In traditional China, dating methods were cyclical means something that is repeated time after time according to a pattern. A popular folk method which reflected this cyclical method of recording years are the Twelve Animal Signs. Every year is assigned an animal name or “sign” according to a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Therefore, every twelve years the same animal name or “sign” would reappear.
Longjing tea is from Longjing, West Lake, Hangzhou. It is a top-grade green tea. It is recorded that tea was produced in Longjing in the Tang Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty Longjing tea was the favourite one of Emperor Qianlong. It is made of tea shoots. They are green, fragrant, sweet and beautiful — four unique characteristics of Longjing tea.
Many famous Chinese wines of the present day developed from ancient times — mainly from the Ming and the Qing dynasties. On the 1st National Wine Appraisal Conference of 1952, eight brands of famous Chinese wine were awarded a prize: Guizhou Maotai, Shanxi Fenjiu, Shaanxi Xifeng, Luzhou Laojiao, Shaoxing Jiafan, Red Rose Wine, Weimeisi, and Special Fine Brandy.
The 24 solar terms is a gross name of the system that comprises of 12 major solar terms and 12 minor solar terms interlaced with each other.Each lunar month in the Agricultural Calendar contains a major solar term. A lunar month that does not include a major solar term is taken as the leap month of the preceding month. In 19 tropical years there will be 228 major solar terms and 235 synodic months. So 7 lunar months will not contain major solar terms and they are classified as leap months.
Chinese paper cutting is a traditional folk art that holds a significant place in Chinese culture. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, this intricate craft involves the meticulous cutting of paper into various designs and patterns. It is a meticulous process where skilled artisans use scissors or knives to cut out shapes, symbols, and motifs from a single piece of paper. The resulting paper cutouts are often symmetrical and visually stunning.
In daily life, people often give gifts, and so do countries in international exchanges, which is known as state gifts. Learning about what China offers as state gifts may give you some inspiration for your future gift-giving.China's four major state gifts are: Ejiao, porcelain, silk, and tea.
Xiaoxue is the 20th solar term and the second of winter. Due to the cold, precipitation changes from rain to snow, but the amount of snow is relatively small. The weather is set to get a lot colder, and minor snow will soon turn major. Winter, clad in silver frost, then kicks off.
Lidong, the beginning of winter, is the nineteenth solar term. There is still a little heat left on the surface of the earth, so it is generally not too cold yet. Around this day, animals start to seek places to hibernate. In Chinese culture, it is just a time to hide.
Before the Chinese people adopted the Gregorian calendar, they used their own lunar calendar to mark the days and hours and keep track of their agricultural year.The ancient Chinese people divided a year into 24 parts marked with 24 solar term days, also called jieqi(节气) in Chinese. The solar terms are strictly based on the position of the sun and are used to give instructions and directions for all different aspects of life.
Frost's Descent, the 18th solar term of the 24 solar terms, is the last solar term of autumn. After entering Frost's Descent, the scenery of late autumn is obvious, and cold air moves southward more and more frequently. Frost's descent does not mean "falling frost", but rather a sudden drop in temperature and a large temperature difference between day and night. On the national average, Frost's Descent is the time of year when the temperature difference between day and night is the largest.
The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Cold Dew (Chinese: 寒露), the 17th solar term of the year, begins this year on Oct 8 and ends on Oct 22. At this time, temperatures are much lower than during White Dew in most areas of China. The dew is greater and colder and there will be less rain. Autumn crops will be ripe.
The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 节气 jiéqì solar terms based on seasonal changes and natural phenomenon. They play an important role in guiding agricultural activities, even to this day. But even city-dwellers like us can enjoy them. Each solar term has its own associated customs, traditions, and even recipes. In Solar Terms 101, we delve into what makes each one special...
In China, a person's Chinese name is more than just an identifier; it's the essence of cultural identity. A pleasant and meaningful Chinese name not only facilitates integration into Chinese society but also garners greater respect and recognition.
For learners of Chinese, choosing a name that resonates with their identity is the first step in embracing Chinese culture. This comprehensive guide will help you learn how to select a Chinese name for yourself.
Since ancient times, Daoming has been a town of bamboo production, and bamboo weaving products are an important part of the residents’ lives of Western Sichuan Plain.
Food is an important part of Chinese culture, so knowing the right table manners is key when eating with Chinese colleagues, partners, or friends.From basic Chinese table manners to chopstick etiquette, this guide will help you navigate Chinese dining customs