Chinese Culture (General)

Pictures taken in November 2007, Shanghai, China

Dear Anon, Yes, usually, chopsticks (for eating) i.e. placed on a dining table should preferably be placed on horizontal. In restaurants and some home, a small chopstick stand e.g. a porcelain shaped fish or other objects is used. The front portion of the chopstick is resting on this `stand'. As for placing chopsticks vertical on a dining table, so far, it usually cannot be done unless it is placed in a cup or glass. But this seems `rude' and so far never in my life, did I see such a thing before. Usually, in a restaurant, a porcelian recptacle is used where many chopsticks are kept prior to `displaying' them on dining tables. 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

Dear cecil, Thank you for answering the above question (though diplomatically). We are glad to know that you believe in the freedom of speech and the protection of human rights. Since it is important for some users/readers like me to know that since this is a moderated site. So wanted to sure that this site believed in the freedom of speech of the user.

The Mee sua when uncooked is very brittle and thin. It is made of rice flour. Some offer it in a "tower-form" during their offerings to the GOD.

Dear Anon, I agree with you on the statement. In the past, this was the case. One reason for this is because, if one is rich or influential, I guess, the genes are considered (I am not sure how to call it but generally) the genes are considered `better' genes and the offsprings are `suppose' to be more intelligent. Well, the above is just a general saying and if it incurs the wrath of anyone here, than I apologise. It is just one of those `theories' I read and kept in my mind...:) In Singapore, it is now no longer possible for Chinese to marry and take on a second wife. The penalty: `Going to Jail'. Therefore, for a `FINE' country like Singapore, this acts as a deterrent…

Haha it's cute.

Dear Anon, In my country, and in my opinion, the statement is no longer true for the following reasons: 1. Good quality inlaid pearl furniture especially if they are `old' are considered `antiques' and very expensive. 2. Many people nowadays (especially the middle class) can only afford `imitation' antique furniture without the pearl inlay. 3. I remember when I was young, my parents used to bring us to my auntie's parents home in Orchard Road (Singapore). Her father is a Chinese physician and I remembered clearly the beautiful pearl inlay set against many dark coloured wooden furniture. I recalled seeing motifs of leaves, flowers etc... They are really lovely. I do recall…

Dear Spring, I have also done some research and trying to see if I can find something. But currently, I have not found subject relating to webbed feet. Will let you know if I found anything on this. Anyway, what is beautiful in life is in our `heart' and what we make full use of our life:) Overall, for the feet, based on the outline, it can also be classified under one of the five elements: Fire (pointed...especially the pointed toes) , Water (wavy), Earth (squarish) and Metal (roundish feet). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, To the Chinese people, especially those who know the proper Chinese Tea ceremony will follow the sitting arrangements similar to the concepts found in the Ming Tang Wei. Under this concept, guests should be sitting west and the host should sit facing east. The location facing south is reserved for the king. While the guest of honour or the most eldest guest sit facing the host while the younger guest sits to the left of the eldest left and the next younger sits the right of the eldest. In the original ancient Korean ceremony is actually meant to sit four guests on one table. On the table for the tea ceremony, one would find:- 1. A tea-plate, 2. the tea-pot 3. F…

Chinese weddings become infused with Western traditions, traditional Western wedding gifts are more acceptable than before though the couple will rarely have a registry or release a list of wanted gifts. Be careful when selecting a gift and beware of what not to buy.

The picture shows a variety of incense burning containers found outside the main door of many Chinese homes. These incense burning containers are to contain paper offerings to the GODs especially during every 1st and 15th day of each lunar month (full moon days)...

