Friday, September 19, 2008

Day 23

Day 23- Tuesday 16th Sept 08
Lesson schedule for today is with Shi Ding Le.


I find that her lessons are really interesting and the fact that she speaks good english is very admirable even though there are occasional spelling errors.

Today, we learnt about the symbols of auspiciousness. There are 4 main things which are really important to the chinese. They are always found in many of their items and they 4 things are as follows:


  • Longevity

Symbols: Crane & Pine tree

In China, there is a religion that is very wide spread and that is Taoism. It's main aim is to achieve longevity and thus since that is being treated as important to the Chinese, Taoism continues to flourish and is one of the more accepted religion in China.

The symbols of longevity can be usually found in the interior rooms of elderly and it is advised that the symbols are not placed in the kids room as it is said that they are not able to withstand the symbols.

  • Happines

Symbols:

  • Harvest

Symbol: Fish

Usually in large festivals/ocassions, there should be fishes in dishes. Harvest is mostly celebrated by the people farming. It is just like a thanks giving celebration.

There is a superstition involving the eating of fish in such ocassions that the fish should only be eaten on one side and it should not be overturned so that there is always more than you need in every harvest. 年年有余 as the chinese says it.

  • Noble Character

TBC.......

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