Category Chinese Culture & Tradition

Celebrating China’s Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions, Legends, and Cultural Significance

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of China’s most important and widely celebrated holidays. Held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar (usually in September or early October), the festival marks the full harvest moon and serves as a time for family reunions, thanksgiving, and celebrating the beauty of the moon. This year, it falls on September 17, 2024. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

The Philosophies and Precepts of the Shaolin Temple

The Shaolin Temple is revered not only as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism but also as the cradle of Chinese martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu. The philosophies and practices within the Shaolin Temple are a unique blend of Buddhist teachings, martial discipline, and ethical conduct. This article delves into the various philosophies, precepts, virtues, and the distinctive roles of the monks within the Shaolin Temple.

The Tradition of Student Cleaning in Asian Schools: A Focus on China

the role of student cleaning in Asian schools

Did you know that in many Asian countries, including China, students are responsible for cleaning their schools? This tradition goes beyond just maintaining cleanliness; it teaches valuable life skills and cultural values. From instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline to fostering a strong work ethic and respect for labor, participating in cleaning activities benefits students in more ways than one. Even the renowned Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Zen Buddhism and martial arts, incorporates cleaning practices into its disciples' daily routines. Discover the educational, cultural, and spiritual significance of student cleaning in this fascinating exploration.

How Common is Kung Fu in China?: Popular Questions and Answers

How common is kung fu in China? Is kung fu taught in public school? Kung Fu, or Chinese martial arts, is one of China's most recognizable cultural symbols. It has influenced global pop culture, cinema, and fitness, and is often associated with images of Shaolin monks, ancient warriors, and mystic masters. However, there are many misconceptions about how common Kung Fu is in modern China. This article will explore some frequently asked questions about the prevalence and practice of Kung Fu in China.

The Qixi Festival: A Tale of Star Crossed Lovers

Step aside Shakespeare! Did you know the original tale of "star-crossed lovers" dates back over 2,000 years? In the case of Niulang and Zhinu, their love is thwarted by the celestial order. They are only allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, symbolizing their eternal, yet tragic, separation. Thus we celebrate their love on this day with the Qixi Festival, often referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day, this year falling on August 10, 2024.

The Cultural Confidence Movement in China: A Path to Openness, Tradition, & Global Understanding

China's Cultural Confidence Movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by a desire to reassert the nation's cultural identity and heritage in a globalized world. This movement emphasizes the importance of embracing and promoting traditional Chinese culture, practices, and values, contrasting with a history of adopting Western or foreign influences. The term “cultural confidence” reflects a growing sense of pride and belief in the intrinsic value of Chinese culture, aiming to bolster national unity and global recognition.

China’s Dragon Boat Festival: A Celebration of Culture, History, and Tradition

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Festival (端午节) in Chinese, is a traditional holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This festival, rich in cultural heritage and history, is observed with a variety of customs and activities that reflect China's deep-rooted traditions and community spirit. The festival commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan and is marked by dragon boat races, the eating of zongzi (rice dumplings), and other festivities.

Buddhist VS Shaolin Monks: What’s the Difference?

The Shaolin Temple, nestled in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Province, China, is renowned for its rich history and dual traditions of Buddhism and martial arts. Within its sacred grounds, both Buddhist monks and Shaolin warrior monks live and practice, each following distinct paths of spiritual and physical cultivation, providing a fascinating glimpse into two distinct yet intertwined traditions.