Chinese customs and traditions

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

If you plan to make a tourist trip to the Celestial Empire, it will be useful to first know the main traditions of China. This is an ancient country with its centuries-old customs and distinctive customs that have evolved over millennia. In its history, there are specific rules of etiquette and norms, without knowing which one can easily get lost in this great power.

As soon as you step on this land, you will immediately understand that the distinguishing features of the Chinese people are hospitality and non-conflict. This friendly nation is always ready for anything

explain, show and even help you get things to your destination. They treat visitors and guests of their homeland with respect. The Chinese show signs of increased attention to their visitors. And seeing off the guest, they will bring him not only to the door, but put him in a taxi with his own hands and wait for his departure.

The definition of "Chinese tradition" certainly includes holidays. One of the most important is birthday. There are no special rituals for this. Unless there is always special noodles on the table as a symbol of a long and prosperous life. While eating, they will certainly praise the dishes. In this situation, even burping at the table is permissible. Gifting for the holidaysmostly food, drinks, sweets, fruits. The main thing is that what acts as a gift should be present in an even amount. Because an odd number is a sign of trouble and failure. But even with even values, you need to be careful. The customs and traditions of China attribute the number "4" to notoriety, considering it the most unlucky. It so happened due to the fact that the pronunciation of this word practically coincides with the word "death". A watch as a gift is also a bad sign associated with mourning, death. Sometimes the price tag is deliberately not removed from the presentation in order to show its value, as well as the guest's predisposition to the host.

New Year is another significant national event in the life of the Chinese. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and represents the arrival of spring. Most often falls on one of the February days. It is celebrated for about a month. At the same time, dances, round dances, noisy festivities, theatrical performances are arranged; notes with wishes for the future are pasted everywhere. These days it is considered a strict rule to visit relatives and friends.

Chinese traditions include countless beliefs. This is a rather superstitious nation, unconditionally convinced of the existence of spirits and higher powers. Hence the many folk holidays with interesting ceremonies and rituals. These are the days of the Dragon, the Moon, Lanterns, Tea, and the festivals of Peonies, Water, the Kite, and numerous carnivals with solemn festivities, reincarnations, magnificent rituals and fireworks.

Traditions and customs of China play a significant role in choosing clothes of one color or another. For example, in some provinces, a green tint is strongly associated with treason. And therefore, even a tourist dressed in this color will inevitably expect mocking sympathetic looks, not to mention the local population. Yellow is an indicator of power, strength and power. In ancient times, only the emperor wore robes of this color. White color has long been considered mourning. Although for some time now in large centers they began to supplement it with a black element (for example, a ribbon or a bandage). This combination is only suitable for funerals. It is also not customary to wear pure white clothes in everyday life. But the red color is held in high esteem by the Chinese. It symbolizes the sun, fun, warmth, the awakening of life. Very popular during the New Year holidays. Restaurants, hotels, city streets are decorated with this color. Postcards, paper for wrapping gifts, souvenirs are decorated in red tones. But since it is more typical for solemn occasions, it is not very appropriate in a business setting.

Undoubtedly, the ancient traditions of China today are significantly influenced by Western Europe, America, in connection with which they are being transformed, acquiring a new sound. But this does not mean that non-compliance with the most important rules and customs that have been formed over thousands of years becomes possible. And even if you are a foreigner, it is better to play it safe and find out what to do in this or that situation, what to wear, how to behave at the table, than to appear in the eyes of the local population as a “dark”, “dense” barbarian. After allas the proverb (although not Chinese) says: “You don’t go to a foreign monastery with your charter.” So, being in distant countries, you need to show tolerance and respect for the norms and orders that have developed there.