KPU rings in Lunar New Year with learning traditional game of Mahjong

Fri, Jan 31, 2025
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Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) instructor Greg Chan hosted a workshop this week to teach students and university employees how to play the Mahjong.

On Jan. 29, the first day of Chinese New Year, KPU participants were invited to learn the game, which is traditionally played during Lunar New Year celebrations. 

“Mahjong is a very traditional Chinese board game. It’s part of teahouse culture. It’s built into a lot of people’s memories and a lot of my childhood memories,” says Chan, who teaches in KPU’s English Department.

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Majong event on Lunar New Year
Greg Chan teaching others how to play Majong on Lunar New Year.

Chan started this new tradition last year by hosting workshops in KPU’s Social Justice Lab, tying the game to social justice and cultural equity.

“We had such a fascinating combination of people. There were students who heard about this happening and wanted to join and faculty who were interested in using it in their curriculum,” says Chan. 

According to Chan, other KPU instructors have used the game to help teach their students about Chinese history.

“That’s been the most gratifying part because there’s something universal about the game,” adds Chan. “Several students and faculty have said, ‘Oh my grandmother plays that game,’ or ‘I remember that game from when I was growing up.’ This is a reintroduction to a happy memory from childhood.”