Paper Cuts » Chinese Traditional Culture

Feng Shui from Ancient China is So Magical

fl — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:12:24 +0000

Feng Shui (pronounced “phung schwee” and meaning literally “wind water”) is part of an ancient Chinese philosophy of nature. Feng Shui is often identified as a form of geomancy, divination by geographic features, but it is mainly concerned with understanding the relationships between nature and ourselves so that we might live in harmony within our environment.

Feng Shui is related to the very sensible notion that living with rather than against nature benefits both humans and our environment. It is also related to the equally sensible notion that our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environs. If we surround ourselves with symbols of death, contempt and indifference toward life and nature, with noise and various forms of ugliness, we will corrupt ourselves in the process. If we surround ourselves with beauty, gentleness, kindness, sympathy, music and various expressions of the sweetness of life, we ennoble ourselves as well as our environment.

Alleged masters of Feng Shui, those who understand the five elements and the two energies such as chi and sha (hard energy, the opposite of chi), are supposed to be able to detect metaphysical energies and give directions for their optimal flow. Feng Shui has become a kind of architectural acupuncture: wizards and magi insert themselves into buildings or landscapes and use their metaphysical sensors to detect the flow of good and bad “energy.” These masters for hire declare where bathrooms should go, which way doorways should face, where mirrors should hang, which room needs green plants and which one needs red flowers, which direction the head of the bed should face, etc. They decide these things on the basis of their feel for the flow of chi, electromagnetic fields or whatever other form of energy the client will worry about. (If you and your lover are having trouble in the bedroom, call a Feng Shui master. You probably need to move a few things around to get the bedroom chi flowing properly. Only a person with special metaphysical sensors, however, can tell what really needs to be done.)

Which Animal Zodiac Do You Belong to?

fl — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:41:51 +0000

Chinese Zodiac is better well known in Chinese as Sheng Xiao (Chinese: 生肖) which is a scheme that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes, according to a 12-year cycle and these animals are the “rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig” in order. The Zodiac have deeply influence of Chinese since ancient time.

Rat - People who were born in the year of 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 appear to be rat zodiac.

Ox – People who were born in the year of 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 appear to be ox zodiac.

Tiger – People who were born in the year of 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 appear to be tiger zodiac.

Rabbit - People who were born or will born in the year of 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 appear to be rabbit zodiac.

Dragon - People who were born or will born in the year of 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 appear to be dragon zodiac.

Snake – People who were born or will born in the year of 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 appear to be snake zodiac.

Horse - People who were born or will born in the year of 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 appear to be horse zodiac.

Goat - People who were born or will born in the year of 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 appear to be goat zodiac.

Monkey - People who were born or will born in the year of 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 appear to be monkey zodiac.

Rooster – People who were born or will born in the year of 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 appear to be rooster zodiac.

Dog - People who were born or will born in the year of 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 appear to be dog zodiac.

Pig – People who were born or will born in the year of 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 appear to be pig zodiac.

New and Necessary Information on Chinese Paper Cutting

fl — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:23:43 +0000

Chinese paper cutting is one of the most popular folk art in China. According to archaeological record, its history could date back to the sixth century AD, but people believed that the actually start time of it may be earlier hundreds years than the record. China has already paid more attention on protecting those non-material cultural heritages, and Paper Cutting was approved to the first batch of national non-material cultural heritage list by Chinese State Council for its deep culture on May 20, 2006.

What is Paper Cutting? It is a hollow-out art, which could give people a hollow feeling and artistic enjoyment from visual. Paper Cutting commonly used in religious ceremonies, decoration, art and other aspects. In the past time, people often like to make various patterns and figures with paper to burn them during funeral or bury with the death people. Beside, Paper Cutting is also one part of ceremony, and it was usually used for worship of ancestors and gods. Now, Paper Cutting is more used for decoration, such as walls, windows, doors, pillars, mirrors, lamps and lanterns decoration, etc.

Paper Cutting is popular among people, may because its materials are easy to get (paper, scissors or carvers), low cost, effective result and wide adaptation. While it is the most suitable for rural women to produce in leisure time both for practical things and beautify the life. Actually, Paper Cutting is usually made by rural women, but we see the professional Paper Cutting artists are mostly men.

Paper cutting in the early time is all hand-made, but now, some places use machines instead. And there are two common methods to make it, one is cut the patterns with scissors, and the other is engraved with carver. Compared with the first method, the second has an obvious advantage that could engrave many papers one time.

Paper Cutting could be widely seen in China, even it has already formed different styles. Paper Cutting not only shows the people’s aesthetic interest, but contains the deep psychology of the nation. The particular features of this Chinese folk art is worthy for people to study.

Shadow Puppets Is the Great Handicrafts & Arts in China

fl — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:49:04 +0000

According to the historical record and the actual circulating situation of the contemporary folk art-shadow puppet, we can infer and confirm that Chinese shadow puppet art originates from the Western Han Dynasty, 2000 years ago, Shanxi province of China, and mature in the Tang and Song Dynasty of Shanxi(陕西), Shanxi(山西), and Henan(河南) Province, prevalent in the Qing Dynasty of Hebei Province.

From the beginning to the end of Qing Dynasty, Chinese shadow puppet reaches its peak. Many shadow puppet artists inherit his fathers’ business, for several generations and more sophisticated. Ether the modeling of the puppet, acting skill, singing tune, or the pop area,

Chinese shadow puppet has reached the historical peak. Many wealthy and decent families take proud in asking skillful artists to carve puppet, colleting refined shadow box, raising shadow puppet troupe. In the county, you can also find large or small shadow puppet troupe everywhere. On holidays or festival, joyous harvests, praying to the Gods, marriage banquet, birthday, etc, people like to have shadow puppet playing, the lively and royal scenes is beyond imagination.

The style and creation of the figure and science in shadow play, as a matter of fact, belong to the scope of Chinese folk art. Its artistic style is also unique in the Centre stage.

In order to meet the screen principle of shadow play, folk artists have combined the abstraction and reality and carried out graphic-oriented, artistic, cartoony, drama and integrated treatment to the figures and scenes. The marks and dress style of the shadow puppet are very lively and vivid, exaggerated and humorous, some may be plain and rough while some may be delicate and romantic. Coupled with the excellent fabrication of smooth carving, gorgeous coloring, aerial body and flexible limbs, the shadow play is really fun to watch and hardly be put down.

Shadow puppet figures are not only used in shadow puppet performances, but everyone can play them, because it’s really simple. You can also put the shadow puppet in front of windows or white wall as indoor decoration. As the shape of shadow is plain and elegant, rich in national characteristics, having the artistic appreciation as well as the value of collection, many domestic and foreign museums, collectors, artists and puppet-lovings like to collect Chinese shadow puppet. Chinese shadow puppet even often is presented to international friends as superior presents.

Chinese Zodiac can Reflect people’s Character

fl — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:16:16 +0000

The “rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig” combine to form the Chinese Zodiac which relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes, according to a 12-year cycle. Chinese Zodiac is similar with the Western Zodiac the twelve constellations. Nevertheless, there are major differences: the 12 parts cycle of Chinese Zodiac is divided into years rather than months.

Chinese Zodiac is very important for Chinese since ancient time, and people also like to count the years with them. If we walk along the Chinese markets, we could find variety types of things are decorated with Chinese Zodiac, such as toys, clothing, personal goods and some traditional Chinese Handicraft (the most one is may be Chinese Cutting).

People also like to buy the animal sign that they were born under, and this is a label for them. For example, 2010, according to Chinese calendar, is the year of tiger. So tiger related things are more popular than others. We can find Tiger Pillows, Tiger Shoes, Tiger Paintings, Tiger Toys, Mini Tiger Hangings and so on near around us. The people who were born under the tiger year will prefer to own some tiger related things for their body (The people who were born in the year of 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 appear to be tiger zodiac). The same as other people, different kind of people will choose their animal sign goods, like the people who were born under rabbit year will buy the things which related with the lovely rabbit for themselves or other friends as auspicious goods.

In another word, 2010 is also their (the people who were born in the year of tiger zodiac) year of birth considered in relation to the 12 Terrestrial Branches. This means that they have already experienced one or more 12 cycles and they are now 13-year-old, 25-year-old, 37-year-old, 49-year-old, 61-year-old, 73-year-old, 85-year-old or 97-year-old. People will wear red cloth, red vest, red pants or red sash, etc. to wish good luck for them when this year coming, especially during the days of New Year.

Enjoyable Legend Story about Chinese Zodiac

fl — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:11:05 +0000

Maybe you have known that Chinese Zodiac in order contains “rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig”, but do you know why the animals order like this?

There are many legends about the origins of the animals’ order and the most popular and interesting reads as follows: It is said that the Jade Emperor (the legendary ancestor of the Chinese people) decided to hold a competition (some said the banquet) to select twelve animals to serve as zodiac signs. When the news was noticed, it caused a great storm throughout the animal kingdom.

At that time, the rat and the cat are the best friends and the cat who has a habit of sleep had asked the rat to wake him up when the day of race. The rat agreed but he did not carry out his promise to wake the cat on that day. So when the cat finally found that he had missed the race, he was so angry and swore enemy for ages to come.

During the race of other animals, there also happened many interesting stories. At first, the animals were announced that they must go through a river so that they could reach the end. But the rat was bad swimmers among them, and he knew the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the ox who was the strongest and fastest animal. The ox is a kindhearted animal that he agreed the rat’s request to allow him sit on his back. However, when the ox would cross the river, the rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first that was unexpected for the ox, and the rat got the first place in the competition and the ox after.

Following closely behind was the tiger as his powerful strength and he was named the 3rd animal in the Chinese Zodiac and the king of animal kingdom.

Latter, the rabbit arrived at the shore through jumping from one stone to another stone at first, unexpected lost the race halfway, but he did not give up and was lucky to grab a log which drifted him to shore. So the rabbit became the 4th animal in the zodiac.The 5th coming is the dragon. Actually, the dragon was strong and flying, but he last fail to reach first because he had to help all the lives of the earth to make rain and give a hand of a little rabbit who grab a log during he was race. Therefore, he was hold back a little.

Suddenly, the horse appeared after the dragon, but a snake hidden on its hoof. At last, the snake arrived at the shore before the horse as he made a fright to the horse, and the snake was named the 6th zodiac animal and the horse became the 7th one.

Then, the goat, monkey and rooster arrived at the shore through helped each other. They combined their efforts to make a raft so as to cross the river. Therefore, the goat became the 8th, the monkey as the 9th and the rooster was the 10th.

Coming the 11th zodiac is the dog for he was addict to playing the water and the last one is the pig for he was lazy and had a nap during the race.

Chinese Embroidery: A Chinese Traditional Handicraft Art

fl — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:04:35 +0000

The so-called embroidery art is a traditional outstanding handicraft in China. And now, the Yangzhou embroidery has been already approved to the provincial non-material cultural heritage protection list in 2006 by the local government.

Embroidery is actually a decorative fabric which should thread the silk or other fiber with a needle to the embroidery material (the basic cloth) in accordance with a certain pattern and color. It looks very simple, but a good embroidery product should take long time on embroidering it with people’s hands.

In some Chinese folk places, embroidery is very popular among people. Different areas have different embroidery styles, and some tend to dainty, elegant and strict, but some show simple and nature. We usually see this art mainly from cloth, decoration or some other sacrifice goods.

There will be embroidered with different patterns in different part of cloth, such as the cuff of shirt are usually decorated with the safe, lucky or RuYi patterns; collar is mostly embroidered lucky cloud or floral patterns. People also like to embroider patterns on bellyband, shoes, bib, hat or insole. With the development of the people’s imagination, embroidery has already developed more. It has not only used for clothing, but more items be founded on decoration goods, for example, sachets, cosmetic boxes, even some Chinese knot are adorned with embroidery patterns or some others. Browse more information or pictures about embroidery, you can move to Chinese handicraft store where has variety embroidered products and makes people feel dazzling. Let you know what a great art of embroidery!

Chinese people like to embroider different things to show their best wishes, such as tiger hats are usually presented to boys and the lotus hats are for girls, two butterflies are usually symbolized romantic love and peaches means longevity, coins are the symbol of wealth and so on.

This art will be one of the best gifts for people with its special quality. People could see the endeavor and wisdom from it. Embroidery has a long history, whether people buy the materials to embroider themselves or buy the finished products, embroidery will take people to enjoy this high value art deeply.

Basic Knowledge about Chinese Medicine

fl — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:26:27 +0000

Visiting a Chinese pharmacy to get Chinese medicine in Taiwan is much like being inside a miniature museum of natural science. Tucked away in row after row of tidy drawers are animal, plant, and mineral products, each with a particular purpose of making Chinese medicine. Among the assortment of curiosities is amber, to relax the nerves; peach pits and safflower, to improve blood circulation; Chinese ephedra (mahuang) to induce perspiration; and ginseng to strengthen cardiac function.

The filling of a prescription ordered by a Chinese doctor is a fascinating process to watch. The pharmacist selects a few particular ingredients from the hundreds on his shelf. Chinese medicine are taken home by the patient, boiled into a “soup”, and drunk. Confronted with such a steaming brew, you might ask yourself just what the basis of this ancient medical art is.

The theoretical framework of Chinese medicine was established more than two millennia ago. A great deal of ancient medical knowledge is preserved in the pre-Chin (221-207 B.C.) Inner Cannon (Nei Ching), a comprehensive record of Chinese medicine and medical theories up to that time. The Han dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) produced an authoritative and valuable practical guide–even to the present day–to the treatment of illness, the Treatise on Diseases Caused by Cold Factors (Shang Han Lun) by Chang Chung-ching.

One of the best-known Chinese medical works is the Materia Medica(Pen Ts’ao Kang Mu), compiled in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) by Li Shih-chen. This encyclopedic work heralded a new era in the world history of pharmacology; it includes descriptions of 1,892 different kinds of Chinese medicines. These works have all been translated into several foreign languages, and have exercised a profound influence on East Asian and European countries.

