Chinese culture is one of the oldest and richest in the world. With thousands of years of history, the country boasts a colorful array of customs and traditions. Many of these are still practiced throughout the country, and provide insight into the Chinese people, as well as their heritage and values. In this article, we will explore some of the most common customs and traditions of China, so you can get to know their culture a little better.
Religion in China
The main religion in China is Chinese folk religion, a polytheistic religion with many gods, ancestors, and spirits. Buddhism and Taoism are the two other major religions in China, with Confucianism seen as a philosophy more than a religion. Religion was traditionally passed down through oral teachings, and most aspects of the Chinese family, including birthdays and funerals, have religious implications.
Marriage & Family
Marriage and family are very important to the Chinese and a strong emphasis is placed on social order and stability. Tradition dictates that the eldest son be the one to take care of his parents and grandparents in their old age. Arranged marriages were often a common practice in the past, with parents matchmaking for their children and a dowry paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s.
Nowadays arranged marriages are not as common, but the tradition and custom of marriage is still very important in Chinese culture. Marriage is celebrated as a major event, and social expectations are high, particularly for women.
Holidays & Festivals
There are a variety of traditional holidays and festivals celebrated in China. These include the Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year; the Mid-Autumn Festival, which honors the harvest moon; and the Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates the life and death of the beloved poet Qu Yuan.
There are also some lesser-known festivals, such as the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is intended to honor the spirits of the dead, and the Ghost Festival, which is celebrated during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
Food & Cuisine
Food and cuisine is a critical element of Chinese culture. Rice is the staple grain in most parts of the country, and a large variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood are used in cooking. Common spices used for flavor include ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, chili peppers, and Szechuan peppers. The most common cooking techniques are stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying.
A special type of Chinese cuisine, known as Dim Sum, is made up of bite-sized dishes that can be shared among loved ones. Popular choices include dumplings, buns, and egg tarts. Tea is also a vital part of the Chinese diet, and its production and brewing are seen as an art form.
Language
Chinese is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, and is spoken by the majority of the population. The language is divided into seven distinct varieties: Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, Wu, Min, Gan, and Xiang. Mandarin is the official language and is used throughout the country, but many other dialects are also spoken.
Art & Music
The Chinese have a long-standing tradition of painting, ceramics, and calligraphy. Painting often focuses on landscapes and is usually done with a brush and ink. Chinese ceramics are known for their intricate designs, detailed patterns, and decorative motifs. Calligraphy is still practiced in modern China, with people using brushes and special paper to produce beautiful handmade works of art.
In terms of music, traditional Chinese music is primarily based on four instruments: the pipa (a plucked lute-like instrument), the erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument), the dizi (a flute-like instrument), and the yangqin (a hammered dulcimer). These instruments are often used to perform traditional Chinese music and opera.
Chinese culture is complex, interesting, and full of beautiful customs and traditions. From religion, marriage and family, holidays and festivals, to food, language, and art and music, the culture is vibrant and diverse. This article is only a brief overview, but hopefully it has provided some insight into the Chinese way of life.
