During the War Against Japanese Aggression, both The Nationalist government, and academia were forced into the interior of China. Up until 1944 Yale in China was based in Xizhou during these tumultuous years.
While the war raged in the coastal provinces, and overhead in fierce air battles in Yunnan, the students at Yale still held steadfast to one Christmas tradition. Every year a fir tree would be cut down from Cangshan mountain, and be placed in the village square.
Upon hearing of this tradition from local elders Brian and Jeanee Linden decided to modern approach to this forgotten tradition. On December 25th 2010, the Lidnen Centre hosted Xizhou's First Western Chinese Multi-Ethnic Christmas Celebration. The celebration was in the spirit of fostering a better mutual understanding between guests of Xizhou, and the local indigenous culture.
Local villagers contributed ethnic performances including Bai dancing, and songs from the Dongjing Music troupe. Guests from the Lidnen Centre also participated in teaching the Chinese crowd a few well known Christmas songs.
For more information visit www.Linden-Centre.com
