Chinese Culture (General)

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, As far as I can recall, China has not hosted such a festival or a World Trade Fair. 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 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, 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, 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 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 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, 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

This article is quite interesting: 1. The article mentions that China was the only developing country that contributed to a 1 percent mapping of human genome. 2. How China is making an effort to map the genome of pigs or porkys. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This article on the use of traditional medicine to combat ageing is interesting... 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…

Dear Anonymous, Yes I do understand what you are trying to say and you are quite right. I was probably just grumpy that day, but yes I do agree that the purpose of such forums is indeed to exchange knowledge and learn. Thank you for replying Robert B.

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, No, this is not true. China, does have its own commercial airlines. Like in the US, there are domestic, regional and international airlines. A few Chinese commercial airlines have offices in Singapore. In the past, it is quite `scary' to take their domestic flights because of the poor reputation of maintenance. Especially the poor safety. But things have improved today. For international flights, these are generaly safe as they conform to the International safety standards. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. It is very often to hear the phonetic sound of a word and relate it with being auspicious or inauspicious. It implies: "Hey, you want me to go `quickly' to my death is it?" Unfortunately, the pear in Mandarin is called `li' which can mean separation. 2. Thus it is inauspicious or considered inauspicious for married couples to cut pear in halves. Which symbolically implies separation. 3. There is some truth in what you have mentioned. 4. The Chinese dread the `7th month'. This is the month where it is said that ghosts are let free to roam on earth. It is far worse to give pears on the 15th day of the 7th month as it is said to bring more sadness to loved o…

Article on how sharksfin was removed from the menu of Thai Airlines: 1. Part 1: The story 2. Part 2: Picture and comments 3. Part 3: Final part of the article.

Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, many Chinese even before learning English, have to learn `many languages'. 2. For example, take the case of a Chinese in Malaysia. Usually, the child picks up one or two Chinese dialects in their home. This is because more often, each parent may speak one or more dialect even before they go to school. 3. When the child goes to school, he/she has to learn e.g. English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Thus, imagine, a child this young has to grope with 5 languages! Each language has it own `gramma' etc... While in an `English' speaking country, one's mother tongue may be `English' and later on, the child gets to learn e.g. Spanish. In my opinion,…

Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, it is indeed very disappointing to reflect on the achievement of Chinese in China. Other than bringing `stability' to the country, I believe not much achievement is made especially since the Communist take-over. 2. However, if one objectively look at some of the achievements made by overseas Chinese, many overseas Chinese have contributed to the development of their `adopted' country abeit some of them (in my opinion) being discriminated in some of their adopted countries. In my opinion, these overseas Chinese have either contributed to scientific field and many are good in commerce. In commerce, many Chinese hold prominent positions and earn…

Dear Anon, 1. Not all overseas Chinese eat dog meat. Especially the `English' educated or if they are staying in a more affluent country away from China. 2. In Hong Kong, it is still common for Chinese to eat dogs. These dogs are specially breed to be slaughtered unlike pet dogs. If you do go to a Chinese food store, or those that do stock Chinese canned food, it is equally common to find `Rabbit's meat'. To some of us, rabbits are considered pets and no way we want to eat them. 3. Like sharks fins, abalone, some Chinese find it a delicacy to eat dog's meat. There are even some Chinese shows that `suggest' that when these people eat dog's meat, when they go near to dogs…

Dear Anon, 1. It should be `charcoal' instead of coal. 2. Usually, this is kept inside a built in cabinet e.g. in the kitchen together with the charocal stove indefinitely. (Especially for at least one year). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The best example would be Taiwan. Many Chinese fled to Taiwan from mainland China after the near defeat of Nationalist Army defeat is a good example. For other overseas Chinese, in the past, prior to the Communist rule i.e. many Chinese wanted to seek better pastures overseas. Thus, many Chinese immigrated to neighbouring countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in the hope of making money. Many Chinese, the poorer ones would make money and remit it to their loved ones in China especially in the 1800s to 1940s. Many Chinese are thus very successful in their adopted country. Majority of them control vast empires of commerce and the wholesale, middlema…

Para 8. in the attachment tells of who inhabits China:)