General Information

Chinese Culture (2)

Chinese traditional festivals and rituals, a part of Chinese culture, are the results of its legends of ancestors and agricultural production experiences. As early as the Xia dynasty (21-16 century B.C.), the first day of the first moon in the lunar calendar was known as the "head of year". But it was not until the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) that the day became a widely celebrated holiday.  After the 1911 revolution, however, the Gregorian calendar officially replaced the traditional Chinese calendar and the "beginning of the year" became known as the Spring Festival. In post-1949 China, the Spring Festival has become a national holiday which is celebrated throughout the entire country.

Spring Festival is as important to Chinese as Christmas to westerns. It is the Chinese New Year, known also as "passing the year" in Chinese, marking the most important and popular of all Chinese festivals.

Yin, Yang and Qi -- Basic Theories of Nutrition in Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)  the human body is an integrated whole. Treatment is based on the concept of an integral human body and is decided through careful differentiation of the signs and symptoms in an individual. Nutrition in TCM is applied in four ways: food as diet, food as tonic, food as medicine and food abstention. 

Food as diet means simply food provides the necessary substances for life, growth and health. Food as tonic refers to using food to treat individuals who have a general weakness, but no specific disease diagnosis (a disease-free elder, for example) or for those who are recovering from an ailment and need added strength. Food as medicine is using specific foodstuffs with specific properties to correct imbalances that have led to disease states and particular signs and symptoms. Finally, food abstention is much like it sounds. It is the practice of avoiding foods that would make a disease condition or an imbalance in the body worse. For example, avoid eating pepper, old ginger, mutton or liquor, which produce "fire" (heat) in the body during acute inflammation, acute conjunctivitis or high fever which are all disease states characterized by too much heat or excessive yang. 

The basic nutritional theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine arise through the concepts of Yin, Yang and Qi.  Yin and Yang is a complicated philosophical concept. Yin literally translates as "in the shade," and is considered to represent darkness, the moon, coldness and passivity. Yang, "in the sunlight," on the other hand, encompasses lightness, sun, heat and activity. Yin represents all kinds of inadequate under-functioning such as cold, fatigue and general weakness. Yang represents all kinds of detrimental over-functioning or overreacting such as fever, hyper-reactivity and red swelling (skin). A healthy body depends on the balance of Yin and Yang, and all disease result from an imbalance of Yin and Yang. When these two forces are in balance, whether it occurs in a meal, in a person or in nature, harmony and equilibrium are achieved.

Qi is known as vital energy that represents various functions of the body. For example, the Qi of a lung indicates the function of the lung. Blood is a conceptual term that refers to the material basis of Qi or the comprehensive material that represents all internal organs. Therefore, blood and Qi are often linked together. Certain disease conditions are described as 'blood weak" (e.g. anemia), "blood hot" (e.g. nosebleeds, gastric bleeding), or "blood stasis" (e.g. heart attack, pain). Keep in mind this use of the word blood is different from the understanding of blood as it is used in modern medicine. 

When used properly, food can regulate Yin, Yang, Qi and blood. According to TCM, like medicines, each item of food has its own property (cool, cold, warm, hot, and plain). To simplify this concept the five categories have been collapsed to three items:  cool/cold, warm/hot, and plain. Cold and cool foods  are used to treat diseases of a hot nature. For example, watermelon is used to treat fever, thirst, mild mania and similar ailments. Hot and warm foods  are used in treating diseases with a cold nature. Onion and garlic, for example, are used to treat the common cold, and old ginger is used to treat "spleen weakness" (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite. The plain foods  such as apple, rice and milk are used in treating both hot and cold diseases as general tonics.  Traditionally, these are medicines, but also they can be classified as foods that are foods commonly used in TCM.How the Treatments Are Done

Officially, Qigong seeks to stimulate the flow of qi (the elemental life force of Chinese medicine) along the invisible channels, or meridians, that are thought to course throughout the body. This can be achieved through internal Qigong, the do-it-yourself exercises now familiar in the West, or external Qigong, a form a psychic therapy available only from a Qigong master.  External Qigong is almost impossible to find in the U.S. However, the instruction in the internal variety is now widely available. There are at least 3,000 variations, ranging from simple movements that coordinate breathing and calisthenics to complex exercises aimed at altering such vital bodily functions as heart rate and brain wave frequency. 

