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Chinese culture has consistently written an honourable journey over the past years, boasting a legacy that nations admire. It has consistently upheld and safeguarded its historical, cultural, and traditional legacy, passing them down from generation to generation. Whether it's in the form of attire, cuisine, famous sports, or other Chinese customs and traditions, they continue to thrive to this day. So, let's explore together the Chinese customs that have shaped the history of this ancient nation, along with some valuable and intriguing insights.
Chinese culture is among the oldest and most dynamic cultures, serving as a cornerstone of global civilisation and providing a window into the intricacies of Chinese society. It showcases a longstanding commitment to values of tolerance and harmonious coexistence, never wavering in its respect for religions and diverse cultures. Despite its diverse ethnicities and languages, Chinese culture is built upon principles of compassion, affection, and inclusivity.
Chinese culture has long been influenced by its traditional values and religious beliefs, which have played a significant role in shaping the thoughts and convictions of the Chinese people. It's important to note that they have not adhered to a single creed or sought to establish a narrow religious identity. Chinese individuals have always engaged in diverse beliefs and practices, which include:
The roots of Taoism can be traced back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE. Like many religions, Taoism has its sacred texts, known as the "Tao." Some Taoist followers believe in multiple gods, while others worship ancestors. Generally, Taoism emphasises harmony with nature.
Confucianism dates back to the philosopher Confucius, who lived in the 6th century BCE. He advocated for the revival of rituals, customs, and religious traditions inherited by the Chinese from their ancestors, adding his philosophy and views on ethics, behaviour, and moral conduct, such as respect for elders and social harmony. Confucianism is based on the worship of the God of Heaven or the Supreme Deity, the veneration of angels, and the worship of ancestors.
Buddhism is considered the first belief system to enter China from the outside, as it originated in India and merged with Chinese culture to create a new form of Chinese Buddhism distinct from Indian Buddhism. It emphasised the importance of inner peace, wisdom, and compassion.
Chinese civilization is characterized by its rich and ancient culture, which has developed over thousands of years. It is intertwined with the country's history and dominant religions, as well as customs that all Chinese people, regardless of their differences, adhere to. Here are some of them:
The groom's family arranges a visit to the bride's house to propose, and after the bride’s family accepts the proposal, the two families plan another meeting to finalise the engagement details.
The bride's family presents jewellery to the couple to show their support for the marriage.
Chinese people schedule the wedding date based on specific dates; they avoid certain dates because they believe they attract bad luck.
The bride wears a red dress on her wedding day according to Chinese traditions, as the colour white is associated with death and funerals, while the groom wears a black suit.
Traditional Chinese clothing varies according to the dynasty; garments are designated for the Tang, Hanfu, Xiongsam, and Zhongshan families, as well as some attire for ethnic minorities.
China is renowned for primarily using silk in weaving clothes.
Han dynasty garments are characterised by dark colours, specifically crimson and black. Men's and women's clothing are similar, often very loose, with multiple layers and long sleeves.
Chinese individuals have upheld their traditional dress customs and practices regarding body coverage, despite being influenced by Western culture and clothing styles.
In China, meals typically consist of two main components: one comprising noodles, rice, or pastries, while the other incorporates vegetables and meats.
Chinese individuals use specific utensils for dining, such as ceramic spoons for soup and chopsticks for solid foods.
Geographically, China is segmented concerning food flavours: the western part is renowned for spicy tastes, the eastern part for sour notes, the southern part for sweetness, and the northern part for saltiness.
In China, fruits are often served as a dessert, as Chinese people generally regard desserts as secondary dishes.
Chinese individuals adhere to meal times, and it's customary to engage in conversation and laughter during meals. When invited to dine, it's preferred to present food in an aesthetically pleasing manner and bring a small gift.
The history of China spans over 8000 years, making it one of the most significant civilisations in the world. However, amidst its rich cultural heritage lie some peculiar facts. Here are explanations of some unusual Chinese customs:
The credit for discovering silk goes to China when a silkworm's cocoon fell into the teacup of the Chinese Empress Xi Ling Shi around 3000 BCE. Since then, China has been producing silk, and the method of its production was considered a national secret. Smuggling this secret out of the country was punishable by death.
In China, attendees of funerals often wear white instead of black, as is common in most other countries. Interestingly, while black traditionally symbolises death and mourning in Chinese customs, it is the colour white that is worn at funerals. It's worth noting that wearing red is prohibited at Chinese funerals.
Chinese New Year is an occasion for family gatherings in China. During this time, Chinese people engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes to rid them of bad luck. Additionally, fireworks are set off, and the remnants of the fireworks are not cleared away for three days. Furthermore, it's customary to exchange red envelopes containing money as gifts during this festive period.
Dubai has always been a multicultural hub, with shopping centres serving as venues for showcasing products and goods from various parts of the world, including China. Ibn Battuta Mall serves as a destination for offering delicious Chinese cuisine and introducing Chinese culture through regular events. Similarly, Dragon Mart is the largest Chinese trading market outside of China. Nakheel Mall and Circle Mall, have served as platforms for exhibiting various Chinese goods, flavours, and original spices. Therefore, don't hesitate to explore Chinese culture up close when visiting any of these malls.
