中国文化概况名词解释

中国文化概况名词解释

SAR=special administrative regions

Was established specially designed for solving Hong Kong and Macao issues based o n the concept of “One country, two systems” SAR is in a pattern with which two com pletely different social systems and ideologies can coexist. SAR has more autonomou s power regulated clearly by laws, including executive, legislative and independent ju dicial power.

Family planning policy

Since the late 1970s, the Chinese government has been implementing a policy of fami ly planning, to control the population increase. Improve population quality, promote t he development of the economy and society, and protect the environment. The family planning policy has seen remarkable achievements.

Campaign of” banning all schools of thought except Confucianism”

In the Han dynasty, Emperor Wudi instituted the campaign. He ruled out various scho ols of thought and chose officials from those who were steeped in Confucianism only. Consequently, Confucianism became an orthodox school that served as the ideologica l foundation of the feudal rule throughout the dynasties in china.

The three obedience and four virtues.

These were the old moral standards imposed upon women in feudal society. The tradit ional ideal of a woman is that she is a dependent being whose behavior is governed by “three obedience” (to father before marriage, to husband after marriage, and to son af ter becoming a widow) and “four virtues” (morality, proper speech, modest manner, a nd diligence.

A hundred schools of thought contend

The Spring and Autumn and the Warring State Periods (770-221BC) were a time of gr eat social change, stimulating various schools of thought, such as Confucianism, Lega lism, Taoism and Monism. And scholars wrote, lectured and debated vigorously, creati ng a lively academic environment later described as “a hundred schools of thought co ntend.”

The Foolish Man Moving Mountain

An ancient Chinese fable known to every household in china. The story tells of an old man who led the whole family in dragging away the big mountains obstructing the pa th. He said they would definitely be removed by the continuous efforts of his descend ants. The story encourages people to do things with perseverance and to defy difficulti es.

Shadow play

Is one of the most ancient genres of drama in China. It came into being in the Han Dy nasty, having more than 2000 years history. The performance manipulates colorful lea ther or cardboard figures whose silhouettes are reflected on a careen by lantern light. The silhouettes are seen to perform behind on the screen while the real performers ope rate the silhouettes sing to the accompaniment of music behind the scene.

Paper making process

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, a court official named Cai Lun(cheap, light, thin, durable, for brush written, more suitable, use inexpensive materials such as bank, hemp, rags, fishnet, wheat, stalks and other materials to make paper, known as Cai Lun paper. The materials were soaked, cut into pieces, boiled with plant ash, washed, and ground wit h a pestle in a mortar. The mixture was then poured evenly on a flat surface to dry, or baked to become paper)

Chinese people’s food choice

China is a vast country with diverse climates, customs, products, and habits. Favored dishes vary from region to region. People in coastal areas prefer seafood arid aquatic(水产的)products, whereas those in central and northwest China eat more domestic animals and poultry. Foods vary from north to south. Tastes also differ regionally because of t he climatic differences. One popular summary of

Chinese food is "sweet in the south, salty in the north, sour in the west anti spicy in th e east".

Huabiao(华表)

Are paired ceremonial columns erected in front of a palace or tomb, etc. usually carve d with dragon and phoenix patterns, with a transverse-engraved stone slab on its top. I t can be up to 20 meters in height and a mater or so in diameter. A typical Huabiao has a round or octagonal base. The columns behind the gate are named” wangjunchu ”, w hile Huabiaos in front are named “wangjungui”

Paifang(牌坊)

Paifang, also called pailou, is an archway usually made from fine wood or stone, and painted or decorated with glazed tiles. Calligraphers are usually requested to write mo ral inscriptions to be carved into middle beam. These structures usually stand in down town areas, or at the entrances of mausoleums, temples, bridges and parks.

Food’s yin-yang principle

Chinese hold that everything in the universe is either positive or negative, hot or cold, wet or dry, etc. so people think the food they eat will keep a harmonious balance of th ese cosmic forces if they want to stay physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy. Each food has its own characteristics of yin or yang. Yin foods are thin, cooling and lo w in calories. Yang foods are rich, spicy, warming and high in calories. Boring food m akes them yin, while frying them makes them yang. So the Chinese cuisines always b alance the two. It’s said that all main food colours should be included in a meal, to ens ure a range of nutrients.