Chinese Culture (General)
Chinese Culture (General)
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Name: Lu Dong Bin Key figure of the Eight Immortals 1. Lu Dong Bin's birthday is the 14th day of the fourth lunar month. 2. He was born in the Tang Dynasty. His father and grandfather were Court Officials. 3. He is said to have a tiger body, cheeks of a dragon and eyes of a phoenix. The lines on his feet were like the profile of a tortise. 4. Since young he was very clever and intelligent. 5. At the Lu Shan Mountain, he met the Fire Dragon Immortal. The Fire Dragon Immortal taught him advanced swords fighting skills. 6. Later on, he met his new master Zong Li Quan. Zong Li Quan placed several tests for him. The tests include tests on his attitude towards the poor, wealth…
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Dear Anon, Currently, China is practising one country `two systems' and the governor of Hong Kong is given autonomy to run it. So far, there are no restrictions in the practise of Feng Shui in Hong Kong. Feng Shui is practised much the same as it was prior to China's taking over. You will be surprised to learn that even during the older communist rule, it was rumoured that top communist party members do use Feng Shui. Evidence abound where poor quality Luo Pans were made in mass quantities in certain cities in China during the communist rule i.e. either they were used by the Chinese themselves or exported overseas. But since they are of inferior, poorer quality, most lik…
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Dear Anon, Cicada is considered auspicious because it symbolises happiness and eternal youth. A Cicada emerges from the ground after it pupates for four years. Sometimes it is seen emerging from the burial grounds. Here, the Chinese see it as immortality. This is the reason why some Chinese place a Jade cicada in the mouth of the dead before the burial. The cicada is often seen in Chinese paintings. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, Basically Dragon is Yang and it belongs to the earth element. Earth is one of the strongest elements because it always occurs in between each season. Sorry, I like to elaborate that there are two interpretations of Tiger. Tiger belongs to the wood element. 1. Under the Four Symbolic Animal Concept, One view is that Tiger (any tiger) but particularly a white tiger is considered Yin because it is actually the West cardinal point. (A yin location) 2. A tiger under Chinese Astrology Here, the Tiger is a wood element and under time or two hourly timing it falls under the Yang time of 0300 to 0459 am. It depends on what we are `talking' about. Since, placing a stat…
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Dear Anon, 1. Dragon year is considered one of the most auspicious years to have a child. Do note that other years are also considered acceptable. 2. The least auspicious year is the year of the tiger especially if the child is a baby girl. 3. Many Chinese give away a baby tiger girl because some consider it inauspicous to have a girl `tiger' while. 4. While many know that it is difficult for their tiger daughter to get married. This is especially so, if they are (in the past) live with their in-laws. Their in-laws are worried that the household may be dominated by a tiger daughter-in-law. The dragon:- 5. The Dragon is the symbol of ancient China. The folk tales on the …
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Dear Anon, I have posted a series of auspicious Chinese borders (patterns). These can be found under the conference: Photo Tours with Interest. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, 1. I believe, in an agricultural society, it would be good to have more children. In my opinion, this is also the same in the West. 2. In the past, the mortality rate is also high for new borns. 3. It would be interesting if you can share with us, if you do come across the article on the weather. It sounds interesting. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, Red symbolises auspiciousness for the Chinese. It can be seen on wedding invitation cards, red banners above the main door, during Chinese New Year or on moving into a new house etc... The Japanese do have a Koi fish e.g. the Tancho, with a circular red patch on the fish's head. The rest of the body of the fish is white (silvery) coloured. The Red also symbolises the `rising' sun. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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[Based on recent photos of a temple, under the Conference: Photo Tours of Interest] Dear Anon, 1. It is very common to find "twin dragons" on top of the Chinese temple roofs. Quite often it comes in a pair. At each edge of the roof, one can also find a dragon on top of it. 2. A pagoda is another auspicious object of display. In my opinon, the two dragons `looking' at the pagoda, are just decorative pieces. As we are aware, each has its own significance and on their own. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, It is without doubt that Red is always a colour associated with auspiciousness. Red is associated with the double happiness symbol (in red), Chinese new year, red fire crackers, red paper envelopes. Red banners over the main entrance of new homes, and during Chinese new year. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why red bats are considered auspicious as compared to black ones. Even temple doors are in red and many Chinese restaurants have red carpet and red main entrances, and red pillars. Practically, the decor is in auspicious red. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, 1. Crane symbolizes longevity for the Chinese. 2. A picture of a deer symbolizes riches (wealth). It is derived from the phonetic sound that sounds like " good income " or riches. It is quite common to see a picture of a crane and deer combined together. Here, the picture symbolises longevity and riches. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, Did you know the willow tree has some… interesting associations in Chinese culture? It’s not just a pretty tree for springtime. In fact, it’s linked to the season of “sexual desire”—no wonder things get lively in spring! A Willow tree as imagined by Meta AI And here’s a phrase to impress (or tease) your friends: “looking for a flower and buying a willow.” No, it’s not about gardening. It actually means visiting a certain… ahem, professional! In this case, “flower” isn’t just a plant—it refers to a girl. So, if you see lots of willow trees planted around a building, well, don’t mistake it for a nature reserve. Traditionally, that’s the trade…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, Usually, the large vases is to give an `impression' or as a display piece. The advantage of large objects is that it is harder or acts as a deterent for someone to carry it away. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, The dragon year only begins on 5th February 2000. I believe, the 2000 couples got married has to do with millennium celebration. