“Longevity” graces the walls of the Lutheran Medical Center Chinese Services Wing, which opened in 2004. Students from Sunset Park High School painted this mural with the hope of making patients feel more comfortable and at home. Students learned about the most symbolic bird in Chinese history, the crane. This majestic bird represents a lasting spirit, great health, and happiness in Chinese culture and is a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness due to its long life span. Also featured in this mural are bamboo shoots, which are incorporated to symbolize durability, strength, and resilience. Bamboo can withstand the harshest of weather and continues to grow all year round, despite the season. Specific to Chinese culture, this painting represents all that is healthful, gives hope to those feeling hopeless, and brightens up what could be seen as dreary hospital walls.
