The Chinese Culture Company
Have you ever been in an environment – an office, someone’s home – where you instantly felt uncomfortable? Perhaps the Feng Shui could have been better!
Feng Shui (‘Wind and Water’) is about living in harmony with nature and your surroundings. It is practiced everywhere, in every culture, in different ways, even if you don’t realise it. But what exactly is it?
Continue reading “Feng Shui – Simple tips for a better life!”
At Spring Festival there are many ways to decorate, but one of the most common is to paste the character ‘fu’, 福, on doors and windows (facing outwards to keep bad luck away and bring good luck to the home). There is evidence that this custom dates back to the Song dynasty (AD 960 – 1279).
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!
Continue reading “The history and traditions of the Lantern Festival”
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!
It’s that time of year again: time to wish your colleagues and Chinese friends Happy New Year and to wonder what on earth they’re singing in that song you hear on repeat at the supermarket! Let us help you with our guide to the essential vocabulary for Spring Festival!
Continue reading “Spring Festival 101 – useful words & phrases for CNY!”