Chinese Culture (General)

Dear Anon, You will be `surprised' to learn that there are lots of books on Chinese culture. Especially before the communists take over but unfortunately, many are in Mandarin. This is why, they are hard to find. If one were to walk into a Chinese book shop, there are lots of titles and topics (Mandarin books). In Singapore, there are several good Chinese book stores devoted to selling Mandarin books on a wide range of topics. Many Chinese classics such as the Four Scholars etc... have been interpreted in English .... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In a documentary which I had seen around 6 months ago, it hightlighted the `plight' of aids spreading across China. 2. In that documentary, it is quite scary to learn that at least a few million Chinese (in a nearly 1 billion population) has aids. The aids in China had spread especially in cities and the `exploition' girls into prostitution in the cities. It is no suprise because of the opening up of China, money plays an essential role and acts as a catalyst for the poorer Chinese girls who wants a better life. 3. Thus, I believe, all countries both in Africa and all continents have a huge burden on aids. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. You have brought up a very interesting topic. 2. Being born in Asia, I do get to see or `learn' of the various customs and practises of the Chinese, the Indians and the Malays. 3. For the Indians, it is (if I am not wrong) it is usually the bride's side which has to fork out a dowry. This is to compensate the husband's family for `feeding' the wife. 4. For the Chinese, especially modern Chinese, compensation is usually in the form of asking or negotiating with the bride's side on how many wedding (dinner) tables they require. 5. The parent-in-law usually, will also give jewellery or heirloom to the bride. Such as bracelets, etc... This depends on the wealth…

This article on the use of traditional medicine to combat ageing is interesting... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, As far as I can recall, China has not hosted such a festival or a World Trade Fair. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Yes, at one time China do produce cars especially a special version of `offical' cars. These cars, looks similiar to those manufactured in Russia. (Black cars). 2. Nowadays, car manufaturers have set up manufacturing plants. Many types of cars have been imported into the country such as Mercedes which are popular with the more affluent Chinese. Other makes have also shown up. 3. However, the most popular transport is still the bicyles. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, it depends on the person's religion. Thus not all Chinese believe in reincarnation. Because China is so vast, common religion found in the country includes buddhism, arabic (muslims), taoists and even Christianity etc... Thus like any other country, there will always be a mixture of `races' and religions. Which will determine one's view point or outlook. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, Typically, in my country, a 'good luck gift' is not exchanged during the first meeting. More significantly, it is essential to meet over 'tea' and engage in a friendly conversation. The key aspect in Eastern culture is to present your business card using both hands, ensuring that your name card is facing the recipient, and to hand it over 'safely' into their hands. This gesture is the most crucial 'gift' that establishes a tone of politeness and 'respect'. Depending on who arranged the meeting, it is generally the individual who initiated it that covers the expenses. Alternatively, in this context, the gift can be interpreted as 'footi…

Dear Anon, There is truth in what you mentioned as one seldom if ever come across anyone printing red background business cards. 1. Most likely also because red background with black letterings is difficult to read. Red background with white letterings is considered not auspicious. White represents mourning or death to the Chinese. Maybe gold letterings can be used. So far, I have yet to receive or be given a red background business card. It is ok if the company logo e.g. is in red etc... and majority of the time, business cards are mostly white background or shades of white/grey/off-white/beige etc... Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Anon, Thanks for bringing this up. Actually, I had in mind, at that time for those who worship e.g. Buddha and Goddess of Mercy etc.. Therefore, for those who worship or pray to them, should `separate' the figurines. Otherwise, if one purchased them for `display' then it is still OK to keep them together. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Vincent, 1. If you have not purchased the painting(S), it is advisable not to place a painting of a water feature in the bedroom (if you can). 2. This is because one `incompatiblity' is because, water positions (real water or symbolic represents Yin elements. Too much water results in too Yin elements). 3. The bedroom is in general, suppose to be more Yin than Yang. (Yin represents rest and Yang activity). 4. Some other FS practitioners would say that too much water i.e. even in paintings especially placed in the room may cause difficulty as too much water itself represents difficulty. 5. This is why, for example, advise is usually not to have a water position at t…