The Chinese have a unique system of categorizing illnesses that is widely divergent from its Western counterpart. The philosophy behind Chinese medicine is that man lives between heaven and earth, and comprises a miniature universe in himself. The material of which living things are made is considered to belong to the “yin”, or female, passive, receding aspect of nature. The life functions of living things, on the other hand, are considered to belong to the “yang”, or masculine, active, advancing aspect. The functions of living beings are described in terms of the following five centers of the body: 1.”heart” or “mind” (hsin); this refers to the “command center” of the body, which manifests itself as consciousness and intelligence; 2.”lungs” or “respiratory system” (fei); this system regulates various intrinsic functions of the body, and maintains cybernetic balance; 3.”liver” (kan); this term includes the limbs and trunk, the mechanism for emotional response to the external environment, and the action of organs; 4.”spleen” (p’i); this organ system regulates the distribution of nutrition throughout the body, and the metabolism, bringing strength and vigor to the physical body; and 5.”kidneys” (shen); this refers to the system for regulating the storage of nutrition and the use of energy; the human life force depends on this system. This theory is used to describe the system of body functions, and as a whole is referred to as the “latent phenomena” ( ts’ang hsiang).

The passage of the seasons and changes in the weather can have an influence on the human body. Those having the most pronounced effect are wind (feng), cold (han), heat (shu), moisture (shih), dryness (tsao), and internal heat (huo “fire”). Excessive or extraordinary changes in the weather harm the body, and are referred to as the “six external disease-causing factors” (liu yin). On the other hand, if mood changes within the individual, such as happiness(hsi), anger(nu), worry(yu), pensiveness(szu), grief(pei), fear(k’ung), and surprise(ching) are too extreme, they will also harm the health. These emotions are called the “seven emotions”(ch’i ch’ing). In Chinese medicine, the six external disease-causing factors, interacting with the seven emotions, form the theoretical foundation of disease pathology. These theoretical models, coupled with the “theory of latent phenomena,” are used to analyze the patient’s constitution and his illness, and diagnose the exact nature of his overall physical and psychological loss of balance. Based on this analysis, the doctor can prescribe a method to correct the imbalance. The object of Chinese medicine is the person, not just the illness. In Chinese medical thinking, illness is only one manifestation of an imbalance that exists in the entire person.

Top Five Chinese Recipes You Should Know

fl — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:57:46 +0000

Chinese food is a delicious way to expand your personal cookbook, especially if you love to use simple, fresh ingredients with short cooking time. These top ten dishes are favorites around the world, and are must-haves in your collection of Chinese cooking recipes.

Fried Rice (炒饭) – A staple in Chinese restaurants, fried rice is the ultimate Chinese food, and can be one of the most flexible in your cookbook because you can use leftover rice and ingredients to make it. Of course, you can use fresh ingredients. Ingredients usually used in fried rice are eggs, spring onions, diced meat of either chicken, pork or beef, ham, shrimps and vegetables such as celery, peas, carrots, bean sprouts and corn. There are many types of fried rice but the more well-known ones are the Yongchow and Fukien fried rice. One of my American friends like to eat fried rice very much. I ask him why, he told me it was easy and convenient to do, meanwhile it was delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) – Kung Pao chicken or Kung Po chicken is a Chinese dish from Sichuan cooking and is considered to be a delicacy. The recipe for this yummy dish commonly calls for diced chicken that is pre-seasoned and briefly stir-fried with red bell peppers, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, rice wine or sherry, chilli peppers and unsalted roasted peanuts. Alternatively, you can use scallops, prawn, pork or beef in place of the chicken.

Moo Shu Pork (木须肉) – This is a dish of northern Chinese origin and a favorite of many. Ingredients in a Mu Xu pork recipe usually involve green cabbage, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, scallions, scrambled eggs and day lily buds. Shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, snow pea pods, bell peppers, onions, and celery are occasionally used. The vegetables are cut into thin and long strips before cooking, with the exception for bean sprouts and day lily buds. Fried Mu Xu pork is then wrapped in moo shu pancakes that is brushed with hoisin sauce and eaten by hand. Moo shu pancakes are thin wrappers made of flour that is easily available in supermarkets and steamed right before eating.

Mapo Dofu (麻婆豆腐) – Mapo doufu or Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish from the Sichuan province. Ingredients used for this recipe include beancurd or tofu, and minced beef or pork cooked in a bright red spicy sauce based on chili.

Chop Suey (炒杂碎) – Chop suey or “za sui” or “shap sui” literally means ‘mixed pieces’ is an American-Chinese dish usually made up of leftover meats and vegetables stir fried quickly in a starch-thickened sauce. It is a great dish when you need to use up the last of yesterday’s pork roast of chicken and can incorporate meats of any kind such as pork, shrimp, beef, fish or chicken and various vegetables from cabbage to celery and bean sprouts. Chop Suey is often eaten with rice.

Random Posts

An Introduction about Chinese Music History

fl — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:24:48 +0000

A Flower Moon Night on Spring River puts the listener in a happy mood, as though he were looking at a graceful Oriental landscape painting; Mournful Autumn makes one feel the inner sorrow of a bleak autumn day; Ambushed From Ten Sides deposits the listener on a thunderous ancient battleground; All the World Rejoices stirs up a joy of celebration in whoever happens to get caught up in its festive rhythms. These are famous examples of traditional Chinese musical compositions, all of which can transport the listener into a whole new sensory world.

The origins of Chinese music or traditional Chinese music can be traced back to distant antiquity. Around 3,000 years ago, when European music was just experiencing its first rustlings of life, a complete musical theory and sophisticated musical instruments began appearing in China, owing largely to the orthodox ritual music advocated by Confucius. By the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.), the imperial court set up a Music Bureau, which was in charge of collecting and editing ancient tunes and folk songs. Because of commercial contacts with Central Asia, foreign music entered China in the form, for example, of the p’i-p’a, or lute, and the hu-ch’in , a vertically-held violin. Influenced by this foreign-originating music, composers of the time modified and improved Chinese music. By the time of Emperor Shaun Tsung (r. 713-755 A.D.) of the T’ang Dynasty, the court organized the Pear Garden Academy song and dance troupe, cultivating a large number of musicians, and thus laying a firm foundation for Chinese music.

The variations of rhythm, beat, tone quality, and embellishments in traditional Chinese music are highly distinctive and unlike their Western counterparts. This is mainly due to the unique sounds and playing styles of traditional Chinese musical instruments.

Chinese musical instruments can be divided into four basic categories based on the method by which they are played:” blown,” “bowed,” “plucked,” and “struck” (i.e. percussion) instruments.

The development of traditional Chinese music in the Taiwan on Taiwan can generally be divided into two categories. The first developed from the traditional music played by folk performing groups, usually composed of three to five or at most ten people. The performers are generally of advanced age, and they play mostly folk tunes or themes from traditional Chinese operas. This kind of music gives the listener a good feel for the rhythms of day-to-day Chinese rural life. The modern version of the Chinese “orchestra,” comprised of dozens of different types of Chinese instruments, developed in response to changes in society. Besides performing traditional Chinese music, the Chinese orchestra plays adapted versions of folk songs along with classical and modern symphonic compositions. It is widely favored by young music lovers.

There are currently three professional orchestras in the Taiwan on Taiwan that give frequent public performances of Chinese music: the Taipei Municipal Orchestra, the Chinese Music Orchestra of the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC), and the Experimental Chinese Orchestra of the National Taiwan Academy of the Arts. Most of the members of these orchestras were trained in departments of traditional Chinese music of local universities and colleges. In addition to the technical music training they receive, they also study traditional music under the guidance of elderly folk performers. In this way, they preserve and pass on tradition while carrying out musical research and development. Outside of the three professional orchestras, there are over 200 amateur and school orchestras. And classes on traditional Chinese musical instruments are held in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, a further reflection of the popularity of Chinese music in Taiwan today.

In the area of composition, musicians are experimenting with incorporating elements from other musical systems and introducing creative innovations while preserving the spirit of traditional music, thus infusing Chinese music with a whole new vitality.

The ch’i-p’ao is a traditional Manchu design still popular today

fl — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:03:18 +0000

In modern Taiwan society, men are frequently seen at social occasions wearing the dignified and refined traditional Chinese long gown, Women often wear the ch’i-p’ao, a modified form of a traditional Ch’ing Dynasty fashion, on formal occasions. There are endless variations of height, length, width, and ornamentation in the collar, sleeves, skirt length, and basic cut of this elegant and very feminine Oriental fashion. From these examples, it can be seen how traditional Chinese dress is the spring of modern fashion.

In the wax museum of the Chinese Culture and Movie Center in Taipei, and at the Museum of Costume and Adornment of Shih Chien Home Economics College, you can see comprehensive and carefully researched collections of traditional Chinese men’s and women’s fashions from over the ages. A visit to one of these collections is both enjoyable and educational.

The people of Taiwan not only incorporate traditional Chinese dress into modern life; they have taken the silk making, spinning, and weaving techniques developed by the ancient Chinese a step further, and created modern textile industries around them. Through these industries, Taiwan residents can enjoy beautiful fashions with traditional features and modern chic.

Introduction about the Art of Traditional Chinese Dress

Introduction about the Art of Traditional Chinese Dress

fl — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:44:57 +0000

A clatter and crash of drums and gongs sound at a theater of Chinese Opera in Taipei as a young warrior appears on stage in traditional Chinese costume. From his head ascend two tall plumes, tracing in the airTraditional Chinese Dress each movement and gesture he makes. Some might think these plumes are simply ornamental, but in fact they originate in the battle wear of the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.). Two feathers of a ho bird (a kind of pheasant good at fighting) were inserted into the headwear of warriors of this period to symbolize a bold and warlike spirit, that that of the ho. An outstanding characteristic of traditional Chinese clothing is not only an external expression of elegance, but also an inter symbolism. Each and every piece of traditional clothing communicates a vitality of its own. This combination of external form with internal symbolism is clearly exemplified in the pair of fighting pheasant feathers used in headwear.

Objects found in archaeological remains of China’s Shantingtung culture, which flourished over 18,000 years ago, such as bone sewing needles, and stone beads and shells with holes bored in them, attest to the existence of the concept of ornamentation and the craft of sewing already in that age. Variety and system in clothing were roughly established by the era of the Yellow Emperor and the Emperors Yao and Shaun (about 4,500 years ago). Remains of woven silk and help articles and ancient ceramic figures further demonstrate the sophistication and refinement of clothing in the Shang dynasty (16th to 11th century B.C.).

The three main types of traditional Chinese clothing are the pien-fu, the ch’ang-p’ao , or long robe, and the shen-i. The pien-fu is an ancient two-piece ceremonial costume, including a tunic-like top extending to thePien Fu Clothing, notice the cylindrical ceremonial cap knees, and a skirt reaching to the ankles; one had to wear a skirt on certain occasions in order to be properly dressed. A pien is a cylindrical ceremonial cap. Typical of these three types of clothing, besides their wide cut and voluminous sleeves, were a design utilizing mainly straight lines, and a loose fit forming natural folds, regardless of whether the garment was allowed to hang straight or was bound with a sash at the waist. All types of traditional Chinese garments, whether tunic and trousers or tunic and skirt, unitized a minimum number of stitches for the amount of cloth used. And because of their relatively plain design and structure, embroidered edgings, decorated bands, draped cloth or silks, embellishment on the shoulders, and sashes were often added as ornamentation. These decorative bands, appliquéd borders, and richly varied embroidered designs came to be one of the unique features of traditional Chinese dress.

Darker colors were favored over lighter ones in traditional Chinese clothing, so the main color of ceremonial clothing tended to be dark, accented with elaborate embroidered or woven tapestry designs rendered in bright colors.

Lighter colors were more frequently used by the common people in clothes for everyday and around the house. The Chinese associate certain colors with specific seasons, for example, green represents spring, red is for summer, white for autumn, and black for winter. The Chinese can be said to have a fully developed system of matching, coordinating, and contrasting colors and shades of light and dark in apparel.

Fashion designers today in the Taiwan are finding new ways to freely combine modern fashion aesthetics and trends with traditional Chinese symbols of good fortune. The great wealth of source material has resulted in a plethora of eye-catching designs for children’s and young people’s clothing, including guardian deities, lions, the eight trigrams, and masks of Chinese opera characters. Another more ancient source of printed, woven, embroidered, and appliquéd design for clothes is Chinese bronzes. Some of these distinctive and unusual designs include dragons, phoenixes, clouds, and lightning. Motifs from traditional Chinese painting, whether bold or refined, often find their way into woven or printed fashion designs, creating a beautiful and striking look.

Traditional Chinese macramé has broad applications in fashion; it may be used to ornament borders, shoulders, bodices, pockets, seams, and openings, as well as in belts, hair ornaments, and necklaces. Some successful examples of combinations of modern and traditional fashion elements are the modern bridal tiara, based on a Sung Dynasty design originally worn over a coiled coiffure; the Hunan Province style embroidered sash made in the traditional Chinese colors of pure red, blue, and green; and traditional sachets and pendants.

How to Choose Gifts for Friends or the Elder in Chinese Culture

fl — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:59:35 +0000

Chinese people have their own culture when it comes to giving friends or relatives gifts.

When it is a new-born baby, usually jade or silver bracelet or necklace would be good, particularly ones which can make the clinging sound so it will make some noise when the baby moves. Alternatively, some children’s clothes, shoes or gloves would be good too. When it is an older child, some toys or stationary would be good.

When it comes to some old people, something practical should be considered. A walking-stick, some valuable food such as bird’s nests or Chinese mushrooms would be highly welcome.

For those who go to visit their prospective parents-in-law, something more valuable would be an option, such as some good wine or something meaningful.

If it is a family, a vase, some dining sets or pictures would be ideal.

It is not easy to think of something special for every occasion. So very often if it is not of any special visits, some fruits such as apples or oranges would be good enough.

It is important to know that giving someone gifts should not be a one-way business. Courtesy requires reciprocity. The person who receives the gift should find a chance in the future to return the same favor by returning a gift of similar value the next time you meet. You can do so simply by either paying a visit with a similar value gift or by inviting the friend out for a meal with you paying the meal. Don’t do it right on the next day because it may appear awkward.

There are also some taboos to avoid in Chinese culture. Though modern Chinese don’t seem to mind them so much, it is still necessary to know what would be suitable in an occasion.

Books would not be welcome in places like Hong Kong or Macau because the pronunciation of ‘book’ in Cantonese resembles the sound of ‘loss’. Especially for those people who are frequent players in race course or Mark six, they would definitely not welcome this idea.

