Chinese Ancient Coins

The currency is a medium for the exchange of commodities;it was the inevitable outcome of such exchanges.In ancient China the currency came in different forms and was made variously from shells,jade,gold,silver,and paper.The following is a brief introduction to ancient coins in China.

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Shell money.Shell money was the oldest form of currency in ancient China.As the shells were small and hard in texture,they came in handy as money.By the Shang and Zhou dynasties the use of shell money reached its zenith,and shell money became a symbol of wealth.Even today the Chinese like to call their most valuable objects"baobei",which is derived from the name of the Chinese shell money.In ancient China it was not uncommon to use shell money as burial objects.

Hoe-like Money.The hoe-like money was evolved from an ancient Chinese farming tool.In the early days it bore close resemblance to a hoe.Because the hoe is similar to the shovel.This is why the hoe-like money is also known as "shovel money".

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Bronze money in the design of seashells.With the development of commodity exchange,the supply of natural shells as the currency ran out of supply.Imitation shell money made from stone,bone,ceramics and bronze was thus invented to make up for the shortage.But eventually it was bronze shell-shaped money that replaced natural shells.It was not until Qinshihuang unified the currency in 221 B.C.that shells finally were with-drawn from commodity circulation.

Knife-shaped money.Cast of bronze during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods,the money's knife-like shape was derived from a certain weapon from old days.

Bronze coin with a square hole in the centre. In the late Warring State Period,bronze coins with a round hole in the centre first appeared in China.The hole made it convenient to string the coins together.When Qinshihuang unifed the nation and the currency,he had the round hole in the bronze coins changed into a square,as the round coin and its square hole is regarded as a reflection of the ancient theory that "heaven is round and earth square".Feudalism lasted for more than 2,000 years,however,despite the change of times and the currency,the round bronze coins with a square hole in the centre was in use for roughly the same duration.It was after the demise of the Qing Dynasty that they were gradually replaced with paper money. <table class="folder1-1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="450" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center">

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Chinese coins are essential ingredients in the practice of Feng Shui (fēng shuǐ 风水), the traditional Chinese study of geomantic omens for buildings or cemeteries It is the most potent symbol of wealth, especially when tied with red thread. They are rounded shape with a square hole in the center. The circle represents heaven while the square represents earth. When used by humans, they represent the cosmic trinity of luck of "Heaven-Earth-Man".There is the Yang side (yáng miàn 阳面) (with four chinese characters according to reign of emperor) and the Yin side (yīn miàn 阴面) (2 characters) on every chinese coins. The Yang side should always be used facing up. Feng Shui masters (fēng shuǐ shī 风水师) often focus only on Ching Dynasty coins compared to other dynasties because Ching was the most powerful dynasty in China, while other dynasties usually collapsed in less than a century. The Chinese coins, particularly of those of the Kang Hsi or Chien Long Emperors' reign are deemed most auspicious. Chinese coins are creation of old advisors of emperors and that is why chinese coins are powerful emblems of wealth, endless fortune and prosperity.
Resource: <a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=154">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=154</a>
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Numbers in Chinese culture In Chinese culutre, certain numbers are believed by some to be auspicious (吉利) or inauspicious (不利) based on the Chinese word that the number name sounds similar to. However some Chinese people regard these beliefs to be superstitions. Since the pronunciation and the vocabulary may be different in different Chinese dialects, the rules are generally not applicable for all cases.

Because of the supposed auspiciousness of certain numbers, some people will often choose, attempt to obtain, or pay large sums for numbers that are considered to be lucky for their phone numbers, street addresses, residence floor (in a multi-story building), driver's license number, vehicle license plate number, bank account number, etc.

Lucky numbers are based on Chinese words that sound similar to other Chinese words. The numbers 6,8, and 9 are believed to have auspicious meanings because their names sound similar to words that have positive meanings.

Lucky numbers

Two

The number 2 (二 or 两,Pinyin: èr or liăng) is a good number in Chinese culture. There is a Chinese saying: "good things come in pairs". It is common to use double symbols in product brandnames, such as double happiness, double coin and double elephants. In Cantonese, two (jyutping: yi) is a homophone of the character for "easy" (易).

Three

The number 3 (三, Pinyin: sān, jyutping: saam¹) sounds similar to the character for "birth" (生, Pinyin: shēng, jyutping: saang¹), and is thus considered a lucky number.

Five

The number 5 (五,Pinyin: wŭ) is associated with the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal) in Chinese philosophy, and in turn was historically associated with the Emperor of China. For example, the Tiananmen gate, being the main thoroughfare to the Forbidden City, has five arches. It is also referred to as the pronounciation of "I", as the pronunciations of "I" (我, <a title="Pinyin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin"><font color="#0645ad">Pinyin</font></a>: wŏ) and 5 are similar in Mandarin.

