Chinese Culture (General)

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, It is a common practice for Chinese to place figurines of Gods and deities facing `outwards' rather than inwards into a home. The rationale is the belief that e.g. it would not be appropriate for a altar to face a bedroom or a toilet or other `rooms'. This is because, e.g. bedrooms are considered `dirty' locations e.g. the place where some of us change our clothes... marriage couples induldge in intimacies etc... It is thus considered not appropriate for these figurines to face `inwards' into the home. Warmest Regards, Cecil

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

1. This huge lantern must have been made from labour of love and thousands of Chinese New Year (CNY)Hong Bao (Red packets). Red packets are envelopes where money is inserted and given out during CNY 2. Each individual ingot was made from several of these Red packets. 3. This "master piece" is truly a labour of love... location: Redhill Lane Market...

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…

Dear Anon, In my opinion, there is some truth in what you had mentioned although it does not have to do with auspicious or inauspiciousness. The reason is because, as many villages and places have abundance of wood (material), it is natural to obtain common and cheap objects (yet strong and sturdy) such as bamboos etc... At the same time, objects especially display stands are usually made of wood as they can easily be carved with intricate designs. Many homes usually display e.g. an elaborate vase with a wooden stand. Few if any of such stands are made of metal. Under the Five Elements concept: Wood destroys or control Earth. Thus, in terms of balance, one would realise …

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, 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

Dear Anon, Last hear, I saw a documentary where for example, some British hospitals have adopted acupuncture inconjunction with western medicines. I understand that many years back gingseng plant has been cultivated in US and this has medicinal properties. Nowadays, when we Chinese go to a Chinese herbal shop, we can easily ask for the cheaper US ginseng. In fact, if one goes to a Chinese hospital today, many traditional herbs are used. It goes down to the root of Yin and yang concept. Where, for example, each ailment can be explained as being too yang or too yin. In such a situation, a remedy or herbs which can be classified into yin or yang is prescribed. (What I menti…

In my opinion, once a person is cremated e.g. and placed into an urn; this is "pretty" safe i.e. "ashes to ashes". Usually, slight caution is especially when a grave was exhumed and best not to touch or be given any items from such a site e.g. a button or someitems that was left in that coffin. How about, someone has just died recently; a wake and sent to be cremated. This is generally pretty safe especially after the body has been cremated. Frankly, in any line of "business", there are sometimes hazards that one may face. For example, even usfor geomancers; once a while; during our course of work; we do encounter homes and premises that are not "clean". If one goes abou…

Dear Anon, I believe you have brought up an interesting question:) Case 1 1. Let me share with you a recent case (showing the `non-importance' of unforuntately `women' ... on another issue.. 2. Recently, there is this case where this wealthy Chinese died. 3. In his will he asked that only after his last wife died and after 20 years later can then his wealth be distributed amongst his decendants. (Usually, this are his grand-children or later..). 4. In his will he specifically asked that none of his wealth can be distributed to the `daughters' of his children. As he felt that they `do not' belong to his family. (The assumption that `girls' would get married and later belo…

These are the key essence:- 1. Yes, I have also highlighted recently in a forum message reply that under the concept of Grand Duke; "he doesn't like people to disturb, him". 2. Thus, based on the above; then, it is prudent not to place a noisy wind chime at East sector; this year. In the first place, why tempt fate by doing so? Life not exciting enough for the person? Go ahead, MAKE his day. " Just remember the Terminator's famous words " hasta la vista, baby!" 3. In the past, had met some clients with rather crazy geomancers. I recall one case, many donkey years ago; that was around thirteen years (I repeat 13 years ago); 4. This new client was not happy with me; becaus…

SOURCE & CREDIT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3025796.stm Chinese 'takes more brainpower' Speaking Chinese may take more brainpower than speaking English, a study suggests. Researchers in Britain have found that people who speak Mandarin Chinese use both sides of their brain to understand the language. The researchers said the findings could boost understanding of how the brain processes languages. This, in turn, could one day help scientists to develop better ways of helping people to re-learn languages after a stroke or similar damage to the brain. This compares to English-language speakers who only need to use one side of their brain. Brain scans …

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

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, 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

For those who have never visited Asia; in particular, Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia. It is worth the effort to try out the `King of Fruits' - The durian. The smell can be over powering until it is banned from Singapore Mass rapid transit stations, taxis etc.... For more information, here is one link:- http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~durian/ Warmest Regards, Cecil

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, So far, China has come to grip with economic development and thus the focus on most people's mind is to make `money' and security for their family. Many Chinese at the moment are simply `struggling' and not so fluent to be involved in cults. So far, Chinese government view the Fa Long Kong cult a threat and another major `gang' as threats to the fabric of the society. Otherwise, the country can be considered relatively free from `cults'. In the past, especially in overseas Chinese, such as Hong Kong and even Singapore, secret societies were more prevalent especially in the 1950's; 1960's and 1970's due to the poorer economic situation in such countries. Today…

Dear Anon, Quite recently, there was a news article on divorce in China. The main cause of what I read was that the men in China are getting more `well off' and some of these men engaged in illict affairs. Usually, the women are more forgiving but usually it is the men who initiated the divorce. Divorce is indeed an `ugly' word all over the world. It leaves a scar on the innocent child or children. Yes, based on what I read, divorce is gaining a foothold and increasingly place an impact on the family unit in China. Usually, the poor wife has difficulty getting child support and may need to work to raise their child in China or she may instead get support from her close re…

Dear Anon, In very early years before China had exchanges with the West, you will be surprised to learn that many missionaries had infact introduced and translated many of China's culture, history, classics especially works by Confucius. For example, Matteo Ricci, who was an Italian missionary had infact translated several books into Latin in 1590s. Since his time, many famous scholars and writers had taken much effort in translating Chinese works into English. Such famous scholars include: Lin Yutang, James Legge who is an English writer. Another famous transalter is Richard Wilhem, a German Scholar. These scholars had infact translated several volumes of the famous Chi…

Dear Anon, 1. Yes, in a recent documentary on China, I saw that this is still popular especially in the rural areas. 2. The documentary includes how these simple kites were made. And even complex ones that looks like a dragon etc... 3. It is also interesting to note that glass is often pounded into fine grains of glass. `Glue' e.g. rice glue is used to coat the string with these fine grains of glass. Here, the kite owner would fly his/her kite close to another kite and try to pull or jerk the kite to `cut-it'. The action of the fine glass piece can easily cut another kite like a mini saw. This is considered `Kite fighting' and adds excitement to the activity for some peop…

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,…

An effective Chinese concoction for loss of voice... (due to sore throat)

I have also my own personalized chopsticks that I bought in online store and I always use my chopstick every time I eat Asian dishes and for me it is now my habit to eat foods using a chopstick.