Umbrellas would not be welcome in most places in China because the pronunciation of ‘umbrella’ resembles separation. Of course nobody would like the idea of separation, particularly concerning your loved ones.

Clocks would not be welcome, particularly on someone’s birthday because the pronunciation of ‘clock’ resembles termination, which means death. No wonder that people don’t like receiving clocks as birthday gifts.

If you want to give your friends some fruits, remember to buy an even number of them because odd numbers would bring bad luck. So buy 10 apples instead of 9.

Foreigners may find it awkward when your friend says ‘You don’t need to buy anything when you come here.’, or ‘Keep it to yourself. I have a lot of these’. He may not mean it. What you need to do is to insist on him receiving the gift since Chinese people do not tend to receive the gift immediately.

Don’t mind it if he doesn’t open your present immediately too. Chinese people would think opening the present in front of you would be impolite and so they would tend to put it aside and only open it after you have left.

These ideas can only be served as guidelines. Knowing that you come from a foreign culture and being more broad-minded to foreign ideas, Chinese people are nowadays more tolerant to things which are not in line with their culture. So, don’t worry too much when you visit a Chinese friend or family. Maybe your exotic idea would bring them a lot of surprises!

So Romantic on Chinese Valentine’s Day

fl — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:51:19 +0000

Chinese Valentine’s Day is on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Month on the Chinese calendar, which falls on July 31st this year. Legend has it that the seventh daughter of the Emperor of Heaven, a weaving maid, fell in love and married a cowherd. They were overindulgent in their love and neglected their farming and weaving duties, which angered the Jade Emperor. As punishment, he exiled them to opposite banks of the Silver River (Milky Way), and only allows them to meet each other once a year on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month.

This legend has been handed down for nearly two millennia. The Chinese people believe that the star, Vega, east of the Milky Way, is Zhi Nu, and that Altair, on the western side of the Milky Way, is Niu Lang waiting for his wife.

The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the only Chinese festival devoted to love in the lunar calendar. Chinese Valentine’s Day traditions abound and this special day is celebrated differently depending on the Chinese province.

Some of the many traditions include Chinese girls preparing fruits, melons, and incense as offerings to Zhi Nu, the weaving maiden, praying to acquire high skills in needlecraft, as well as hoping to find satisfactory husbands.

Girls place sewing needles on water. If the needle doesn’t sink, it’s a sign of the girl’s maturity and intelligence and she is ready and eligible to find a husband.

People in some Chinese provinces believe that decorating the horns of oxen with flowers will save them from catastrophe. Another tradition is for women to wash their hair to make it look fresh and shining.

On Chinese Valentine’s Day, young lovers go to the temple of the Matchmaker and pray for their love and happiness, and their possible marriage in China.

In the evening, people sit outside to observe the stars. On this night, Vega and Altair are closer together than at any other time of year. Chinese grannies say that if you stand under a grapevine, you can probably overhear what Zhi Nu and Niu Lang are saying to one another.

The Wedding Ceremony in Ancient China

fl — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:52:34 +0000

A formal Chinese wedding requires the bridegroom to pick up the bride at the bride’s home after respectfully greeted the parents-in-law to be. The couple-to-be will then go to the bridegroom’s home, where the bride will greet her parents-in-law to be, or to the banquet location. If they choose to go to the bridegroom’s home, the young couple will have to greet the parents-in-law to be with a cup of tea each and the parents will return the daughter-in-law to be with a red packet of money inside. Similar to the western culture, the bride and bridegroom will be accompanied by bridesmaids and best men and they are usually still non-married.

One very important procedure is the banquet. All relatives and friends will be invited and they will wish the new couple with all the best. At the banquet, the newly wed has to drink half glass of wine for a pair of glasses linked by a ribbon. After that the newly wed has to cross-hand and drinks the other half of the wine. It is believed that after this ceremony the newly wed will love each other more dearly.

In some parts of China, the fish served in the banquet should not be eaten totally. The head, tail and the whole skeleton of the fish should be left untouched so as to symbolize a good start and end of a marriage.

After the banquet, friends of the new couple will usually continue the night by deliberately disturbing the new couple with a few games. Games will include different quests for some difficult performances or questions. Unfortunately to the newly wed that these games usually last till very late in the night!

However in the modern days, many young people try to skip most of these rituals or ceremonies. They do that either because they think that new generations should not be confined by these old traditions or some do so just because of economical reasons of trying not to spend as much money as possible.

The Development Process of Education in Ancient China

fl — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:04:52 +0000

In medieval universities the quadrivium are taught after the trivium. The quadrivium comprised the four subjects or arts. The word is Latin, meaning “the four ways” or “the four roads”: the completion of the liberal arts. The quadrivium consisted of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These followed the preparatory work of the trivium made up of grammar, logic (or dialectic, as it was called at the times), and rhetoric. In turn, the quadrivium was considered preparatory work for the serious study of philosophy and theology.

Medieval usage

At many medieval universities, this would have been the course leading to the degree of Master of Arts (after the BA). After the MA the student could enter for Bachelor’s degrees of the higher faculties, such as Music. To this day some of the postgraduate degree courses lead to the degree of Bachelor (the B.Phil and B.Lit. degrees are examples in the field of philosophy, and the B.Mus. remains a postgraduate qualification at Oxford and Cambridge universities).

The subject of music within the quadrivium was originally the classical subject of harmonics, in particular the study of the proportions between the music intervals created by the division of a monochord. A relationship to music as actually practised was not part of this study, but the framework of classical harmonics would substantially influence the content and structure of music theory as practised both in European and Islamic cultures.

Modern usage

In modern applications of the liberal arts as curriculum in colleges or universities, the quadrivium may be considered as the study of number and its relationship to physical space or time: arithmetic was pure number, geometry was number in space, music number in time, and astronomy number in space and time. Morris Kline (a Professor of Mathematics, a writer on the history, philosophy, and teaching of mathematics, and also a popularizer of mathematical subjects.) classifies the four elements of the quadrivium as pure (arithmetic), stationary (geometry), moving (astronomy) and applied (music) number.

This schema is sometimes referred to as classical education, but it is more accurately a development of the 12th and 13th centuries with recovered classical elements, rather than an organic growth from the educational systems of antiquity. The term continues to be used by the classical education movement.

Random Posts

A simple introduction about Xiangsheng in China Culture

fl — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:14:40 +0000

If you like Chinese traditional art you can know Xiangsheng. Xiangsheng (comic dialogue) performers traditionally have trained skills including shuō (说)、xué (学)、dòu (逗)、chànɡ (唱) (telling, imitation, amusing and singing). Since Xiangsheng is an art of language, and the techniques of handling language and voice are quite important. Therefore, the four basic skills seem essential to Xiangsheng performers.

Shuo refers to the handling of jokes, twisters, two-part allegorical sayings and so on. It requires the performers to have an articulate pronunciation and a fluent speech. Xue means that the performers should be good at imitating human voice and sound of other objects as well as sound effects, including various kinds of gastriloquy, dialects, hucksters’ voice, arias in traditional operas, and facial expressions and folk customs of different characters, old and young, male and female. Dou means that Xiangsheng of whatever form is supposed to amuse the audience and hopefully make them laugh. Therefore, every sketch, no matter how artistic, must contain at least one gag funny enough to make the audience roll around in laughter. Chang requires the performers to have a good voice and can sing different arias in traditional operas and popular tunes.

Shuo, xue, dou and chang are the foundation of Xiangsheng performance, and every Xiangsheng performer should master the skills. However, in actual performances, different performers have their strong points, and feature different styles.

An Introduction about Shū and Huà in China Culture

fl — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:54:19 +0000

Shū refers to Chinese calligraphy, which dates to the origins of recorded Chinese history, in essence ever since written characters have existed. Chinese calligraphy is said to be an expression of a practitioner’s poetic nature, as well as a significant test of manual dexterity. Chinese calligraphy has evolved for thousands of years, and its state of flux stopped only when Chinese characters were unified across the empire. Chinese calligraphy differs from western calligraphic script in the sense that it was done with a brush instead of metal implements or a quill. Calligraphy was the art by which a scholar could compose his thoughts to be immortalized. It was the scholar’s means of creating expressive poetry and sharing his or her own learnedness.

Huà refers to Chinese painting. Brush painting is the final of the arts that a scholar is expected to learn, and is unarguably the greatest measure of individual creativity. Through painting a Chinese noble would demonstrate his mastery over the art of line. Often Chinese paintings would be produced on a sheet of plain white rice-paper or silk using nothing but black ink and a single brush. These paintings were made to demonstrate the power of a single line, and in them was reflected a skill that valued intentional and calculated strokes over instinctual erratic creation. In a Chinese painting was reflected the artist’s ability to evaluate his own imagination and record it clearly and concisely. Chinese painting can be traced back even farther than calligraphy. Some examples date back to the decorative paintings that were emblazoned on Neolithic pottery. To add tonal quality to paintings the artists would often paint portions of the subject then wash the cloth before continuing. This made for beautiful landscapes and depictions of ritual. Painting was the art by which a scholar could separate him or her from the others and take a name.

An Introduction about Qín and Qí in China Culture

fl — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:14:42 +0000

Qín refers to the musical instrument of the literati, the gǔqín. Although it exclusively meant this instrument in ancient times, it has now come to mean all musical instruments, but essentially it refers to gǔqín only considering the context.

The gǔqín is a seven-stringed zither that owes its invention to the Chinese society of some 3,000 years ago. During the reign of the imperial China, a scholar was expected to play the gǔqín . Gǔqín was explored as an art-form as well as a science, and scholars strove to both play it well and to create texts on its manipulation. Gǔqín notation was invented some 1,500 years ago, and to this day it has not been drastically changed. Some books contain musical pieces written and mastered more than 500 years ago. Gǔqín is so influential that it even made its way into space: the spacecraft Voyager launched by the U.S. in 1977 contained a vinyl style record of a gǔqín piece named ‘Flowing Water’. The fact that the gǔqín’s name breaks down to ‘gu’ (old) and ‘qin’ (musical instrument) reveals the instrument’s great antiquity.

Qí refers to a board game, which is now called Go (围棋), literally meaning “surrounding game”. Current definitions of qí cover a wide range of board games and, given that in Classical Chinese qí could also refer to other games, some argue that the qí in the four arts could refer to xiangqi although it is considered more a popular “game of the people” than weiqi, which was a game with aristocratic connotations. Many theories exist regarding the origin of wéiqí in Chinese history. One of these holds that wéiqí was an ancient fortune telling device used by Chinese cosmologists to simulate the universe’s relationship to an individual. Another suggests that the legendary emperor Yao invented it to enlighten his son. Certainly wéiqí had begun to take hold around the 6th century BCE when Confucius mentioned wéiqí in his masterpiece Analects, sometimes erroneously translated as “chess.”

From Past to Now, Still Popular

fl — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:41:38 +0000

Nowadays the learning style and method are modern and multifarious, especially the usage of internet. When we recall Chinese history we can find that every scholar learns and strives to excel in four art forms. Fine points of these arts are taught as part of one’s formal education; and skills in these arts are diligently honed and improved upon all one’s life. We often see these arts illustrated and mentioned in paintings and poems. The Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar, otherwise known as siyi (四艺) is a term used to describe four main accomplishments required of the Chinese scholar gentleman. They are qin (琴qín), qi (棋qí), shu (书shū) and hua (画huà).

Although the individual elements of the concept have very long histories indeed as activities befitting a learned person, the earliest written source putting the four together is Zhang Yanyuan’s Fashu Yaolu (张彦远《法书要录》) (618—907) from the Tang Dynasty, and as “the four arts” the concept is first found in the Xianqing Ouji by Li Yu (李渔《闲情偶寄》) (1610—1680).

In China to be a scholar is to be an artist. Chinese culture insists that an educated and ‘proper’ individual’s classical training has components of what in Chinese are called qin, qi, shu, and hua. These are translated roughly into “Musical Instruments, Board Games, Calligraphy, and Painting”. For one to be considered scholarly, or a man of the arts, then those are in fact the arts in which to immerse oneself. The Chinese ideals of an educated man are a test and demonstration of the individual’s strength in reason, creation, expression and dexterity, and thus rate highly in China both today and in ancient times.

All of these arts combined made for a platform by which scholars could compete against each other in creativity, expression, ideas, and thinking power. They created a means by which men would judge each other beyond the worth of their possessions. These four arts created a culture in which art flourished freely among the populace.

The History and Development of Chinese Lanterns

fl — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:10:30 +0000

Chinese lanterns are the traditional culture of China and have long history over thousand years. Lanterns are hung outside each house to celebrate when some important festivals come, and in the ancient time Chinese people also use the lanterns for lighting because of lacking of the high technology on electricity. Travelers visiting the three gateways of China – Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong are often dazzled by the neon lights and breathtaking skylines. But carefully peel away the glass-and-chrome veneer you discover another image synonymous with China: a cheery, red, round paper lantern (deng). With its sacred vermilion hue and the lucky roundness of yuan, the Chinese lantern symbolizes long life and is the supreme totem of good luck.

China’s paper lanterns are more than just decorations; since 250 B.C. they have silently spoken of births, deaths, social status and approaching danger. Since red connotes vitality and energy at its maximal state, a red lantern placed outside a doorway tells of a birth or marriage. Originating as far back as 250 B.C., the basic Chinese lantern has remained unchanged in design. The sleeve or frame that surrounds the candle is assembled from pliable bamboo, sturdy redwood or inexpensive wire. To soften the harsh light of a naked flame, thin or oiled paper, gauze or silk fabric covers the frame to create the familiar flattering, soft glow. In contrast to the simplicity of the standard spherical lantern, the zouma deng (走马灯 zǒu mǎ dēnɡ, trotting horse lamp) lantern was designed during the Song dynasty (960-1279), an era of innovation that included developments in type printing, gunpowder and paper currency. The zouma deng resembles a miniature pavilion with upturned eaves. An inner wire shaft is fitted with paper vanes, and the heat current generated from the flame rotates the shaft, setting a paper cutout in a charming merry-go-round motion, hence the name, since zouma deng means “roundabout.”