Internal Qigong can be practiced by anyone--healthy or sick, young or old. The exercises, which can be easily adapted to your physical capabilities, can be performed walking, standing, sitting in a wheelchair, or even lying down, if necessary. You can teach yourself Qigong by following instructions in the many training manuals available in book stores and libraries. Videotapes are also available for those who want to go it alone. However, many experts warn that, even though the exercises seem simple, it's wise to start with professional instruction, either one-on-one, or in a group.  

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flexible shoes (no sneakers) when you exercise. Do not eat or drink anything, especially alcoholic beverages, within 90 minutes of your Qigong sessions. Some practitioners suggest you avoid sexual intercourse for at least one hour before and after exercising; others don't seem to think this is necessary. 

It is important to approach Qigong with an optimistic attitude, proponents say. It's also important to try to do your best, even if it seems difficult. For example, if you are told to hold your breath, hold it as long as possible. If you are supposed to remain in one position, do it as long as you can. If your arm or leg wants to change positions, let it go naturally. If you find you cannot follow all three aspects of an exercise - visualizing, moving, and breathing - at the same time, concentrate first on visualization. 

Qigong exercises can be performed in any order. Repeat each one 6 times when you start, and increase the repetitions when you feel you are ready. Do not rush, and do not expect immediate results. You are suggested to practice Qigong by the instruction of your teacher, who can direct you to do that in a right way.  Normally, your teacher may ask you to stand with your legs apart and breathe from the diaphragm while you move your arms and legs in a specific way. Or you may have to sit and roll objects between your palms, or simply walk slowly. You may also be taught meditation techniques. Here are a few typical exercises:  Child Worships the Buddha (said to strengthen the legs, "lighten" the body, and relieve stress). Stand with legs apart. Open your arms and inhale deeply.  Bring your hands together in front of you and raise your left leg. Rest your left leg on your right knee. Breathe out and, at the same time, gently bend your right leg. Hold the position, then return to the starting position and repeat.           

  THE ANIMAL SIGNS

Using characteristics that are perceived to be an inherent part of the natures of the 12 animals, Chinese astrology attributes certain aspects of these characteristics and behavior of people born at specific times. This system operates in much the same way as Western astrology.

THE RAT is an opportunist with an eye for a bargain. Rats tend to collect and hoard, but are unwilling to pay too much for anything. They are devoted to their families, particularly their children. On the surface, Rats are sociable and gregarious yet underneath they can be miserly and petty Quick-witted and passionate, they are capable of deep emotions despite their cool exteriors. Their nervous energy and ambition may lead Rats to attempt more tasks than they are able to complete successfully, Rats will stand by their friends as long as they receive their support in return. However, they are not above using information given to them in confidence in order to advance their own cause.

THE OX is solid and dependable. Oxen are excellent organizers and systematic in heir approach to every task they undertake. They are not easily influenced by others' ideas. Loyalty is part of their make-up, but if crossed or deceived they will never forget. Oxen do not appear to be imaginative though they are capable of good ideas. Although not demonstrative or the most exciting people romantically they are entirely dependable and make devoted parents. They are people of few words but fine understated gestures. Oxen are renowned for their patience. but it has its limits once roused, their temper is a sight to behold.

THE TIGER is dynamic, impulsive and lives life to the full. Tigers often leap into projects without planning, but their natural exuberance will carry them through success fully unless boredom creeps in and they do not complete the task. Tigers do not like failure and need to be admired. If their spirits fall, they require a patient ear to listen until they bounce back again. They like excitement in their relation-ships and static situations leave them cold. Tigers are egotistic. They can be generous and warm, but will also sometimes show their claws.

