforms into a visual statement on the collective responsibility we share for the environment, while celebrating life’s fleeting beauty. Participants can either add to the installation or take their creations home as keepsakes of the celebration.
On the Lantern Festival(February 12-14), the installation will come alive with sound-reactive blossoms, where light and movement join in celebration. This special event brings a fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary interactivity, symbolising the illumination of new hopes and dreams, as the moonlight guides us toward a fresh start.
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Created by Jiawen Feng (Any pronouns)
Chinese-diaspora artist in Naarm (Melbourne)
Thanks to Boroondara Arts for hosting
Special thanks to Urban Artistry(hero image) and JMC Dance Lab(material)
This activation bridges traditional Chinese art forms and contemporary expressions
Poetry and Writing List:
1. 路漫漫其修遠兮，吾將上下而求索。
乘騏驥以馳騁兮，來吾道夫先路也。
出处: 《离骚》
作者: 屈原
朝代: 战国
乘騏驥以馳騁兮，來吾道夫先路也。
出处: 《离骚》
作者: 屈原
朝代: 战国
Translation:
“The path ahead is long and endless; I will search high and low to endlessly search for truth. Riding a fine steed to gallop swiftly, I blaze the trail ahead for my path. ”
Credit: Li Sao (The Lament), Qu Yuan, Warring States Period
“The path ahead is long and endless; I will search high and low to endlessly search for truth. Riding a fine steed to gallop swiftly, I blaze the trail ahead for my path. ”
Credit: Li Sao (The Lament), Qu Yuan, Warring States Period
2. 連峰去天不盈尺，枯松倒掛倚絕壁。
飛湍瀑流爭喧豗，砯崖轉石萬壑雷。
出处: 《蜀道难》
作者: 李白
朝代: 唐
飛湍瀑流爭喧豗，砯崖轉石萬壑雷。
出处: 《蜀道难》
作者: 李白
朝代: 唐
Translation: “Peaks rise so close to the sky, barely a foot apart; withered pines hang inverted, clinging to cliffs. Raging torrents and waterfalls roar, rocks crashing with thunder in the countless valleys. ”Credit: Shu Dao Nan (The Hard Road to Shu), Li Bai, Tang Dynasty
3. 沈舟側畔千帆過，病樹前頭萬木春。
出处: 《酬乐天扬州初逢席上见赠》
作者: 刘禹锡
朝代: 唐
出处: 《酬乐天扬州初逢席上见赠》
作者: 刘禹锡
朝代: 唐
Translation:
“Beside sunken boats, a thousand sails pass; beyond a dying tree, countless others bloom in spring.”
Credit: Chou Letian Yangzhou Chu Feng Xi Shang Jian Zeng (Reply to Letian: Seeing Him at a Banquet in Yangzhou), Liu Yuxi, Tang Dynasty
“Beside sunken boats, a thousand sails pass; beyond a dying tree, countless others bloom in spring.”
Credit: Chou Letian Yangzhou Chu Feng Xi Shang Jian Zeng (Reply to Letian: Seeing Him at a Banquet in Yangzhou), Liu Yuxi, Tang Dynasty
4. 春花秋月何時了？往事知多少。
小樓昨夜又東風，故國不堪回首月明中。
雕欄玉砌應猶在，只是朱顏改。
問君能有幾多愁？恰似一江春水向東流。
出处: 《虞美人·春花秋月何时了》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
小樓昨夜又東風，故國不堪回首月明中。
雕欄玉砌應猶在，只是朱顏改。
問君能有幾多愁？恰似一江春水向東流。
出处: 《虞美人·春花秋月何时了》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
Translation:
“When will the flowers of spring and the moon of autumn come to an end?
How many memories of the past still linger?
Last night, in the small tower, the east wind blew again;
I cannot bear to recall my former kingdom under the moonlight.
The carved railings and jade steps are likely still there,
But the youthful faces have changed.
How much sorrow do you ask I hold?
