In China, there are many traditions that are followed by the people. Some of these traditions have been around for centuries, while others are more recent. All of them though, hold importance to the Chinese culture and way of life. In this article, we will explore some of the most important Chinese traditions that you should know about.
1. Giving Hongbao
Hongbao, also known as red packets, are packets of money that are given as gifts during special occasions such as Chinese New Year and weddings. The tradition of giving hongbao is said to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it was customary for wealthy people to give money to the poor.
Over time, this tradition has evolved, and now hongbao are given to friends and family as a way of wishing them good luck and prosperity.
2. Eating Jiaozi
Jiaozi is a type of Chinese dumpling that is traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year. The word “jiaozi” literally means “little dumplings.” They are made by wrapping a filling in a thin piece of dough. The most common fillings include pork, beef, chicken, vegetables, and shrimp.
Jiaozi are said to represent good luck and fortune, and they are often eaten with family and friends during the Lunar New Year celebration.
3. The Chinese Language Itself
Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion speakers. It's the official language of China and Taiwan and one of the four official languages of Singapore. In addition, Mandarin is one of the six languages of the United Nations.
Mandarin is a tonal language. This means that the meaning of a word can change depending on how it's pronounced. There are four tones in Mandarin: high level, rising, falling-rising, and falling. Each tone has a different pitch and sound.
Mandarin is a difficult language to learn, but at MandarinInn, we offer online Mandarin learning courses that make it easy and fun to learn this important language.
4. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is one of the oldest forms of art in China. It is the art of writing, and it has been around for centuries. In fact, calligraphy is so important in Chinese culture that it is considered a form of poetry.
There are different styles of calligraphy, and each style has its own name. The most popular style is called seal script. Seal script is named for the seals that were used to make impressions in wet ink. Seal script is the most formal calligraphy style, and it is often used to write official documents.
5. Dragon Boat Racing
Dragon boat racing is a popular sport in China that dates back to 2000 years ago. The sport is believed to have originated when fishermen in China began using dragon-shaped boats to catch fish.
Today, dragon boat racing is a competitive sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The boats used in the race are typically decorated with dragon designs, and the teams typically consist of 20-22 paddlers.
Wrapping Up
There are many Chinese traditions that you should be aware of before traveling to or doing business in China. From the importance of family and respect for elders to dining etiquette and gift-giving customs, knowing about these traditions will help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas and make your experience in China more enjoyable! Make sure that you understand the language so that you too can participate in these incredible traditions!