Six

The number 6 (六,Pinyin: liù) in Mandarin is pronounced the same as "leew" (澑, Pinyin: liù) and similar to "fluid" (流, Pinyin: liú) and is therefore considered good for business. The number 6 also represents happiness. In Cantonese, this number is a homophone for blessings (祿 Lok). In I-Ching, the number 6 stands for "yin".

Seven

The number 7(七, Pinyin: qī) symbolizes "togetherness". It is a lucky number for relationships. It is also recognized as the luckiest number in the West, and is one of the rare numbers that is great in both Chinese and many Western cultures. It is a lucky number in Chinese culture, because it sounds alike to the Chinese character 起 (Pinyin: qǐ) meaning arise.

Eight

The word for "eight" (八 Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth" (发 – short for "发财",Pinyin: fā). In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar, e.g. Cantonese "baat³" and "faat³".

There is also a visual resemblance between two digits, "88", and 囍, the "shuāngxǐ" ('double joy'), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 ("xĭ" meaning 'joy' or 'happiness').

The number 8 is viewed as such an auspicious number that even being assigned a number with several eights is considered very lucky.

<ul> <li>A tekeogibe number with all digits being eights was sold for USD $270,723 in Chengdu, China.</li> <li>The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Beijing began on 8/8/08 at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 pm (local time).</li> <li>A man in Hangzhou offered to sell his license plate  reading A88888 for RMB 1.12 million (roughly USD164,000).</li> <li>The Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia each have 88 Floors.</li> <li>The KLM route from Hong Kong to Amsterdam is Flight KL888</li> <li>The United Airlines route from San Francisco to Beijing is Flight 888.</li> <li>Dragon Fish Industry in Singapore, a breeder of rare Asian Arowanas  (which are "lucky fish" themselves, and, being a rare species, are required to be microchipped), makes sure to use numbers with plenty of eights in their microchip tag numbers, and appears to reserve particular numbers especially rich in eights and sixes (e.g. 702088880006688) for particularly valuable specimens.</li> <li>The value of eight could also be linked with Buddhism and the meaning of Lotus flower (eight petals).</li> <li>As part of grand opening promotions, a Commerce Bank branch in New York's Chinatown raffled off safety deposit box No. 888.</li> <li>An "auspicious" numbering system was adopted by the developers of 39 Conduit Road Hong Kong, where the top floor was "88" – Chinese for double fortune. It is already common in Hong Kong for ~4th floors not to exist; there is no requirement by the Buildings Department for numbering other than that it being "made in a logical order." A total of 43 intermediate floor numbers are omitted from 39 Conduit Road: those missing include 14, 24, 34, 64, all floors between 40 and 49; the floor number which follows 68 is 88.</li> </ul>

Nine

The number 9 (九,Pinyin: jiŭ, jyutping: gau²), being the greatest of single-digit numbers, was historically associated with the Emperor of China; the Emperor's robes often had nine dragons, and Chinese mythology held that the dragon has nine children.

Moreover, the number 9 is a homophone of the word for "longlasting" (久), and as such is often used in weddings.

Unlucky Numbers

Four

Number 4 (四; accounting 肆;Pinyin: sì) is considered an unlucky number in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death" (死 Pinyin<font color="#0645ad">:</font> sǐ). Due to that, many numbered product lines skip the "4": e.g. Nokia cell phones (there is no series beginning with a 4),^{<font color="#0645ad">   </font>} Palm,PDAs, Canon PowerSho G's series (after G3 goes G5), etc. In East Asia, some buildings do not have a 4th floor. (Compare with the Western practice of some buildings not having a 13th floor because 13 is considered unlucky.) In Hong Kong, some high-rise residential buildings literally miss all floor numbers with "4", e.g. 4, 14, 24, 34 and all 40–49 floors, in addition to not having a 13th floor. As a result, a building whose highest floor is number 50 may actually have only 35 physical floors.

Number 14 is considered to be one of the unluckiest numbers. Although 14 is usually said in Mandarin as 十四 "shí sì," which sounds like 十死 "ten die", it can also be said as 一四 "yī sì" or 么四 "yāo sì", literally "one four". Thus, 14 can also be said as "yāo sì," literally "one four," but it also sounds like "want to die" (要死 Pinyin: yào sǐ). In Cantonese, 14 sounds like "sap⁶ sei³", which sounds like "sat6 sei2" meaning "certainly die" (實死). Not all Chinese people consider it to be an unlucky number as the pronunciation differs among the various dialects. In Chiu Chow, 4 is pronounced as "see" or "yes". It is seen to be a lucky number because Chinese people like things in pairs (four would equal two pairs). However, the superstitions regarding numbers from Chinese people have been adopted by the other Cantonese people.