THE RABBIT is a born diplomat and cannot bear conflict. Rabbits can be evasive and will often give the answer they think someone wishes to hear rather than enter into a discussion. This is not to say they give in easily: the docile cover hides a strong will and self-assurance. It is difficult to gauge what Rabbits are thinking and they can often appear to be constantly daydreaming, though in reality they may be planning their next strategy The calmest of the animal signs, Rabbits are social creatures up to the point when their space is invaded. Good communication skills enable Rabbits to enjoy the company of others and they are good counselors. They prefer to keep away from the limelight where possible and to enjoy the finer things of life.

THE DRAGON will launch straight into projects or conversations with a pioneering spirit. Dragons often fail to notice others trying to keep up or indeed those plotting behind their backs. Authority figures, they make their own laws and cannot bear restriction. They prefer to get on with a job themselves and are good at motivating others into action. They are always available to help others, but their pride makes it difficult for them to accept help in return. Although they are always at the center of things, they tend to be loners and are prone to stress when life becomes difficult. Hard-working and generous, Dragons are entirely trustworthy and are loyal friends. They enjoy excitement and new situations. When upset, they can be explosive, but all is soon forgotten.

THE SNAKE is a connoisseur of the good things in life. Inward-looking and self reliant, Snakes tend to keep their own counsel and dislike relying on others. They can be ruthless in pursuing their goals. Although very kind and generous, Snakes can be demanding in relation ships. They find it hard to forgive and will never forget a slight. Never under estimate the patience of a snake, who will wait in the wings until the time is right to strike. They are elegant and sophisticated and although they are good at making money, they never spend it on trifles. Only the best is good enough for them. Very intuitive, Snakes can sense the motives of others and can sum up situations accurately If crossed, they bite back with deadly accuracy. They exude an air of mystery ooze charm and can be deeply passionate.

THE HORSE is ever-active. Horses will work tirelessly until a project is completed. but only if the deadline is their own. Horses have lightning minds and can sum up people and situations in all instants - sometimes too quickly - and they will move on before seeing the whole picture. Capable of undertaking several tasks at once, Horses are constantly on the move and fond of exercise, They may exhaust themselves physically and mentally. Horses are ambitious and confident in their own abilities. They are not interested in the opinions of others and are adept at side-stepping issues, They can be impatient and have explosive tempers although they rarely bear grudges.

THE GOAt is emotional and compassionate. Peace-lovers, Goats always behave correctly and they are extremely accommodating to others. They tend to be shy and vulnerable to criticism. They worry a lot and appear to be easily put upon, but when they feel strongly about something they will dig their heels in and sulk until they achieve their objectives. Goats are generally popular and are usually well cared for by others. They appreciate the finer things in life and are usually lucky. They find it difficult to deal with difficulties and deprivation. Ardent romantics, Goats can obtain their own way by wearing their partners down and turning every occasion to their advantage. They will do anything to avoid conflict and hate making decisions.

THE MONKEY is intelligent and capable of using its wits to solve problems. Monkeys often wriggle out of difficult situations and are not above trickery if it will further their own ends. Monkeys tend to be oblivious of other people and of the effect their own actions may have on them. In spite of this, they are usually popular and are able to motivate others by their sheer enthusiasm for new projects. Monkeys are constantly on the look out for new challenges and their innovative approach and excellent memories generally make them successful. They are full of energy and are always active. They have little sympathy for those who are unable to keep up with them, but will soon forget any difficulties

THE DOG is entirely dependable and has an inherent sense of justice. Intelligent, Dogs are loyal to their friends and they always listen to the problems of others, although they can be critical. In a crisis, Dogs will always help and they will never betray a friend. They can be hard workers, but are not all that interested in accumulating wealth for themselves. They like to spend time relaxing. Dogs take time to get to know people but have a tendency to pigeon-hole them. When they want something badly they can be persistent. If roused they can be obstinate and occasionally they lash out, although their temper is usually short-lived. Some Dogs can be rather nervous and they may be prone to pessimism.

