On March 20, at the Shizishan Square, colorful banners featuring famous quotes were greeted by the beautiful spring light. As the 12th International Day of Happiness arrived, a special event was held in the wide-open space near the square fountains, attracting many teachers, students, and visitors coming for exchanges and training. They gathered in twos and threes, appreciating photos, quotes, or exchanging blessings. Everyone was immersed in a world of joy, with a smile on their faces.
The event on site [Photo/Li Xueyi]
"Echo of happiness" floor stickers [Photo/Li Jiayi]
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on March 20. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on June 28, 2012. Now, with its 12th anniversary approaching, our school organized its own special event under the theme "The Echo of Happiness". The event was divided into four distinct parts: photo exhibition, postcard delivery, happiness sharing and calligraphy display, each of which was carefully crafted to resonate with the participants, creating a harmonious symphony of happiness.
Spring is in the air, bringing with it refreshing magnolias and pear blossoms across the Shizishan Square and blooming flowers of happiness in people's hearts. Attracted by the melodious sounds of violins and pianos, a stream of teachers and students came to the site. They paused to appreciate quotes about happiness hanging from the trees or picked up the display boards with happiness slogans to take photos with their companions. The pleasant and warm atmosphere touched everyone present.
Thousands of photos were hung from the trees at the Shizishan Square, each capturing the moment of happiness of HZAUers. Postcards filled with sincere wishes were cast into a warm mailbox, destined for distant places. A wall adorned with sticky notes stood high, symbolizing the active pursuit of happiness by HZAUers.
Violin and piano duet [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Students appreciate photos [Photo/Li Jiayi]
"I know this photo" [Photo/Li Jiayi]
A student appreciates photos [Photo/Ye Jianwei]
The photo exhibition not only showcased the magnificent occasions of HZAU, but also carried the trivial, yet significant moments of happiness rooted in students' lives. "Happiness may alight upon you when you are able to perceive it", someone wrote in a photo, "As long as you possess the ability to perceive happiness, you may find it everywhere: it could be the splendid red popping out in the sky during morning exercises; it could be the high spirit inspired by the budding flowers; or it could be the azure sky you see out of the window along a weary commute."
Students write calligraphy to send their blessings [Photo/Ye Jianwei]
Students write down their understandings of happiness [Photo/Ye Jianwei]
Students take photos [Photo/Li Jiayi]
In the calligraphy display, students exchanged messages and blessings with each other, signing off with the "2024 International Day of Happiness" as a commemoration. Happiness was captured at the tip of each brush, permeated within the gentle grind of ancient inkstones, and flowed softly amidst the laughter and joyous chatter. A student, dipping deeply into thick ink, swept the brush to write blessings such as "May all wishes come true" and "The future is promising", with the golden ink sparkling more brilliantly under the sunlight.
Students write down their blessings [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Students deliver postcards of happiness [Photo/Li Xueyi]
"Where is the destination?" "What's the postal code of Chongqing?" "What's the format of a postcard?" In front of the mailbox booth, students were discussing what to write on their postcards and how to send them. Clearly, many were mailing a postcard for the first time. The ancient practice of sending messages via carrier pigeons has long been replaced by current rapidly advancing communication technologies. However, today, postcards were being sent to various places, spreading the happiness and hopes of HZAUers across the nation.
Exploring the nature of happiness is often a subjective and challenging endeavor. In front of the booth, despite different expressions, the smiles on their faces were just as bright. Attracted by the crowd around the booth, two first-year students approached hand in hand with curiosity yet hesitated to come forward and ask questions. Encouraged by volunteers, the two girls chose sticky notes of different colors to write down their own interpretations of happiness. They then put their small red flower stickers symbolizing courage onto the display board, and even received two little figurines, which delighted them immediately though they felt at a loss just a few moments ago.
At each activity booth, there were teachers lingering around. Many of them joined their students in activities such as writing the character Fu (blessings) or posting letters in the mailbox. Happiness radiated from everyone's faces.
Teachers take photos [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Calligraphy display on the site [Photo/Ye Jianwei]
This event was organized by the College of Public Administration. The Deputy Party Secretary, Fan Hua, stated that this event has sparked a wave of happiness across the campus. It encouraged teachers and students to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of happiness, to cherish the happy and memorable moments that are within reach but hidden deep in the heart, and to experience the beautiful times in life. By recalling moments of happiness and reexamining its meaning, students learned more about the nature of happiness, which helps enhance their sense of well-being and foster a positive outlook so as to better cope with the challenges and difficulties in life.
It is happiness [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Yeah [Photo/Li Jiayi]
The photo exhibition volunteer, Song Meixin, a postgraduate student from the College of Public Administration, said, "This exhibition received over 1,900 photos. After our selection, more than 1,200 photos were displayed. Through interactions with the students, I could feel the happiness they experienced both when taking these photos and seeing them displayed at the exhibition. This resonates with today's theme. I am deeply moved and feel that happiness is being delivered among us."
Postcards under the tree [Photo/Ye Jianwei]
The organizer and Vice Dean of the College of Public Administration, Ding Yanhua, said, "Life is like an echo wall. As long as there is love in the heart, the echo of happiness will return. This event aims to guide teachers and students to discover beauty and happiness in life through sharing and passing on happiness, to experience the aesthetics of life, and to promote a harmonious and joyful community among teachers and students."
