China, Traditions

How a Lowly Servant in Ancient China Won the Respect of an Empire

There is a story from ancient China about Emperor Tang Wenzong, the 15th emperor of the Tang Dynasty, who had an exquisite pillow carved of precious white jade that he hid among his draperies. However, one day it disappeared. Emperor Tang was shocked, as his inner palace was very secure. Only his concubines could gain ...

Jack Roberts

Black and white photo of three men dressed in ancient Chinese clothing.

The Lasting Beauty of Chinese Bronze Mirrors

Chinese bronze mirrors have a 4,000-year history in China. Not until the later period of the Qing Dynasty were they gradually replaced by glass mirrors. Producing these mirrors was an art. The reverse sides were frequently cast with exquisite decorative motifs and Chinese calligraphy. Among the various metal-based inventions in ancient China, bronze mirrors have ...

Emma Lu

A Tang Dynasty bronze mirror.

Famous People From Ancient China: Mencius and His Mother

In 375 B.C., a boy was born in Zou County, Shandong Province, to one of the many famous people from ancient China. The boy’s birth name was Meng Ke, but he later became known as Mencius, one of the most well-known philosophers in Chinese history. When Mencius was 3 years old, his father passed away. ...

Emma Lu

Portrait of Mencius from the Yuan Dynasty.

Story Behind the Famous Chinese Phrase: Zengzi Kills the Pig

Zengzi, a Chinese philosopher and student (scholar) of Confucius, was well known and often quoted in connection with one of the most famous Chinese phrases: Zengzi kills the pig. This is a story about teaching children to be honest and trustworthy. One day, Zengzi’s wife was about to go shopping when her little son grabbed ...

Yao

Closeup of a large pig in a pasture.

The Life and Works of the Philosopher Plato, 427-347 B.C.

Plato was a Greek philosopher from Athens, the most famous student of Socrates, and the teacher of Aristotle. He was born in Collytus in Attica in 427 B.C. He was the son of an aristocratic father, Ariston, and his mother was Perictione. His father was descended from the ancient Athenian king Kodros (Codrus), and his mother ...

Nspirement Staff

A bronze statue of Plato.

3D Street Art: The Susceptibility of the Mind to Illusion

In this day and age of modern art and music, a lot of emphasis is laid on the power of expression — drawing lines, shapes, and mixing colors together — to form a collage describing the artist’s mood, emotions, and state of mind. 3D street art takes this to the extreme. This being so, more ...

Hermann Rohr

The Legend of the Wooden Fish in Buddhism

When did the wooden fish start being used in Chinese Buddhism? Why was it made into the shape of a fish, and what is the meaning of it? Although there are a number of legends about the wooden fish, this legend of the wooden fish from Chinese Buddhism relates one of the answers. One legend ...

Yao

A fish carved out of wood.

Chinese Feng Shui Guidelines for Positioning Your Bed

Do you know the feng shui for positioning your bed in relation to your health, your well-being, as well as the quality of your relationships? Here are some Chinese feng shui guidelines for your bed. Feng shui guidelines for choosing the right bed: Choosing a wooden bed and having a mattress with natural fiber, and ...

Emma Lu

Bedroom with family portraits on the wall, floral patterned wallpaper, and hardwood floors.

World of Warcraft, the Most Addictive PC Game in the World

Since the day it was released, World of Warcraft has blossomed into one of the most phenomenal role-play games in the world. Blizzard Entertainment launched its release on November 23, 2004 in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, with subsequent launches in Europe and the Asian region. It is the company’s bestselling and top award-winning game. World of Warcraft ...

Nspirement Staff

Legend Behind How Each Chinese Zodiac Sign Was Chosen

There are numerous legends about how each Chinese zodiac sign was chosen. This is one of the most well-known. A long, long time ago, the Jade Emperor in the heavens was celebrating his birthday. Unfortunately, at that time, there was no way of counting the years, so he couldn’t be sure how old he was. ...

Yao

chinese zodiac sign