THE PIG is everybody's friend. Honest and generous, Pigs are always available to bail others out of difficulties. Pigs love the social scene and are poplar. They rarely argue and if they do fly off the handle, they bear no grudges afterwards. They abhor conflict and very often will not notice when others are attempting to upset them. They prefer to think well of people. Overindulgence is their greatest weakness and Pigs will spend heavily in pursuit of pleasure. They always share with their friends and trust that, in return, their friends will make allowances for their friends will make allowances for their own little weaknesses. Great organizers, Pigs like to have a cause and will often rally others to it as well.

Feng Shui

Furnishing the dining-room The essential furnishings of any dining-room are its table and chairs. A round table symbolizes Heaven, harmony, and friendship, while a square table, representing the Earth, suggests a more formal, hierarchical approach. octagonal tables are often found in China, since each side faces one of the Eight Directions. Despite the apparent informality of the round table, any honored guest, or the eldest member of the family, should be placed at the North side of the table, so as to face the South. At an octagonal table, highly favored in China, the family should be seated according to the Eight Trig rams, with the father at the North-West position and mother at the South-West. The eldest son will be seated at the East, the middle son at the North, as the youngest son at the North-East. The eldest daughter takes her place at the South-last , the middle daughter at the South ,and the youngest daughter at the West. At an eight-sided table, the family should be disposed according to the Eight Trigrams.

Apart from the sideboard, the remaining furnishings should be minimal. Unless the dining-room serves a double purpose as the living-room or a second reception room, there is little need for other furniture, which would only intrude on the principal focus: the table.

A simple fish is one traditional way of neutralizing the effect of threatening sha-from an inauspicious telegraph pole,  for instance

The Dining-room Chinese cuisine is not designed for the lone eater. In the Far East, the notable feature of Chinese restaurants and one that makes them so markedly different from restaurants in the Western world, is their sheer size. Vast, brilliantly decorated haIls accommodate rank after rank of huge tables, round which family parties of a dozen or more will feast together - a far cry from the intimate atmosphere of a dimly-lit French or Italian restaurant. Nor do the Chinese delicately keep to their own plates. Etiquette demands that a meal be shared, and that each person at the table should sample all the various dishes that are set down.

Traveling in China, you would be frequently pressed to join a party of people who until then would have been complete strangers, to share their company and their meal. Thus, eating at the table not only nourishes the body, it also symbolizes friendship, and harmony. Within the home, however, the placing of the dining- room is not as crucial as the location of other rooms. But it is ideal for the dining-room to be East of the kitchen, failing which, it might be placed to the South of it.

Favorable ch'i are encouraged if the dining-room window faces a different direction from the section of the house where the room is situated, provided that this is not its opposite. That is to say, if the dining-room is located in the Southern part of the house, it is favorable for the window to face Eastwards; or if in the Eastern part, Southwards. If the dining-room is in the North, the windows should look East or West; and if in the West, North or South.

Ch'i should not rest and stagnate in the dining-room, or the atmosphere will become stale and unpleasant. Consequently, it is preferable that there should be at least two entrances to the dining-room, one from the hallway or living-room, and another from the direction of the kitchen. For the same reason, it is also best if there are at least two windows. The two doors should also be in the same wall, or in adjacent walls, as should the windows. Doors opposite each other are not favored, as this creates the impression of a corridor, rather than a room.                                  

Shops and stores For centuries, Feng Shui practitioners have been advising clients on how best to plan retail premises in order to ensure maximum sales success. Although the disposition of goods on display, the location of those still in storage, and even the position of the cash register are vital factors which have to be taken into consideration, they all take second place to the nature of the shop's entrance which should actively funnel beneficial ch'i into the shop. A wide-mouthed doorway, so it is said, will help to catch both the customer and the flow of ch'i. In order to counteract poor Feng Shui, doors are sometimes positioned at a slant, and have the additi0nal merit of providing a limited area of standing room within the boundaries of the shop. Psychologically, this little triangle between the frontage of the shop and the street acts a Kind of threshold, the customer feeling encouraged to make the effort to enter the shop.

The rule that stairs and corridors in the home should not face doors applies equally where business premises are concerned. But, if this occurs, and it is impractical to alter the internal structure, then the arrangement of displays of goods should be such that the customer is obliged to make a change in direction on entering the shop. If the customer has to change direction, it can be assumed that the ch'i will change direction, too, with beneficial results.

