From Children to Seniors: Intergenerational Inheritance of Intangible Heritage Skills

Youth Summer Camp: Cultural Seeds Take Root

From August 11 to 23, Cao Hong led children in Edmonton on an exploratory journey into intangible cultural heritage. At the lotus lantern-making workshop, the children learned to create exquisite lanterns from scratch—framing, dyeing, and pasting petals step by step. Each process tested their patience and creativity, and those with basic Chinese language skills were encouraged to serve as young “translators,” boosting their social confidence. When the children presented their finished works as gifts to their parents, the parents’ surprise and joy were palpable. The kite-making course was equally filled with laughter and excitement. The children painted their kites with unique designs, and during breaks, Instructor Cao even taught them a few Chinese magic tricks. Under Cao Hong’s guidance, the children crafted colorful kites that soared freely in the blue sky. The young participants were filled with a sense of accomplishment, as if the kite camp had transported them into a “kaleidoscopic garden” of Chinese intangible cultural heritage in a short time and space. In moments of “quiet,” they learned about Chinese cultural heritage and Canadian experiences; in moments of “movement,” they set their spirits free and found pure joy!

Senior Classroom: A Warm Continuation of Cultural Memory

A lotus lantern-making workshop specially customized for the local Chinese senior choir—Ai Cheng Ai Yue Choir—became a heartfelt bridge connecting nostalgia and cultural heritage. The seniors gathered together to revisit traditional techniques and create lotus lanterns symbolizing luck and happiness. The room was filled with smiles and conversation as the elders marveled at the intricate steps: “Every stage of the process embodies the wisdom of our ancestors!” One by one, the lanterns came to life in their hands, illuminating not only the classroom but also the cultural memories deeply rooted in their hearts.

A Dialogue of Civilizations: A Century-Old Exchange Between Heritage inheritors

Arranged meticulously by the Canada-China Intangible Cultural Heritage Association, Cao Hong, inheritor of the Qinhuai Lantern tradition from China, sat side-by-side with a First Nations elder for a cross-Pacific cultural dialogue.

Cao Hong held an intricately crafted lotus lantern and explained its cultural symbolism: “In Chinese culture, the lotus rises pure from the mud, symbolizing elegance and purity. Each lantern requires multiple stages—cutting paper, dyeing, mounting—each step reflecting the Chinese pursuit of perfection.” The elder nodded gently and smiled: “In our tradition, eagle feathers represent a connection to the sky. Each feather carries the wisdom and blessings of our ancestors. Though our forms of expression differ, both are filled with reverence for nature.” The elder shared about First Nations community customs around weddings, funerals, language, writing, hunting, and medicine. Ms. Cao also spoke of her family’s thousand-year-old genealogy, traditional Chinese medicine, and cultural customs around the Dragon Boat and Spring Festivals. During their hour-long conversation, the two inheritors found common points between their ethnic cultures, highlighting the many shared characteristics in the development of human civilizations. When Cao Hong learned that Elder Tom was also a son-in-law of Nanjing, she warmly invited him to visit the Nanjing Confucius Temple Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum the next time he accompanied his wife back to her hometown to learn more about her cultural roots. As their dialogue concluded, Cao Hong presented the elder with a vibrant, multi-petaled lotus lantern she had handmade, saying warmly, “In Chinese culture, this lantern symbolizes elegance and harmony. May it light our way forward, just as today’s dialogue has, and bless our future.” The elder gratefully accepted the gift, his hands gently stroking the delicate silk and exquisite frame, warmth sparkling in the corners of his eyes. Ma Weijian of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Association stated: “We are committed to building bridges for cultural exchange, allowing different civilizations to spark new inspiration through mutual respect.”

Kites Soaring Together: Multicultural Dance in Edmonton’s Sky

On August 23, the first-ever Edmonton Kite Festival, titled by DeWei Insurance Agency, was held at South Terwillegar Park. Organized by the Canada-China Intangible Cultural Heritage Association and co-hosted by No. 1 Palace Wu Gong Flooring and RC Select, the event attracted broad participation from the community.

Cao Hong’s handcrafted cultural heritage kites became the highlight of the sky: swallows darting past clouds, goldfish swaying their tails above treetops, eagles and butterflies dancing together on the wind. These kites, made using traditional techniques from Nanjing’s Qinhuai region, showcased Eastern aesthetics under North America’s clear skies. Kites brought by the public—cartoon-shaped, geometrically abstract, and with Indigenous totems—woven together a beautiful picture of multicultural harmony.

The “Kite Creation” zone was especially lively. Children gathered around long tables, learning from heritage inheritors how to frame bamboo and mount silk paper. In less than two hours, over thirty whimsical hand-painted kites took flight, dancing alongside professional kites and becoming the most vibrant cultural mosaic in the sky. The artisan market also fostered multicultural dialogue: Indigenous craftspeople sold wooden thunderbird feather accessories and totemic pendants, Chinese Canadian creators offered cultural creative products, and booths like Wukong Chinese Education and RC Select’s educational toys drew crowds of children and parents.

Though the two-week heritage event passed in the blink of an eye, the Canada-China Intangible Cultural Heritage Association reflected: “Through these activities, we have enabled intangible cultural heritage to transcend age and ethnicity, integrating genuinely into the local community. This outdoor event received strong support from the City and provided valuable experience for the association’s future ‘culture promoting business’ community initiatives. We extend special thanks to DeWei Insurance, No. 1 Palace Wu Gong Flooring, RC Select Inc., CHENJIE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, the local Indigenous community, the Edmonton Chinese Philharmonic Choir, and all who supported this event.”