China is the oldest civilisation in the world. Ancient China happened over 5000 years ago. Today’s Chinese culture is an amalgamation of old-world traditions and western lifestyles. Chinese culture is full of politeness and is diverse.

Here are some quick facts on the two customs and traditions in the Chinese Culture which are Marriage and Dining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• For a couple to have good luck in the household, the bridegroom needs to sleep with a virgin boy on the night before the wedding day.

• Number four is an unlucky number and need to be avoided.

• According to the zodiac signs, people who are born in the year of tiger are not suitable to attend the wedding.

• On the wedding day, the aunts and sisters-in-law of the bride are not permitted to see the bride.

• The louder the bride cries, the better it will be during the wedding day.

• Guests are not allowed to sit on the connubial bed on the wedding day.

• To avoid the bride’s father luck for wealth to be gone, the bride’s dress is not allowed to have any pockets.

• Mirrors used by the bride can’t be lend to others.

• The bride is not allowed to attend any funerals within four months before the wedding to avoid unlucky events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• “Sit-down buffet” is a must during eating so the dish can be shared with each other.

• The host will place food in your bowl without you asking to indicate that they will serve and care for you.

• It is fine to put your elbows on the table during eating.

• Important cutleries are chopsticks and spoons, while forks and knives (or any sharp objects) are not advisable.

• It is common to spit out bones and put them aside.

• Alcohol is the main custom for the male when dining.

• After “let’s eat” is shouted, young people should prioritise older people.

• You can tap with your two fingers for two or three times when someone pours tea for you as a gesture of “Thank You.”

• Chopsticks are not allowed to use vertically when eating, especially on rice, as this will make Chinese people think of funerals.

 

 

 

 

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Chinese Culture, Traditions and Customs. n.d. Chinese Culture, Traditions and Customs – Penn State University. Retrieved from http://elements.science.psu.edu/psu-pku/student-resources/resources-for-penn-state-students/chinese-culture-tradition-and-customs

Ancient Chinese Marriage Customs. 15th September 2019. China Highlights. Retrieved from https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/ancient-chinese-marriage-customs.htm

Chinese Food. n.d. Chinese Food/Cuisine: Culture, Ingredients, Regional Flavors. Retrieved from https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/