Dear Anon, No, I believe this is not true if not, pears are still very commonly found in retail or supermarket outlets. In my country, we do import `China' pears and others coming from Austraila etc... Being inauspicious as gifts does not necessary mean, it is not consumed. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Contrary to (I believe) popular beliefs, traditional Chinese `sweets' are a modern invention. With more modern life styles, `sweet dishes' abound. But in the past, dinner does not end with `sweet deserts or dishes'. Most popular and well known sweet dishes are the sweet and sour pork. Chinese char siew pow (red sweet meat) filling enclosed in a small round loaf of bread. Traditonally deserts are not common but in more recent times, 8 course or 9 course dinners are served. The last course is usually a desert e.g. sweet yam, logan and almond jelly etc.. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In traditional China, tea is the favoured drink. Coffee, is in my opinion a more recent development. Chinese is famous for the cultivation of tea and some are considered `vintage' or kept for many years. As mentioned above, coffee is more an `import'. If one get a chance to see the various varieties of tea and even tea for `slimming' are available. Popular tea include oolong, jasmine, iron buddha etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, If one has read the history of China had its fair share of the `opium war' where, foreign countries sell opium to the country. Many people became addicted and became a liability to the nation. This was quite sometime back before the communist took over China. Opium dens were plenty and many people wasted their life. Nowadays, there are still some of such illegal activity but a small percentage. The deterence is that anyone caught selling or courier of the drugs get capital punishment. I believe, China is relatively drug free as t does not have that many mafias that are rampant in Russia. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Chinese women do smoke but they are fewer than males. So far, in my opinion, I personally came across very few if any Chinese women (who had smoked to an elderly age). On the contrast, I know of many Chinese men, who even smoke at the age of 80+ or more. I personally cannot understand why, but in my lifetime, I can recall at least 8 to 10 elderly persons (male) who continue to smoke but yet did not die because of it. I know that some of them smoke quite heavily. Maybe, I may be mistaken but, so far, I know they died of old age i.e. 80 to 90 plus. Perhaps, I am not sure why they did not die from e.g. cancer etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, I cannot say for the more affluent Chinese living in cities who because of their higher income and purchasing power, are in my opinion just as prone to cancer as anyone else. Here, those living in the city have higher rate of e.g. colon cancer. For those who live in the rural areas, I believe their sensible diet e.g. vegetables, poultry, white meat e.g. fish would contribute to better health. I mentioned in a few messages previously that one `secret tool' is to eat with chopsticks. Here, one is forced to eat or bite smaller chunks of food. Rather than gobble down e.g. munching a hamburger. Therefore, I believe, using chopsticks would be good. But of course, o…

Dear Anon, As far as I can remember, Chinese do have a holy river where one must pay a pilgramage like the Indians. Alternatively, Chinese would rather bury their dead then to cremate bodies and scatter ashes into the sea. Here, the traditional belief is that a good burial site would ensure prosperity for the decendants. More affluent Chinese and in particular the last few dynasties e.g. Ming and Ching dynasties place high (very high) importance over this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, in my opinion, quite alot of Chinese doctors, do approach their work in a holistic way. It is also because, the patients are receptive to them and give them lots of respect. In fact, majority of the time, one reason is because, some of these doctors operate their own pharmacy i.e. or medical hall. Here, their clinic is like a pharmacy and if they have the time, would explain or at least answer the questions. In my opinon, we should not say that Western medicine VS Chinese medicine but rather, they can co-exist with each other. In the past, many people have very high respects for Chinese doctors and this respect gives comfort to many who tend to open up to …

Dear Anon, In my country, which is predominatly Chinese i.e. 70% of the population are Chinese. It is interesting to note that, the Ministry of Environment officals can give a fine or summons to hawkers (selling drinks or food) found to serve food on broken crockery. Personally, I inherited an antique Goddess of Mercy figurine. Unfortunately, one of the lotus leaf (has a small chip). I personally could not throw it away. But I had a fingure of the Chinese Monkey God, it's hand was broken, when I shifted to this home 5 years ago. Since this is a major `damage' I had no choice but to throw it away. Warmest Regards, Cecil

I am not too sure about Taiwan and Hong Kong but I believe it is most likely true. In Singapore, previously, one would get a compound fine of e.g. $200/- for a first offender i.e. pay the $200 fine. Just recently, one no longer will be able to get a compound fine but rather, must appear in court. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, this is not true. On the contrary, many Chinese party officials remarry after the demise of their wife. For example: The late Chairman Mao remarried Mdm Jiang Jing (who later tried to take power) after he died. His earlier wife died and he then married Mdm Jiang The most recent President Jiang, also has a wife. Many other party officials have a family also. It is the belief that to be `respected' one must not be a `bachelor'. Therefore, in my opinion, it is not that girls are afraid to marry them but rather, usually their wife's play a low key position (or seemed to play a low key). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In my opinion, this is not true. This is because, for one reason, especially in China, as houses are to live in and not often houses are sold. It is difficult to find alternative housing. One interesting thing is that trees are grown if they can thrive in a particular region. It would be interesting to know that in my country, if you do drive around in an estate, it is common to see an alternate house growing mango tree. Mango trees thrive in my region. For larger houses, especially in the past e.g. where houses (were) around 8,000 sq feet or more, you can see both Mango and rambutan trees planted. But because of land scarcity and smaller landed properties, Man…

Dear Anon, In my opinion, this is not necessarily a true statement. However, if one is poor and caught HIV or aids, you do need money to pay for `better' treatment. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In a `communist' China (especially, in the past), women are considered `equal' or have played equal roles in all areas. For example, in the army, there are also elite Chinese special force (army) women who are considered `equal' with the men. If one looks hard enough, one can find an equal share of women jouranlist/newscasters in China. Especially in the development of communism, women, have grown in prominence as compared to the past (Imperial dynasties). Warmest Regards, Cecil