Threads of Friendship: Lunar New Year Braiding & Social Night
- Date: February 6th, Friday
- Time: 6-9pm
- Location: UMass Amherst University Village Community Center
Kick off the Spring 2026 semester by joining the International and Intercultural Education Institute (IIEI) and UMass CSSA for an enchanting evening of craftsmanship and connection. As the Lunar New Year approaches, we invite you to step away from your books and immerse yourself in the vibrant tradition of Chinese knotting and bracelet weaving.
Traditional Chinese knots and braided bracelets are more than just accessories—they represent unity, good fortune, and the “red threads” that connect us all. Whether you are a crafting expert or a total beginner, this workshop is the perfect place to:
- Express Yourself: Choose from a vast selection of colorful silk ropes and unique charms/accessories to make a piece that is uniquely yours.
- Create Personalized Gifts: Hand-weave beautiful bracelets for your friends or loved ones to wish them a lucky new year.
- Learn the Craft: Our team will guide you through various braiding techniques and the symbolism behind classic Chinese knots.
To keep your creative energy flowing, we’ll be serving freshly brewed boba milk tea and a curated selection of delicious snacks and treats for the whole family to enjoy!
Collaborating Organization
The Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) is the only nonprofit Chinese student organization at UMass Amherst officially recognized by the Chinese Embassy in the United States. The organization was established to provide comprehensive support to Chinese international students studying abroad, including assistance with academic, daily life, and community integration. In addition, CSSA organizes a wide range of enriching activities throughout the academic year.
🧶 Event Recap
On Friday, February 6th, the University Village Community Center was buzzing with creativity, laughter, and the rhythmic clicking of beads as we hosted our “‘绳’采奕奕” (Threads of Friendship) Bracelet Workshop. In collaboration with UMass CSSA, we brought together a vibrant community to celebrate the Lunar New Year through the “magic” of handmade art.
📜 From History to Hand-Making
The evening began with a deep dive into the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Chinese knotting. We shared the ancient stories behind the knots, exploring how a simple thread can carry centuries of well-wishes.
To help everyone master the intricate patterns, our instructors used oversized strings for live demonstrations, making the complex loops and turns visible to everyone. With the help of detailed handouts and step-by-step hands-on guidance, the room quickly transformed into a busy weaver’s studio.
✨ The “Click” Moment
As many participants discovered, the hardest part of braiding is the very beginning. There were moments of quiet concentration and puzzled looks as people tackled the first few loops. However, once the logic of the knot “clicked,” the energy in the room shifted to pure joy!
We were absolutely amazed by the creativity on display:
- All Ages Welcome: From elementary school students to UMass college students, everyone found their rhythm.
- Gift of Giving: While many made bracelets for themselves to wear for good luck, many others spent the evening crafting thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
- Personal Style: Participants picked from a rainbow of colors, creating unique combinations that blended traditional red with modern favorites.
🤝 A Community Effort
This event would not have been possible without the incredible partnership of UMass CSSA. Their support helped us reach so many students and families, proving that the best way to start a new year is by building bridges (and bracelets!) together.
Watching the “magic” happen—seeing a pile of colorful threads turn into a beautiful piece of art—reminded us why we bring these cultural workshops to the community.
International and Intercultural Education Institute 