China-Culture


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**Beliefs **

There are two very different beliefs popular in China today. The first is the idea of harmony. This idea of harmony was introduced to China by philosopher Lao Tsu. He said that people should live in harmony with the universe. Lao Tsu believed that people did not need to live by rules laws. Without them peoples lives would be easier and happier. His ideas later came to be known as Toaism.

Another philosopher, Confucius came along. His teaching became known as Confucianism. He taught that there should be laws and that people should work hard to keep them. If everyone was a good citizen the whole community would be easier and happier. Although these two ideas are very different from one another, they remain two of the most popular beliefs of the people of China today. ([|Kidipede])

In addition to these differing major ideas there are several smaller shared ideas as well. For example, in China the idea of a good reputation is very important. A person's reputation should be maintained, showing honnor and dignity. There is also the shared belief that the color red brings luck. This explains why the Chinese like to wrap gifts with red paper or wear red clothing in many festivals and celebrations. ([|Ettiquite Manual for China])

**Traditions **

China's traditions are rich in their food clothing architecture and festivals. Each of these are described below, except for food which is described in a different location on this page (near the bottom).

__ Clo ﻿ thing __ Traditional Chinese clothing is made up of silks, embroidered edgings, decorative bands and wide sashes on the shoulders and waist. Dark colors are prefered to lighter colors. There are three different types of traditional Chinese clothing, the __Pien-fu__, the __Ch’ang-p’ao__ and the Shen-i.



**The Pien-fu is a two piece outfit that has**
 * an ankle length skirt or dress with a **
 * knee length tunic over top. **

**﻿ The Ch'﻿ ang-p'ao ﻿ is a long robe. **



**The S﻿ hen-i is a mix of the two **

__ Architecture __ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Chinese architecture is tied to tradition. Chinese architecture seeks balance and symmetry. This is done by using several rectangular shapes of varying sizes to make buildings. Wood (symbolizes life) is the basic building material. Traditional Chinese homes are divided into several rooms using pillars and beams.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">([|Buzzle.com])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Social Expectations **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">In China, pushing, loud screaming or shouting, and spitting on the ground is not impolite. The following is a list of impolite behaviors.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is rude to be late
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is impolite to talk about politics.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is a sign of disrespect to look into someone’s eyes for too long.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">A handshake is accompanied by a bow. A handshake should be brief and not too long or strong (this is impolite in China).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Although the color red means luck, you should never write a letter in red or address an envelope in red (this means you want to end your relationship).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Flowers should not be given as gifts because they are only offered at funerals.

__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">The following is a list of table manner do’s and don’ts __
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is polite to accept (and possibly return) an invitation to lunch or dinner.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">All dishes are put in the middle of the table and served on a round turning plate. You should try each dish, but you do not have to finish it.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is common to slurp and sip at the dinner table. Burping at the table is also common. You should not be offended by these sounds.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is very impolite to stick chopsticks in a bowl of rice standing up (this symbolizes death). You should place chopsticks on the table next to your plate.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">It is quite common to clink glasses at a lunch or dinner invitation. It shows respect to elderly if you hold the glass with both hands while clinking glasses together.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">A glass should always be full in China. You should fill up others glasses before filling your own.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">After a meal fruit is served. This means that the dinner is over and it is time to leave.

([|Ettiquite Manual for China])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Education **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Children in China are required by law to complete nine years of formal education. There are many ways students can choose to complete their schooling but the most common approach is 6 years of elementary school followed by three years of middle/junior school.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Primary education begins with pre-school or kindergarten and can last nearly three years (children enter at three years and exit at age 6). Elementary education begins with first grade and proceeds through grade 5 or 6. The school year is divided into two 19 week long semesters; for a total of 38 weeks each school year. The remaining 13 weeks are reserved for holidays and vacations.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Following elementary school, students attend Junior Middle School (3-4 years). In junior middle school there are 39 weeks of school. Following graduation, students may choose to attend senior middle school (3 years) or a vocational or technical school. In senior middle school there are 40 weeks each school year. Vocational or technical programs last between 2-4 years and train students to be skilled workers (farmers, managers, and technical operators).

