On June 2, the 26th day of the fourth lunar month, marks the birthday of Yan Emperor. A root-seeking festival to celebrate the birth of the legendary ancestor of Chinese people has been held in Suizhou City of central China’s Hubei Province. Titled “Seeking the Ancestor, Forging the Soul of China — the 2024 Worldwide Chinese Root-Seeking Festival and Grand Commemoration Ceremony for Yan Emperor Shennong”, the event was hosted by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Association for Yan Huang Culture of China and the People’s Government of Hubei Province, and organized by Hubei Radio and Television Station, with 87 students from WHSU’s School of Arts who performed at the event.

The ceremony included nine rituals: beating the drums and ringing the bell, opening the sacred gate, igniting the fire, presenting flower baskets offering incense to the ancestor, reading the tribute, worshipping the ancestor together, chanting the ancestors, and admiring the sacred statue.

During the ceremony, WHSU students performed as flag bearers, ushers, and ceremonial dancers. They were responsible for three performances: Classic of Poetry · Eulogies of Zhou · Liang Si, Three Offerings, and Great Song of Yan Emperor. After meticulous preparation and two weeks of rigorous and detailed training, the students excellently completed the globally broadcast live performance on CCTV-4, earning unanimous praise and admiration from the organizers.

The annual event to commemorate Yan Emperor Shennong has become a cultural symbol that highlights the profoundness of Chinese civilization, embodies the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation, and serves as a source of strength for the unity and development of the Chinese people. This grand ceremony not only honors Yan Emperor Shennong and celebrates his achievements but also serves as an opportunity to inspire patriotism.

This performance provided students with a unique platform for practical experience and personal growth, broadening their horizons and deepening their identification with Chinese heritage. It enhanced their awareness of the importance of promoting and preserving the national spirit, strengthened their anticipation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and showcased the spirit and responsibility of the WHSU students.