Ancient Chinese Wedding Custom – The Wedding
Posted by sharon in Wedding Traditions on February 4th, 2010
Compared with the complicated preparations, the wedding ceremony was quite simple. The newlyweds were conducted to the family altar, where they had to kneel three times. First, they would kneel to the heaven and the earth, then to the ancestral tablets and their parents and at last they would kneel to each other. This official ritual was equal to the wedding vow in western wedding.
In some regions, the bride and the groom would be conducted to their bridal chamber. However, in some regions, the bride would present tea to the groom’s parents and relatives in sequence of seniority. The newlyweds would receive money which was wrapped in red envelopes from people who received the tea.
Four Treasures of the Study – Writing Brush
Posted by sharon in Chinese Arts & Crafts on January 21st, 2010
The writing brush is the traditional Chinese writing implement in calligraphy. The earliest writing brush can date back to the Warring States Period (476BC–221BC).
The nib of the brush is made of the hair of a wide variety of animals, such as goat, wolf, rabbit, deer, chicken, duck, pig, tiger, etc. In order to achieve a balance between steely and feathery lines, the nib will sometimes be made of hair from two different types of animals as different hair has different characteristics.
The handle of the brush is commonly made of bamboo, wood, porcelain, etc. However, there are also some precious ones made of mother-of-pearl inlay, ivory, jade, etc. Always, one will have different types of brushes on hand to adapt to individual purposes and preferences.
Nine Sons of the Dragon
Posted by sharon in Chinese Myths on December 28th, 2009
In Chinese mythology, the dragon has nine sons and each of them had a strong personality. Their images could always be found on the eaves, ridges, balustrades, and terrace bases of ancient Chinese buildings and ancient Chinese weapons and vessels. There are different versions about their names, but they are mostly known as:
1. Ya Zi
He often appears on ancient weapons as he is bad-tempered, fractious and inclined to fight.
2. Jiao Tu
He is as tight-lipped as a mussel or a snail. His image can always be found on doors.
3. Chi Wen
He likes swallowing things. His figure is always used for safeguarding palaces from fire.
4. Pu Lao
He loves roaring and his image is always put on bell handles.
5. San Mi
He is fond of smoke and fire and fire. He is always standing beside the main door.
6. Bi An
He is quite wise and can tell the good from the evil, so his images are used for the decorations of prison or court.
7. Gong Fu
He likes water, so he is always can be found on the holes of bridge.
8. Tao Tie
He is good at eating and drinking. As he can drink a lot, you can find it on some bridges.
9. Bi Xi
He is an excellent pack-animal whose image can be found on panniers.
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