The lantern played an important role in military communications, particularly when the Chinese Empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. The Chinese historical tome Romance of the Three Kingdoms, set during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220), describes how the respected military strategist and war hero Zhuge Liang (nicknamed Kung Ming, 诸葛亮Zhūɡě Liànɡ) made a special lantern designed to alert neighboring ally cities of approaching attack or danger. A strip of kerosene-soused cloth or paper was ignited and placed inside a lamp that floated upward into the night sky.

In times of peace, the size and elevation of lanterns hanging outside houses indicated social status in Chinese society. To show off wealth, Chinese elite hung lanterns made of silk velvet from second-floor balconies and verandas. Lanterns belonging to the rich were so large that they required several men with poles to hang them.

Subsequently, paper alone was used to make decorative lanterns. Paper lanterns are fashioned in a myriad of shapes and sizes, from crepe paper rabbits and fish to cellophane birds and planes with glitter-covered wings. Another change to the traditional Chinese lantern is the introduction of battery-operated candles taking the place of lit candles.

They are crystallizations of Chinese wisdom and have the characters on high value of art, flowing lines, rich structure. What’s more, some lanterns not only have elegant lines and engraved designs, but also were decorated with Chinese characters, portraits of historic figures, pictures of the divinities of some legends, and the landscape of China, which perfectly blend the nature with the humanistic ideas and thus vividly reflect the high level of civilization of the society at that time. Chinese lanterns can not only give people attractive visual effects but ignite the people’s good wishes for life.

According to the Chinese calendar, the 15th night of the eighth month (usually in September or October) is the Mid-Autumn Festival. The tradition of Mid-Autumn Festival paper lanterns is said to date back to the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 to A.D. 907), when an emperor commissioned the construction of 30 enormous lantern-towers, each 1,500 feet high, and ornately decorated with gold, silver, jade and precious gems. While most people could not replicate such elaborate lanterns, the lantern tradition took hold in the form of transparent paper on thin silk.

On the 15th day of the Chinese New Year (calculated according to the lunar calendar, and usually falling in January or February), people celebrate the Lantern Festival, a colorful way to mark the formal completion of the new year festivities and to light the way into spring and a new year. Even the rural countryside gets in on the act with the lighting of hundreds of homespun lanterns strung across streets and on homes, appearing from afar like tiny galaxies. The Lantern Festival traditionally includes display of beautifully crafted paper lanterns, often made in the shapes of Chinese zodiac signs, as well as lions, dragons and other popular symbols of good fortune. Sometimes lanterns include riddles written on attached strips of paper. Small prizes are awarded to the successful riddle solvers. This was originally a practice whereby scholars could prove how knowledgeable they were, but it has become a popular practice for anyone to try.

The enduring symbol of good fortune and prosperity as it flickers and survives another century of Chinese history.

Why the Handicraft Art is So Popular In the world?

fl — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:41:28 +0000

Straw Plaiting, as a widely popular folk art and craft, is produced by using of the different straw with flexibility quality. The materials grow broadly and easy to get and make, and people usually like to weave variety daily necessities with these convenient materials, such as baskets, cup sets, boxes, hats, slippers, pillows, petates and so on. Some are weaved to different patterns with the pre-stained straw, and some are decorated to different designs after weaved. In a word, this kind of art is not only economical and practical, but very beautiful for people.

Straw Plaiting art has a long history. The earliest straw plaiting product we could see currently in China is made by Hemudu people who lived about 7000 years ago, and it is developing gradually until now. It is also popular in other countries.

Maybe hundreds or thousands years ago, people weaved variety straw plaiting products that mainly for daily use, but now, we could see different straw plaiting decorations are come out and this natural art has already become a fashion among modern people. As we known, straw plaiting products all come from the nature so that they will be not harm to people’s health. In addition, more and more people are pursuit of environmental society. Therefore, we could see this art is leading a new fashion trend now.

Walking on the road, many straw shoes and straw mats which could make people cool in hot summer, colorful and beautiful straw bags for women and variety straw hangings for home decoration will be found and attracted. What’s more, straw plaiting products have already showed in the modern model shows and arose in great effect.

Straw Plaiting art can treat as the people’s intelligence gathering. It should have high skills and tender care. Maybe some places have produced straw products with machines, but almost all the straw plaiting products are weaved by people’s own hands, and some complex patterns must weaved by people, like the vivid animals, characters and other lively figures which the machine hard to do it.

Decorate home with these lovely patterns is worthy for people.

Pay Attention at here to know the Chinese Handicrafts

fl — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:48:12 +0000

Handicrafts is commonly known as “folk and crafts” and mainly a hand-produced arts for meeting the life needs and aesthetic requirements of the folk working people with the local materials. There are developing numerous of handicrafts in China from ancient to now, such as paper cutting, Chinese knots, shadow puppets, brocade of Song Dynasty, bamboo plaiting, straw plaiting, embroidery, wood carving, clay sculpture and others.

As the different social history, customs, the geographical environment and aesthetic of various minorities and areas in China, the handicrafts from these places show different styles and fully demonstrate the Chinese hand-made art.

Hand-made arts have a long history in Chinese folk area and are the treasures of Chinese culture. They are widely famous at home and abroad for the long history, exquisite technique and variety categories. These traditional handicrafts are both the cultural art and daily necessaries that closely related with people’s life which also have been on behalf of a major of industries in China.

Fashion hand-made crafts are popular in such a prosperous and modern society is indeed a very strange phenomenon. Some say that the reason is nostalgia and a recall for the manual time of past years. In the pursuit of personalized time now, hand-made crafts with its unique artistic charm, decorative and functional performances have already irresistible pop around us. They like the wind to infiltrate every aspect of our lives and bring a huge market prospects.

Now with the science and technology development, the machines as the production tool have replaced people’s hand work; and more and more flourishes electronic accountings in our daily life can not only carry on operating mathematics accurately, but can translate one language to another; the modern robots’ appearance can instead of people’s hands to operate dangerous works or the experiments and engaged in the artistic creation, like writing, drawing, embroider, etc. We can imagine that our human traditional hand-made products will be replaced by those electronic products gradually. Therefore, the skills on making pottery, knitting…that related with people’s daily life will be unknown slowly. The impact of modernization has made the traditional handicrafts which are gone from us quietly. Subsequently disappeared are the communication between people and objects, the harmony between life and nature. Though the modern machined crafts are dazzling on the markets, they have no the feeling of temperature and emotion which are left by people themselves.

However, there are still some artists who make a living with their own hand skills to design different handicrafts and popular in the world. These products which are produced by them are worthy for people to treasure and hope these skills could pass on from generation to generation.

The Meaning of Guanxi in Chinese Culture

fl — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:16:25 +0000

Perhaps one of the most difficult concepts for people new to China, understanding how the Chinese view relationships is crucial to understanding Chinese people. Understanding ‘Guanxi’ will help one better assimilate into the Chinese culture.

One of the words that foreigners new to the TESOL Course, do not try to translate is ‘Guanxi’. It is such an important part of Chinese life that you all must try to understand it. However, any English translation cannot capture its full meaning because foreigners do not have a concept quite like it.

It is too simple to call Guanxi, ‘relationships’, ‘networking’, or ‘connections’ because all of these things are basic fibers of the Chinese culture. People rely on them not only for getting things done, but also for protection, security and support. Networks of Guanxi can be seen almost as underground tunnels and paths that connect a person to various other locations without the scrutiny of others. These networks serve very important functions for both the individuals and organizations in China. Of course, in its simplest and purest forms, Guanxi can also mean friendship, trust and willingness to help each other. However, this is one reason westerners have trouble understanding the line between friendship and Guanxi. In China, it is almost impossible for a ‘true friend’ to refuse the request of another ‘true friend’. Once that level of friendship has been reached, it is taken for granted that the friend will help if asked. The challenge Westerners face is determining who is that kind of friend and what is simply a favor that needs to be repaid later. It is also a delicate balance to know when you are imposing on someone and when they will be insulted if you do not ask for their help.

Often the term ‘friend’ is used to mean acquaintance and at other times it is used to express a hope of becoming friends in the future. All kinds of friendships that form the basis of this network are built over many years and many exchanges of favors. Most westerners would feel very comfortable exchanging favors if the exchange were clearly laid out, I`ll do ‘X’ for you if you do ‘Y’ for me. It doesn’t work that way because ‘that’s not how friends behave.’ Perhaps it is due to the western culture of independence that you feel uncomfortable with an open ended exchange, I`ll do ‘X’ for you and you`ll do something for me later. Or perhaps it is due to a lack of trust, thinking that the favor you offer in exchange will not be a fair trade, but you will be obligated.

A third factor that complicates this is that not all Chinese see them in the same way. I don’t want to make Guanxi sound like a kind of currency because that makes the development of friendships seem cold and calculating. For most Chinese, this is not the case. However, to give a better idea of this, I will discuss how different people use their Guanxi.

Some Chinese take pride in not being involved in any kind of Guanxi exchanges that would result in profit. They see ‘using’ friends to produce profit as a symbol that the person is not a ‘true friend’. However, even these people use this in many other ways.

Other Chinese will only use Guanxi when necessary and are very cautious not to impose on anyone. Usually these people will be more direct and offer an ‘X’ for ‘Y’ exchange if they feel what they are asking is an imposition or that they have not reached a close enough level of friendship yet. They may also ask you what you would like in exchange if they know you are leaving soon and they will therefore not be in a position to repay you later.

Foreigners enrolled and graduated from a TESOL Course should try to understand as much about Guanxi as they can and try to avoid falling into the trap of thinking of Guanxi as ‘using relationships’. Certainly, there may be times when you attend a dinner or do a small favor for someone because the ‘relationship’ may be useful later. But if you try to begin building Guanxi just to use it later, you will likely get burned by it because people will see you as a ‘user’. Also, never try to use Guanxi openly. Many people will try to help you when they can, even if they are not that close to you, if they can do so without taking sides or hurting themselves.

Whatever the reason, foreigners have difficulty getting used to Guanxi and even if they can get a strong grasp of its workings, they can never become fully integrated into its network. Understanding this key cultural insight early in your course will go a long way in helping you assimilate into the culture.

Introduction about Chinese Foods Style

fl — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:41:39 +0000

Rice

China is the world’s largest rice producer, and one of the earliest centers of rice cultivation. For thousands of years, the Chinese people have been diligently cultivating their land for favorable harvests. The agricultural way of life, with rice as the center, has played an important role in China’s history. In the past, people held the belief that the precious things of life are the five grains with rice being number one, instead of pearls or jade.

For the Chinese people, rice is the staple food in everyday meals. They eat it as Westerners do with bread. Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming, till it absorbs as much water as it can.

There is a rich collection of rice dishes in China. Among them, fried rice might be the most popular not only in China, but also around the world. Depending on the types and amount of added ingredients, such as beans, chopped meat, vegetables, eggs, etc., as well as different manners of preparation, there have developed endless variations of fried rice.

Rice may also be made into rice porridge (congee). When cooking porridge, more water than usual is added to make the rice saturated with water and become very soft and viscous. It is often served and eaten with pickles, bamboo shoots, salted duck eggs, pickled tofu and many other condiments. Besides a common food on the dining table, rice porridge can also serve as food therapy for the unwell by adding ingredients of therapeutic value.

Noodles

Noodles are a staple food in Chinese cuisine, with a long history and wide popularity. Its first appearance can be traced back to the East Han Dynasty (25 – 220 AD), and it became very popular during Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD). Its cooking methods are numerous, though relatively simple. People can, according to their likes and tastes, add different ingredients and materials to make a great variety of noodles.

Chinese noodles vary in width. They can be thin as needles, or thick as chopsticks. However, when it comes to length, they are usually served long and uncut. This is because long noodles are a symbol of longevity in Chinese tradition. Thus, during birthday celebrations, people will serve “longevity noodles” in good hope for longevity.

Chinese noodles are generally made from wheat flour, rice flour, or types of starches, such as Mung Bean starch. Wheat flour noodles are commonly produced and consumed in North China, while rice flour noodles are more typical in South China.

Rice flour and starch-based noodles are made only with rice flour or starch and water. Wheat flour noodles maybe added in low quantities with egg, lye or food coloring in order to have a yellow color, and change the texture, tenderness and taste of the noodles. No matter their type, noodles cook very quickly. Usually it requires no more than 5 minutes to become al dente, while thinner noodles only take less than one minute to finish cooking.

Because of different manners of preparation and using of materials and ingredients, there are over a thousand types of noodles all over China with local characteristics. Among them, the most famous ones are soy bean paste noodles (or Zhajiang Mian) in Beijing, hand-pulled noodles (or Lamian) in Shaanxi Province, sliced noodles (or Daoxiao Mian) in Shanxi Province, dandan noodles (or dandan mian) in Sichuan Province, to name just a few.

Noodles are served and eaten hot or cold, boiled, steamed, stir-fried, deep-fried, or served in soup. Whichever way, you’ll first need to, by using chopsticks, stir the noodle till all the materials are evenly mingled before enjoying it. Noodles are an excellent food for the nutritionally-inclined, providing harmonious dietary balance. They are low in calories, and high in protein and carbohydrate.

Random Posts

Do you know the role of Facial Make-up?

fl — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:53:51 +0000

Chinese traditional opera has a very interesting phenomenon, which is that people’s characters can be judged through the modeling, color and pattern of the Facial Make-up. This is a simple but not meet the real life dualism, non-good means bad, non-loyal means crafty and non-foolish means wisdom. This division makes the people on the stage become clear, it is easy for the viewer to judge.

In addition to show character, the Facial Make-up can also imply various circumstances of different roles. For example, Xiang Yu’s eyes are painted shape of cry, which suggest his tragic in the end. BaoGong’s frown means he always worry about something. Another role is to keep distance between the audiences, which make the audience not easy fall into the play, but to concentrate on aesthetics and appreciation. In addition, Facial Make-up’ strong, clear paint and a variety of patterns, along with rough tune, can stimulate the formation of arts and play the role of exciting, venting and motioning.

Facial Make-up is not absolutely fixed, they will be changed as the operas, the role of age, the different face of different people. In addition, there is a principle when painting actors’ face, which is the basic colors among all the actors on the stage are not the same. This situation indicates that there are still many issues need to be studied on Facial Make-up.

