The Journal

Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Jamie Ford Sophomore Abdel Zorome learns how to play the Vietnamese cups during a musical game Sept. 21 at Vietnamese Cultural Night. The event, which was hosted by Vietnamese Student Association of Webster University, included several games, singing and a buffet of traditional Vietnamese food.

At Webster University, students and faculty will not need to travel abroad to get a taste of another culture. If one heard the phrase "Xin Chao, Toi ten la…" (Hello, my name is…) then perhaps he or she attended Vietnamese Cultural Night.

The Vietnamese Student Association held Vietnamese Cultural Night Sept. 21 in the Pink Room of the H. Sam Priest House, where students and faculty took part in traditional Vietnamese games and food tasting.

Shrudhi Appachu, a senior business major, said this was her first time attending a culture night.

"I like the cultural exchange," Appachu said. "You get to learn about Vietnamese culture and food."

Several of the female members of VSA were dressed in Ao Dai, a long tunic or dress. During a short presentation, a VSA member said, although the clothing in Vietnam has become Westernized, the Ao Dai is the traditional dress and is still the uniform for high school girls.

During the event, attendees were asked to take part in a Vietnamese song played entirely with cups. The eight volunteers were able to compete against one another after a short lesson for prizes. The cups are played by placing one inside the other and slicking them with one hand. Two of the top three winners won traditional Vietnamese conical hats or "Non La," a hand-woven straw hat, and one winner received a red cloth with pictures sewn into it. The color of the cloth represents luck.

Third place winner Sheri Gonzalez, a junior art major, said she continues to be impressed by the culture nights.

"A lot of my friends are Vietnamese," Gonzalez said. "I've always been interested in Vietnamese culture. Plus, the food is always delicious."

Benny Roberts, a junior sociology major, said he had a good time playing the game even though he lost.

"I just didn't have the skills to take me to the next level," Roberts said. "I know what I need to work on, and I'll be ready for next year's competition."

Continued...

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