It is like a river of spring waters flowing endlessly eastward. ”
Credit: Yu Meiren: Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasties
“When will the flowers of spring and the moon of autumn come to an end?
How many memories of the past still linger?
Last night, in the small tower, the east wind blew again;
I cannot bear to recall my former kingdom under the moonlight.
The carved railings and jade steps are likely still there,
But the youthful faces have changed.
How much sorrow do you ask I hold?
It is like a river of spring waters flowing endlessly eastward. ”
Credit: Yu Meiren: Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasties
5. 無言獨上西樓，月如鈎。寂寞梧桐深院鎖清秋。
剪不斷，理還亂，是離愁。別是一般滋味在心頭。
出处: 《相见欢·无言独上西楼》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
剪不斷，理還亂，是離愁。別是一般滋味在心頭。
出处: 《相见欢·无言独上西楼》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
Translation:
“In silence, I ascend the western tower alone; the crescent moon hangs like a hook.
The lonely parasol trees and the deep courtyard are shrouded in the desolation of autumn.
The sorrow of parting is like threads that cannot be cut, yet grow even more tangled when unraveled.
This unique pain lingers deeply within my heart. ”
Credit: Xiang Jian Huan: Silent, I Ascend the Western Tower, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasty
“In silence, I ascend the western tower alone; the crescent moon hangs like a hook.
The lonely parasol trees and the deep courtyard are shrouded in the desolation of autumn.
The sorrow of parting is like threads that cannot be cut, yet grow even more tangled when unraveled.
This unique pain lingers deeply within my heart. ”
Credit: Xiang Jian Huan: Silent, I Ascend the Western Tower, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasty
6. 红藕香残玉簟秋。轻解罗裳，独上兰舟。
云中谁寄锦书来？雁字回时，月满西楼。
花自飘零水自流。一种相思，两处闲愁。
此情无计可消除，才下眉头，却上心头。
出处: 《一剪梅·红藕香残玉簟秋》
作者: 李清照
朝代: 宋
云中谁寄锦书来？雁字回时，月满西楼。
花自飘零水自流。一种相思，两处闲愁。
此情无计可消除，才下眉头，却上心头。
出处: 《一剪梅·红藕香残玉簟秋》
作者: 李清照
朝代: 宋
Translation:
“The fragrance of lotus fades, autumn chills the jade mat.
Gently I loosen my silk robe, and step alone onto the orchid boat.
Who will send me a silken letter from the clouds?
When the wild geese return, the moon fills the western tower.
Blossoms fall freely, and the waters flow away.
One kind of longing brings quiet sorrow to two places.
This feeling cannot be dispelled - just as it leaves my brows, it returns to my heart. ”
Credit: Yi Jian Mei: The Fragrance of Red Lotus Fades, Li Qingzhao, Song Dynasty
“The fragrance of lotus fades, autumn chills the jade mat.
Gently I loosen my silk robe, and step alone onto the orchid boat.
Who will send me a silken letter from the clouds?
When the wild geese return, the moon fills the western tower.
Blossoms fall freely, and the waters flow away.
One kind of longing brings quiet sorrow to two places.
This feeling cannot be dispelled - just as it leaves my brows, it returns to my heart. ”
Credit: Yi Jian Mei: The Fragrance of Red Lotus Fades, Li Qingzhao, Song Dynasty
7. 薄雾浓云愁永昼，瑞脑销金兽。
佳节又重阳，玉枕纱厨，半夜凉初透。
东篱把酒黄昏后，有暗香盈袖。
莫道不销魂，帘卷西风，人比黄花瘦。
出处: 《醉花阴·薄雾浓云愁永昼》
作者: 李清照
朝代: 宋
佳节又重阳，玉枕纱厨，半夜凉初透。
东篱把酒黄昏后，有暗香盈袖。
莫道不销魂，帘卷西风，人比黄花瘦。
出处: 《醉花阴·薄雾浓云愁永昼》
作者: 李清照
朝代: 宋
Translation:
“Thin mist and thick clouds bring endless melancholy throughout the day, and fragrant incense fades like gold-burning beasts.