Cloisonne — A Great Art for the World

happyali — Thu, 27 May 2010 09:38:13 +0000

Cloisonne which belongs to the traditional handicraft art of China and is also known as enamel. It is originated from Yuan Dynasty and popular in JingTai period of Ming Dynasty (1450 – 1456). The reason why people called this art Cloisonne is that its glazed color is mainly blue, such as peacock blue and sapphire blue.

Cloisonne has already more than 600 years history, and collected history, culture, art and special traditional craft to his work. It is widespread both in China and broad for its national style and profound connotation.

People with their hands have made the art of Cloisonne since ancient time. However, they were the symbol of power and status and exclusively used for nobility in the old time. The visitors now can see the cloisonne art treasures which were left from old time in

Forbidden City or Summer Palace tourist spot where are located in BeiJing City of China. Actually, until now, there are still some cloisonne treasures of Yuan, Ming and Qing time floated in privates.

And now, with the development of society, cloisonne is popular among common people. Take one cloisonne goods to compare with a modern one under our current quality standard, there have obvious difference. The modern cloisonne goods with so many high technology skills have big improvement than the conditions of hundreds years ago.

After the foundation of The Republic of China, cloisonne has experienced a period of changes and got a good development. It mainly has two species, golden cloisonne and blue cloisonne. Cloisonne, carving, jade and ivory are called the four most famous crafts in Beijing, China.

It is a bright pearl in art world. With long history, elegant and graceful styles, vibrant colors, gorgeous and beautiful patterns, luxury visual experiences as well as all hand-finished work and integrated with the intelligence of people, cloisonne art is very popular among the world now. It has already become the necessary house decoration goods for people, and very fit for people to gift for friends and family or as souvenirs.

Know more information about Chinese handicrafts or others, welcome to our online shop.

Bamboo Hanging Picture — Chinese Art

happyali — Sat, 22 May 2010 10:12:36 +0000

Bamboo hanging pictures are kind of Chinese art, which are made of high quality bamboo as the background and feature different patterns in front, such as lovely couples, charming women, naughty kid, beautiful nature scenery or some famous people and others.

Bamboo hanging pictures with scientific, reasonable and rigorous process are special compare with other arts. They are corrosion resistant, wear resistance, durable and practical. In addition, when they are dirty, it is easy to clean. What’s more, as its materials all from the natural, they are not harm for people’s health. Therefore, this art is perfect for people to adorn house and create a new environmental decoration.

Chinese handicraft store offers variety bamboo hanging pictures, and they are all in competitive price. Whether buy this art for decoration, collection or appreciation, this art will be an eye-catching. Of cause, bamboo hanging pictures are also good gift for friends with the special and unique character.

Bamboo hanging pictures have the functions not only hanging on the wall, but as blinds. However, the positions should depend on people’s different needs. Besides, the pictures can be easy to roll up when people want to collect.

If there is one of your friends are going to marriage, you can choose a couple’s bamboo hanging picture to show your best wishes for them. This will add more happiness for the newlywed when hanging the picture on their wall.

Present a longevity bamboo hanging picture to elderly one will be the best thing. In Chinese legend, there is a god of longevity who is a kindhearted old man. People usually like to show their wishes to someone when they celebrate birthday with this longevity role.

Still, there are so many beauties, they comes from different ethnic groups and have variety expressions. These vivid ladies could move people deeply and make people can’t help to admire the designers’ extensive imagination and exquisite work. No matter hanging it on office or home, these bamboo hanging pictures will reflect your unique aesthetic.

Know more information about bamboo hanging pictures or other Chinese handicraft, like Shadow Puppets, Chinese Knots, welcome to our online store.

Saint Sophia Cathedral (Harbin, China) – A Miraculous Place

happyali — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:29:36 +0000

The Saint Sophia Cathedral of Harbin is the largest Orthodox church in the Far East, which located in the Harbin, HeiLongJiang Province, China. It is a miraculous building in Harbin and was first built in 1907 and completed of timber for reconsolidate Russia army spiritual by the Fourth Infantry Division of East Siberia. In 1912, it was reconstructed into a bricky timberwork church. In 1923, the Saint Sophia Cathedral was redeveloped again according to the Russia architect’s design, and it was finally built in 1932.

The whole Cathedral occupies 721 square meters (0.18 acres) and stands at 53.3 meters tall (175 feet). It is totally the typical representative of Byzantine architectures. The main structure is a Latin cross statement, and in space, it shows a giant dome, but more fascinate thing is that there is no any pillars to support in the room. In a other word, the engineers invented the arches, buttresses and domes or other designs to this special church, and let people to regard holy and sacred one. Of cause, there are still many other fascinates in it. With its magnificent and exotic structure, the Saint Sophia Cathedral becomes a unique landscape of Harbin.

After the liberation of Harbin, the Soviet government transferred the church’s property to the government of Harbin. It had ever closed since 1960. During the Culture Revolution of China, the Cathedral suffered from serious damage, like the windows were bricked up, the paintings, bells and crosses were lost. But in 1986, it was treated as the first protecting building in Harbin. In 1996, it became state-level major cultural relic preservation site. And in 1997, the government decided to implement comprehensive construct Sophia Cathedral.

After the St. Sophia Cathedral restored, the building changes more magnificent, green ground, enough square, leisure chairs, spiritual atmosphere, all reflect the beautiful of it, especially appreciated in the evening, the lights will make the Cathedral show another charm.

If people decide to visit China, this miraculous place in Harbin should not be missed. Winder is a good season to visit Harbin where is in the north of China, so visit Harbin in winter will get more fun.

Random Posts

Chinese Emperors — A Long History and Deep Culture

happyali — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:19:01 +0000

According to the Chinese culture, the socialism of China has ever experienced several other periods, primitive society, slave society, feudalism society, semi-colony and semi-feudal society.

For the thousands years of China, the system of emperor (HuangDi) which hold the right of legislative, administrative, judicial and all other powers existed for a long time until feudalism society. Actually, before the "emperor (HuangDi)", the supreme ruler of China called "Wang""Huang" or "Di", such as "ZhouWenWang""ZhouWuWang""Three Huang" and "Five Di". The first emperor could date back to the Qin Shihuang who is the first Emperor of Qin unified China in 221 B.C. of feudal society. Of cause, he is the first emperor of China.

Why Qing ShiHuang was the first emperor of China?

About 221B.C. the king of Qin, Zheng Zhao, beat other six countries which included Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei and Han and unified them to one country that is the basic of China. So Zheng Zhao thought he was so great that the "Three Huang" and "Wu Di" could not compare with him.

And then, he wanted to change his title to show his great quality and be remembered by generations. So the emperor "HuanDi" were created from Qin.

The emperor system lasted for about two thousand years. According to the statistics, since 221 BC, China has a total of 348 orthodox emperors, and if plus those non-orthodox emperors, there are about 494 emperors in history. It still includes some baby emperors. The last emperor is "PuYi" also named "XuanTong" of Qing Dynasty. It declares that the end of Qing Dynasty when he abdicated on Feb, 12, 1912.

Following are the emperor of the top in various categories:

The oldest emperor in history is a non-orthodox emperor ZhaoTuo who was died when he was over 100 years old.

The shortest lived emperor is Shang of East Han Dynasty who was died when 2 years old.

The youngest emperor is also Shang of East Han Dynasty who became emperor when he was 100 days after born.

KangXi of Qing Dynasty governs longest for 61 years among these emperors.

The emperor of JinWu has the most concubines about 10000.

Copyright (c)Chinese Handicraft Team. Largest selection of Chinese craft for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best Chinese gifts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Random Posts

The Four Most Beautiful Women of Archaic China

happyali — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:39:30 +0000

XiShi, ZhaoJun Wang, DiaoChan, YuHuan Yang are the four most beautiful women of archaic China. They lived in four different dynasties of China and usually separately described as sink fish, drop birds, shame flowers and close moon to feature their beautiful.

XiShi – Sink Fishes

XiShi was a washing voile beauty in the Yue Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period. Once time, she was washing voile near the river and the clear water shined her charming figure and made her look more beautiful so that fishes forgot to swim and gradually sank to the river after saw her appearance. Therefore, she had the name "Sink Fishes" and it is popular until now.

ZhaoJun Wang – Drop Wild Geese

During the reign of emperor Yuan of Han Dynasty (48-33 BC), the border was not quiet for the war. In order to appease the relations with XiongNu, a barbarous nation, the emperor Yuan selected ZhaoJun Wang to marry the chieftain of XiongNu.
Therefore she was farewell to her native land and went to the XiongNu country in autumn. She was so sad that played a solemn parting song with her Pipa when she was on the way. The wild geese that were flying to south listened this mournful song and saw the beautiful woman, they forget to swing wings and fell to underground. Since then, ZhaoJun Wang owned this call "Drop Wild Geese".

DiaoChan – Close Moon

It is said that when DiaoChan appreciated the moon in the garden, the cloud covered the moon later and that was seen by Yun Wang, the father of DiaoChan. After that Yun Wang said DiaoChan was more beautiful than moon to others. Therefore, people describe DiaoChan "Close Moon".

YuHuan Yang – Shame Flowers

During the Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty, Yang was selected as a concubine from the folk. After Yang came to royal palace, she missed her home very much. One day, she went to the garden to relax herself and when she saw these blooming flower, she begin to lament her own destiny and touch the flowers with her hands, maybe they are the mimose or other reasons, these flowers closed, and this situation was seen by the maid, so they said Yang was beautiful than flower and they shamed when they say her face.

Until now, if Chinese describe beauties, they also like to use "Sink Fishes", "Drop Wild Geese", "Close Moon", "Shame Flowers" for modern people. Know more the Chinese Four Beauties information, please come here.

Random Posts

The Traditional and Important Festivals in China

happyali — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:26:58 +0000

Know more information on Chinese culture that the Chinese festivals cannot be neglect as an important part of it. Chinese festivals are celebrated throughout the lunar year according to the Chinese calendar, and there are varieties festivals in China, but each of them is associated with a legend and most festivals are inherited from the ancient time and celebrated in memory of their ancestors.

To know Chinese festivals, we will find Chinese culture is very interesting. Next, let’s learn some vital festivals for Chinese together.

Chinese New Year, also known as Chinese Spring Festival, is the most important festival among others. It was usually celebrated on the last day of the year until the 15th of the first month of Chinese new lunar year as a welcoming to the New Year and a farewell of the old year.

During these days, lots of activities will be hold and the place like change another colorful face, in another word, it just like Chinese Christmas.

Tomb Sweeping Day, also called Qingming festival, is still one of the 24 seasonal division points in China and an important holiday for Chinese. It is usually falling on April 4-6 each year, and a day for people to honor past ancestors and sweep the tombs of the diseased and do some outdoor activities.

Dragon boat festival is another Chinese traditional feast day. It is usually happened on the 5th of May in China lunar month. This is a day to honor a great poet Quyuan in ancient China, who took his own life in the Miluojiang on that day. People will hold Dragon-boat race and eating Zong-zi, a glutinous rice dumpling in memory of him.

The Mid-autumn Festival is a festival on the 15th of August in Chinese lunar month. This day people will busy preparing moon cakes which are round and look like the bright moon and fruits, and at night, by custom, men and women, old and young will stay out of doors to enjoy the bright moonlight while eat delicious moon cakes and fruits. A beautiful fairy story will be told by people about Chang E and her moon rabbit who lived in the moon palace.

Random Posts

Natural Art from People’s Intelligence

happyali — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:25:58 +0000

Whether for house decorations or friend gifts, most people trend to choose the deep meaning goods, such as graceful, healthy related… therefore, natural art are becoming more and more popular and eye-catching from the market among people.

Yes, natural art is created from nature and common life. It features the things that most happens around us. Seeing more modern, fashion, and luxurious things, people still like to taste all kinds of art. They seem to and be able to give people a kind of quiet, relax and enjoyment from heart.

Such as Chinese peasant paintings, which are most created by Chinese farmers or peasant artists are almost features the peaceful daily life of peasant. Women are weaving together; naive children are playing extreme happy; men are working in the field or enjoying their work and so forth. From these paintings, we could see the realistic, harmonious and the primitive beauty of life and enthusiasm for life.

I can’t help introducing another natural art – wheat stalk pictures. This really reflects the intelligence of people, because all the pictures no matter what design, animals or characters, are weaved with wheat stalk which are from natural material and do not harm to people’s health. It also can be called handicraft art, because wheat stalk pictures are all weaved by hands careful and after some processes, we could see these vivid and charming pictures.

Actually, each of the wheat stalk pictures not only is perfect for people to appreciation but has deep and different meaning for people to enjoy. Some means auspicious, some means happiness, and longevity or prosperity, etc.

If you want to know more information on Chinese peasant paintings or wheat stalk pictures or other Chinese traditional folk art, come to Chinese handicraft store and to enjoy those fascinate creations.

Natural art is worthy for people to enjoy and most people will prefer it. Don’t think they are far from us. In fact, we are in nature and they are close to us. When you online again, try to find some arts you like and you will be impressed with these things that you may don’t know before.

Copyright (c)Chinese Handicraft Team. Largest selection of China gifts for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best Chinese arts & crafts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Chinese Traditional Festival – Mid-Autumn Festival

happyali — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:40:25 +0000

According to Chinese lunar calendar, the 15th day of the 8th month is the Mid-Autumn Festival which is also known as the Moon Festival and one of the most important and traditional holiday in China.

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations date back to more than 2000 year ago. In feudal times, Chinese emperors prayed to Heaven for a prosperous year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. And this custom became prevalent in the Rang Dynasty people enjoyed and worshipped the full moon, and in Song Dynasty moon cakes were popular as gifts to express their wishes. These customs are inherited by generations until now and developed by people.

This day is considered as a harvest festival, because around this time almost the farmers have just finished their work on harvest, and they are happily reap a bumper harvest while after a year’s hard work they feel relax quiet, therefore the Mid-Autumn Festival has gradually evolved as a widely celebrated festival.

In addition, the moon will be changed round and bright on the fifth day of every lunar month, so the Moon Festival is called by people on this special day. In China, people usually regard the round things as the reunion, hence, the Moon Festival is a occasion for the family to get together. When this day coming, people will be busy preparing moon cakes, a kind of dessert which made of bean paste, minced meat, almonds, lotus seeds and so on. The moon cake is specialty of the Moon Festival. And varieties foods and fruit like apples, peaches, grapes, melons set up in the courtyard to offer the gods in their heart. People also will prepare some for themselves, and at night, by custom, men and women, old and young will stay out of doors to appreciate the round moon while eat delicious moon cakes and fruits and chat. A beautiful fairy story will be told by people about Chang E and her moon rabbit who lived in the moon palace.

