Category: Chinese Language

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Who was Master Wang Xizhi?

Calligraphy （书法 Shūfǎ） is now considered an art form, but perhaps you didn’t know that traditionally it was much more – a way to cultivate personal character. It was considered essential for any cultured person to be skilled in calligraphy, as well as the related skill, painting.  Find out more about calligraphy in our introduction to Chinese calligraphy (link).

Who could possibly be so famous that a reproduction of their work would sell for $48 million? The greatest Chinese calligrapher, Wang Xizhi!

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The history and traditions of the Lantern Festival

In 2019, the Lantern Festival (Yuánxiāo jié 元宵节）falls on February 19th, the fifteenth and final day of Spring Festival. Although it’s not a public holiday, it is still widely celebrated, especially in southern China and amongst the diaspora. What’s this holiday all about and how can you celebrate it?

Read on to find out!

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What to expect in the Year of the Pig

In China, the new year is calculated according to the lunar calendar (农历; Nónglì). Although the Gregorian calendar is standard, the lunar calendar dictates the dates of traditional Chinese holidays and helps people choose auspicious days for important life changes such as weddings, funerals, moving house or starting a business.

But there is a lot more to Chinese astrology than just the animals! Read on to find out what kind of energy the Pig will be bringing this year, and what you should definitely be aware of this year!

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What are the most important days of Spring Festival?

Spring Festival is much more than New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! Starting from New Year’s Day, the entire festival actually lasts 15 days! Read on to find out more information about some of the most important days of the festival and the history and traditions to be aware of, as well as exactly which date they fall on in 2019! 

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