Five

Although five (五, pinyin: wǔ, jyutping: ng⁵) can represent "me" (吾,Pinyin : wú) in Mandarin, it is usually associated with "not" (Mandarin 无/無, Pinyin wú, and Cantonese 唔 m⁴). If used for the negative connotation it can become good by using it with a negative. 54 means "not die" or "no death". If used for the positive it can be used as a possessive. 528 is a way of saying "no easy fortune for me". 53 ("ng⁵ saam¹" in Cantonese) sounds like "m⁴ sang¹ （唔生）" – "not live".

Six

Six in Cantonese which has a similar pronunciation to that of "lok6" (落, meaning "to drop, fall, or decline") may form unlucky combinations.

Seven

Seven is considered spiritist or ghostly. The seventh month of the Chinese calendar is also called the "Ghost Month". See Ghost Festival for more detail. During July , the gates of hell are said to be open so ghosts and spirits are permitted to visit the living realm. However, the Chinese lunar calendar also has July 7 as Chinese Valentine's Day (qi xi), so the number 7 is not generally associated with bad luck. In most of the regions in China number 7 remains neutral or associated with luck.

Resource: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture</a>

Chinese Table Manners

Chinese table manners are the traditional styles that are used for eating in the region of China. In most dishes in Chinese cusine, food is cooked in bite-sized pieces and easy to grab and eat. Therefore, chopsticks are used at the table instead of forks  and knives.

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Eating in Chinese Culture

Eating is a dominant aspect of the Chinese culutre. For instance, the Manchu Han Imperial Feast - a feast that consisted of at least 108 unique dishes from the Manchu and Han cultures- is one of the most notable Chinese cuisines since the Qing Dynasty. In China, eating out is one of the most accepted ways to treat quests. Similar to Westerners drinking in a bar with friends, eating together in China is a way to socialize and deepen friendship.

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Table Manners

There are many traditions that govern table manners in China such as the correct treatment of guests and how to use chopsticks correctly. Although each Chinese household has its own set of table manners and rules, the foundational traditions used to welcome guests are the same.

Table Manners for Inviting Guests

There are common rules for inviting guests over. When the guest of honor enters into the room, the hosts stand until the guest of honor is seated. The host then orders the dishes brought, and the guest should be silent. When the dishes arrive, the meal begins with a toast from the host, and the guests then make a toast in turn in the honor of the host. The guest of honor should be the first one to start the meal. The best food in a dish should be left for the guest of honor. When the hostess says her food is not good enough, the guest must be courteous and tell her it is the best food he has ever tasted. Guests should never “split the bill” with the host. A guest who “split(s) the bill” is very ungracious and embarrassing to the host. However, it is expected for the guest to offer to pay for the meal multiple times, but ultimately allow the host to pay.

Chopstick Usage

Since chopsticks are often used in many dishes in Chinese cuisine, knowing the correct chopsticks usage is essential. The most common chopsticks usages are the following:

<ul> <li>It does not matter whether you grab the chopsticks in the middle or at the end, but you should make sure that the ends are even.</li> <li>Chopsticks are not used to move bowls or plates.</li> <li>Chopsticks are not used to toy with one's food or with dishes in common.</li> <li>When not in use, chopsticks must always be placed neatly on the table with two sticks lying tidily next to each other at both ends.</li> <li>Treat chopsticks as extension of your fingers, and do not point at other people or wave chopsticks around.</li> <li>Do not suck the tips of chopsticks.</li> <li>Do not pierce food with chopsticks.</li> <li>Do not point the chopsticks at another person. This amounts to insulting that person.</li> <li>Do not bang your chopsticks like drums. It implies you are a child.</li> <li>Do not stick chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice; it implies the food is for the dead.</li> </ul>

Importance

Table etiquette is very important to Chinese people. In Chinese culture, using correct table manners is believed to bring “ luck” while incorrect use will bring shame. Similarly, table etiquette indicates children’s educational status: holding chopsticks incorrectly leaves a bad impression and shames the parents, who have the responsibility of teaching them.

Link: <a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=146">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=146</a>

Resource: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_table_manners">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_table_manners</a>

Pictures: <a href="http://image.baidu.com/i?tn=baiduimage&ct=201326592&cl=2&lm=-1&fr=&fmq=&pv=&ic=0&z=0&se=1&showtab=0&fb=0&width=&height=&face=0&word=%C2%FA%BA%BA%C8%AB%CF%AF&s=0">http://image.baidu.com/i?tn=baiduimage&ct=201326592&cl=2&lm=-1&fr=&fmq=&pv=&ic=0&z=0&se=1&showtab=0&fb=0&width=&height=&face=0&word=%C2%FA%BA%BA%C8%AB%CF%AF&s=0</a># 

Terracotta Army

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The Terracotta Army is one of the top attractions in China, because of its historical significance and uniqueness. It is significant because the hundreds of detailed lifesize models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China.

