POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER EXTENDS TRADITIONAL POLYNESIAN WELCOME TO REPRESENTATIVES FROM SISTER CULTURAL CENTER IN CHINA
PCC’s COO Alfred Grace Presents Symbolic Bronze Kettle to Representatives of Yunnan Nationalities Village in China
Laie, Hawaii – March 28, 2012 – In a ceremony this weekend, complete with a traditional Hawaiian oli (chant) and procession, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) welcomed representatives of the Yunnan Nationalities Village (YNV) from China with the unveiling of a special bronze kettle. The kettle symbolizes the important sister relationship between the two cultural centers.
“It’s been nearly two years since myself and several other PCC representatives visited the Yunnan Nationalities Village and we enjoyed a similar presentation where they unveiled a marble statue of a Hawaiian umeke (bowl carved from wood or gourd) that stands over six feet tall on its base and is located along a main thoroughfare in the villages,” said Alfred Grace, PCC’s Chief Operating Officer. “We had hoped that they would one day visit the PCC in Hawaii so that we could reciprocate their generous gesture. We are extremely honored and excited that they are here with us now. PCC’s sister center relationship with the Yunnan Nationalities Village is invaluable and we are very thankful for their partnership.”
The kettle unveiled at the ceremony is modeled after a holy bronze kettle that was used by royalty in the ancient Yunnan, China, Kingdom of Dian, over 2,000 years ago. The original relic, made from bronze and engraved with regal totem patterns, was used to offer sacrifices of liquor to the earth, heaven and their ancestors. The original is revered for its significant symbolism and its graceful aesthetics honor the bronze culture of China’s Dianchi Lake area.
The replica of the holy bronze kettle is available for viewing and will remain in a casing located in the PCC’s newly renovated Gateway restaurant. Today, it represents the PCC’s hope for nature’s blessings for a good harvest and shared prosperity with their neighbors. It also promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding among friends and associates.
The important sister relationship enjoyed by the PCC and YNV today was set into agreement back in 2005 and resulted from a meeting facilitated by Chairman Shao Qiwei, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). In attendance at this meeting were representatives of the PCC and YNV, Chairman Shao of the CNTA and Governor Linda Lingle.
Representatives of the Yunnan Nationalities Village, including Yuan Bing, general manager; Zhong Daokun, organization party secretary; Xie Wentao, deputy general manager; Yin Yanming, deputy general manager; Wang Zhong, department director; Yang Xingbiao, department director; Weng Jian, department director; Wei-Wei Sun, WISH Communication President; Bruce Wu, WISH Communication general manager; enjoyed the rest of the day exploring PCC’s six island villages and two exhibits, and topped off their visit with dinner at PCC’s newly renovated Gateway restaurant buffet and the critically acclaimed evening show, Ha: Breath of Life.
Located on the lakeshore of Dianchi Lake in the south of Kunming, China, the Yunnan Nationalities Village is a theme park and cultural representation of the 25 ethnic groups of Yunnan Province.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has entertained more than 36 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to nearly 17,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education. For more information or to make reservations, visit Polynesia.com or call the PCC ticket office at (808) 293-3333. PCC is open every day, except Sunday.