Lotus Light Chinese Paper Folding Art Workshop Opens
Following the warm response from senior members to the recent flower arrangement workshop, the Lotus Light Charity Society’s Longevity Star Senior Club held its first Chinese paper folding art workshop on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Professional Chinese paper folding art instructor Ms. He was specially invited to teach the seniors.
Chinese paper folding, or zhezhi (摺紙), is a traditional art form that originated in ancient China. In Chinese culture, folded paper art has long been used in ceremonial and spiritual practices. Traditional funerals often include the burning of folded joss paper, commonly shaped into symbolic gold ingots (yuanbao). During the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), paper folding art became increasingly popular and gradually evolved into a rich cultural tradition. Today, many people create folded paper artworks such as dragon boats, flower baskets, lotus flowers, and ingots as offerings to the Buddha and to honor their ancestors during Buddhist ceremonies.
The paper folding class quickly became one of the most popular activities offered by Lotus Light Charity Society, attracting enthusiastic participation from the monks and nuns of Lotus Light Leizang Temple, as well as volunteers and senior members of the charity. Linda, coordinator of the senior club, happily shared, “I have always admired the beautiful paper lotus flowers and paper ingots displayed in the temple. Today, I finally learned how to make them myself!”
After the class, each participant proudly took home their handmade creations and expressed excitement about bringing their own folded lotus flowers and ingots to offer to the Buddha at future Dharma ceremonies.
At the end of the workshop, Ms. He shared her encouragement with everyone: “The variations of paper folding art are truly endless, and this course could continue for a very long time. Today, I taught everyone a few simple and easy-to-learn styles. With practice at home, you will gradually be able to create many different kinds of artwork on your own. Paper folding not only improves hand dexterity, but also helps sharpen the mind. The finished works themselves are beautiful pieces of art that bring joy and satisfaction.”
The Lotus Light Charity Society’s “Senior Growth and Care Program” will continue launching a variety of workshops and activities to support seniors in the community. In addition to the flower arrangement and paper folding classes already underway, upcoming programs will include baking workshops, mobile phone fraud prevention courses, government benefits information sessions, and light exercise classes. Activities will be offered on a rotating basis, and everyone is warmly encouraged to register early.
With new learning opportunities and meaningful activities each week, participants of all ages can find joy, relaxation, friendship, and personal growth through these programs.
For inquiries about the Lotus Light Longevity Star courses, please call 604-685-5548, visit the Lotus Light Charity Society website at Lotus Light Charity Society, or email llcsvancouver@gmail.com.
Lotus Light Charity Society is a registered charity.
Charity Registration Number: BN 14110-4893-RR0001.
