The Chinese have a custom of using Red Packets (with money inside) as a gift for special occasions. A Red Packet is a rectangular (sometimes square) paper envelope usually red in color, and often with auspicious wordings or pictures printed on it. The Red Packet (红包：hóng bāo) is also sometimes known as Ang Pow/Ang Pao…
2010 is the year of the Tiger. No, it has nothing to do with stock market trends. It does however tell a little about your fortunes for the coming New Year. The Chinese Zodiac (生肖 : shēngxiào) is akin to the western Zodiac or Astrology signs. Each year of the 12-year cycle is represented with…
Following the article on Customs of Mid-Autumn Festival, let us look at the Origins and Legends associated with this Chinese festival. Origin Like many festivals, the Mid-Autumn festival came to its current traditions through many years of evolution. The history of Mid-Autumn festival in China can be dated back to around 500 BC where the…
There’s no doubt that learning any language requires commitment of time and effort, even more so when there is significant difference between one’s native language and the new one. Here are some suggestions to maximum your effectiveness, minimize the time spent, and make learning Chinese easier. Chinese Popular CulturePerhaps you are already a fan of…
In the previous article on Qi Xi Festival, the Chinese Valentine’s Day, we mentioned only briefly about its origin – a Chinese folklore or fairytale about 2 star-crossed lovers in ancient China. It also provides a romantic explanation on the formation of the Milky Way. Here is the story of ‘Cowherd and the Weaver Girl’…
Today is Qi Xi Festival (七夕節 ; qī xī jié)! Also known in recent years as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. Falling on the 7th day of the 7th month on the Chinese (Lunar) calendar, it is sometimes known as the ‘Double Seven Festival’. In Japan, it is called the ‘Tanabata Festival’. This year in 2009,…
Pondering whether or not to take up the challenge of this new language? We have 7 reasons for you, Why Mandarin (Chinese Language) is definitely worth your time and effort to study. 1. Business opportunities With China’s admittance to the WTO, a large trade balance is in its favour. China has nearly three decades consecutive…
