After learning the text of this unit, we understand that the green banana is the hidden culture of Brazilian culture. As a Chinese, what hidden culture can you find in our Chinese culture? Please share your ideas with other students.
In my hometown, there is a custom called “Maternal uncle was the guest of honor”（母舅坐上）
It means that in some important family gatherings, red and white weddings and other occasions, maternal uncle are often arranged in a more honorable and important seat.
It has profound cultural significance. On the one hand, it reflects the important position of the maternal family. As the representative of the mother's family, the Maternal uncle has a higher right to speak and is respected.
On the other hand, it also reflects the concept of comprehensive attention to kinship in the traditional family ethical order.
At the same time, the legal culture of my hometown is also famous for the culture of maternal uncle:
When there are some disputes and contradictions in the family that need to be coordinated and solved, or even more serious situations such as lawsuits, maternal uncle are often invited to participate in them. Maternal uncle sits in the corresponding important position, with its prestige in the family and a relatively fair position to mediate and evaluate, the parties are more willing to listen to the opinions and judgments of maternal uncle.
The hidden cultures in Chinese culture are diverse and rich. For example, the tea culture in China is a kind of hidden culture. It is not just about drinking tea, but also includes aspects such as tea ceremony, tea art, and tea virtue, reflecting the Chinese people's understanding and pursuit of nature and life.
The traditional Chinese medicine culture is also a kind of hidden culture. It emphasizes the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment. It not only focuses on the treatment of diseases, but also pays more attention to the overall health and prevention of the human body.
In addition, the folk arts in China, such as paper-cutting, New Year pictures, and shadow puppetry, are also part of the hidden culture. They carry the wisdom and cultural inheritance of the folk, reflecting people's living customs and aesthetic concepts.
It is not just a decorative knot. The Chinese knot embodies the traditional Chinese concept of harmony and unity. Each knot is carefully woven, representing the connection and cohesion of people and things. For example, in festivals such as the Spring Festival and weddings, people use Chinese knots to decorate houses and gifts, symbolizing good luck and a happy and harmonious life. The elaborate patterns and colors of the Chinese knot also have different symbolic meanings. Red Chinese knots usually represent festivity and good fortune, reflecting the Chinese people's pursuit of a happy life and positive values.
During the Spring Festival，we set off fireworks which enhances the atmosphere of the Spring Festival.It implies to drive away the Nian beast.However,to protect the environment ,it is forbidden.Another culture made impressed is no knives on the first day of the Chinese New Year.It implies to pray for peace and ask for luck.
In our traditional culture, the moon is full of endless romance and poetry. It symbolizes love, reunion, and happiness. In traditional Chinese culture, a full moon symbolizes family reunion, so during this time, travelers far away from home will miss their hometown and relatives even more. The night with beautiful flowers and a full moon carries profound implications.
It is well-known that Chinese reserve their emotions. However, what is hidden underneath is a devoted heart and practice towards people they love. It is also worth mentioning that reserved affection can be more delicate and outlasting. The actions that originate from great love are undeniable, such as patriotism.
In my hometown, which is surrounded by rolling mountains, almost every household can be seen drying clothes on bamboo poles in the yard. There are three bamboo poles: two bamboo poles stand, and the distance between them is less than the horizontal length of one bamboo pole. The bamboo branches on either side had been cut down to a single bar by the machete, and there were two such branches at different heights, which were used to place the horizontal bamboo pole, and a simple drying rack was formed. Bamboo poles are tough, able to withstand the weight of clothing, and well ventilated, helping clothes dry quickly.
I come from Yancheng, and during the Chinese New Year in Yancheng, there is still a custom that one cannot speak directly after waking up on the first day of the lunar new year, but must take a bite of Funing cake.
Funing cake, also known as Yudai cake or Yipin Yudai cake, is produced in Funing County, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, known as the hometown of Chinese prose. It has the characteristics of being as white as snow, as thin as paper, as sweet as honey, and as soft as clouds。
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, this cake transformed into a "mouth opening cake"!
What does that mean? On the morning of the first day of the lunar new year, before brushing my teeth, I had to put a piece of cake in my mouth to eat. I couldn't speak until I finished eating, and as soon as I spoke, I had to say auspicious words.
Funing cake symbolizes "rising step by step". Eating it as the first bite of the new year is to hope for good luck in life, studies, career, and other aspects in the new year. This also reflects people's expectations and wishes for a better life in the new year.
Haimen folk songs,a rich part of Jiangsu Province's cultural heritage,are characterized by their lively lyrics and melodious tunes that encapsulate the essence of local life and traditions.These songs,often sung during labor or social gatherings,serve as a reflection of the region's natural beauty,agricultural practices,and the emotional landscape of its people.They represent not just a form of entertainment,but also a means of preserving and passing down the cultural identity and history of the Haimen community.
