Ring in the Chinese New Year by enjoying traditional Chinese folk dance and music performed by Wesleyan students of various nationalities. Wesleyan College's Chinese Folk Dance and Music Ensemble was established by the Confucius Institute in 2014. Their performances represent traditional Chinese folk art across the dynasties and regions of China.

The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s longest and most important holiday. Celebrated in some fashion for more than 4,000 years, this national holiday is tied to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, with the New Year beginning with the first new moon occurring between the end of January and the end of February and lasting for about 15 days. In 2020, Chinese New Year begins on January 25th and ends February 8th, with Spring Festival from January 25th to February 4th and the Lantern Festival February 5th through February 8th.

In the Chinese astrology, each year is represented by an animal. Predicted to be a lucky year, 2020 is the year of the Metal Rat, symbolizing strong vitality. The Rat also represents diligence, kindness, and generosity, and in Chinese culture, was seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Holding the first position in the zodiac, the years of the Rat were celebrated in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008.

The mission of the Confucius Institute at Wesleyan College (CIWC) is to promote Chinese language and culture; foster intercultural exchange with China among students, educators, and our community; serve as a resource for Chinese studies through its China Museum; and celebrate the historic connection between Wesleyan College and China in changing the lives of women through higher education and social action. In addition to providing a variety of language classes, cultural programs, and travel opportunities, the CIWC also offers access to the art, artifacts, and documents in Wesleyan’s archives that are closely related to the world-renowned Soong sisters, who are Wesleyan alumnae.