Chinese Culture (General)

Traditional Chinese Festivals are all based on dates of the Lunar Calendar. Similarly, Chinese birthdays are also based on the Lunar Calendar dates. At Geomancy.net, we believe in continuing this tradition by doing all analysis based on the Lunar Calendar System and not the Hsia or Xia Li Calendar. I call the Hsia calendar, a calendar of convenience. (Although, some references are made during computation i.e. the season on the Hsia calendar). Ultimately, the Lunar calendar method is fully used to convert one's Year, Month, Day and Time of birth to the Lunar calendar. The main flaw of the Hsia calendar system (or Hong Kong method) is that it is unable to detect a `blind'…

Dear Anon, In Chinese sword play, some swords are considered Yang (Male) while others are Yin (Female). Therefore, there is some truth in the above statement as I believe, the seven star sword is Yang. In Chinese sword play, sword fighting methods differ for a woman and a man. Some sword fighting methods utilize a Male and Female (in harmonious interaction) and this pair (under a skillful pair) is difficult to beat. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The rationale for some people saying that a dragon chair needs a strong person to sit on are: 1. As we are aware, a dragon is considered the Yang(est) of all Yang elements. This could be the reason why some people say that the chair is meant for `strong' people especially the conotation of a male or masculine person. 2. The other reason is because traditionally Chinese emperors are the only ones that are allowed to either wear dragon emblems or have carvings on their throne with dragons (4 or 5 claw ones). The lesser officials can wear "serpents" which are considered `lesser' dragons. In my opinion, this is not fully correct. As I have seen antique chairs a pai…

Dear Anon, Actually, I am referring to present day Chinese `city' children. Because of the one child policy, some of them are very chubby or rather overweight. This is less so in the rural areas. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I believe, in an agricultural society, it would be good to have more children. In my opinion, this is also the same in the West. 2. In the past, the mortality rate is also high for new borns. 3. It would be interesting if you can share with us, if you do come across the article on the weather. It sounds interesting. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Usually, the large vases is to give an `impression' or as a display piece. The advantage of large objects is that it is harder or acts as a deterent for someone to carry it away. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. Crane symbolizes longevity for the Chinese. 2. A picture of a deer symbolizes riches (wealth). It is derived from the phonetic sound that sounds like " good income " or riches. It is quite common to see a picture of a crane and deer combined together. Here, the picture symbolises longevity and riches. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The dragon year only begins on 5th February 2000. I believe, the 2000 couples got married has to do with millennium celebration. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is an interesting question. I believe, today, we do live longer thanks to modern science. Not only for the Chinese but mankind all over the world. If we talk specifically about useful Chinese practises that help one to prolong life, these include:- 1. Using a pair of Chop sticks Hey! What has Chop sticks got to do with health? One comment is that because one use a chop stick to pick food and eat it, one is thus forced to eat smaller pieces of food. I believe this has been `documented' or highlighted as a good practice. 2. Traditionally, Chinese food is very healthy It depends on the region one is in but overall traditional Chinese food is healthy. Not lik…

Dear Glyn, I totally agree with you with regards to the spoilt brats. Those who are pampered from day one they are born. These spoilt brats do not generally reflect the majority of children that were brought up `properly'. The good ones have good upbringing, filial piety and good social values. One worrying trend is the one child policy implemented in China. Wow you should see the one child family. Some of them are so plump! And pampered by their grand parents. Although one cannot blame China for their one child family due to their size of population. Many parents either abort a baby girl or `kill' them after they were born. There is an imbalance of births i.e. more boys …

Dear Anon, 1. Nowadays, with land scarcity, more people go for cremation. 2. The funeral procession remains unchanged till today. Instead of `bringing' the dead or leading him/her to the burial grounds by musicians clanging bells etc..., the dead is lead to the crematoria. 3. Usually a separate ceremony is conducted after the ashes of the dead has been collected. 4. The `dotting' of the eyes on the portrait is less commmon today. Few people follow this, as one would later have to continue `ancestor' worship i.e. place the portrait on an alter in the home. Offer incense etc... and prepare offerings during periods like Cheng Meng etc... 5. Burial sites such as the one show…

Dear Anon, The Chinese do not differentiate between the frog and the toad. Toads and frogs are commonly found in agricultural locations in China e.g. in padi fields. Chinese use the frog as medicine and for dieting. The rational is because of the shiny surface of the frog which the Chinese call it the dew of heaven. The frog is also called the heavenly chicken. (Toads are left out of this picture because they are poisonous. I am glad that you asked for the `story' of the Three-legged toad. It will help many users understand why the Three-legged toad became a `commercial object'. There are two versions to the story:- 1. A Chinese Immortal Lui Hai was said to live in the er…

Dear Anon, 1. Yes there is some truth in not keeping the ancestor pictures facing the dinning room. 2. In my opinion, it is more a belief. One rationale is that it is being disrespectful if we do not offer food. But instead gobble it up. 3. The alternative is that (as a last resort) if some houses are really small, like those found in Hong Kong (very small houses), they may just do that. But here, food or fruits are offered at the altar to "applease the ancestor". The above would help in such circumstances. 4. For your point on SW (Earth element location) and NW (Metal element), there is not much logic in mentioning the two locations. 5. Even if we analyse further, SW is …

Imagine, understand not only Feng Shui but learn Chinese characters!

Dear cecil, The plums are purple in color and they do not look like gold. ( I am referring to plum like in plum sauce). Thanks.

Dear Anon, Chinese culture holds the belief that sweeping the floor on the first day of the lunar new year brings bad luck. This notion is rooted in the desire to begin the new year on a positive note. Additionally, the significance of avoiding negative remarks is acknowledged, as it aligns with the intention of starting the new year afresh. The celebration of Chinese New Year spans a total of 15 days. Warmest Regards, Cecil

[Note: Cross posted from the conference: Try these Fun Polls] Pictures of the Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong can be found under this URL:- http://www.bankofchina.com/english/bank/bankf3c.htm -------- Original Message ------- Message cross posted from conference: Chinese Culture Dear cecil, I read in couple of books that bank of china resembles a knife and posses threat to the surrounding building since knife cuts through surrounding building. Is this correct. Thanks. --------- End of Message --------- What do you think? Although you have not seen the neighbouring building, however, do try to make a guess! Do you think that the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong …

Dear Carrie, Yes, the hours are in consecutive order. Starting from the Rat hour, going one circle to the Pig hour. Please refer to the page: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/time.htm Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, From what I understand: 1. During the communist rule, although Feng Shui was `abolished', some of the elite in the Communist party continue to apply Feng Shui practises. 2. Today, and even in communist China, poorer quality Luopans were manufactured in China. 3. I understand that a small percentage of houses for the elite and even business of the People Liberation Army (PLA) which at one time owns a substantial number of business used Feng Shui. 4. Many Feng Shui practioners believe that the Bank of China building in Hong Kong had been seen by a Feng Shui Master as the building comprises two elements. 5. With the relaxation of communist rule, I believe, more an…

Dear Anon, Nowadays, figurines of " Kuan Kung " are displayed (usually) in the living room. Since most houses have only one living room, perhaps this is why it was mentioned that they be kept `close' to the Fu Lu Shou figurines. It is considered `not auspicious' for such figurines to be kept in the bedroom or even the study room. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Follow this interesting link to Introduction to Falun Gong (Falun Dafa):- http://www.mindspring.com/~falun/home1.html For a balanced view of the site, you can also visit China's website site which is titled - "Further Expose and Critize the Cult:- China.com, a different perspective Warmest Regards, Cecil