How Chopsticks Reveal Your Character

Since ancient times, proper etiquette has been an important part of Chinese culture. Etiquette was considered especially important while dining, and ancient people viewed how one used chopsticks as a reflection of their upbringing and their parents. If you held or used chopsticks in a sloppy, careless, or rough manner, it was taken very seriously, ...

Tatiana Denning

People taking food with chopsticks from a hot pot.

What Are ‘Chinese Characteristics’ in Chinese Culture Today?

The so-called “Chinese characteristics” in Chinese culture today have been overemphasized as opposed to other nationalities around the world. This leads one to wonder what the reasons are behind this interesting phenomenon. Today’s Chinese characteristics All leaders like to hold meetings, but nothing is discussed “Meetings” in China are quite different from those in other ...

Max Lu

Bustling crowd at Ciqikou ancient town, the commercial street of the ancient architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Sichuan, China.

12 Character Traits That Can Lead to Failure

Character traits are all the aspects of a person’s behavior and attitudes that make up that person’s personality. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad. Even characters in books have character traits. Character traits are often shown with descriptive adjectives, like being patient, unfaithful, or jealous. Often, someone’s character and personality are intertwined. But, believe ...

Raven Montmorency

Customers in a restaurant.

Popular Chinese Phrases Based on the Character for Tiger: 虎

There are many popular Chinese phrases that are based on the Chinese character for tiger, 虎 (pronounced hǔ). This is a popular symbol among non-Chinese because of the strength of the animal it represents, as well as the beauty of the Chinese character itself. In most cultures, the tiger is a fascinating creature. In Chinese ...

Max Lu

A snarling tiger.

The Great King of Chinese Characters

Kings ruled societies in ages past. Just a few centuries ago, a hundred thousand kings ruled a hundred thousand kingdoms on Earth. China, too, was a land of kings. The emperor was the supreme ruler, but not every period in history had an emperor. Those were the times dominated by kings and the great king symbol. ...

Emma Lu

Graphic of a golden crown, a bar of gold, and the Chinese character for 'king', 'wáng.'

Ancient Chinese Poem: Family Education Emphasized Morality and Character Building of Their Children

China has a civilization with a history extending back over 5,000 years, and has always been famous for its emphasis on “family education” and building the moral character of its children. The ancients taught their children to cultivate morals to enable them to “consolidate their family, govern their country, and make the world peaceful.”  This valuable ...

Michael Segarty

Two ancient Chinese talking.uilding of Their Children

The Importance of Having Good Character

Great people are usually judged by their good character and having good character means that you have such admirable traits as honesty, responsibility, and courage. It is beneficial for you to have good character. Being honorable and honest in the work you do and in your relations with others are essential in your life. The general ...

Tatiana Denning

Dwight Eisenhower in his jeep.

A Blessed Person Has These 8 Uplifting Characteristics and Much More

Life’s journey is rich and varied, bringing both beautiful moments and untold hardships. If you can face all of life with a good and sunny heart, if you are proactive, calm, and unafraid, then you are a truly blessed person and many blessings will be freely given to you. 8 characteristics of a blessed person ...

Emma Lu

The heart of a blessed person.

Good Character Is Your Real Fortune

Your real fortune is neither beauty nor money; rather, it’s possessing good character, which is a passport to a good life. In an indifferent and unpredictable environment, your thinking and reactions depend on the quality of your character. There is a Chinese saying: “If one desires to make achievements in life, his first achievement must be to ...

Emma Lu

A small treasure chest with paper money and coins.

How Displaying the Chinese Character ‘Fu’ Brings You Good Fortune (Part 2)

Ordinary people are no comparison to Emperor Kangxi, who with a pious heart, fasted and cleansed himself for three days before writing the character “fu” about a half-meter tall, which enabled his grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, to miraculously recover her health. (See Part 1 here). However, can displaying “fu” bring you good fortune as well? It ...

Emma Lu

Chinese character 'fu' in gold on a plaque beside a wooden door. The character means 'good luck'.