Welcome to our web to know more information.

Chinese Traditional Festival – Mid-Autumn Festival

happyali — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:40:15 +0000

According to Chinese lunar calendar, the 15th day of the 8th month is the Mid-Autumn Festival which is also known as the Moon Festival and one of the most important and traditional holiday in China.

Welcome to our web to know more information.

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Festivals – Dragon Boat Festival

happyali — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:09:20 +0000

Dragon Boat Festival is another traditional festival in China and commonly falls on the 5th, May of Chinese lunar month, therefore it has another name "Double Fifth Festival".

The Original of Dragon Boat Festival

Qu Yuan, a great poet in ancient China, was a loyal and upright minister in the kingdom of Chu located in Hunan and Hubei provinces today. He was esteemed for his wise advises that had brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom Chu. However, later he was hurt by a dishonest and corrupt vilified and dismissed from his position. Qu Yuan was so disappointed and felt the country was going to corrupt that grasped a large stone and leaped into the Mi Lo river on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. There were fishermen wanted to save this great man but after they jumped into the river to find Qu Yuan, they were not found his body. At last, the Chu kingdom conquered by another kingdom Qin.

The Chu people were so sad for Qu Yuan’s death that threw rice into the Mi Lu river to feed the hungry fishes and prevent them eating his body for mourning him on the 5th, May each year.

The Customs on Dragon Boat Festival

Zongzi, a glutinous rice dumpling and bamboo leaves wrapping, were eaten by people to mean the rice offerings to QuYuan. This custom is passing until now and variety Zongzi are created by people, like eggs, jujubes, fruits, walnuts, meats and so forth filling in them.

Dragon-boat race, this is an activity that should be held on the river and symbolize the attempts to rescue and recover the Quan Yuan’s body and another custom for memory him. It is the most exciting part of the festival. The boats are usually decorated like a dragon and ranging from 40 to 100 feet in length and the head shaped like open-mouthed dragons while vivid dragon tail end on the sterns. This competition needs many rowers’ power and a drummer and flag-catcher according to the boats’ size. People whether competitors or audiences who join this activity will feel exciting and happy.

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Festivals – Qing Ming

happyali — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:47:59 +0000

Qing Ming is also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, and as a festival it is a day for people to hold some activities to honor past ancestors. When this day coming, by custom, people will take flowers, food, wine and paper money, etc to mourn dead people and tidy up tombs, this is the reason why Qing Ming called Tomb-Sweeping Day.

In fact, Qing Ming Festival is related with another festival, Hanshi or Cold Food Day, which usually comes one day before Qing Ming Festival. At this day, people will not cooking for memory a loyal man JieZiTui who living in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), because he cut a piece of meat from his own leg for saving his hungry lord who was exile. After nineteen years later, the lord got a chance and went back his position, but he forgot this loyal people Jie’s sacrifice. Later he recalled and feel ashamed and decided to reward him.

However, Jie had secluded himself in a mountain with his mother. For finding Jie from this mountain, the lord ordered to set fire to drive them out. However, they were not and later Jie was found dead with his mother. In order to commemorate Jie, the lord ordered that the day Jie died was Hanshi (Cold Food) Festival – the day that only cold food could be eaten. The second year, when the lord went to the mountain to sacrifice to Jie, he found willows revived, so he gave instructions that the day after Hanshi Festival was to be Qing Ming Festival. Later, the two festivals were combined as one – Qing Ming Festival. As our ancestors often extended the day to the Qing Ming, they were later combined.

This day however is not only a festival for people to memory the dead but to celebrate the coming spring and enjoy people themselves. Qing Ming is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China and an important holiday for Chinese. It is usually falling on April 4-6 each year when is the early spring and a transition for Chinese, because it means the temperature will rise up and rainfall increases and high for farmers to work.

At this time, the trees and grass are turning green, sunshine is warm and air is fresh, so people will hold some outdoor activities on this day to hope have a new look this year, like climbing mountains, flying kites and family picnic.

At this time tourists are everywhere, and visitors should go to squares, such as Tian’an Men Square, to see all kinds of activities by the locators. Like flying kites, there will be all shapes and sizes fly in the sky, even some will hundred meters long, it is very interesting and visitors could try to flying by people themselves.

Random Posts

The Festivals in China – Part Two

happyali — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:44:13 +0000

Dragon Boat Festival
It is also known as Double Fifth festival, because it falls on the 5th, May of the lunar month. Dragon boat festival commemorates of QuYuan who was a great poet in China’s earliest time, and took his own life in the Miluojiang on that day. People will hold Dragon-boat race and eating Zong-zi, a glutinous rice dumpling in memory of him when this day coming.

International Children’s Day
This is an international day for children, and celebrated on the June 1st.

The Party’s Birthday
This is a day for anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party on July 1st which is the most important party in China.

Chinese Valentine Day
It is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month in China and a day for lovers. This day is associated with a romantic love legend about “Niulang” a cowherd and “Zhinu” the seventh daughter of the heaven emperor.

The Army’s Day
China’s Army Day falls on August 1st. On the day, people will have activities to celebrate the birth of PLA, like gratitude performance in the army.

Mid-autumn Festival
The occasion falls on the 15th of the 8th lunar month. It is also known as the "Moon festival". This is a traditional festival in China and when the day coming people will busy preparing moon cakes which are round and look like the bright moon and fruits, and at night, by custom, family member will stay out of doors together to enjoy the bright moonlight while eat delicious moon cakes and fruits. It is also a romance day for the lovers. The festival was given a mythological flavor with legends of Chang E, the beautiful lady in the moon and her lovely rabbit.

Teacher’s Day
September 10th is a national teachers’ festival in China. This is a day not only for the students to express their respect to the contributions of their teachers but also for the society to form a social climate to respect the teachers’ valued knowledge.

Double-ninth Day
“Chong Yang Festival” is also called by people on Double-ninth Day, of cause, it is celebrate on the September 9th of the lunar month in China.

National Day
This is a public holiday for Chinese in celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is falls on Oct. 1st each year and the National Day parade will be held on that day.

Random Posts

The Festivals in China – Part One

happyali — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:51:08 +0000

If you know some Chinese information, you will feel that there are variety festivals in people’s life. China is a country that has deep and extensive history, and Chinese cultural festival exposes a rich part of its cultural elements and servers as an important role in Chinese Culture.
With open and communication to the world, some new festivals were also created by Chinese, and now let’s have a look on which festivals will be celebrated in China.
The New Year’s Day
It falls on the 1st, Jan. of the year and marks the beginning of a year. Chinese will get three days holiday.
Spring Festival
It is the most important festival in China, and commonly known celebrated on the first day of the Chinese first lunar month until the 15th day, actually, Chinese celebrates this big festival on the last day of last lunar year. Many things and activities will be done during this day, and it means a farewell for the last year and welcoming a new year and best wishes for this coming year.
Lantern Festival
It comes on the 15th of the Chinese first lunar month and it marks the end of the Spring Festival. On this day, people usually like eating round sweet dumplings which symbolizing family reunion and handing colorful lanterns and playing lantern games. Of cause, lots of beautiful fireworks will be crackled across the sky.
The International Working Women’s Day
On the 8th, March, is the day for women of the world and protect and prove the women’s equal rights.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day, is on Mach 12 and also known as Tree-planting Day. The idea for it came from Nebraska and aims to call on more and more people to protect the environment.
Tomb Sweeping Festival
It is also called Qingming festival and usually falling on April 4-6 each year. This is a day for people to show their respect and love to the dead. Some outdoor activities will be hold like climbing mountains.
International Labor Day
Labor’s Day is on May 1st, it is an international day for workers. Chinese people will also get some days for holiday to have a rest and enjoy themselves.
Chinese Youth Day
It is held on May 4th, this is a day for people to commemorate the beginning of the May Fourth Movement in 1919, which is an important day in history for Chinese.

Random Posts

Let us Learn More about Chinese Culture

happyali — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:34:24 +0000

China, a long and profound history country, has drawn more attention from the world. Learning Chinese culture also arise more and more people’s interests. Here let us study some knowledge of China together.

China commonly known as The People’s Republic of China (P. R.C) and located in the east of Asia. There are 56 distinct ethnic groups in China.

If we want to know China, some famous and characteristic things of China that we should not unknown, like Chinese Zodiac, Peking Opera, Chinese Kungfu, Medicine, Chinese Cuisine, Chinese Gallery, Chinese calligraphy and so on.
Chinese Zodiac: mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig. They have big influence in China until mow, such this year 2010 is the year of tiger and we will find lots of things are displayed in the market and families. Each year will change a animal, so 2011 will be the year of rabbit.

Peking Opera: the music of China. It is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.

Chinese Kungfu: it consists of a number of fighting styles that developed for over centuries. We can see different kungfu performance on TV. It is good for people’s health and can help people to protect themselves if study it.

Chinese medicine: it is much different from the western countries’. Chinese medicine practices include such treatments as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy and both Tui na and Shiatsu massage.

Chinese Cuisine: it is as famous all over the world as French cuisine. Chinese cookery is characterized by fine selection of ingredients, precise processing, particular care to the amount of fire and substantial nourishment. Therefore, many different local flavours and snacks are formed based on the variety areas and habits and others.

Gunpowder, Papermaking technology, Printing and Compass, the four great inventions of ancient China, are the outstanding representative contribution to the world.

Chinese Gallery: also known as Chinese painting. It is the inheritance of old China and the traditional Chinese painting is painted with a brush which should be dipped in black or colored ink. Actually, there are still many other painting styles in China, like Chinese peasant painting that feature the peasant daily life, are still famous in the world.
Want to know more, click here.

Random Posts

A Brief Introduction on Chinese Food Culture

happyali — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:16:25 +0000

The history of Chinese food is perpetual in Chinese culture. Chinese food also can be as an art for its extensive connation. Unlike some western countries’ food, Chinese foods pay more attention on perfect harmony with the color, flavor, taste and shape.
First, it should be choose the high quality material for cooking. Then adding proper main ingredient and seasoning.
What’s more, Chinese cooking is not only emphasized its taste but put a high premium on its shape. This must ask cutting skill and plenty of imagination on cookers.
In addition, the foods are mainly hot and cook food. Therefore, food culture have developed many Chinese cuisines which include braising, roasting, sauting, quick-frying, simmering, deep-frying, roasting, steaming, boiling, stewing, smoking, mixing and so on. Different cooking methods will show different taste styles. And each cooking method has variety famous dishes, such as “Beggar Chicken” which is popular for baking with mud.
Due to China is a large country and the different weather, customs of areas, it forms so many styles on foods. Like the staple foods in north are mainly millet, wheat, and sorghum, but in southern China mostly eat rice, the first grain that was farmed in China and should be cooked by boiling it in water, and people like to say “south people like sweet things, north people tend salty, east prefer sour foods and west like spicy.
Chinese people are not only dainty about the food tastes but care about food functions on people health. Maybe it can also be called the health food culture now.
As we all know, Chinese people like eating food with chopsticks which are very difficult for some western people who usually use the spoons and knives as food tools. Chinese people also like to putting the dishes in the centre of the table and eating together to make lively atmosphere. It is very interesting.
Some of delicious foods are recommended here, meat shreds with fish seasoning, chicken cubes with chili peppers, and spicy braised crucian carp are the famous Sichuan dishes, blanched chicken is famous in Guangdong, roast lamb is famous in XinJian and so on.
To know more information about China, welcome to our online shop.

Random Posts

Elegant and Quality Chinese Handicrafts

happyali — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:15:49 +0000

Handicrafts, commonly known as “folk arts”, refer to a kind of arts which mainly produced by hands from local materials for meeting the needs and aesthetic requirements of people. Chinese handicrafts also have numerous varieties and different styles fully demonstrate China artistic characters.
In our Chinese handicrafts store, we offer the goods that are all traditional Chinese handicrafts but with fashion styles. Such as Chinese knots (weaved skillful with silk), Chinese paper cutting (cut elaborate from common paper), straw plaiting (weaved stereoscopy with straw), Chinese peasant painting (painted natural by folk artists) Wheat stalk picture (a picture pasted with wheat stalk and be framed) and so forth. The innovative and creative styles in these Chinese handicrafts are popular not only in China, but in the world recently.

Maybe you are still doubting that why you buy Chinese handicrafts?

Do you want to decorate your home, car, bag or other places? All the Chinese handicrafts in our store are perfect selection for you. They are not only the goods have the high value on decoration but each goods has different auspicious meaning (like good luck, forever love, properties, health, etc) that inherited from the traditional culture of China, a country that we all know and has profound history. In addition, Chinese handicraft online shop offers the goods are available and the prices are cheaper than you think, while we can sure the best quality of all the goods in our store. What’s more, these handicrafts are worthy for buying as the function of special presents. Chinese handicrafts store offers the goods fit everyone, no matter for your love or your friends. Besides, for those collectors, the characteristic handicraft is the opportunity not to be missed. Moreover, if you buy our goods over $39, you will save more because we will free shipping for you.
Guys, these handicrafts are waiting for you and this is a good chance to enjoy yourself! Come to our online shop, feel free to browse these charming products and bring some Chinese handicrafts into your home and give your mate, friends, and family big surprises in the coming festival.

Random Posts

Elegant and Quality Chinese Handicrafts

happyali — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:15:32 +0000

Maybe you are still doubting that why you buy Chinese handicrafts?