Another effective way to divert ch'i is to line the walls with mirrors. These will not only display goods to potential customers at all manner of angles, but will also increase the brightness of the shop, providing a more stimulating environment for commerce. (This works well in business premises, but would be unsuitable for a family residence, since the energizing ch'i produced would soon burn up a harmonious atmosphere within the home.) Feng Shui identifies two categories of sales-outlet: 'open', where goods may be readily handled, and 'closed' where items are presented for inspection on request.

In an 'open' shop - such as a greengrocer's - the owner may feel that it is best to have the cash register near the exit, in order to deter thieves from leaving the shop with goods which have not been paid for. But some Chinese geomancers maintain that the ideal situation for the cash register is one which harmonizes with the horoscope of the owner. on page 96, you will find an example explaining how such a calculation can be made, with the aid of the Western version of the Lo P'an. Where there is no single owner, however the position of the cash register is most suited to the South-East.

When planning the interior of a shop, the cash-point, display, and entrance should be considered in turn. If the shop is of the 'open' type, the object is firstly to encourage as many customers as possible into the Shopping area; secondly, for them to be able to examine the goods; and thirdly, to buy. Thus, consideration of the entrance comes first, display of the goods, second; and finally, the cash-point. Ideally, the entrance should be placed in the South-West (the receiving direction); but if this is not possible, certain compensatory arrangements can be made by means of interior lay-out, thus customers proceed towards the South-West on entering. Alternatively, large mirrors should be placed in the South-West to reflect the entrance. 

In the 'closed' type of shop, such as a jeweler's premises, however, security of the stock is the most important consideration and its placing there fore has to be worked out first; the position of entrance, second; and the cash-point, third. A geomancer would thus recommend that the display of stock is placed in the North-East, since this represents safe-keeping.

In an agency establishment - such as insurance or real estate brokers - the administration of funds is the first concern; the entrance, the second; and the display of goods, probably negligible. It follows that such businesses are best suited to premises which have a North-West to South-East axis, since these directions are associated with management and trade. But whatever the orientation of the premises, if the furnishings can be arranged to encourage general movement along these axes, according to Feng Shui theory, this will encourage the development of a thriving business. Feng Shui principles also dictate that predominant shapes and colors should be based on the Element associated with the type of merchandise or service which is being offered. Groceries, greengrocery, and books and magazines, for instance, belong to the Element Wood, which suggests cylindrical and tubular forms, as well as blues and greens. Chemical products, and electrical goods and services, belong to the Element Fire, represented by sharp-cornered designs, and the color red. Pottery and builders' materials belong to the Element Earth, represented by square shapes, and yellow or brown hues. The Element Metal covers metal ware and jewelry, and is represented by round shapes, metallic colors, and white; while wine and spirit merchants, petrol stations and agency services are ruled by the Element Water, represented by irregular shapes and black or very dark shades. Thus, the nature of the shop or store should come prominently to the fore when considering matters of interior design.

Commerce and trade are subject to many whims and changes. For centuries, the Chinese have believed that, though the rises and falls of fortune may not be totally harnessed, they can at least be guided. Thus, while orientation may seem at first to have little to do with manufacture or sales, if the forces of Heaven and Earth can be made to complement each other, then harmony, success, and prosperity will be the consequence.

The garden When designing a garden, the Chinese have the very opposite of Western objectives. Thus the Feng Shui garden has no formal flowerbeds, nor neat rows of regulated blooms, nor riots of color. Instead, it meticulously attempts to recreate the very best features of Nature, and to become a slice of the landscape, or even a landscape in miniature. The true secret of Chinese gardening is to create space in order to draw attention to detail. In doing this, the Chinese gardener may well take away where the western gardener would add. Tiny gardens may be made even smaller by partitions; walls may be built to shut out features which are not part of the design; and a single plant may stand for many plants, as a perfect Feng Shui location is created in miniature, the principal costs being time, hard work, and patience. The garden can also include features which reveal the Dragon, the Bird, the Tiger and the Tortoise. A token trellis will fend off malevolent sha; while a simply constructed pond may function, as the gardens own Water Dragon. Thus, in attention to the shapes of walls, paths, rocks, and water, gardens can become model examples of all the precepts of the Form school of Feng Shui.

