China Underground > Essential guide to China > Ancient Chinese Traditions Preserved Till Nowadays

Ancient Chinese Traditions Preserved Till Nowadays

Last Updated on 2022/02/07

China is famous for its vast history. Along with history, the Chinese are known for their special traditions that surprise foreigners even today. The centuries-old history is reflected in the current generation, which also follows the traditions of their ancestors.

However, we decided to separate the local religious traditions and the generally accepted ones. This is because there are actually several nationalities living in China, each with its own culture. For example, in west China, there is the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, most of whose population is Uyghur-Muslim, so the local population observes Muslim peoples’ typical customs and traditions. And in the Tibetan mountains, there is a place called Nepal, which is essentially a separate region with its own culture and traditions. 

So let us consider only those traditions and customs that are nationwide.

Chinese hospitality 

If you ever visit a Chinaman, be ready that the owner will carry your luggage himself. Don’t even think about refusing or disagreeing; otherwise the host might consider it as a personal insult. Do not forget to bring some gifts, and the most appreciated are wine, tea, and sweets. However, you should know that there should be an even number of gifts because in China odd numbers are considered unlucky. Also, the number of gifts should not be four, and the color should not be black and white because in China, these are symbols of death and funerals.

Family traditions

Traditions within a family were established in China thousands of years ago and are still in force now. Particular emphasis is placed on the older generation as more wisdom and experience. Respect and reverence are considered the highest degree of morality.

According to tradition, wives should honor their husbands, and children should honor their parents. At the same time, they must provide them with normal living conditions and ensure the continuation of the lineage. In China, the birth of a boy is considered greater happiness and pleasure than the birth of a girl. Therefore, for centuries parents have given their sons names that translate as “Welfare”, “Happiness”, “Honor.” And girls were sometimes called “The Third Extra” or “The Mistake.” Fortunately, this custom is no longer relevant, and girls have normal names.

School traditions

The average Chinese student spends around 9-10 hours a day in school, then comes home and does his or her homework until 9-10 p.m. This diligence and desire to study are instilled in children in China from the beginning of their education. In a country with a population of over one and a half a billion people, only a few reach the top, and not many make it to the good living conditions either. That is why they take discipline very seriously.

However, some do not listen to anyone and do whatever they want. Such children usually receive what they deserve and are sent to a kung fu school to spend several years in a boarding school. After finishing such a school, the child can read, write and become a disciplined master of martial arts. Unfortunately, apart from this, such a school can provide nothing more.

Cheating in Chinese schools and universities is treated very strictly and seriously. In exams, any attempt to cheat off a neighbor or your own cheat sheet is stopped immediately. And in this case, you are fined for life and can not retake the exam. In other developed countries this is treated softer, but still tough. So even if you order, for example, a sociology essay writing service, you need to be ready to learn the received material on your own. If you don’t have enough time for all your study assignments you can find any free essays here. If you need a specific topic, like management, go now there.

Tea ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony is not just an ancient tradition, but true art. Chinese tea means “the wisest plant”, and the culture of tea drinking itself is considered the highest skill. The tea ceremony in China keeps many secrets, and the taste of the drink depends on the brewing methods, water temperature, atmosphere, tableware, etc. Tea etiquette even stipulates the use of one type of tea or another, depending on the time of year. For example, the Chinese prefer green tea in summer and fall, floral tea in spring, and black tea in winter.

Tea traditions in China are also a way of communication. So through a ceremony, you can show respect, apologies, make a marriage proposal, and much more.

Feng Shui

When a person hears this word, he or she immediately imagines a Chinese house with a courtyard, lots of plants, and furniture arranged following certain rules. However, Feng Shui is a whole philosophy that applies to all areas of human activity. The Chinese honor traditions very much, therefore the construction of their houses is necessarily accompanied by the rules of Feng Shui. They have to choose the right materials, the right arrangement of furniture, so that as much energy flows through it as possible. And the main point is to attract the well-being of the home, health, and love of the family.

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