For a culture and civilisation that has survived several millennia, the Chinese culture has a wealth of traditions, etiquettes, philosophies, legends, and mannerisms that an outsider might know little about.
Some of these traditions play a very important role in the lives of the Chinese people. As such, here is a glimpse into Chinese traditions, and a few important and little-known facts about it.
Chinese Chopsticks
Born of necessity centuries ago, Chinese chopsticks have now become a norm at most Chinese dinner tables. Though it might be tricky to use for the uninitiated, the chopstick proves to be a very versatile eating utensil that only requires the use of one hand to handle all your food when eating Chinese cuisine.
In fact, chopsticks are believed to have influenced Chinese tradition so much, that emperors have rarely been depicted without a pair of these utensils in their hands, in works of art related to the culinary sciences.
Chinese Knots
At a glance, you wouldn’t believe that these beautiful and masterfully crafted decorative knots are made from a single length of cord. Its origins are said to predate writing, some suggesting that the knots were used to record information or used as a form of communication before writing was invented.
Today, these knots are usually worn on traditional Chinese clothing, or used as a good luck charm, with its symbolic meaning based on its design, such as being a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
Chinese Shadow Puppetry
This is a form of storytelling that anyone with even the slightest of interest in arts will be hooked on. Using cut-out figurines positioned between a light source and a translucent screen, the puppeteers can transport you to a different world, one that’s in a place of calm, tranquillity, and filled with delightful folklore.
Chinese New Year
The biggest festival in the Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year is a fortnight-long celebration to welcome spring. People gather on the streets to witness lion dances, exotic cultural performances, and of course, dig into some lip-smacking Chinese cuisine.
Chinese Courtyard Culture
Until recently, Chinese families were large. Not only were they large, but also united and close-knit. The togetherness was evident in the way they gathered in their courtyards and spent most of the time drinking tea, exchanging stories of their own lives, and quietly enjoying their time together.
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