Random Posts

How Do Chinese People Celebrate the New Year

happyali — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:41:57 +0000

We have mentioned what people will do before the New Year’s Eve in the article “How Do Chinese Celebrate the China New Year – Part One”, I think it is full of enjoyment and now let continue to know about the culture of traditional festival.
When darkness is falling at New Year’s Eve, people will light lantern and waiting for watching CCTV New Year’s Gala which is beginning in the 1980s and will broadcast four hours until the New Year bell is ringing. During this time people also will prepare a meal and have it in the midnight, in the north China, people would like eating dumplings which symbolized wealth for its shapes like gold nuggets (a kind of money used in the ancient time), also one or two coins will be wrapped in those dumplings and who eat them will good luck in the following year; in the south China, people would like to eat new year cakes or noodles which means increasingly prosperous year in year out and long life. Before eating, every family will explode firecrackers and the New Year begins to unfold amidst the successive noise of firecrackers.
At the first day of New Year, people will get up early than before that means a good spirit in the year. This day is a day for people to visit elder and senior people, in Chinese called “BaiNian”, and the children will be given “red envelops” that wrapped in good luck money by adults. Envelopes are not to be opened until the recipient has left the home of the giver for polite behavior in China. Some people also will present gifts to other elder family in New Year. Many activities will be held on this day, such as temples meetings, dragon dancing or lion dancing.
Chinese New Year’s time change every year because it is dictated by the lunar calendar, and every year will related with an animal according to the Chinese zodiac. It is the tiger year of 2010 after the ox year in 2009, so lots of lucky symbols will decorate with different tigers. Go our store to find New Year symbols.

Copyright (c)Chinese Handicrafts Team. Largest selection of China gifts for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best Chinese arts & crafts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Random Posts

What do You Want to Present for Her on Valentine Day?

happyali — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:37:35 +0000

When we refer to Valentine Day, we cannot help imaging the romantic time with her/him. How beautiful! But what do you want to present for her on Valentine Day? The Valentine Day of 2010 will come soon, what is your romance style?
Maybe some people’s plan is to prepare a table full of special food, a beautiful cake, a dainty chocolate or a bunch of roses for their mates. They sure are the good gifts to show love, however, do you want to give surprise or some specials to your mate? Here, I can share some advises for you to consider.
As we know, Jan. 13rd, 2010 is the day of Chinese New Year, which is the most important festival for Chinese. China is also a country that has thousands years history. Therefore, during the development of China, its forming numerous goods which have the deep culture and profound meaning, especial for those handicrafts, they are the wisdom accumulation and crystallization of people. Most of them are hand-made and more significant for people.
Come to Chinese handicraft store, I explain the contents in detail for you.
Such as the sachets, they are filled up with vanilla goods and have the similar function with perfume. But sachets have competitive price and some patterns are embroidered and show the China’s characteristic, putting it into your girlfriend’s handbag, once she opens the bag and smelling it, she have to feel happy and miss you every time.
Chinese special cosmetic bags are also good gifts. They are the special boxes and bags for her to install the cosmetic or jewelry she likes.
I think shadow puppet is also your choice, you can buy two roles, a female and a male, one for her and the other for you, then play it as a couple, do what you want to do, say the words what you want to say. This may become an unforgettable memory not only for her, but for you.
You can also come to Chinese knot store, to buy some necklaces, chains which are all hand weaved with silk. It must be a surprised for her if you buy them as your select.
More information on Chinese handicraft store.

Copyright (c)Chinese Handicrafts Team. Largest selection of handmade crafts for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best Chinese gifts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Random Posts

The Traditional Costume of China – Cheongsam

happyali — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:06:55 +0000

Cheongsam becomes a kind of fashion in the world, whether in fashion shows or on the streets, we will find this China character. Especially in the Chinese wedding, the bridal’s dress will include cheongsam. It is showing graciousness, elegant, disposition and temperament of women.
Cheongsam is the traditional costume for Chinese women in the ancient time. When it comes to the tradition, we will think of the feudal and conservative ideas, but the cheongsam’s came out that may a way to stand out women’s beauty. And China is a country which has a long history, while the cloth for women would also develop.
Cheongsam with the modern flavor emerge in the early of 20th century combined with the style of western dress and was regarded as the representation of Chinese traditional clothing. Popular in the 1930s and 1940s, cheongsam has been basically mature. And we know the Chinese dress now actually refer to this period. Cheongsam stems from a kind of long robe worn by both men and women of the north minority nationalities in China. In the past, the collar of the costume was made high and tight-fitting to keep warm. It has incorporated this feature, not just for preventing coldness but for beauty.
There are following requirements on all or parts of the appearance for general cheongsam:
The collar generally takes the shape of a semicircle, the right and left sides being symmetrical, flattering the soft and slender neck of a woman. Also, against the woman’s lips and chin, it brings out her sex appeal. The front of it is simple and flowing without any decoration, the designers should make the waist girth appear as thin as possible to represent the line of women. Two big openings should be done at either side of the hem for convenient movement and display of the slender legs of women.
Today, with the development of the market in China, designs or styles of fashions are so dazzling as the stars that eye cannot take them all in. The cheongsam sleeves have already changed from no sleeves to long-sleeves, elbow-length sleeves, cornet sleeves, double sleeves, etc and some cheongsams have change from long robe to short. It represents people’s spirit, living standards and aspirations towards beauty.
More Chinese culture information in our store!

Random Posts

Why the Color Red is So Popular in China

happyali — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:22:59 +0000

If you have ever gone to China or gotten on with Chinese, you will find Chinese people prefer to red more than other colors. And no matter where you go, Chinese red can be found around you. Especially in Chinese New Year, almost everything is red with, such as Chinese paper cutting which are pasted on the windows, Chinese red couplets pasted on the doorframes, Chinese character “fu” pasted on the walls, Chinese red lanterns hanged and lighted at night and Chinese knots are all related with the red color; in Chinese weddings the main color also is red, like red envelopes containing money as gifts, the cheongsam for bridal and so forth.
Why Chinese people so love red? The reasons can account for:
In fact, from ancient time, red has already been taken advantage by people. It is a symbol of privilege and wealth and popular in royal family. The official seal would be use red, as well as a confidence and authority reflection to people. It is also passed down to the modern society. In addition, almost the buildings of the old times are red walls, like the Palace in Forbidden City.
What’s more, according to Chinese traditional culture, the fire of five elements, also including gold, wood, water, and earth, correspond red and it reflects a kind of honesty in reality.
The reason why Chinese people wearing red also because the color of red which like blood can pass out a passion of people.
Red is the color of sports and auspicious, it also represents luck, happiness, love and it also has the meaning of exorcizing evil. Its dominant position in Chinese people heart cannot be replaced.
Red is a typical symbol of China, and it is also one of the eternal theme for China. Its dominant position in Chinese people heart cannot be replaced. Though it is just a color, it carries the ancient history and culture of China. “Chinese Red” has become a quite popular word, attracting the world’s attention.
Maybe here only the real things can fully display the deep meaning and explain the beauty of Chinese red. Therefore, welcome to our online shop, you will find the great numbers goods with Chinese red. They are waiting for you to feel and discover its charm.

Random Posts

Why Chinese People Like Dragon

happyali — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:35:13 +0000

When talk about dragons western people will come out a bad impression on them. The dragons are often features as evil as brutal, bad-tempered and ignorant who will kill and eat human. While dragons are given the different figure in China, Chinese people like it very much. When you close to Chinese, you will find the dragons related things are presented among people’s daily life.
People’s cloth will decorated with different dragons, the paintings will painted with vivid dragons, even people like to name “dragon” after family name. Go to the Chinese handicraft store, you will find a superb collection of beautiful things about dragon. Such as the embroideries willed embroid with vivid dragons; some Chinese paper cuttings also will be cut with dragons and so on. Why the dragons are so popular in China?
There are 56 ethnic groups in China, but different ethnic group has their own totem. While a common totem for all of Chinese is dragon. According to the legend, dragons are the divine animals that help people a lot. They help the poor people who would die for lacking water. Therefore, the dragons are worshiped by people.
The emperors of ancient time were usually called “dragon”, and dragons represent royal and authority. If you have ever visit the spot of Forbidden City which were build for the emperor in old time in BeiJing now, you will find pillars that supported the roof are decorated with dragons.
The Chinese dragons are as a symbol of auspicious power in Chinese folklore and art, they are the embodiment of the concept of yang [male] and associated with the weather and water as the bringer of rain. Chinese people also believe dragons can bring them luck. The beautiful, friendly and wise image will not change in Chinese mind.
In some important festival of China, people also like perform the Dragon Dance that is a special and delicate performance of arts on the street or in some public places to pray bringing good luck and prosperity, like perform in Chinese New Year, Dragon festival. It is also perform at some shop opening ceremonies.
If having chance, try to experience the interesting culture of China.

Random Posts

What is The First Choice to Visit If Travel to China

happyali — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:32:44 +0000

Travel to China, have you made a plan clearly? If you decide to visit China, one place you cannot missed – the Great Wall that is one of the most famous scenic spots in the world. Starting out in the east on the banks of the Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for more than 10000 Li to Jiayuguan in the Gobi desert, thus known as the Ten Thousand Li Wall, also called “WanLiChangCheng” (2 Li=1km) by Chinese people.
The Great Wall is mainly located in BeiJing, and has deep culture for Chinese. It started to build at the Spring-Autumn and Warring States Periods. Each state built its own wall around its territory to protect themselves from others countries’ invading. The Great wall was emerged in Qin Dynasty by Qinshi Emperor who defeated the other six kingdoms and unified China in 221B.C. and became the first emperor of China. Then he ordered to link up the separated walls before and extended them. Since then, the Great Wall was rebuilt, modified or extended throughout Chinese history for over 2,000 years, mainly to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. Most of the Great Wall we see today was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The great building is human wisdom crystallization reflection and shocked us is that all of it were made by people without any technology. There shows, of cause, not only a wall, but also have forts, passes and beacon towers on the wall to house auxiliary soldiers and to transmit military information.
The Great Wall is a legacy of history for Chinese people, and it is worthy for us to have a look. Maybe many of us have come to know the famous Chinese saying: He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man.” But it does not mean whenever you climb the mountain, you will get the same charm feeling.
As a matter of fact, the Great Wall will show different scenery if visit in different times. For me, I think visit it in spring is better. At this time, the trees and plants turn green, the wall wonders among the lush vegetation. Everything looks so fresh. It is also a good time to avoid the crowd tourists in summer and autumn.
Want more information on Chinese culture, welcome to our web.

Random Posts

Decorate Your Room with Special Taste

happyali — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:44:56 +0000

Making a romantic and warmth of home may the dream for us. However, have you already made the plan on your house decoration? Do you want to add some special taste to your room by yourselves? Now it is the chance for you to buy handicrafts to embellish your room.
Chinese knots: They are the traditional handicraft art and typical symbol in China. Chinese knots which are all purely hand-weaved with silk thread have variety types and designs. Each knot has its special name base on their distinctive shapes. One important is that Chinese knots have many significations in China, like love, auspicious, good luck, wealth, health, etc. Hanging on walls or doors all will reflect your elegant taste and they will add more culture in your house. If you are newlywed, I think hanging a Chinese wedding knot in your house will better.
Chinese peasant paintings: It is sure that if we want to decorate our house, some paintings will be necessary. Facing great numbers paintings in the stores, you may feel dazzling. Here, I advice Chinese peasant paintings.
Chinese peasant paintings all depict the village life of China, and reflect a kind of peace, harmonious and enthusiasm for life among people. They are most created by Chinese farmers or folk artists, therefore, the Chinese peasant paintings have greet differences between others. Hanging on the wall they will become special scenery in your house.
Wheat stalk pictures: Wow, I think this kind of handicraft is a miracle for me! Each of them no matter the design on animals or characters was weaved with wheat stalk but present vividly and perfectly! Wheat stalk pictures are the intelligence reflection. After mounting technique hanging in your living room or bedroom they also can become the highlight of your room.
Chinese shadows: They are the main properties in the Chinese traditional entertainment-Shadow play. They can not only ornament house as special decoration but also play to active brain and increase art cells.
Need more information or have a look on these handicrafts? Come to our online handicrafts store, here we not only offer the handicrafts we mentioned above but offer many other handicrafts which can be as decoration or other functions you like.

Random Posts

Chinese New Year of 2010, Are You Ready?

happyali — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:14:44 +0000

February 14, 2010 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, while it is also the Valentine Day in some countries on this day. Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China as well as the Christmas Day in Western countries.
New Year is also called “GuoNian” by Chinese people. It legends of that there was a big monster “Nian” who usually came out to hurt and eat people in the village. But one day people occasionally found that the monster was afraid of the red things and big sound during the fighting against him. At last, the villagers defeated thoroughly of the monster with this way. Therefore, people would celebrate the monster ran away and prevent it come again with red things like wear red cloth and firecrackers on this day in the ancient time. And the word “Guo” in Chinese has both the meaning of "pass-over" and "observe".
For the modern people of China, they may neglect the meaning on preventing monster, but they are treat this day as the most important festival which is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations–all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring.
In a word, Chinese New Year is full of funs. People will buy all kinds of things to decorate their home, such as variety “福” picture whether on paintings, Chinese knot or others to paste on walls, antithetical red couplets to paste the both side of the door, Chinese paper cutting and so forth. No matter where you go, you can find festival atmosphere.
The New Year of 2010 will come soon, and it is time for people to prepare the things for Chinese New Year. Have you fell behind? 2010 is also the year of tiger, so the tiger will become the main popular goods except those basically things for New Year. If you want to experience some atmosphere of Chinese New Year and buy special Chinese things to your girl/boy friend on Valentine Day, welcome to our Chinese gifts shop.

Random Posts

Warning on Gifts Culture of Different Countries

happyali — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:12:33 +0000

In our daily life, we cannot avoid to communicate with each other which include our foreigner friends. So you must consider of which kind

of gifts you should send to them before contacting. And knowing the culture of different countries on gifts become more and more

important. If you can deal with this manner well, you may gain an unexpected result.
1. For American, people prefer the goods which have specialness.
Americans are fastidious about the practical and peculiar on gifts. If you send some unique styles or ethnic characteristics gifts to

Americans, it will be welcomed by them. Such as the Chinese knots or Chinese shadows, Americans treat them as rare gift. In addition, you

should not use the black paper as the packaging. Because Americans think that “black” is not an auspicious color.
2. For English, people will not like to receive expensive gift.
It will be mistaken as a bribe if you send valuable gifts to English; on the country, if you choose the chocolates or beautiful flowers

as your gift, it will be ok.
3. For French, a romantic country, the gifts always link to arts.
French advocate arts, so the gifts with ancient style will be best. And remember that if you are invited to the home of French, you

should take some flowers except chrysanthemum to the host.
4. For German, people don’t like the acute gifts.
People will pay more attention on the package of gifts, and you should not package with black, white or brown and package with ribbons;

addition, don’t send acute gifts, they are all treat as bad things.
5.    For Japanese, they are same as the Chinese and don’t like the number “4” and “9”.
The pronunciation of “4” and “9” resemble “Death” and “Hardship” in Japan. Japanese like the well-known brands.
6.    For Russia, they prefer the name brand of western
No matter which well-known brands the gifts belong, Russia will like it.
7.    For African, they would rather prefer practical gifts that valuable gifts.
8.    For Arabs, they prefer the simple gifts. Send some handicraft gifts they will like it very much.