The Terracotta Army Museum lies 2 km east of <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/attraction/mausoleum-of-qinshihuang.htm">The Tomb of Qin Shihuang</a>, known as the First Emperor, who unified China 2,200 years ago. Emperor Qin, from whom China gets its name, ordered the creation of this model army.

Terracotta Army Facts

The Terracotta Army was discovered in March 1974 by a farmer. The Terracotta Army was found near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, which took 38 years and 720 thousand builders to complete. The Terracotta Army was buried for 2,200 years. So far, 1,868 terracotta warriors and chariots have been unearthed.

Attraction name: The Qin Tomb and Terracotta Warrior and Horses 

Chinese: 秦陵兵马俑 Qínlíng Bīngmǎyǒng /chin-ling bing-mah-yong/

Location: The Terracotta Army Museum is about 30 kilometers east of Xi'an in Lintong District.

Opening Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm

Ticket Price: 90 yuan (March 1–November 30); 65 yuan (December 1–February 28)

Transport from Xi'an: Bus 915, 914 or 306, or about 120 yuan by taxi.

Every figure differs from those around in facial features and expression, clothing, hairstyle, and gestures. The horsemen, the longbow bearers, the archers and the senior officers and generals were positioned in strict accordance with the ancient directives on the Art of War. Many of the figures originally held real weapons of the time, such as bronze swords, longbows, arrows, spears, dagger-axes and other long-shafted weapons. Surface treatment of the weapons made them resistant to rust and corrosion so that after being buried for over 2,000 years they were still sharp.

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The Terracotta Army has lain underground for more than 2000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. The first part of the Terracotta Army site to be discovered was named Vault One. In 1976, two other vaults were uncovered 20-25 meters from Vault One, and were named Vault Two and Vault Three.

Excavation of the earth and timber vaults revealed thousands of life-size terracotta warriors in battle formation - a whole army which would accompany its emperor into immortality. The discovery was a real eye-opener to the whole world, as the vaults are so big, the figures are so vivid and the number of the figures is so incredibly large!

The Terracotta Army figures supply abundant and detailed artifacts for the study of the military, cultural and economic history of that period. The Terracotta Army figures excavation was regarded as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. In December 1987, UNESCO selected the Tomb of the First Emperor (including the Terracotta Army Vaults) as a <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/world-heritage/">World Cultural Heritage Site</a>. Standing in the vaults, you would be amazed by such a grand ancient army formation, which would transport you back to the ancient warring states period. The tomb is a treasury for the Chinese people, and for the whole world as well.

Resource: <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/">http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/</a>

Picture:<a href="http://image.baidu.com/i?ct=503316480&z=&tn=baiduimagedetail&word=%B1%F8%C2%ED%D9%B8&in=7867&cl=2&lm=-1&pn=16&rn=1&di=38207478150&ln=2000&fr=&fmq=&ic=&s=&se=&sme=0&tab=&width=&height=&face=#pn380">http://image.baidu.com/i?ct=503316480&z=&tn=baiduimagedetail&word=%B1%F8%C2%ED%D9%B8&in=7867&cl=2&lm=-1&pn=16&rn=1&di=38207478150&ln=2000&fr=&fmq=&ic=&s=&se=&sme=0&tab=&width=&height=&face=#pn380</a>

Dongzhi Festival

The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival (<a title="Chinese language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language"><font color="#0645ad">Chinese</font></a>: 冬至; <a title="Pinyin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin"><font color="#0645ad">pinyin</font></a>: <em>Dōngzhì</em>; literally "the Extreme of Winter") is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the <a title="China" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China"><font color="#0645ad">Chinese</font></a> and other <a title="East Asia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia"><font color="#0645ad">East Asians</font></a> during the <a title="Dongzhi (solar term)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongzhi_(solar_term)"><font color="#0645ad">Dongzhi solar term</font></a> (<a title="Winter solstice" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice"><font color="#0645ad">winter solstice</font></a>) on or around December 22 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest. It will occur on December 22 (East Asia time) in 2010.

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The origins of this festival can be traced back to the <a title="Yin and yang" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang"><font color="#0645ad">yin and yang</font></a> philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in.

Traditional activities

Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in <a title="Overseas Chinese" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Chinese"><font color="#0645ad">Chinese communities overseas</font></a>) is the making and eating of <a title="Tangyuan (food)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangyuan_(food)"><font color="#0645ad">tangyuan</font></a> (湯圓) or balls of glutinuous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan are made of glutinuous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Each family member receives at least one large tangyuan in addition to several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl. It is also often served with a mildly alcoholic unfiltered <a title="Rice wine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_wine"><font color="#0645ad">rice wine</font></a> containing whole grains of <a title="Glutinous rice" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutinous_rice"><font color="#0645ad">glutinous rice</font></a> (and often also <a class="mw-redirect" title="Sweet Osmanthus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Osmanthus"><font color="#0645ad">Sweet Osmanthus</font></a> flowers), called <a title="Jiuniang" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiuniang"><font color="#0645ad">jiuniang</font></a>.

