Alma Dautovic, an American student's mother, said her son was "completely hooked" on China thanks to an event held on Friday at Kolter Elementary School. 

More than 700 students and teachers participated in the "Chinese Culture Time" event organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, during which Chinese Mid-Autumn festival traditions were introduced. 

Chinese diplomats from the consulate explained the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Chinese legend of Chang'e flying to the moon during the event.

The students were very interested in the event, as this year also coincides with the 50th anniversary of man's first moon landing. 

"During the presentation preparation, we've learned that many American students already had previous knowledge about Chinese traditional festivals," Zheng Wen, Chinese consul for cultural affairs in Houston said.

At the event, students also learned to say phrases like "I love China," "I love my family" and "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival" in Chinese. "Through sharing these customs and legends, we want to demonstrate to the students how Chinese people live, think, and interact with mother nature," he added. 

Kathleen Crossett, assistant principal of Kolter Elementary School, said the school has been offering Mandarin classes since 2006. 

"In addition to language itself, we explain Chinese history and traditions. Last year, students hand-made mooncakes in class to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival," she said.

"It's not easy to hold presentations like this. I'm glad the Chinese Consulate General was able to come to the school and teach the students Mid-Autumn Festival traditions and phrases," she said, adding that Chinese expressions like "unity of men and nature" were very profound. 

"My son loves China. Not only does he take Chinese elective classes at school, but he also reads many books related to China," Dautovic said, adding that her son was completely fascinated by Chinese customs. "This summer, my son even asked me if we could move to China in the future."

(Cover image via VCG)