Be humble and courteous. Humility is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, complementing many values such as etiquette and morality. I feel that this is the education of Chinese in their bones, inherited for thousands of years, at least I think most Chinese have such a character.
Humility has really brought a great positive impact to the Chinese nation. First, humility builds harmony between people. The Chinese's modest speech and demeanor and humble attitude make people feel a kind of affinity and friendliness, which promotes the good development of interpersonal relationships. Second, humility contributes to personal growth and progress. A humble person is more receptive to the opinions and criticisms of others, thus constantly improving themselves.
In addition, humility helps to reduce conflicts and disputes, and improves people's cultivation and quality. Humility is a beautiful traditional virtue that we should maintain and pass on.
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is highly regarded as it sounds similar to the word for "prosper" or "wealth" in Chinese . This is why things related to 8, like license plates or phone numbers with multiple 8s, are often considered lucky and can be more expensive. On the contrary, the number 4 is avoided in some cases because it sounds like the word for "death" .
China is a beautiful country which has a long history and all kinds of customs.In New Year's Day,people often set off firecrackers to welcome a new life.Moreover,it also means to drive away some bad things in our life,such as misfortune and some traditional ghosts and monsters in imagination.In addition,hanging lanterns on the door or dancing dragons and lions can also keep the evil away.In short,everything we do in the New Year's Day is actually to embrace a better self and a happier family.
In my hometown,Anhui, the lights are kept on throughout the New Year Eve and the first day of the Chinese New Year.It means a bright and prosperous new year.
The implicit Chinese culture I know is related to the thorough cleaning. Before the Spring Festival, every family will carry out a thorough cleaning, tidying up every corner of the house to welcome the New Year. Why do they do this? It is to sweep away the bad luck of the old year and welcome good fortune.Another one is about eating dumplings on the Winter Solstice. Dumplings are shaped like ears. Since the Winter Solstice is the coldest day of winter, eating dumplings is believed to protect the ears. This is just a custom and has no scientific basis.
The New Year to clean, this is because in ancient China there is the custom of sweeping dust, people use the form of sweeping dust to symbolize the elimination of disease and bad luck, the people's yearning for a better life, and the New Year's new atmosphere of good wishes. Hope for a fresh start in the New Year.
Wuxi is my hometown, Huishan clay figurines are the most distinctive and representative folk handicrafts in Wuxi. Here, the most typical look is a pair of lovely fat dolls, which we affectionately call "Ah Fu" and "Ah Xi".When I was in primary school, I personally made two clay dolls, which can not only exercise the practical ability, but also Inherit traditional culture.
On the first day of the New Year,the first thing to do upon wake up is to take a bite of a kind of Cinese wafers(云片糕)，hoping to get better and better in the new year.
Red envelopes are a special form of gift in Chinese traditional culture. Its bright red color has a symbolic meaning of good fortune. Red envelopes represent the giver's blessings and expectations for the recipient's happiness. The amount in the red envelopes is usually an integer, implying that the blessings can continue. It is also regarded as a symbol of wealth. Giving red envelopes means passing wealth to the other party. Moreover, red symbolizes vitality, happiness and good luck. Giving red envelopes to underage juniors during the Spring Festival is to bring blessings and good luck to them.
The Bai ethnic group's tie-dyeing culture creates exquisite fabrics with ethnic characteristics through techniques such as tying knots and dipping dyeing.
Table manners: When having a meal together, especially in formal occasions or among elders, there are many unspoken rules. For example, the seats are arranged in a certain order of seniority. Younger people are supposed to wait for the elders to start eating first. And when using chopsticks, there are taboos like not sticking chopsticks upright in the rice bowl as it resembles the incense sticks placed in front of the dead in traditional funerals.
In Chinese culture, there's an important concept called “face” (main zi). In simple terms, “face” refers to an individual’s social reputation, dignity, and how others perceive them. We often use the phrase “give face,” which refers to showing respect towards someone in the presence of others. For example, if someone shares an opinion that isn’t entirely accurate (like boasting themselves ), rather than directly challenging them, you might only nod or stay quiet to avoid embarrassing them or causing them to lose face.
Feng Shui and Geomancy Culture: It emphasizes the selection and layout of the environment, such as the location of residential buildings and cemeteries, to achieve the goal of conforming to nature, harmonious coexistence, and pursuing auspiciousness and fortune. This includes observing and applying many factors such as the natural atmosphere and geographical situation.
Unique marriage customs in certain regions: In some ethnic minority areas or remote ancient regions, there are special marriage customs. The walking marriage custom of the Mosuo ethnic group in Lugu Lake, where both men and women do not marry, maintain their relationship, and have children through the man visiting the woman's home, reflects a unique matrilineal social tradition.