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In northern China, people typically eat <a class="mw-redirect" title="Dumplings" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumplings"><font color="#0645ad">dumplings</font></a> on Dongzhi. It is said to have originated from <a title="Zhang Zhongjing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Zhongjing"><font color="#0645ad">Zhang Zhongjing</font></a> in the <a title="Han Dynasty" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Dynasty"><font color="#0645ad">Han Dynasty</font></a>. On one cold winter day, he saw the poor suffering from <a title="Chilblains" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilblains"><font color="#0645ad">chilblains</font></a> on their ears. Feeling sympathetic, he ordered his apprentices to make <a class="mw-redirect" title="Dumplings" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumplings"><font color="#0645ad">dumplings</font></a> with lamb and other ingredients, and distribute them among the poor to keep them warm, to keep their ears from getting <a class="mw-redirect" title="Chilblain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilblain"><font color="#0645ad">chilblains</font></a>. Since the dumplings were shaped like ears, Zhang named the dish "qùhán jiāoěr tāng" (祛寒嬌耳湯) or dumpling soup that expels the cold. From that time on, it has been a tradition to eat dumplings on the day of Dongzhi.

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Old traditions also require people with the same <a title="Chinese surname" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_surname"><font color="#0645ad">surname</font></a> or from the same <a title="Chinese clan" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_clan"><font color="#0645ad">clan</font></a> to gather at their ancestral temples to worship on this day. There is always a grand reunion dinner following the sacrificial ceremony.

The festive food is also a reminder that we are now a year older and should behave better in the coming year. Even today, many Chinese around the world, especially the elderly, still insist that one is "a year older" right after the Dongzhi celebration instead of waiting for the <a title="Chinese New Year" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year"><font color="#0645ad">Chinese New Year</font></a>.

In Taiwan

To <a title="Taiwanese people" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_people"><font color="#0645ad">Taiwanese people</font></a>, the festival in winter also plays a very important role. It is also a tradition for Taiwanese to eat tangyuan on this day. They also use the festive food as an offering dish to <a class="mw-redirect" title="Ancestor worship" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestor_worship"><font color="#0645ad">worship the ancestors</font></a>.

In an interesting twist, in accordance with ancient <a class="mw-redirect" title="Taiwanese history" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_history"><font color="#0645ad">Taiwanese history</font></a>, many people take some of the tangyuan that have been used as offerings and stick them on the back of the door or on windows and tables and chairs. These "empowered" tangyuan supposedly serve as protective <a title="Amulet" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amulet"><font color="#0645ad">talismans</font></a> to keep evil spirits from coming close to children.

In addition to following some of the customs practiced in <a title="China" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China"><font color="#0645ad">China</font></a>, the people of <a title="Taiwan" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan"><font color="#0645ad">Taiwan</font></a> have their own unique custom of offering nine-layer cakes as a ceremonial sacrifice to worship their ancestors. These cakes are made using glutinous rice flour in the shape of a chicken, duck, tortoise, pig, cow or sheep, and then steamed in different layers of a pot. These animals all signify auspiciousness in <a class="mw-redirect" title="Chinese tradition" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_tradition"><font color="#0645ad">Chinese tradition</font></a>.

Another interesting custom in Taiwan is that many people take invigorating <a title="Pharmaceutical drug" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmaceutical_drug#For_nutrition"><font color="#0645ad">tonic</font></a> foods during this particular winter festival. To the Taiwanese, winter is a time when most physical activities should be limited and you should eat well to nourish your body. This practice follows the habits shown by many animals which follow the law of nature and <a title="Hibernation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibernation"><font color="#0645ad">hibernate</font></a> throughout winter months to rejuvenate and to preserve life. In order to fight cold temperatures, it is necessary to eat more fatty and meaty foods during winter when your body can better absorb the rich and nutritional foods at this time due to a slower <a class="mw-redirect" title="Metabolic rate" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_rate"><font color="#0645ad">metabolic rate</font></a>.

Since Dongzhi is the "Extreme of Winter", Taiwanese regard it as the best time of the year to take tonic foods. Some of the most widely popular winter tonic foods enjoyed by Taiwanese to fight cold and strengthen the body's resistance are <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mutton" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutton"><font color="#0645ad">mutton</font></a> <a title="Hot pot" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_pot"><font color="#0645ad">hot pot</font></a> and <a title="Ginger" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger"><font color="#0645ad">ginger</font></a> <a title="Duck" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck"><font color="#0645ad">duck</font></a> hot pot. Other foods like chicken, pork and <a title="Abalone" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalone"><font color="#0645ad">abalone</font></a> are also common materials used in making tonic foods with nurturing herbs such as <a title="Ginseng" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng"><font color="#0645ad">ginseng</font></a>, <a title="Deer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer"><font color="#0645ad">deer</font></a> <a title="Horn" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horn"><font color="#0645ad">horn</font></a> and the fungus <a title="Cordyceps" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps"><font color="#0645ad">cordyceps</font></a>.

