Chinese+Culture

toc =Culture Represented=

Chinese

National Symbols
Dragon-symbol of authority from heaven

Great Wall of China-the greatest undertaking in ancient China over the span of hundreds of years for defense of a nation. Giant Panda

Most Prevalent Religions
Buddhism, Confucianism, Feng Shui & Taoism Buddhism-religion originating from India which advocates the forsaking of all material goals in order appreciate and respect life including that of animals. The goal is to obtain internal harmony and achieve enlightenment (“buddha”). Belief in reincarnation. Confucianism-created an ethical code for inter-relations between king and royal officials, parents and children, and husband and wife. Feng Shui- Feng Shui is an ancient art related to the law and order of the universe and the power of nature. Taoism-religion/philosophy based on harmony existing between heaven and earth.

Common National Holidays
Lunar New Year- Traditional week long celebration of the New Year after the winter. Moon Festival- Celebration of the end of harvest. Coincides with mythological story of an ancient queen escaping fierce king by rising to the moon after taking pill the king kept for himself for longevity. Lantern Festival- Last day of Lunar New Year, where people celebrate with laterns displayed outside of homes. Dragon Boat Festival- Patriotic observation to honor Qu Yuan who served as minister to the Zhou Emperor during the Zhou Dynasty. He committed suicide because the king would not listen to his advice on how to handle state of affairs. It was believed that bamboo-wrapped sticky rice was thrown into the water to prevent his body from being eaten by the fish. This sticky rice still eaten today. Qing Ming Festival- A day for families to honor ancestors by cleaning and paying respect at the gravesite. Often a whole family annual event.

Common Figure-Heads Honored
Confucious- Philosopher who established discipline and ethics of ancient Chinese intellectuals. His principals have been followed for over thousands of years until Mao’s era. Sun Yat Sen- Revolutionary leader who overthrew Qing Dynasty ending traditional kingship governing system and established a democratic system with the sharing of powers in five branches. Called the Father of Modern China and the founder of the Nationalist Party which is still in existence in Taiwan. Mao Tse Dong- Most important figure-head in modern day China because he overthrew traditional Chinese governing principals based on Confucianism. Instead, he implemented Chinese form of Communism which has been fragmented for a century.

Foods
Tea is a beverage to promote digestion and good health. Serving of tea and way of drinking it is considered a form of art widely enjoyed by all people. Different provinces specialize in different types of teas. Northern Provinces-Flour-based foods like steamed buns, dumpling noodles and more spicy foods. Southern Provinces-Seafood and rice dishes. More dishes are steamed and boiled.

** Dance/Song/Music **
Chinese opera-most famous is Beijing opera. An art that emphasizes kung fu, face painting and body language. Requires decades of training before mastery. Famous musical instruments- Er hu-Chinese violin with two strings. Can be used to accompany Chinese opera. Yang Qin-Chinese harp. Xiao-Chinese flute.

Arts
Chinese calligraphy- http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa021500a.htm Chinese painting-consists of ink brush style of art. http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa022601a.htm

Language(s) Spoken
Official national language: Mandarin // From About.com // Seven major groups-Putonghua (Mandarin), Gan (Jiang Xi), Kejia (Hakka), Min (Fukenese), Wu (Shanghainese), Xiang (Hunan), and Yue (Cantonese).