The joyous festival comes again during the Double Ninth Festival. On the jade pillow and silk canopy, the chill of the night seeps in.
In the eastern hedge, with wine in hand after dusk, a faint fragrance fills the sleeves.
Do not say that it does not pierce the soul. As the western wind sweeps the curtain, one grows thinner than the yellow flowers.”
Credit: Zui Hua Yin: Thin Mist and Dense Clouds, Li Qingzhao, Song Dynasty
“Thin mist and thick clouds bring endless melancholy throughout the day, and fragrant incense fades like gold-burning beasts.
The joyous festival comes again during the Double Ninth Festival. On the jade pillow and silk canopy, the chill of the night seeps in.
In the eastern hedge, with wine in hand after dusk, a faint fragrance fills the sleeves.
Do not say that it does not pierce the soul. As the western wind sweeps the curtain, one grows thinner than the yellow flowers.”
Credit: Zui Hua Yin: Thin Mist and Dense Clouds, Li Qingzhao, Song Dynasty
8. 錦瑟無端五十弦，一弦一柱思華年。
莊生曉夢迷蝴蝶，望帝春心托杜鵑。
滄海月明珠有淚，藍田日暖玉生煙。
此情可待成追憶，只是當時已惘然。
出处: 《锦瑟》
作者: 李商隐
朝代: 唐
莊生曉夢迷蝴蝶，望帝春心托杜鵑。
滄海月明珠有淚，藍田日暖玉生煙。
此情可待成追憶，只是當時已惘然。
出处: 《锦瑟》
作者: 李商隐
朝代: 唐
Translation:
“The ornate zither, with its fifty strings, plays aimlessly;
Each string and fret evokes memories of youth’s prime.
Zhuang Zhou’s morning dream, lost in the illusion of butterflies;
The Emperor of Shu’s spring longing entrusted to the cuckoo’s cry.
The bright moon over the vast sea weeps pearl-like tears;
In the warm sunlight over Lantian, jade emits mist-like vapors.
These feelings, perhaps, await future remembrance;
Yet, at that time, they were but bewildering.”
Credit: Jin Se, Li Shangyin, Tang Dynasty
“The ornate zither, with its fifty strings, plays aimlessly;
Each string and fret evokes memories of youth’s prime.
Zhuang Zhou’s morning dream, lost in the illusion of butterflies;
The Emperor of Shu’s spring longing entrusted to the cuckoo’s cry.
The bright moon over the vast sea weeps pearl-like tears;
In the warm sunlight over Lantian, jade emits mist-like vapors.
These feelings, perhaps, await future remembrance;
Yet, at that time, they were but bewildering.”
Credit: Jin Se, Li Shangyin, Tang Dynasty
9. 离离原上草，一岁一枯荣。
野火烧不尽，春风吹又生。
远芳侵古道，晴翠接荒城。
又送王孙去，萋萋满别情。
出处: 《赋得古原草送别》
作者: 白居易
朝代: 唐
野火烧不尽，春风吹又生。
远芳侵古道，晴翠接荒城。
又送王孙去，萋萋满别情。
出处: 《赋得古原草送别》
作者: 白居易
朝代: 唐
Translation:
“Verdant grass spreads over the ancient plain; each year it withers, then thrives again.
Though wildfires rage, they cannot consume; spring winds revive and bring back its bloom.
Distant fragrance invades the ancient trail; bright greenery stretches to the abandoned vale.
Once more I bid farewell to my friend; parting fills these lush grasses without end. ”
Credit: Fu De Gu Yuan Cao Song Bie, Bai Juyi, Tang Dynasty
“Verdant grass spreads over the ancient plain; each year it withers, then thrives again.
Though wildfires rage, they cannot consume; spring winds revive and bring back its bloom.
Distant fragrance invades the ancient trail; bright greenery stretches to the abandoned vale.