Resource:
 
<a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=143">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=143</a>

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongzhi_Festival">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongzhi_Festival</a>

Chinese Masks and Color Meanings

The origins of Chinese masks are rooted in ancient religious shamanism. Over the centuries and many generations, artists refined the use of colors on Chinese masks. Today, color continues to be used to indicate emotions or give clues about the identity of a character.

Types of Chinese Masks
There are several types of Chinese masks: dancer's masks, masks for festive occasions, masks for newborns, masks designed to keep homes safe and theatrical masks. When used on the stage, masks help viewers determine, at a glance, the attributes of a theatrical character. Masks are usually made from wood. However, Chinese opera masks, possibly the style that is best known in the west, are actually painted on actors' faces.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/中国脸谱.jpg" style="width: 402px; height: 324px" />

Chinese Masks and Color Meanings
Many colors are used in any given Chinese mask, but the dominant colors impart specific characteristics.

<ul type="disc"> <li>Red used on masks indicates a positive character. Red can also mean prosperity, loyalty, courage and heroism. Red shows intelligence and bravery.</li> <li>Purple is sometimes used as a substitute for red. In its own right, purple can represent justice and sophistication.</li> <li>Black means that the character is neutral. Black also indicates impartiality and integrity.</li> <li>Blue faces are also an indication of neutrality. In addition, blue can show stubbornness, astuteness and fierceness.</li> <li>Green shows that the character is violent, impulsive and lacks restraint.</li> <li>Yellow tells the audience that the character is cruel. Yellow can also mean evil, hypocritical, ambitious or sly.</li> <li>White faces indicate that the character is evil and hypocritical.</li> <li>Gold and silver show the audience that the character is a god or a demon. The character also may be a ghost or a spirit. Gold and silver symbolize mystery.</li> </ul>

Resource:
<a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=142">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=142</a>

<a href="http://www.life123.com/hobbies/antiques-collectibles/masks/chinese-masks.shtml">http://www.life123.com/hobbies/antiques-collectibles/masks/chinese-masks.shtml</a>

Picture: <a href="http://image.baidu.com/i?tn=baiduimage&ct=201326592&cl=2&lm=-1&fr=&fmq=&pv=&ic=0&z=0&se=1&showtab=0&fb=0&width=&height=&face=0&word=%D6%D0%B9%FA++%C1%B3%C6%D7&s=0#pn=15">http://image.baidu.com/i?tn=baiduimage&ct=201326592&cl=2&lm=-1&fr=&fmq=&pv=&ic=0&z=0&se=1&showtab=0&fb=0&width=&height=&face=0&word=%D6%D0%B9%FA++%C1%B3%C6%D7&s=0#pn=15</a>

Do you know about Chinese food symbolism?

In China, foods are given particular meanings, so that a type of food can only be eaten by some specific individuals in certain occasion, or must be eaten in specific occasion.

Usually, an honored guest will be served a snapper’s head or shell to hail him and show warm welcome in some districts.

 

Noodles 面条 (mian tiao) are the symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. They are as much a part of Chinese birthday celebration as a birthday cake with lit candles is in many countries, so that youngsters or seniors all will have a bowl of Long Life Noodle in the expectation of a healthy life. Since noodles do symbolize long life, it is considered very unlucky to cut up a strand.

<img alt="chinese_character_noodles.jpg" src="http://blog.chinesehour.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chinese_character_noodles.jpg" />

 

Eggs 鸡蛋 (ji dan) hold a special symbolic significance in many cultures, and China is no exception. The Chinese believe eggs symbolize fertility. After a baby is born, parents may hold a “red egg and ginger party“, where they serve round hard-boiled eggs to announce the birth. (In Central China, the number of eggs presented depends on the sex of the child: An even number, usually six or eight Red Boiled Eggs with a black point dotted on one end will be delivered for a boy and an odd number, usually five or seven without black point for a girl).

<img alt="chinese_character_egg.jpg" src="http://blog.chinesehour.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chinese_character_egg.jpg" />

Egg rolls or spring rolls 春卷 (chun juan) resemble the shape of a gold bar, and thus are often served on the New Year as a symbol of wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/春卷(2).jpg" style="width: 337px; height: 243px" />

Chicken (鸡 ji) forms part of the symbolism of the dragon and phoenix in Chinese culture. At a Chinese wedding, chicken’s feet, referred to as phoenix feet, are often served with dragon foods such as lobster.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/鸡.jpg" style="width: 310px; height: 332px" />

Chicken is also popular at Chinese New Year, symbolizing a good marriage and the coming together of families, and serving the bird whole emphasizes family unity.