Use of color The Chinese garden does not have to be a rainbow of color. Indeed, the gaudiness of blazing contrasts is thought to disturb both the garden's appearance and its Feng Shui. Instead, the finest Chinese gardens keep to a discriminating, narrow spectrum. Yet it would need all the colors of the palette to paint the rich variety of shades to be seen. The colors of autumn might serve as a model. Thought they are seemingly all gold and browns, blending perfectly, the number of hues is endless.

White is not a color, and water is certainly colorless in itself. Yet they both serve to enhance and reflect the colors of their surroundings in the traditional Chinese garden. In Northern China, the blue-green of the pines and the blue of the frosty sky are magnified when crisp white clouds drift across; while in Southern China, pavilions with white-washed walls, leaning over water, may seem to have no color, yet every color.

The gardener, alert to the principles of Feng Shui, will also endeavor to keep to regional hues which come from the color of the local earth, rocks, sand and natural vegetation, and will use these natural shades to greater aesthetic advantage than the one who tries to hide them with showy displays of transient color.                    

The Great Four Inventions

COMPASS As early as the Warring State period (476-221 BC), the magic force of magnetic force was discovered by Chinese people, and a sort of quite simple  instrument was made from magnetite to show directions. This is yet the earliest compass in the world. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC -220 AD) a more complicated compass was made from magnetite, a spoon-shaped magnetite placed on a square copper plate. The center part of the plate is quite smooth so the magnetite spoon can move very easily. In Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD) the compass was further improved. People used thin iron needles, rubbed them on a piece of magnetite to make them magnetic. Then the needle was hung up with a thin thread or put on something that could float on water in a bowl. This is the primary model of compass for navigation. China is the first country to use compass for ship going. Between 1099 and 1102 the ships went to or left from Guangzhou.

PAPER   Mr. Cai Lun in Han Dynasty was regarded as the first man in the world to upgrade paper producing technique basing on some other people's idea shortly before him. After him, different materials had been tried for paper making, such as the famous rice Xuan paper (invented in the Tang Dynasty), which is still used right now by calligraphers and Chinese painters. Bamboo was used in the later of Song Dynasty as the basic materials making paper. and thus bamboo paper became soon popular. In 751 Chinese paper-making technique was carried to Arabic countries and in 1150, the technique was known by Europeans from Arabians. 

GUNPOWDER  The Chinese invented powder some 1,100 years ago. At the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907)  gunpowder was first used in war. In 904, during a battle between two local forces, a weapon then called "flying fire" was used. That was a packet of gunpowder tied to the head of an arrow. After the fuse was lighted, the arrow was shot to the enemy side, and the gunpowder explored. This was also the earliest sample of modern rocket.  In the 13th century, gunpowder was introduced to the Arab as a result of the Silk Road. One century later, some European countries began to make gunpowder weapons with methods they had learned from the Arabs. 

PRINTING Wood-block printing first appeared in the early of Tang Dynasty (618-907). The technique was developed from the use  of seals and stone engraving. Originally people found words caved on stone could last much longer. In the 4th century the method of rubbing a piece of paper on a engraved stone painted with ink was used to make copies. This gave artists an idea to engrave words on a wood-block and print them. On the other hand, the development of economy and literature needed more books and publications. The block printing thus became quite popular in the late of Tang Dynasty. In Song Dynasty, the block printing technique was so well-developed that even today the block-printed books are still quite clear and valuable. Between 1041 and 1048 Bi Sheng invented the movable character-printing method. He caved one Chinese character on each small piece of fried clay. These clays then were put on an iron plate according to the text. After this, ink was brushed on the clay, rice paper was spread over the clay, dry the paper and then the printing was done. After Bi Sheng, wood and iron-caved characters were widely used.       

                                                                                                   (Culture 3)