Chinese Culture (General)

Name: Lu Dong Bin Key figure of the Eight Immortals 1. Lu Dong Bin's birthday is the 14th day of the fourth lunar month. 2. He was born in the Tang Dynasty. His father and grandfather were Court Officials. 3. He is said to have a tiger body, cheeks of a dragon and eyes of a phoenix. The lines on his feet were like the profile of a tortise. 4. Since young he was very clever and intelligent. 5. At the Lu Shan Mountain, he met the Fire Dragon Immortal. The Fire Dragon Immortal taught him advanced swords fighting skills. 6. Later on, he met his new master Zong Li Quan. Zong Li Quan placed several tests for him. The tests include tests on his attitude towards the poor, wealth…

This altar is located in a coffee shop in an industrial zone (Tampines Industrial Park off Safra Tampines). What makes this altar "unique" is a beautiful back-wall laminated mural that reflects light off it. It also has a typical roof following many traditional altars. Nowadays, such altars are less common in Singapore homes especially those that have a roof above the deity's head.

Spotted: A figurine at the Food court in Ion Orchard. An elderly scholar (book). He is enjoying a cup of tea.

Dear Anon, China is a very vast country and as many of the citizens are living in the country side, and agriculture is their stable, they are more inclinded to living a `clean' life. It is only in the cities or areas designated with factories that need more of these control. But, we seldom hear of the need for environmental protection as China is endowed with huge resources. For example, they have huge dams to generate electricity etc... In my opinion, I believe China can be considered a `peaceful' country also. It is more fearful of being exploited by foreigners. If one looks at the history of China, when the Qing Empire was ravaged with `foreigners' out to `exploit' th…

China welcomes overseas Chinese who can prove their ethnicity.. The new policy, which takes effect from February 1, is an improvement on the current one-year multiple-entry visa for this group. Foreigners of Chinese origin with residency will be able to extend the period of their stay from three to five years. The changes, announced by the Ministry of Public Security last week, are expected to attract more overseas ethnic Chinese people to do business or live in China, according to the authorities. This is indeed a win-win situation for everyone! Source:

Dear Users, 1. Did you watch Discover Channel's series on Chinese Inventions? (cable TV) 2. As China is one of the 4 oldest civilsations spanning over 5,000 years, it actually had contributed lots of inventions. 3. It is interesting to note that in one of the series, a Professor highlighted that although China had a head start or first user advantage she did not manage to benefit from it. 4. It is good to understand why? The explanation was that most of the inventions were in the hands of the few who jeaously guard them. 5. Unlike in the west, many of the Chinese discoveries were shared amongst intellects and thinkers who share and refine these theories. 6. We can draw a …

THE SWASTIKA SYMBOL IN Sanskrit LITERALLY MEANS: "TO BE GOOD". Thus for the last 3,000 years, it has been used by many culture as a symbol of "goodness". Erh.. guess which nation and person spoilt the image (goodness) of the Swastika? ACTUNG! HI HITLER!

1. For those who are not familar with this delicacy, when uncooked, it looks and feels like strands of fine hair. 2. Some of us, usually add `facai' to a dish during Chinese New Year for `luck'. Read on...

No worries, Robert, just hoping to get any info from somebody who is into face reading too. It's hard to find a good resourcesimilar togeomancy.net for other areas. Thanks! Robin

It’s a CNY ‘funeral’ shirt.

Cantonese Tim Sum comes in many flavours or assortments. A very popular tim sum delicacy is the chicken feet. A generalised Cantonese saying goes "if it flies, it has two or more legs or no legs... anything on earth is edible..."

Yes, unfortunately there are two considerations, here: 1. It's a male thing! Unfortunately: our society, still has some taboo's associated with anything related to women. And even if the driver is not the person getting married; surely some unusual questions will arose like: the female driver preferable should not have her monthly period on that day.... etc... 2. Human nature at work (or wrongly at work). We human beings don't like to hear negatives spoken - even if there is relatively no issue. But, so long as one person or two be it one's relative, friends were to comment that this is they "felt" as inauspicious, we start to cast doubts ... 3. Frankly, there is no t…

Dear Anon, Currently, China is practising one country `two systems' and the governor of Hong Kong is given autonomy to run it. So far, there are no restrictions in the practise of Feng Shui in Hong Kong. Feng Shui is practised much the same as it was prior to China's taking over. You will be surprised to learn that even during the older communist rule, it was rumoured that top communist party members do use Feng Shui. Evidence abound where poor quality Luo Pans were made in mass quantities in certain cities in China during the communist rule i.e. either they were used by the Chinese themselves or exported overseas. But since they are of inferior, poorer quality, most lik…

[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 …

These wonderful fishes really have a wonderful time in Shanghai, China. What a unique linked fish-tank!

1228HRS in Cantonese sounds like ?easier to be / get prosperous??

Jaw-dropping snap Relax, there's no need to snatch this child out of the jaws of death. She is just lying on a 3-D pavement artwork featuring a shark, while posing for a photograph inside a shopping mall in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on Sunday. PHOTO REUTERS

First foray of getai shows in Orchard Road, Singapore.

I am from Ang Mo Kio Central. Check my fingers for a lottery number: 7218 And I am at Telok Blangah! My gold ingot... gives you a lottery number! 9397

Please read attached article.

Dear Anon, The original purpose of real firecrackers was to `drive' away evil/bad luck. But because, in most countries real firecrackers were banned because due to many incidence where fire started e.g. in communities such as villages and even house caught fire. Many people therefore, symbollically, hang decorative `fake' fire crackers on thier main door. Warmest Regards, Cecil Lee

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…

1. Mandai is already an "established" or has been existence for quite sometime. 2. Usually by now all the major prime sites have been taken up. However, do take into consideration:- 2.1 Afternoon / evening sun If possible, bring along a compass and try to avoid the niche facing or have direct afternoon evening sun shining onto it. Do becareful that the earth axis tilts and for some places, it may be affected by afternoon sun only for the first six months and vice versa. 2.2 Is there any intention to pray or provide offerings often? If so, usually waist height or at eye level is the most important! 2.3 Planning for the "future" 2.4. Some …