Fish (鱼 yu) also play a large role in festive celebrations. The Chinese word for fish “Yu” sounds like the homophonic words both for wish and abundance. As a result, on New Year’s Eve it is customary to serve a fish for dinner, symbolizing the wish for accumulations of prosperity and wealth in the coming year. In addition, the fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year.

<img alt="chinese_character_fish.jpg" src="http://blog.chinesehour.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chinese_character_fish.jpg" />

 

Jiaozi 饺子(jiaozi, Chinese Dumpling) is a traditional Chinese Food, which is essential during holidays in Northern China. Chinese dumpling becomes one of the most widely loved foods in China. The jiaozi wrapper is “yuan” (circular). The Chinese hope for “tuan yuan” (reunion) and “yuan man” (perfection).

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/饺子(1).jpg" style="width: 287px; height: 260px" />

 Jiaozi is oblate, similar in design to a shoe-shaped gold or silver ingot in ancient times. When a family gets together to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new,they enjoy reunion and eat jiaozi to imply that they will acquire more wealth and have a better life in the new year.

There are other foods, snacks and fruits which symbolize good wishes under special circumstances, including dried bean curd, black moss seaweed, peanuts, pomelos and oranges.

Want to learn mandarin Chinese? ChineseHour is ready to help you any time and anywhere with Chinese conversation lessons and self-paced courses. Try Chinese food and speak Chinese at the same time.
Link: <a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=141">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=141</a>
Resource:  <a href="http://blog.chinesehour.com/?p=319">http://blog.chinesehour.com/?p=319</a>

Martial Arts of China

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/武术.jpg" style="width: 497px; height: 454px" /></font>

<font size="2">China is the place of origin of the earliest form of martial arts that began 2500 years ago. Martial arts, as the greatest enhancer of the body represent a number of fighting systems, each system possessing a unique set of techniques that is continually perfected over the ages. However, Hollywood placed the idea of martial arts in a box and restricted it as just a cultural practice of Oriental countries, and the truth is Martial arts has been a worldwide practice for quite a long time already.</font>

<font size="2">The Chinese martial arts are the most advanced and the most varied. Drawing their inspiration from birds, reptiles, animals as well as their strong philosophies - Chinese martial art is unique and absolutely astounding.</font>

<font size="2">These martial arts have been practiced for thousands of years, and even today maintain their vigor and originality. China Martial Arts can broadly be classified into the following categories:</font>

<font size="2">1. Wushu Styles: Wushu is an ancient and fluid martial art form that is based on rapid kicks and jumps. There are hundreds of styles and schools of this particular art form. However most can be grouped under five or six categories. These are: </font>

<font size="2">a) Northern Shaolin Temple Styles: These styles are said to have originated in the northern provinces of China such as Henna. They focus on kicks, jumps and fluid movements. This is said to be because the northern population of China was taller and made full use of their longer limbs. Changquan, the sword and broadsword routines used in contemporary Wushu competitions, belong to these schools. </font>

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/北少林寺%20跳.jpg" width="500" height="414" /></font>

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/北少林寺%20拳.jpg" style="width: 502px; height: 413px" /></font>

<font size="2">b) Southern Shaolin Temple Styles: These originated in southern China, in the provinces south of the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang). The people here were shorter and therefore the styles developed here focused mostly on the upper body strength and speed. Some Southern styles are Nanquan, Hung Gar, Wing Chun, and Choy Lay F. </font>

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/强壮.jpg" width="500" height="277" /></font>

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/南少林寺%20%20速度.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></font>

<font size="2">c) External styles: The external style is most often perceived to be synonymous with Chinese martial arts because it focuses on physical strength, agility, stamina and explosive movements. External style training concentrates on muscular power, speed and application. These styles generally integrate their qigong aspects during advanced training levels after the desired physical hardiness has been reached. External styles include most types of Wushu, except Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Liu He Ba Fa.</font>

<font size="2">d) Internal or soft styles: Soft style focuses on building power by focusing on internal elements such as the spirit, energy flow and by using relaxed leverage rather than brute force. Theorists say that the internal and the external styles differ in their focus on the philosophy of martial arts. The internal stylists are seen as philosopher-fighters, spending more time on developing the soul. The External schools are the ones that focus more on the hard aspect of developing physical prowess.</font>

<font size="2">However Internal schools do focus on physical training. The movements and postures are slow as opposed to fast and explosive. The idea is to involve the entire body in every motion, stay relaxed, with deep, controlled breathing and coordinate the motions of the body to the breathing. All this should be done, while maintaining perfect balance. Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan, Liuhexinyiquan, Liu He Ba Fa and Yiquan are all internal styles.</font>