Once more I bid farewell to my friend; parting fills these lush grasses without end. ”
Credit: Fu De Gu Yuan Cao Song Bie, Bai Juyi, Tang Dynasty
10. 昔我往矣，杨柳依依。今我来思，雨雪霏霏。
出处: 《采薇》
作者: 佚名
朝代: 周
出处: 《采薇》
作者: 佚名
朝代: 周
Translation:
“In the past, I left with willows gently swaying;
Now I return as snow falls thick and swirling.”
Credit: Cai Wei (Gathering Vetch), Anonymous, Zhou Dynasty
“In the past, I left with willows gently swaying;
Now I return as snow falls thick and swirling.”
Credit: Cai Wei (Gathering Vetch), Anonymous, Zhou Dynasty
11. 君不见，黄河之水天上来，奔流到海不复回。
君不见，高堂明镜悲白发，朝如青丝暮成雪。
出处: 《将进酒》
作者: 李白
朝代: 唐
君不见，高堂明镜悲白发，朝如青丝暮成雪。
出处: 《将进酒》
作者: 李白
朝代: 唐
Translation:
“Have you not seen how Yellow River waters descend from the sky,
Rushing to the ocean, never to return?
Have you not seen, in the mirror of the grand hall, white hair grieving,
Once black as silk in the morning, turned snowy by evening?”
Credit: Jiang Jin Jiu (Invitation to Wine), Li Bai, Tang Dynasty
“Have you not seen how Yellow River waters descend from the sky,
Rushing to the ocean, never to return?
Have you not seen, in the mirror of the grand hall, white hair grieving,
Once black as silk in the morning, turned snowy by evening?”
Credit: Jiang Jin Jiu (Invitation to Wine), Li Bai, Tang Dynasty
12. 林花谢了春红，太匆匆，无奈朝来寒雨，晚来风。
胭脂泪，相留醉，几时重？自是人生长恨，水长东。
出处: 《相见欢·林花谢了春红》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
胭脂泪，相留醉，几时重？自是人生长恨，水长东。
出处: 《相见欢·林花谢了春红》
作者: 李煜
朝代: 五代南唐
Translation:
“Blossoms have fallen; spring’s red fades too swiftly.
Alas, the morning brings chill rain, the evening brings wind.
Tears streak with rouge, left behind with drunken memories —
When will we meet again?
Such is life’s endless regret, flowing eastward like the river.”
Credit: Xiang Jian Huan: Blossoms Fade in Spring, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasties
“Blossoms have fallen; spring’s red fades too swiftly.
Alas, the morning brings chill rain, the evening brings wind.
Tears streak with rouge, left behind with drunken memories —
When will we meet again?
Such is life’s endless regret, flowing eastward like the river.”
Credit: Xiang Jian Huan: Blossoms Fade in Spring, Li Yu, Southern Tang, Five Dynasties
13. 看朱成碧思纷纷，憔悴支离为忆君。
不信比来长下泪，开箱验取石榴裙。
出处: 《如意娘》
作者: 武则天
朝代: 唐代
不信比来长下泪，开箱验取石榴裙。
出处: 《如意娘》
作者: 武则天
朝代: 唐代
Translation:
“When the red turns to green, thoughts swirl like the wind,
I grow weary, frail, and torn remembering you.
Do not believe that I have shed tears since then,
Open the chest and look for the pomegranate skirt.”
Credit: Ruyi Niang, Wu Zetian, Tang Dynasty
“When the red turns to green, thoughts swirl like the wind,
I grow weary, frail, and torn remembering you.
Do not believe that I have shed tears since then,
Open the chest and look for the pomegranate skirt.”
Credit: Ruyi Niang, Wu Zetian, Tang Dynasty
14.彼黍离离，彼稷之苗。行迈靡靡，中心摇摇。
知我者，谓我心忧；不知我者，谓我何求。
出处: 《诗经·小雅·彼黍离离》
作者: 不详
朝代: 西周
知我者，谓我心忧；不知我者，谓我何求。
出处: 《诗经·小雅·彼黍离离》
作者: 不详
朝代: 西周
Translation:
“The millet is withered, the young sorghum grows.