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Folk Art – Chinese Knot

happyali — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:33:04 +0000

What is Chinese knot? Chinese knot is characteristic folk handicraft art and a typical symbol in China. It is also the Chinese people’s intelligence gathering and has long history over thousand years. “Knot” has the meaning of reunion, friendliness, peace, love, etc. In addition, “knot” and “luck, felicity” have the same pronunciation, hence, Chinese people like to weave all kinds of knot to express good wishes, including happiness, prosperity, love, health and so forth in China. Chinese knot looks simple, actually not, it has complex weave methods. We surprised that all Chinese knot purely hand-made with silk thread. I think that teaching and weaving Chinese knot is a challenge but full of interesting.
The exquisitely symmetrical knots that come in so many forms are as profound as the great cultural heritage of the Chinese people. Studying carefully, we can find lots different Chinese knots in the market and each knot named according to their distinctive shapes, usages or origins. They are not only name in tune with their shapes but also have implied meanings. The double coin knot, for example, is shaped like two overlapping coins once used in ancient China and means wealth for people; "Happiness & Longevity", "Double Happiness", "Luck and Auspiciousness as one wish" are Chinese traditional pleasant phrases expressing warmest regards, best wishes and finest ideal, the button knot functions as a button and so on. There are so many types that I can state one by one. Of cause, Chinese knot has variety functions from old time to the modern life, and it become more and more popular among us.
The ancient art of tying Chinese knots was originally used for practical purposes. But as the art developed over the years, people began using the knots for decorative purposes. Today, Chinese knots can be seen dangling from keychains and cars, hanging from walls, and fastened to rearview mirrors. There still many people who like collection collect the Chinese knot as souvenirs. These elegant Chinese knot, whether for its practical or ornamental, all reflecting the grace and depth of Chinese culture.

Copyright (c) ChineseKnot Team. Largest selection of Chinese decorative knots, Chinese wedding knots and Chinese good luck knots for sale, a symbol of good wishes, wealth, safe and sound, love and the absence of evil, enjoying the grace and depth of Chinese culture. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Folk Art – Chinese Peasant Paintings

happyali — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:42:43 +0000

Chinese peasant paintings, a kind of paintings, are most created by Chinese farmers or peasant artists. The features of Chinese peasant paintings are colorful, exaggerated, and full of enthusiasm for life. Originated in the folk art, the Chinese peasant paintings are very realistic, while do not lack of the exaggerated and bizarre imagination, and can feel the release of enthusiastic on folk artists. It has a primitive beauty of life.
Such as the Chinese peasant painting in Huxian, the best known rural art community in the county in Shaanxi province, HuXian is a beautiful place and people who live there most like painting. Their compositions are linked with the daily life in rural areas, covering farm work and animals, festivals, music, village customs, harvest scenes, dinners and children. These subjects completely free themselves from staleness and are always painted in grand fashion. The style can be described as primitive, with childlike figures, vivid colors, and exaggerated forms that are far beyond the common world of most people.
Other well-known centers are in Jinshan County near Shanghai and in the county of Lunan Yi in the Yunnan Province. Today, there are more than 40 government recognized farmers painters communities, organized in different artists associations on county, provincial and national level. The colors of Chinese farmers’ paintings are rather brilliant and vibrant. The whole compositions look like typical naive art.
Chinese peasant paintings have their origins in the 1950s, when the communist party encouraged rural communities as well as the army to engage in art. It was this new understanding of art being exerted by common people, instead of bourgeois, academic professionals, that stood at the cradle of Chinese farmers’ paintings. Some communes picked it up, in the beginning for recreational purposes, or as a well-meant means of propaganda, or to express their dreams of a better life. The farmers’ vision of the Communist paradise was for them straight-forward and simple. Happiness were good crops, a stable full of healthy cattle, a nice home, healthy children, good and sufficient meals, electricity, and every now and then a bit of fun at local festivities.
Come to our online shop and enjoy the myth of Chinese peasant painting with us!

Random Posts

The Customs in Traditional Chinese Weddings

happyali — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:20:09 +0000

Chinese traditional wedding, as with all weddings, is filled with tradition and interesting customs that have been passed down through generations and developed over the centuries.

Selecting an Auspicious Wedding Date
Before wedding day, people would like to select an auspicious day for wedding. Auspicious days are subject to interpretation by fortune tellers that perform the analysis based on one’s birth date (day and hour) after consultation with the Chinese almanac. Almanacs containing predictions for the entire year are sold at the beginning of the Lunar New Year by street vendors and in book stores. These paperback books are approximately two inches thick with a wealth of information about Chinese beliefs. It is said to be the oldest continuous publication known. Different versions are published in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China, but unfortunately an English version is not available.

Wedding Sedan Chair
The traditional wedding usually begins with the ‘jiaozi’. The chair-like sedan enclosed with red-colored silk was one of the main vehicles in the main vehicles in the ancient China. Of course, it was mainly used by the rich. The poor had to rely on donkeys or their own feet to travel, so the sedan chair was a symbol of affluence. On special occasions, such as a wedding ceremony, a sedan chair was used to take the bride to the groom’s house, even for the poor.
The Wedding
In contrast to the elaborate preparations, the wedding ceremony itself was simple. The bride and groom were conducted to the family altar, where they paid homage to Heaven and Earth, the family ancestors and the Kitchen God, Tsao-Chün. Tea, generally with two lotus seeds or two red dates in the cup, was offered to the groom’s parents.
Then the bride and groom bowed to each other. This completed the marriage ceremony, except in some regions, where both also drank wine from the same goblet, ate sugar molded in the form of a rooster, and partook of the wedding dinner together.
Red Veil
At a traditional Chinese wedding, the bride is often seen with a red veil covering her head and face. The Chinese red veil is made of a square piece of silk.

People usually decorated the newly-wed house with “Double Happiness”, which consists two "xi" and graphs together represents the wish for the two young newlyweds to have happiness together.

Come to our shop and have a look on the goods for Chinese wedding. To find the difference between your country and China and feel its interest and specialness.

Random Posts

What is The Good Fortune Symbols in China

happyali — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:04:31 +0000

According to the ancient customs, Chinese people believe they can attract “Good Luck” if they take “lucky” objects or speak “lucky” words and this customs has already passed down until now. Therefore, Auspicious Chinese symbols are found everywhere – on arts, crafts, architecture, household objects, and are part of celebrations, special occasions etc.
For example:
1.    福, this is a Chinese character, and means "Happiness", "Good Fortune" or "Luck" in general. It is usually decorated on Chinese Knots, painting, or other goods.
2.    Chinese scepter, it is usually called “RuYi” in China, which means “Everything as you wish”. In other words, things are going as desired. The shape of the Chinese scepter is said to be derived from the "magic fungus of immortality" lingzhi or reishi in Japanese.
3.    “寿”, this is a Chinese character, and means “Longevity”, it is very popular among the Chinese good fortune symbols. Such is the esteemed value of shou in China that many homes display this Chinese longevity symbol.
The crane, tortoise, peach, pine tree, etc, are all have the meaning of “Longevity” in China.
4.    “囍” , it is consisted with two Chinese characters “喜”, and means “celebration” or “happy”. The Chinese double happiness symbol is synonymous with marriage. In ancient time, it is usually decorated on the Chinese paper cutting. The red paper cuts of xi are pasted on doors and walls of Chinese weddings and in the bridal chamber, and it represents the wish for the two young newlyweds to have happiness together. But now, you can see this character everywhere.
5.    “Fish” is the ultimate symbol of wealth and abundance, for its sounds like abundance. As such, business people love to place a bowl of gold fish in their offices or homes as a wealth symbol. It is usually combined with a little boy and lotus and means “Successive years of abundance”. This is because the word for “lotus” lian is pronounced the same as the word for “continuous”.
Know more information, please come to our online shop, you will find the deep culture of China on Good Fortune Symbols.

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Folk Art-Shadow Puppet

happyali — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:53:53 +0000

Shadow puppet, as one of the Chinese traditional folk art, is a handicraft artwork created by processing cattle hide, donkey hide, or sheepskin into a translucent pelt, then painting it with colors before it is baked dry inside a brick oven, and use for shadow play, an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images.
The shadow puppet has a long history in China. It estimated that the first born in the shadow of the Western Han Dynasty two thousand years ago, also known as sheep drama, commonly known as the head drama, shadow play. Shadow theatre became quite popular as early as the Song Dynasty when holidays were marked by the presentation of many shadow plays. During the Ming Dynasty there were 40 to 50 shadow show troupes in the city of Beijing alone. In the 13th century, the shadow show became a regular recreation in the barracks of the Mongolian troops. It was spread by the conquering Mongols to distant countries like Persia, Arabia, and Turkey. Later, it was introduced to other Southeastern Asian countries.
Shadow play needs a high technology, and requests the artists who should have the flexible fingers. It is not only a need a skillful hand, but need the artists to speak, play, sing. The screen for playing shadow is made of white gauze. The shadow puppet should close to the screen when performance is going. It always makes the audience dazzle.
It is said that the shadow began to spread to Europe from the middle of the eighteenth century, and in 1767, the French missionaries took the China’s shadow back to France, and performed in Paris, Marseille.
The shadow play divided into many styles, such as Tangshang shadow play, Jinan shadow play, Xiaoyi shadow play, Fuzhou shadow play, Hanning shadow play, Jianghan shadow play, Lufeng shadow play, Huaxian shadow play and so on. Each kind of shadow play has its own feature, so if you like the shadow play, you should know more and choose the play which you like.

Random Posts

The Points You should Know About the Culture of Gift in China

happyali — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:26:26 +0000

China, a country has a long history and profound culture, is really worthy of notice for it has already draw more attention from the world.
Today, let’s talk about the gifts in Chinese culture.
Chinese people have their own culture when it comes to giving relatives or friends gifts.
First, you should remember that no matter which gifts you send, you had better not send clocks, particular on some significance days such as someone’s birthday, because in Chinese people’s mind the pronunciation of “clock” resembles termination, which means death.
Don’t send books to those people who are frequent players in races because the pronunciation of “book” resembles the sound of “loss”.
You should also know that don’t send pears to couples or newlyweds, because the pronunciation of “pear” resembles depart.
Chinese people rather the ever numbers than the odd numbers, because they believe that good things should be in pairs. Actually, with the development and open to outside of China, modern Chinese don’t seem mind them so much, and you just judge it depend on the different occasions.
I think for the modern people the gifts with traditional culture will be meaningful. For example, you can send pair of tiger shoes to the babies because most tiger shoes were hand-made, and mean the tiger would scare away ghosts.
Chinese knots, tiger pillows are all OK to as special gifts.
If you are a foreigner, you will be awkward when your friend says “You need not to buy anything when you come here” or “Keep it to yourself, I have a lot of these”. When you meet this situation, don’t be surprised. This is Chinese people’s habit. What you need to do is to insist on him receiving the gift.
Another thing you should not mind is that Chinese people would not like to open your present immediately, because they think it is not impolite to open the present in front of you. Of cause, they will open it after you left.
Don’t worry too much when you visit Chinese friends or family, in fact, Chinese people are very warm to guest.
Do you want more information? Come to our Chinese knot store, you will know more different customs in China.

Copyright (c)Chinese Handicrafts Team. Largest selection of Chinese handicraft gifts for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best handmade Chinese crafts & gifts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Paper Cuts » Chinese Traditional Culture

Feng Shui from Ancient China is So Magical

Related Posts

Which Animal Zodiac Do You Belong to?

Related Posts

New and Necessary Information on Chinese Paper Cutting

Related Posts

Shadow Puppets Is the Great Handicrafts & Arts in China

Related Posts

Chinese Zodiac can Reflect people’s Character

Related Posts

Enjoyable Legend Story about Chinese Zodiac

Related Posts

Chinese Embroidery: A Chinese Traditional Handicraft Art

Related Posts

Basic Knowledge about Chinese Medicine

Related Posts

Top Five Chinese Recipes You Should Know

Random Posts

An Introduction about Chinese Music History

Related Posts

The ch’i-p’ao is a traditional Manchu design still popular today

Related Posts

Introduction about the Art of Traditional Chinese Dress

Related Posts

How to Choose Gifts for Friends or the Elder in Chinese Culture

Related Posts

So Romantic on Chinese Valentine’s Day

Related Posts

The Wedding Ceremony in Ancient China

Related Posts

The Development Process of Education in Ancient China

Random Posts

A simple introduction about Xiangsheng in China Culture

Related Posts

An Introduction about Shū and Huà in China Culture

Related Posts

An Introduction about Qín and Qí in China Culture

Related Posts

From Past to Now, Still Popular

Related Posts

The History and Development of Chinese Lanterns

Related Posts

Why the Handicraft Art is So Popular In the world?

Related Posts

Pay Attention at here to know the Chinese Handicrafts

Related Posts

The Meaning of Guanxi in Chinese Culture

Related Posts

Introduction about Chinese Foods Style

Random Posts

Do you know the role of Facial Make-up?

Related Posts

Cloisonne — A Great Art for the World

Related Posts

Bamboo Hanging Picture — Chinese Art

Related Posts

Saint Sophia Cathedral (Harbin, China) – A Miraculous Place

Random Posts

Chinese Emperors — A Long History and Deep Culture

Random Posts

The Four Most Beautiful Women of Archaic China

Random Posts

The Traditional and Important Festivals in China

Random Posts

Natural Art from People’s Intelligence

Related Posts

Chinese Traditional Festival – Mid-Autumn Festival

Related Posts

Chinese Traditional Festival – Mid-Autumn Festival

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Festivals – Dragon Boat Festival

Random Posts

Chinese Traditional Festivals – Qing Ming

Random Posts

The Festivals in China – Part Two

Random Posts

The Festivals in China – Part One

Random Posts

Let us Learn More about Chinese Culture