Chinese Culture (General)
Chinese Culture (General)
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Today, this simple gesture of a white flag and oil lamp is to signal the dead or lead the way to the funeral wake. In the past, these white flags were placed as markers to guide the recent deceased and an oil lamp lit up at the end-point.
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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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It was a pity that especially during the cultural revolution years; many people, literally carve graffiti onto the individual bricks of the great wall. Some even use knifes and sharp objects to carve very deep markings on these bricks. Take a look at some of the sample photos... A real pity... fortunately, today... this is not allowed...
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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I wear a baby jade nickle around my neck. My mum tells me the jade is best when it's tied using a red string. It's known to protect you from harm. you can restore the jades power once and a while by giving it a little bath in the sea water. the jade shaped into a buddah and if blessed, it will protect you from the evil spirits. Only the real jade from the mountains has this kind of power. my jade is worth about $300 - and it's only very little! i wonder what the big jades are worth!! -Daniel
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, 1. From my personal understanding, it is because of the thorns on stalk rose. 2. It would be different if there are no thorns on the rose. 3. Thus, it is more a belief that what can be worse than to give someone thorns. 4. On this same subject (Chinese belief), it is considered inauspicious to present your Chinese friend with either a CLOCK or give her a pair of shoes, also. So for those who are giving `home warming' gifts, avoid Para 4. Warmest Regards, Cecil
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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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, -
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Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, many Chinese even before learning English, have to learn `many languages'. 2. For example, take the case of a Chinese in Malaysia. Usually, the child picks up one or two Chinese dialects in their home. This is because more often, each parent may speak one or more dialect even before they go to school. 3. When the child goes to school, he/she has to learn e.g. English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Thus, imagine, a child this young has to grope with 5 languages! Each language has it own `gramma' etc... While in an `English' speaking country, one's mother tongue may be `English' and later on, the child gets to learn e.g. Spanish. In my opinion,…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, In very early years before China had exchanges with the West, you will be surprised to learn that many missionaries had infact introduced and translated many of China's culture, history, classics especially works by Confucius. For example, Matteo Ricci, who was an Italian missionary had infact translated several books into Latin in 1590s. Since his time, many famous scholars and writers had taken much effort in translating Chinese works into English. Such famous scholars include: Lin Yutang, James Legge who is an English writer. Another famous transalter is Richard Wilhem, a German Scholar. These scholars had infact translated several volumes of the famous Chi…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, Thanks for bringing this up. Actually, I had in mind, at that time for those who worship e.g. Buddha and Goddess of Mercy etc.. Therefore, for those who worship or pray to them, should `separate' the figurines. Otherwise, if one purchased them for `display' then it is still OK to keep them together. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anonymous, Yes I do understand what you are trying to say and you are quite right. I was probably just grumpy that day, but yes I do agree that the purpose of such forums is indeed to exchange knowledge and learn. Thank you for replying Robert B.
Last reply by Robert, -
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Dear Anon, 1. Not all overseas Chinese eat dog meat. Especially the `English' educated or if they are staying in a more affluent country away from China. 2. In Hong Kong, it is still common for Chinese to eat dogs. These dogs are specially breed to be slaughtered unlike pet dogs. If you do go to a Chinese food store, or those that do stock Chinese canned food, it is equally common to find `Rabbit's meat'. To some of us, rabbits are considered pets and no way we want to eat them. 3. Like sharks fins, abalone, some Chinese find it a delicacy to eat dog's meat. There are even some Chinese shows that `suggest' that when these people eat dog's meat, when they go near to dogs…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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 …
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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, 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, 1. It is very often to hear the phonetic sound of a word and relate it with being auspicious or inauspicious. It implies: "Hey, you want me to go `quickly' to my death is it?" Unfortunately, the pear in Mandarin is called `li' which can mean separation. 2. Thus it is inauspicious or considered inauspicious for married couples to cut pear in halves. Which symbolically implies separation. 3. There is some truth in what you have mentioned. 4. The Chinese dread the `7th month'. This is the month where it is said that ghosts are let free to roam on earth. It is far worse to give pears on the 15th day of the 7th month as it is said to bring more sadness to loved o…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Check out this caricature... http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/article.php?bid=2&fid=29&mid=6020&new= As mentioned in one of the past forum messages.. the phonetic sound of shoes is considered inauspicious for the Chinese. Much like it is considered inauspicious to give another Chinese a clock or bell. This is purely based on Customs and beliefs...
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, Under symbolism, a `live' crab shape is auspicious because, it is alive i.e. vibrant and active. While a dead crab (fried or steamed) ie. turned Red, is already dead or no more `activity.' Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, I believe, not only the Chinese but Anglo-Saxons, Celtic etc... do give importance to dragons. Many of their flags or symbols have dragons on them. Likewise, the Chinese also in their own way give importance to dragons. Warmest Regards, Cecil
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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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
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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Dear Anon, 1. Perhaps is it because the Chinese husbands are afraid of being hen-pecked? *JOKE* 2. In my opinion, this is not true. Many Chinese wifes often buy chickens without emphasis on whether they are hens or roosters. Some even have preference for eating hens than roosters. So, far, not yet. I yet to see a Chinese lady hold up a chicken and look closely at its head or start prodding it's backside to find out if it is a hen or rooster. 3. But I have read that some Chinese chefs are particular about the age of the chickens. I read recently that some Chinese chefs who had opened a famous Chinese eatery servicing `Hainanese chicken' found the chickens not suitable bec…
Last reply by Cecil Lee, -
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