We walk, uncertain, and my heart is troubled.
Those who know me say my heart is full of sorrow;
Those who do not know me ask what I seek.”
Credit: Xiao Ya: Withered Millet, The Book of Songs, Western Zhou
“The millet is withered, the young sorghum grows.
We walk, uncertain, and my heart is troubled.
Those who know me say my heart is full of sorrow;
Those who do not know me ask what I seek.”
Credit: Xiao Ya: Withered Millet, The Book of Songs, Western Zhou
15. 不知其名，强名曰道。
出处: 《道德经·第一章》
作者: 老子
朝代: 春秋
出处: 《道德经·第一章》
作者: 老子
朝代: 春秋
Translation:
“I do not know its name, yet I forcefully name it ‘Tao’ (the Way).”
Explanation: This line from the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching reflects the elusive and ineffable nature of the concept of “tao” (the Way). It suggests that the fundamental force or principle of the universe is beyond human comprehension or categorization. When one tries to define it with words, such as calling it “tao,” it is only a human attempt to impose meaning onto something that transcends such definitions.
Credit: Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Spring and Autumn Period
“I do not know its name, yet I forcefully name it ‘Tao’ (the Way).”
Explanation: This line from the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching reflects the elusive and ineffable nature of the concept of “tao” (the Way). It suggests that the fundamental force or principle of the universe is beyond human comprehension or categorization. When one tries to define it with words, such as calling it “tao,” it is only a human attempt to impose meaning onto something that transcends such definitions.
Credit: Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Spring and Autumn Period
16. 淌过河滩，穿过丛林
何言河滩，何言丛林
在无路可走的砂地上行进
若连匍匐挣扎的力气也尽
翻山越岭，踏入任何一条
愿留原地，不入任何一章
魔鬼也不曾涉足的小径
神祇也为之振奋的大义
作者: 林杳 2021（原）& =w= 2024（驳）
来源：https://www.douban.com/note/815477456/
何言河滩，何言丛林
在无路可走的砂地上行进
若连匍匐挣扎的力气也尽
翻山越岭，踏入任何一条
愿留原地，不入任何一章
魔鬼也不曾涉足的小径
神祇也为之振奋的大义
作者: 林杳 2021（原）& =w= 2024（驳）
来源：https://www.douban.com/note/815477456/
Translation:
“I wade through riverbanks, cross jungles.
What is there to say about the riverbanks or jungles?
I walk through the endless sandy ground,
When even the strength to crawl is gone.
Climbing mountains, walking any path,
I choose to stay in place, not entering any chapter.
Not even demons have tread these paths,
And gods are stirred by this great righteousness.”
Credit: Lin Yao 2021 (Original) & =w= 2024 (Rebuttal)
“I wade through riverbanks, cross jungles.
What is there to say about the riverbanks or jungles?
I walk through the endless sandy ground,
When even the strength to crawl is gone.
Climbing mountains, walking any path,
I choose to stay in place, not entering any chapter.
Not even demons have tread these paths,
And gods are stirred by this great righteousness.”
Credit: Lin Yao 2021 (Original) & =w= 2024 (Rebuttal)
17. 他们模仿你笔墨 纸页上拼凑因果
却不知你栈山航海柔婉尖利命都敢舍
写干墨水泪水逝水后 痛快地疯魔
我要你别害怕别你下你的魂魄
作词: 慕清明
出处:《无人诗》歌词由慕清明创作
却不知你栈山航海柔婉尖利命都敢舍
写干墨水泪水逝水后 痛快地疯魔
我要你别害怕别你下你的魂魄
作词: 慕清明
出处:《无人诗》歌词由慕清明创作
Translation:
“They imitate your brushstrokes, piecing together fate on paper.
But they don’t know you’ve abandoned gentle and sharp lives for mountain paths and sea voyages.