The orderliness of elders and toddlers in table manners: In traditional Chinese culinary culture, table manners are very important, and orderliness of elders and toddlers is one of the core principles. Elders should take their seats and use their chopsticks first, while juniors should respectfully serve their elders with dishes and rice. This etiquette reflects respect for elders, filial piety, and the infiltration of family ethics into daily life.
Cultural symbols of ethnic minority costumes: The costumes of various ethnic minorities in China have unique styles and rich cultural connotations, and are important carriers of ethnic culture. For example, the embroidery patterns and silver jewelry designs on Miao costumes often record the history, legends, and myths of the ethnic group, as well as their worship of nature and all things; The hada in *an clothing is a gift that symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and respect, and plays an important role in social and religious ceremonies; The colors and patterns on Yi ethnic costumes also contain meanings such as respect for ancestors and good wishes for life.
In Chinese culture,chopsticks have a unique cultural meaning.The dignifieed and polite food culture is known as the symbolic meaning of chopsticks,but in fact,chopsticks also represent the moral integrity pursued by Chinese people.In ancient China,there was a saying that"giving divination sticks indicates honesty".For example,Emperor Xuanzong of Tang once rewarded his ministers with chopsticks to commend their inregrity,symbolizing that one should be honest and straitforward.
The Spring Festival is the most grandest festival among tranditional festivals for Chinese.Children will receive red pocket money,I think it is more fun than wearing new clothes.Red pocket,also called lucky money(压岁钱).At the same time,also konwn as"sneaky"money("sneaky" means unlucky things).In ancient times,people used this custom to express that nothing unlucky things should happen in the comoing year and the young generation can spend a year in peace.
"Fu arrived" is an auspicious expression in traditional Chinese culture, usually associated with the custom of pasting the character "Fu" during the Spring Festival. The word "fu" itself has happiness, good luck and other beautiful meanings, which sustures people's yearning for a happy life and wishes for a better future. The word "fu" is pasted upside down, using the homophonic sound of "pour" and "to" to express the meaning of "happiness has arrived" and "blessing has arrived".
In the north, due to the relatively cold climate suitable for growing dry-land crops such as wheat, northerners prefer wheat food. For example, Shandong pancakes and Shaanxi buns are quite popular. Moreover, animal husbandry in the north is relatively developed, and pork and mutton are the main meat sources. Beijing Roast Duck is a good example, which reflects the northerners' wisdom in processing poultry.
In the south, with a humid climate and abundant rainfall, it's the main production area of rice. Thus, southerners mainly have rice as their staple food. At the same time, with extensive water areas in the south, freshwater and marine products play an important role in the diet. For instance, Cantonese people are good at cooking various seafood, and steamed fish is a common and delicious dish on the Cantonese dining table.
There are various types of buckles, such as butterfly buckles and ground buckles. Butterfly symbolizes beautiful love, and gourd symbolizes many children and blessings. Like bat shape, because "bat" and "fu" sound the same, symb,olizing good fortune. The peach shape symbolizes longevity and expresses the wish for health and longevity. The disc buckle showcases traditional Chinese aesthetics through exquisite design. For example, the looped buckle, the looped lines are continuous, reflecting the Chinese people's pursuit of perfection and continuous vitality, rich in rhythm and form beauty. The small buckle carries rich folk culture and beautiful wishes.
In China, when giving gifts, we usually avoid giving certain items. For example, we don't give clocks as gifts because the pronunciation of "giving a clock" in Chinese is similar to the phrase that implies "attending a funeral," which is considered unlucky. Also, we often choose to give gifts in even numbers for festive occasions, especially for good wishes like double happiness and harmony, as odd numbers might sometimes carry different connotations in specific cultural contexts. This kind of unwritten rule in gift-giving reflects the subtlety of our cultural taboos and auspicious cultural psychology.
At the dining table, the position of seats often has its particularities. The seat facing the entrance or the main seat is usually reserved for the person with the highest status or the host. And during the meal, we use chopsticks in a proper way. For instance, it's impolite to stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, as it resembles the incense sticks burned in front of the altar for the dead in traditional funerals. There are also unspoken rules about passing dishes, usually we pass them in a clockwise direction, showing respect and orderliness at the table, which embodies the cultural emphasis on propriety and harmony in social interactions.
Bamboo is a plant with rich symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. It represents integrity and perseverance. Bamboo is known for its straight and upright growth, symbolizing a person's noble character and unwavering stance. Many Chinese scholars and poets in history have used bamboo as a subject to express their aspirations and moral pursuits.
Bamboo also has the connotation of flexibility. It can sway in the wind without breaking, symbolizing the ability to adapt to changes and difficulties. In traditional Chinese paintings, bamboo is a common motif, and different painting styles of bamboo can also convey different artistic concepts and the artist's state of mind.
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