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20 Fascinating Chinese Customs & Traditions To Know About

China is a nation bursting with fascinating customs and traditions due to its long history and diversified cultural heritage. Chinese culture offers a multitude of fascinating customs that have molded people’s lives for generations, from colorful festivals to distinctive social etiquette. This essay will examine 20 fascinating Chinese traditions and practices that highlight the breadth and complexity of this extraordinary civilization.

1. The Chinese New Year celebrations

The holiday known as Chinese New Year marks the start of a fresh year according to the ancient Chinese calendar. The holiday is frequently referred to as the Spring Festival in China. Family get-togethers, fireworks, dragon dances, and the exchange of red envelopes holding money for good fortune are all part of this festive season. One of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture is the Chinese New Year. It has had a big impact on the 56 ethnic groups’ Lunar New Year celebrations.

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2. The traditional lion dance

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In Chinese culture, the lion dance is a traditional dance whereby dancers dress as lions and imitate the lion’s movements. It is said that this dance brings luck and fortune. Typically, the lion dance is done at religious festivals, traditional celebrations, and the Chinese New Year. It may also be performed at significant events like business opening celebrations, unique festivities, or wedding ceremonies. Two dancers often perform the Chinese lion dance, with one forming the lion’s head and the other the animal’s hindquarters.

3. The Chinese tea ceremony

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In Chinese culture, tea is highly valued. The art of preparing tea and performing tea ceremonies are revered customs that place an emphasis on harmony and respect. In a Chinese tea ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their respective families as part of a traditional wedding ritual.

The tradition was created during China’s Tang period. Both sets of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other senior family members participate in the tea ceremony. As a sign of respect and gratitude, serving your elders in order of age is a significant component of the ceremony. The ceremony always occurs on the wedding day.

4. The famous Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters. It combines aesthetic design with textual interpretation. In China, this kind of writing is frequently used. Chinese calligraphy is regarded as a visual art. It is also a means of personal expression.

It entails the use of a brush and ink to produce characters that personify grace, elegance, and cultural heritage. The Chinese use five main script kinds. Seal script, clerical script, cursive script, running script, and standard script are the types of scripts used in general.

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5. Red is considered an auspicious color in China

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The fire element, which stands for life, vitality, and light, is related to the color red. Red is a color associated with happiness, success, and good fortune since it is so favorably perceived. It is frequently used to bring good fortune. Further, it also fends off evil spirits during festivals, weddings, and other festive occasions. Red is utilized in healing to promote warmth and burn out sickness.

6. The celebration of the Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, sometimes referred to as the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, is a customary Chinese holiday. The Mid-Autumn Festival honors both the full moon and the harvest season. Families get together to eat mooncakes, light lanterns, and admire the moon. In mid-September to early October, the event is celebrated under a full moon at night. The Chinese consider this day to be the Moon’s fullest and brightest day.

7. The famous Chinese martial arts AKA Kung Fu

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Chinese martial arts are a broad name for a variety of fighting techniques that have evolved throughout the ages in China. An example of this is Kung Fu. Kung Fu is not just a physical discipline; it also incorporates philosophical ideas that encourage self-control, self-defense, and personal development.

The requirement for military training, hunting skills, and self-defense in ancient China is thought to have given rise to Chinese martial arts. Weapons training and hand-to-hand fighting drills were crucial components of the ancient Chinese soldier training.

8. The Chinese belief system – Confucianism

Confucianism is a traditional Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the value of morals and personal ethics. It has had a significant impact on Chinese society, emphasizing social order and ethics. Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, is credited with developing the Hundred Schools of Thought. Confucius regarded himself as a transmitter of Xia and Shang cultural norms. The quest of the oneness of the personal self and the God of Heaven is central to Confucianism.

9. The Chinese Zodiac

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A different animal represents each year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. Each animal is said to affect a person’s traits and fortunes, giving Chinese society a touch of astrological belief. There are 12 animals that represent the Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao. The Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig are among them, in that order.

10. The delicious Dim Sum

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese dish consisting of small plates of dumplings and other snack items. The meals are shared among family and friends, much like how the Spanish eat tapas. A typical accompaniment to dim sum is tea. Traditionally, brunch hours, late morning through lunch, are when dim sum is eaten. It is a common culinary custom in China, specifically the Cantonese cuisine. The dish has a selection of small, bite-sized dishes, like dumplings, buns, and rolls.