<font size="2"><img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/太极拳.jpg" style="width: 583px; height: 562px" /></font>

 

<font size="2">2. Buddhist styles: Buddhist styles were created mostly within Buddhist temples by Buddhist monks and later spread to laymen. These styles include Buddhist philosophy, imagery, numbers, and principles. The most famous are Shaolinquan, Luohanquan, Hung Gar, Wing Chun and White Crane.</font>

<font size="2">3. Daoist styles: Daoist styles were developed within Daoist Temples by Daoist ascetics and include Daoist principles, philosophy, and imagery.</font>

<font size="2">4. Muslim styles: Muslim styles were practiced by the Muslim Hui minority in China. These styles have Muslim principles or imagery and include Chaquan, Xinyiliuhequan, and Qishiquan. Drawing on physical skills bring about discipline and well-being.</font>

<font size="2">Resource: <a href="http://www.chinatownconnection.com/martial-arts-china.htm">http://www.chinatownconnection.com/martial-arts-china.htm</a></font>

Chinese Knot

Traditional Chinese Knots (Chinese: 中国结) is a decorative handicraft arts that began as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China. It was later popularized in the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911 AD). The art is also referred to as Chinese traditional decorative knots. In other cultures, it is known as "Decorative knots".

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/Chinese%20Knot%2011.png" />

Knot, in Chinese 'Jie' means vigor, harmony, and unification, Therefore, this unique Chinese knots artwork has been a popular gift for thousands of years and embodies best wishes. People wore it in the beginning as a decorative addition to clothing (usually with the jade wearing), and later, used it to decorate their houses. Though the weaving techniques are complicated, ropes, in hands of a deft craftsman appear effortless moving the shuttle in between the rows of ropes. A Chinese knot is usually symmetrical in structure and colorful with jade or porvelain beads. This no doubt adds more jubilation to any festive atmosphere.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/Chinese%20Knot%201.jpg" />

The characteristic of Chinese knot is that it is purely hand-made, made of a single rope and named by its specific form and meaning. By combining different knots or other auspicious adorments skillfully, a unique auspicious ornament which represents beauty, wisdom and wishes is formed. For example, "Full of joy", "Happiness & Longevity", "Double Happiness", "Luck and Auspiciousness as one wishes" are Chinese traditional pleasant phrases expressing warmest regards, best wishes and finest ideal.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/Chinese%20Knot%202.png" width="520" height="393" />

In Chinese language, "knot" has the meanings of reunion, friendliness, warm, marriage, love etc. In addition, "knot" and luck, felicity" have the same meaning, so Chinese knots are often used to express some good wishes including happiness, prosperity, love and no evils.

To fit in with the needs of morden life, Chinese knot has various products. The two main series are auspicious hanging and knitting clothing adorment. Auspicious hanging include large taperstry, big room hanging, automobile hanging etc. Knitting clothing adornment includes ring, eardrop, hand chain, necklace and other woman's special adorments.

<img alt="" src="http://www.chineseword.cn/images/upload/Image/Chinese%20Knot%203.png" width="523" height="391" />

History
Archaeological studies indicate that the art of tying knots dates back to prehistoric times. Recent discoveries include 100,000-year old bone needles used for sewing and bodkins, which were used to untie knots. However, due to the delicate nature of the medium, few examples of prehistoric Chinese knotting exist today. Some of the earliest evidence of knotting have been preserved on bronze vessels of the Warring States period (481–221 BCE), Buddhist carvings of the Northern Dynasties period (317–581) and on silk paintings during the Western Han period (206 BCE–CE6).

Further references to knotting have also been found in literature, poetry and the private letters of some of the most infamous rulers of China. In the 1700s, one book that talked extensively about the art was Dream of the Red Chamber.

The phenomenon of knot tying continued to steadily evolve over the course of thousands of years with the development of more sophisticated techniques and increasingly intricate woven patterns. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) knotting finally broke from its pure folklore status, becoming an acceptable art form in Chinese society and reached the pinnacle of its success. Knotting continued to flourish up until about the end of imperial China. The art of Chinese knotting was almost lost during the wars (1911 - 1950) and actually refreshed to thriving until 1980s.
Resource : <a href="http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=138">http://www.chineseword.cn/article.php?id=138</a>
Article: <a href="http://www.chinafacttours.com/facts/culture/chinese-symbol-chinese-knots.html">http://www.chinafacttours.com/facts/culture/chinese-symbol-chinese-knots.html</a>
Picture: <a href="http://wenku.baidu.com/view/8c88f3b91a37f111f1855be0.html">http://wenku.baidu.com/view/8c88f3b91a37f111f1855be0.html</a>