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, In the course of this year, will post a history or story of each of the immortals. So look out! Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, In a recent documentary on Chinese law being carried out on TV, I was trying to see if there were any Chinese Judge or Lawyer. So far, I was not able to sight a woman as a Judge or a lawyer in the episode. In this episode, I saw cases of Chinese citizens been tried. For example, this person who stole a notebook computer from his multinational company. He later confessed and pleaded guilty. He was sent to three years jail for the offence. I believe, looking thru the episode, and did not recall seeing a women in such a prominent role as a Judge or Lawyer. But Chinese women do play a significant influence (some include) the notorious Chinese Empress Dowager. Eve…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, China is one of the four countries with an ancient history which started at least 5,000 years ago, there are many famous poets. In fact, there is an ancient "Book of Songs" besides other ancient books. Chinese scholars in the past are both skilled at poetry and calligraphy. Some of the works and poetry verses are still available today. As for comedy, I am not too sure, but I believe the recent spin off of the term `double talk' is part of this comedy plays in ancient times. This is where two persons talk in `harmony' and create laughter with the audience. As for communist China, during this period of the `cultural revolution' unfortunately, I believe, this is i…
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Dear Anon, This is a `difficult' question to answer. Because, there are quite alot of Chinese scattered all over China and in the world. For those who live in rural China, and poorer, they are closer to nature so, they most likely live off the land. For those who are in cities and overseas Chinese, I believe, it is the same as any other cities elsewhere. But if your definition of recyling means having separate bins for can drinks, papers etc.. I personally do not see this happening around even in my country. I recently saw a TV documentary where even in an English school, the students were told to separate their garbage i.e. place into different waste bins. The students…
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Dear Anon, It is quite common for the Chinese to `replace' the use of Lion statues outside their main gate (of some homes with Elephant statues). Elephants looks solid and `stands firm' on the ground. In Indian culture, elephants are equally `admired'. This is also true particuarly in Thailand. One simple reason is because of its strength and its trunk, elephants have been trained effectively to haul logs and timbers. They are intelligent workhorse. As such, especially the Thailand) or the Thai people, produce cheap Elephant carvings. I believe this gets sold worldwide. Not all Chinese, especially in my region use elephants. More often, those who went to Thailand either …
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, Horse racing is a passion of quite alot of Chinese. Although one cannot say that all Chinese behave this way, there is a certain percentage of Chinese visit the `Turf clubs on weekends to see horse racing'. In the most recent enhancement to this site, I had added a calendar module and there is also a God of Horses (birthday). http://www.geomancy.net/calendar/index.htm Therefore, displaying a horse racing perhaps could be an aspriation that the horse one bets on wins and make the person wealthly. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, The original purpose of real firecrackers was to `drive' away evil/bad luck. But because, in most countries real firecrackers were banned because due to many incidence where fire started e.g. in communities such as villages and even house caught fire. Many people therefore, symbollically, hang decorative `fake' fire crackers on thier main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee
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Dear Anon, In the past, countries especially in South East Asia banned their citizens from travelling to China and other communist states. For example our passports (Singapore) were chopped with a list of countries that we were not allowed to visit. The passport that I am holding issued in August 1991 had this statement printed: "This passport is valid for all countries except the following unless otherwise endorsed: Peoples Republic of China, North Korea, Democartic Kampuchea, Laos, Socialist Republic of Vietnam ". Not long after (1992) onwards, Singaporeans no longer need `approval' to visit China. In the past, our government `feared' the influence of communism and sinc…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon In my opinion, Bonsai or the art of Bonsai cultivation originated from Japan rather than in China. This would largely explain why, you do not see Chinese people displaying them. Another reason is because, many rich Chinese do not have the time to tend to these plants as some of them need lots of attention i.e. trimming of leaves and even reforming them by using metal strips to twist and turn the trunks. Many of the older Chinese, or those who have free time or love to cultivate bonsai plants would tend to them. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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Dear Anon, Again, this is a recollection and has to be verified. Last year, if I am not mistaken there was a film/movie on the three `Soong' sisters. One of the Soong sisters, (I hope I got it correctly) married Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who was credited as the founder of modern China. He also had lived in Singapore and the bungalow that he stayed had I believed turned into a `museum' or a landmark here. I believe the movie was based on a book on the three `Soong' sisters. Well, I hope I got the above correct as I am more familiar with Feng Shui rather than Chinese history. Perhaps, you can go to www.britannica.com to find out more about Sun Yat Sen and see if there is any mention…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, Off-hand, this is just a recollection of what I read. So do not take this as reference but just comments. In the past, the Chinese were conquered by the Mongolians or Manchus. Naturally, they were asked to cut away their `pride' which was their pony tails. I believe the pony tails as you mentioned was their `pride and ego' of being a Chinese. But again, the conquerors of China, the Manchus were not happy and thus forced these Chinese to cut away their pony tails. I believe, some Chinese skilled in Kung Fu had used their hair for self-defence e.g. as a weapon just like a knife. Pony tails can inflict a wound just like a whip. This last part is what I have seen i…
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