11. Feng Shui household customs 

Feng shui is an old Chinese technique that purports to harness energy forces to bring people and their surroundings into harmony. Feng shui literally translates to “wind-water.” Feng Shui encourages harmonious energy flow. It is thought to increase prosperity, happiness, and luck.

12. Celebrations of the Lantern Festival

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A Chinese traditional holiday observed in February during the full moon is the Lantern Festival. It is also known as the Shangyuan Festival. The Lunar New Year celebrations come to a conclusion with the Lantern Festival.

The celebration involves the launching of lanterns with elaborate carvings and wishes for a prosperous new year into the sky. The burning of the lanterns represents a person letting go of their old self and embracing their new one. The lanterns are typically red to symbolize luck and wealth.

13. The water splashing festival

A significant and long-standing celebration of the Dai nationality that ushers in the New Year is the Water-Splashing Festival. Many events, including dragon boat races, the launch of Dai rockets, and cultural and artistic performances, take place on the first day. Water-splashing activities are enjoyed on the second day. The third and final day is New Year’s Day. On this day people visit the temple while dressed in traditional attire.

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14. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

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A form of complementary treatment known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was derived from Chinese traditional medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine includes a variety of health and healing philosophies, folk beliefs, literati theory, and Confucian principles, as well as herbal cures, nutrition, exercise, and medical specialty.

A comprehensive approach to treatment is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In fact massage and acupuncture are also used in this traditional medicine. Chinese medicine aims at enhancing overall health by harmonizing the body’s energy.

15. The red wedding traditions

Outside the time of Lunar New Year, wearing a red wedding gown is also customary. Since the Ming Dynasty, more than 650 years ago, wearing red bridal gowns has been a wedding custom in China. To commemorate the joy and happiness of the marriage, the bride in Chinese culture dons a crimson wedding gown on the big day. On her wedding day, the bride may  wear a red veil to conceal her face.

16. The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

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On the Gregorian (normal) calendar, the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese event that takes place in late May or early June. The event honors the late poet Qu Yuan in ancient Chinese culture. Dragon boat racing and the consumption of zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, are traditions that take place in the festival. The sound of gongs and drums is often used to fend off evil spirits. The Yangtze River’s middle and lower portions are where the festivities take place.

17. The Laba festival

Three weeks before Chinese New Year occurs, the Laba Festival is conducted as its precursor. Consuming Laba congee has long been a significant part of the festivity. In many parts of China, laba congee or laba porridge is particularly well-liked. The main ingredients are several types of rice, beans, almonds, and dried fruits. In the winter, people consider the laba beneficial to their health.

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18. The Traditional Chinese Opera

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Traditional Chinese opera, also known as Xiqu, is a type of musical theater with origins in ancient China. It is a combination of numerous old artistic Chinese styles. Over a course of a thousand years, the art developed to its final form in the 13th century. This was under the Song dynasty (960–1279).

Traditional Chinese opera was created by combining numerous art forms over time. Examples of the art include music, song and dance, martial arts, acrobatics, costume and make-up art, and literary art forms. The earliest forms of Chinese theater are simple, but over time they have become more complex.

19. The famous game called Mahjong

A tile-based game called mahjong was created in China in the 19th century. The beginning of the 20th century has seen the spread of the game all over the world. Four players participate in it. It promotes social interaction, strategy, and cordial competition and is frequently played with friends and family. A traditional Chinese game of strategy, skill, and summarization is mahjong. The game is currently accessible and playable online.

20. The ghost festival

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In several East Asian nations, there is a traditional Taoist and Buddhist event known as the Ghost Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival. In Chinese tradition, the seventh lunar month is known as the Ghost Month. Therefore, the fifteenth day of this month is known as Ghost Day.

At this time, spirits emerge from the underworld, especially those of departed ancestors. On the day of the ghost festival, a sizable feast is thrown for the ghosts. To appease the ghosts and ward off bad luck, people bring samples of food and set them on an altar.

The rich history, philosophy, and ideals of China are all reflected in the culture there, which is a treasure trove of traditions and rituals. These customs influence Chinese society and provide a fascinating window into its rich history, from large events like the Lunar New Year and Dragon Boat Festival to commonplace activities like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. We can better understand the richness, beauty, and lasting legacy of Chinese culture by learning about these traditions.