Writing with dried ink, tears, and passing water, madly reveling in it.
I want you to fear not, don’t give away your soul.”
Credit: Lyrics by Mu Qingming
“They imitate your brushstrokes, piecing together fate on paper.
But they don’t know you’ve abandoned gentle and sharp lives for mountain paths and sea voyages.
Writing with dried ink, tears, and passing water, madly reveling in it.
I want you to fear not, don’t give away your soul.”
Credit: Lyrics by Mu Qingming
18. 三月暖阳光影 允我兀自沉溺
我该一路北上 葬于晦暗海底
还是远赴南国 百花深处安息
作词: 萤失hinano
出处:《厌世者与赞美诗》歌词由萤失hinano创作
我该一路北上 葬于晦暗海底
还是远赴南国 百花深处安息
作词: 萤失hinano
出处:《厌世者与赞美诗》歌词由萤失hinano创作
Translation:
“The March sunlight casts its shadows, allowing me to sink into it alone.
Should I head north and be buried in the dark depths of the sea,
Or travel south to rest in the depths of a hundred flowers?”
Credit: Lyrics by Ying Shi hinano
“The March sunlight casts its shadows, allowing me to sink into it alone.
Should I head north and be buried in the dark depths of the sea,
Or travel south to rest in the depths of a hundred flowers?”
Credit: Lyrics by Ying Shi hinano
19.我醉倚楼台 翁头请酒正豪迈
持盏行 人间清愁我初开
我下榻山海 风花雪月入我怀
人生少有快哉 何须论成败
作词: Lian，灵感来源：李白《将进酒》
出处:《春涧》 歌词由Lian创作，灵感来源于李白的《将进酒》
持盏行 人间清愁我初开
我下榻山海 风花雪月入我怀
人生少有快哉 何须论成败
作词: Lian，灵感来源：李白《将进酒》
出处:《春涧》 歌词由Lian创作，灵感来源于李白的《将进酒》
Translation:
“I drunkenly lean against the tower, old man, please pour the wine with great boldness.
Holding the cup, I walk, and the sorrow of the world opens before me.
I rest among mountains and seas, the winds, flowers, snow, and moon entering my embrace.
There are few moments of joy in life, so why discuss success or failure?”
Credit: Lyrics by Lian, inspired by Li Bai’s “Invitation to Wine”
“I drunkenly lean against the tower, old man, please pour the wine with great boldness.
Holding the cup, I walk, and the sorrow of the world opens before me.
I rest among mountains and seas, the winds, flowers, snow, and moon entering my embrace.
There are few moments of joy in life, so why discuss success or failure?”
Credit: Lyrics by Lian, inspired by Li Bai’s “Invitation to Wine”
20.青草明年春
离亭燕不等
只消烈酒醉得深
宫宇覆上苔痕
王孙作庶人
史册太多浮沉
作词: 小鱼萝莉，灵感来源：黍离
出处:《谓我》歌词由小鱼萝莉创作，灵感来源于《黍离》
离亭燕不等
只消烈酒醉得深
宫宇覆上苔痕
王孙作庶人
史册太多浮沉
作词: 小鱼萝莉，灵感来源：黍离
出处:《谓我》歌词由小鱼萝莉创作，灵感来源于《黍离》
Translation:
“Next spring, verdant grass will grow,
Swallows no longer linger by the pavilion’s flow.
Only the solace of strong wine’s deep embrace,
As moss cloaks the palace, time leaves its trace.
The noble descends, a common fate spun,
History weaves its tale of rise and undone.”
Credit: Lyrics by Xiao Yu Luoli, inspired by “Shu Li”
“Next spring, verdant grass will grow,
Swallows no longer linger by the pavilion’s flow.
Only the solace of strong wine’s deep embrace,
As moss cloaks the palace, time leaves its trace.
The noble descends, a common fate spun,
History weaves its tale of rise and undone.”
Credit: Lyrics by Xiao Yu Luoli, inspired by “Shu Li”