Chinese Culture (General)
Chinese Culture (General)
430 topics in this forum
-
- 1 reply
- 7k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
Sponsored Link -
- 1 reply
- 6.1k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 6.4k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 6.2k views
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, -
-
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 6.5k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 5.9k views
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, -
-
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 6.5k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- 1 reply
- 6.8k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 6.2k views
Dear Anon, In the past, Chinese fear an eclipse. This was because, it means that the sun has been `swallowed up'. And the `world' became dark. During the eclipse, they would use musical instruments and make sounds like clangs, beat the drums in the hope that the sun would `rise' again. This was before Chinese astrologers had predicted and advised the Emperors of the forthcoming eclipse. Once, it was known that the eclipse could be calculated and predicted, this `fear' of the sun got eaten up no longer worried the people. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 6.1k views
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…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 5.9k views
Dear Anon, Since we are on this topic, I took the opportunity to scan a recent article that there is an estimated 53 million one child family in China today. The article narrate and called these one child `little emperors'. You can read about this article under the conference: Photo tours of Interest. As for your question below, if the couple gets pregnant, they would usually have to go for an abortion. Usually, they would first practise contraception first. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 5.9k views
Dear Anon, For the Chinese (local - China) and overseas Chinese, there is the pressure not so much of just having a baby but rather a baby son. Chinese value highly a baby son because only a son can carry their family name through to the next generation. For example, Mr Tan would like his surname to be `carried' to his next generation. Only if he has a son, his surname Tan can be `happy' as his son will also adopt his surname Tan. If he has a daughter, and if his daughter marrys a man, if the man's surname is Wong, she comes Mrs Wong. There are many situations where Chinese man were `forced' to take up a second wife or due to family pressure, marry another in the hope tha…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 6.1k views
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, -
- 1 reply
- 9.6k views
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…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 6.7k views
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, -
-
- 1 reply
- 5.8k views
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, -
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 5.7k views
Dear Anon, There is quite a diverse Chinese both in China and many overseas Chinese. Frankly, so far, I did not recall any or many Chinese displaying a picture of an Emperor and Empress. In China, it is `illegal' during the Communist period to display such pictures other than leaders like Mao or Chou Eng Lai. Perhaps, you could have seen pictures of Chinese Gods e.g. God of Wealth. The most popular Gods are the three figures of Fu Lu Shou or Luck, Prosperity and Longevity Gods. A picture of the three Gods are available under the conference: "Photo Tours with Interest." Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- 1 reply
- 5.8k views
Dear Anon, Like any country, land has been gradually been `converted' into built up areas. However, the good news is that China is one of the four countries with an ancient civilzation lasting for more than 5,000 years old. With such a history, there are many (many) historical buildings and landscapes like the Guilin, the site where Shapes and Form School was said to have originated. Many of these locations have become tourist attractions. Because of the tourism, it has helped to preserve monuments e.g. Chinese Temples, Tombs, the Great Wall etc.. Many Chinese had the idea that when they grow old, they would like to visit China. But contrary to this, it would be better if…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
- 1 reply
- 5.7k views
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…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 6.9k views
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 5.6k views
Dear Anon, There is a saying that Chinese eat anything with four legs. (And more!) The more expensive delicacies are: 1. abalone 2. broiled sharks fins 3. drunken prawns (life prawns placed in a covered bowl and VSOP poured into it. The prawns got `drunk' in the VSOP). 4. Scallops (at one time) 5. Oysters. (more Westernized Chinese) 6. Peking duck lots more.... Exotic dishes that combined various goodies include " Buddha Jumps over the Wall", suckling pig and lots lots more. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
-
- Staff
- 1 reply
- 5.6k views
Dear Anon, As there are many Chinese, there are many points of view. The Chrysanthemum plant phonetically called `Ju' or sounds like the number 9 in Mandarin. 9 is represented by Autumn or the 9th month. This plant is thus an `autumn' plant. I guess some people would not like having `autumn' but rather `spring or summer' plants. I believe to some of these people, autumn is like `sun set' or closer to winter. While spring and summer is bright and `alive'. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- 0 replies
- 4.1k views
Dear cecil, I read somewhere that chinese people do not keep a azalea plant or fig plant in their homes since they consider them yin plants. Is this true. Thanks.
Last reply by muffin_99, -
-
- Staff
- 2 replies
- 11.2k views
Under the Chinese Horoscope (zodiac signs); the pig's worst pairing is with the snake!
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
-
- 1 reply
- 8.6k views
Dear Anon, Bamboo is a natural `product' grown widely in China. It has four main uses: 1. It is used as building materials and scaffoldings. 2. It was the material used to make paper. 3. It is used to hold firecrackers. 4. The shoots of bamboo are edible. From the above, one can understand why, it is an important plant to the Chinese. No other plant has more uses than this. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee,
-
Recently Browsing 0 members
- No registered users viewing this page.