Chinese culture is highly unique with its distinct characteristics. It is among the oldest and most fascinating civilizations on the planet. The culture is a beautiful fable stretched over 8,000 years and is rich because of its incredible history.
Chinese culture is varied and one-of-a-kind, yet perfectly mixed – a priceless addition to humanity. So there is no surprise that it fascinates so many people. Read on to explore some fascinating facts about Chinese culture for children.
1. Giving Hongbao as a gift during New Year
Hongbao is the wad of fresh banknotes given to the family members in a red envelope by the elders during the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. The significance behind this tradition is that money brings good fortune to the family.
Hongbao is given to everyone, irrespective of their religion and family background. In a significant part of China, people receive Hongbao during New Year until they start working, while in some places like Hong Kong, they may get the Hongbao during New Year until they get married.
2. Chinese food is incomparable
If anyone has visited China or wishes to do so, they will notice that Chinese people are pretty particular about food. The people always ask their guests if they have eaten something or not. Chinese food is quite simple, though it has a wide variety. Soups are served with ceramic spoons, and dessert is not served following the main course. They are regarded as a snack and are typically offered between two meals.
3. Drinking tea is not like sipping any other beverage
The tea culture of China is unique compared to other tea cultures around the world. It is special because:
People use different tea preparation methods depending on the event, the level of formality, and the type of tea.
If someone offers tea in China, it represents respect towards their guests.
People tap their fingers to express their gratitude towards the brewed and served tea.
Thus, drinking tea allows people to socialize and be excessively seen in China. Tea sessions are essential for the corporate world, as companies do great business over tea.
4. Family is of utmost importance
Close family relations are far more widespread and also more prevalent in China. People in China live with their family members in one house because such arrangements have existed for generations. As a result, individuals in China have a solid and close bond with their families.
In China, one can see that grandparents usually live with their children and grandchildren, and they continue to live with their children even after marriage. The children are expected to look after their parents once they start working. One can even witness the special connection between family members when they meet for any celebration or a particular festival.
5. Many Chinese adhere to Confucianism
Confucianism is an ancient Chinese ideology and system of belief that served as the culture's primary framework. The doctrine emphasizes the significance of morals and personal ethics that are important for every individual. Confucianism lays a strong focus on paying respect towards rulers, family, and societal peace.
Confucian ideas have been embedded in mainstream ethics and religion for over 2500 years. Parents respect their values, and thus they teach these morals to their children from a very early age, making it an essential part of Chinese culture for children. One can witness this concept once they travel to China.
6. Chinese people celebrate New Year according to the lunar calendar
People in China spend New Year according to the lunar calendar, which is different from the rest of the world. According to the lunar calendar, the New Year begins with the rise of the new moon after the end of January or before the end of February. Since the date of the full moon varies every year, the new year falls on a new day each year.
The Chinese New Year celebration spreads for 15 days, and people clean their houses to sweep away all the bad luck.
People even hang messages of happiness, money, and longevity over the windows and doors. According to Chinese customs, people burn firecrackers whose ash is not cleaned away for three days. Elders give money in a red envelope, and people traditionally eat dumplings during the celebration.
7. Calligraphy is seen as an art
Chinese calligraphy is not a way of writing. Instead, it is considered an art. Chinese calligraphy is a beloved and widely practiced form of art, and it has even influenced the creation of other Chinese art forms, such as ink wash painting.
The compositions found in calligraphy are visually stunning and convey the underlying significance of Chinese characters. The art form is used in seal carvings, ink stones, and ornate paperweights.
8. Chinese zodiac influences their lives
People around the globe do not pay much attention to their horoscopes. To them, astrology may not appear as an essential thing. On the other hand, Chinese people treat them with value. These zodiac signs are called Sheng Xiao, which derives from the 12-year cycle based on Jupiter's motion.
Horses, sheep, dragons, snakes, and tigers are some of the animals that represent each cycle. Interestingly, 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.
9. The Chinese use both hands to give business cards
It is a Chinese tradition to give business or name cards with both hands as a sign of respect. This is especially true for younger individuals who share their cards with older individuals, as Chinese culture for children preaches moral values.
10. Colors play a significant role in Chinese culture
Colors play a significant role in the life of people living in China. Usually, black is seen as a representation of mourning. However, in China, white is considered the color of death. People who attend burials in China will wear white rather than black, as is customary in many other nations.
Red represents fire, pleasure, and good luck. It is the most critical color utilized by the Chinese government in festivities such as birthdays and weddings. People are not allowed to wear red on funerals. Similarly, green represents prosperity and good health.
The key takeaway
Chinese culture is highly outstanding and one-of-a-kind. The information provided above clearly depicts how Chinese people see their culture. It is more than just a set of practices and beliefs – it is a way of life.
To help children fully understand Chinese culture, they should also speak and understand the language. Language is crucial as it connects the speakers on the same level. LingoAce helps children learn Mandarin Chinese in the most accessible and creative way and offers interactive classes with limited students to get the desired attention.
At LingoAce, each lesson your child takes with us is a product of over 100 hours of curriculum creation, courseware production, mock teaching, teacher training, and quality control (QC) rounds.
Experience a redefined Mandarin Chinese learning experience first-hand through a free trial lesson with us today.