Hi Anon, Anonymous wrote: I would like some advice please on whether placing photographs of my daughter and her partner in the relationship corners of my rooms will help them heal a rift in their relationship . I so want then to be happy. At present they are apart. I have placed a photograph of them in happy times in the relationship corner of her bedroom, in the sitting room and my office, one photograph i have placed inside a red cd casing. (this one shows them kissing). The hardest area for any third party to help resolve is relationship issues. Frankly, you can only do so much as to create opportunities for the two person to talk it out. Anything, that can help to r…

Dear Anon, 1. Dragon year is considered one of the most auspicious years to have a child. Do note that other years are also considered acceptable. 2. The least auspicious year is the year of the tiger especially if the child is a baby girl. 3. Many Chinese give away a baby tiger girl because some consider it inauspicous to have a girl `tiger' while. 4. While many know that it is difficult for their tiger daughter to get married. This is especially so, if they are (in the past) live with their in-laws. Their in-laws are worried that the household may be dominated by a tiger daughter-in-law. The dragon:- 5. The Dragon is the symbol of ancient China. The folk tales on the …

Dear Anon, 1. Traditionally, it is common to find a pair of Lions guarding each side of a main entrance in China. 2. Here, many Chinese especially overseas Chinese have followed this belief and placed similar sets of lions on both sides of their main door. 3. One good example is the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, where you find two bronze statues on each side of the main entrance. 4. While in China, these statues are carved in stone. But since Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank is in the Banking area (Metal element) it thus use Metal (bronze) lions instead of stone ones. 5. Usually, these lion guardians are simply statues and serves more to give an impression (to human beings) rather …

Dear Anon, 1. Onyx comes in different colors. Some are white, some in green etc... 2. Under Chinese Astrology, for the animal sign " The Ox "; it's lucky gemstone is `White Onyx'. 3. Onyx is been sold by companies dealing with home interiors e.g. kitchen table tops, bath room tops etc... 4. It is also carved into objects e.g. swans and other figurines for display etc... I believe there is a commercial demand for it. 5. In my opinion, based on above, I do not believe that the chinese consider the onyx inauspicious unless, because perhaps could it be that these mines you mentioned are dangerous to work in. This is because some mines have dangerous gases within them. On the …

Dear Anon, Like all other races, celebrations depends very much on the `class' of a person. Such as the lower-income, the middle-income, the rich and the very rich. Unfortuantely it is a fact that each `class' has its ability to celebrate weddings differently. some middle class may resort to borrowing to come to the same level of the rich etc... Although we do not like to bring the subject of `class', this would affect the scope of celebrations. 1. In the past, many Chinese weddings are conducted as a group wedding. This is cheaper due to economies of scale and widely practised there. 2. Overseas Chinese prefer: 2.1. If they are Chinese Christians, may hold their weddings…

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, This depends on the country they stay. I believe that nowadays in China, the incident of pet dogs got stolen is minimal. Mostly, these are stray dogs where some mainland Chinese catch and eat. Otherwise, there are few exotic shops that trade in or buy dog meat. The Shitzu (I hope I spelt correctly) this intelligent dog `originated' from China. In my country, you will be surprised to learn that many are prepared to buy expensive imported pedigree dogs as pets. Dogs are not openly eated here. In Singapore, the Malay race, instead do not rear dogs at all because they find them dirty. Nor do they eat pork as they felt that this is a `dirty' animal. In other countr…

Dear Anon, It is true that some Chinese consider it inauspicious to keep caged birds. The significance is based on `symbolism'. Where it is cruel to keep the birds. Rather, they should not be `imprisoned' but to be allowed to fly freely in the wild. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Frankly, such questions need someone to follow through on a person's birth-date; analyse and evaluate the information..... I am afraid, it is beyond this Free GENERAL advice forum.

This is the most colourful Qilin, one could get...

Finally; last Sunday morning at around 7am; finally "caught" this "uncle" again maintaining the altar at this coffee-shop in Hougang Green Shopping Centre. I now have a face to the hardworking "uncle"! For sure, he has a unique set of hair! Hmm reminds me of baby children who constantly sleeps on a pillow. That's why, most likely he shares the same traits; he could have rubbed part of his head against pillow; causing the "baldness" at certain areas!