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Chinese students may also attend college after graduating from senior middle school. China has both junior colleges (2-4 years of study) and universities (4 years of study). In addition, many of the colleges also offer graduate programs.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">China’s grading scale follows a four or five scale system:

A- Excellent B- Good C- Average D- Satisfactory F- Fail

A- Excellent B- Good C- Satisfactory D- Fail

([|Overview of the Educational System in China])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Language **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The official language of China is standard Chinese or Mandarin. However there are various dialect languages based on certain locations. ([|CIA World Fact book]) Chinese is one of the most commonly used languages in the world. Chinese written language is made up of characters- symbols for communication. There are approximately 56,000 characters (only about 3,000 are commonly used). All of China’s 55 minority people (except for two) have their own languages. Twenty three of these languages have their own written forms. ([|Asia Info.Org])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Religion **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">China was officially declared as atheist in 2002. However, various religions are still practicied. Major religions of China are Daoism (Taoism) and Buddhism. Other religions include:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Christianity (3-4%)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Muslim (1-2%)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">([|CIA World Factbook])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Holidays **


 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Holiday ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Date ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Duration of Celebration ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Note ** ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">New Year || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">January 1 ﻿ || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">3 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">International New Year. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Spring festival || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">February 13-19 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">7 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Also called “Chinese New Year.” Most important festival in China. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Oingming Festival || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">April 3-5 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">3 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Festival to commemorate the dead. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Labor Day || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">May 1-3 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">3 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Same as western countries. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Dragon Boat Festival || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">June 14-16 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">3 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">It is a traditional festival for dragon boat racing and eating rice dumplings. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Mid Autumn Festival || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">September 22-24 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">3 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">A traditional festival for people to get together with the families, appreciating the full moon and eat moon cakes. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">National Holiday || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">October 1-7 || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">7 days || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">The celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. ||

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Chart adapted from: ([|China Highlights])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Music **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Chinese music is very similar to today’s Western music. Chinese people of all ages enjoy attending concerts. Chinese orchestras play both contemporary and traditional pieces. Modern Chinese music uses many similar instruments as American music; with instruments ranging from the keyboard to the guitar. Modern Chinese music can be classified as soft rock, rock or dance music. (Think Quest.Org)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Andy Lau is a popular modern Chinese singer. Visit the link below to listen to a sound clip from his live concert: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[]

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Food **

I<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">n cooking, color and aroma (smell) are just as important as the preparation. Meals are typically made of three - five colors using ingredients that are light green, dark green, red, yellow, white, black, or caramell. Meals are prepared using several methods: stir-frying, stewing, steaming, deep frying, flash frying, and pan frying. Soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar are used to add flavor to foods. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Chinese food can be divided into Northern and Southern styles of cooking. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Northern cooking is classified by pasta (noodles, ravioli-dumplings, meat dumplings, steamed bread, and stuffed buns) and flavors of vinegar and garlic. Rice (noodles and rice cakes) along with chilli pepper defines Southern cooking. ([|Think Quest.org])

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Sports **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Tabble tennis (ping pong), badminton, basketball, and chess are the main sports of China.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Table Tennis or Ping Pong, the official name, is one of the most popular sports today in China. “In this game, two teams of one or two players, each hit a small hallow ball across a hard table that is divided by a net” (buzzle.com). Ping Pong became an Olympic game sport in 1988. Since then, China has won the gold medal 16 of 20 times. The Chinese remain the Table Tennis world Champions, winning its third world title in 2009. ([|Buzzle.com]) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">http://library.thinkquest.org/20443/g_clothing.html

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Performing Arts ** __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Peking Op ﻿ era __

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are more than 300 forms of Opera in China. Peking Opera is the most popular. “Peking Opera is a unique art combining drama, singing, music, dancing and martial arts into one” ([|Asia Info.Org]).

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">

__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Acr ﻿ obatics __

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">The first type of acrobatics that developed in China was strength acrobatics. Ancient acrobatics was a skill handed down from generation to generation. Acrobatic routines included the following types of acts: jumping through hoops, tightrope walking, juggling with the feet, and plate spinning. Acrobatic shows soon become forms of entertainment enjoyed at banquets and celebrations.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Today there are more than acrobatic teams at the country level and thousands of non-govermental acrobatic leagues. China has sent acrobatic teams to preform for more than 100 different countries ([|Asia Info.Org])



**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;">Visual Arts ** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt; text-align: center;">__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Calligr ﻿ aphy __ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">Calligraphy (a style of writing) is a traditional form of Chinese written art. Works can include poems, lyrics and letters. In China calligraphy is one of the major subjects. Children study calligraphy from early elementary school throughout high school. People of all kinds collect works of calligraphy. In addition works of calligraphy can be found everywhere: on shop and government building signs, monuments, and in stone inscriptions. ([|Think Quest.Org])



<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Pottery ﻿ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;"> & Porcelain ____<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">﻿<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 26pt;"> __ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 11pt;">This art is has been passed down from generation to generation. Pottery is the art of forming the clay, glazing (coating the clay- helps turn clay to ceramic during firing) and firing. There are several decorating techniques – some imitate ancient designs while others are more daring and modern. ([|Think Quest.org])