Henna tattooing, martial arts demonstrations and Asian cuisine were just a sampling of the treats that awaited those who attended the fourth annual Moon Viewing celebration, an event held to honor the ancient tradition of moon viewing in China and Japan.

The event took place in the Green Room in Reynolda Hall on Oct. 21 and was co-sponsored by the department of East Asian languages and literatures, the Asian Student Interest Association and the Wake International Student Association. Over 80 students, faculty and guests attended the event.

"I think there were more people in attendance than we've had in the past," Yasuko Takata-Rallings, an instructor of Japanese language, said. "I was surprised at the number of students who came who aren't involved in any of the Asian groups or classes on campus." Takata-Rallings wore a traditional Japanese kimono for the Moon Festival.

Yaohua Shi, an assistant professor of East Asian languages and literatures, served as master of ceremonies.

The event was scheduled to take place on the Green Room Balcony but was moved inside because of cool and cloudy weather, which made it impossible to see the moon.

"It's great for ASIA to take part in such a fun event that was so well attended on campus," junior Don Nguyen, president of ASIA, said. "I think the crowd that we drew was definitely one of the most diverse I have seen at Wake Forest. We were successful in integrating cultural history with some fun performances and activities for everyone who came."

The event kicked off with a Japanese folk song sung by members of Japanese language classes. Next, Taeko Komura, an exchange student from Japan, and freshman Leigh Dickerson, explained the traditions of moon viewing in Japan and China, respectively. Both traditions involve seeing an image in the moon of a rabbit pounding an item, a rice cake in Japan and a magical pill in China.

Seniors Bryant Preister and Jamelle Shannon gave a PowerPoint presentation featuring pictures from their study-abroad experiences in Japan.

Chinese language students sang traditional songs, senior Patrick Wheeler read a Chinese poem, and freshman Craig Benedict played a Chinese song on saxophone. The female a cappella group S.O.U.L. also sang a Japanese song.

Freshman Indrani Ashe provided free henna tattooing of Asian symbols for those in attendance.

The Asian food was one of the cultural aspects of the Moon Festival celebration.

Freshman Jennifer Chu, a member of ASIA, brought traditional Chinese food from her home, and freshman Bryant Tran supplied Vietnamese dishes. Hot tea was also available.

The food was completely devoured by the end of the evening.

Two groups performed martial arts demonstrations. The first was by ASIA members freshman Jason Nguyen, junior Hong Lui and senior Patrick Ladapo, all black belts in Tae Kwon Do. The exhibition was accompanied by loud music, weapons demonstrations and comedic elements. Wood from broken boards flew into the crowd, and Lui vaulted over three audience volunteers as he broke a board with a kick in mid air.

The second martial arts exhibition featured sophomore Mohammed Al-Gailany and freshman Thomas Bongaerts, who participate in Tai Chi classes in Winston-Salem.

After demonstrating exercise routines, one with a sword, they broke wooden boards and cement blocks with short hand movements.

"The martial arts displays and the good food were the best parts," sophomore Dan Hoppin said. "The event was a good cultural experience and something everyone could enjoy."

"Often when Asian culture is portrayed in the media, all that is shown is the flashy martial arts or the cool looking symbols, and no emphasis is placed on the history, background, or significance of it all," Nguyen said. "ASIA's goal is to foster unity and a greater understanding of Asian culture, and having events that allow the student body to learn and have fun at the same time is probably the best way to do that."

ASIA's next event is the Diwali Festival, a celebration of a traditional Indian holiday, scheduled for Nov. 17.