Chinese Cultural Events

China has been considered as one of the oldest countries in the world. Its history has traveled back to five centuries ago. A very long time, isn’t it? As the time went by, the Chinese has developed many cultures and traditions. One of them is traditional events. The most common events that people in whole world recognize are Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Lion Dance (Barongsai)

Red-colored Decoration

Chinese New Year is one of the Chinese traditional events. It is celebrated every first day of first Lunar month, and its purpose is to welcome spring after months of winter. When the day comes near, people will start cleaning their house and decorating it with red-colored decoration, New Year couplets and cherry trees. At the night before the day, the whole family will gather around, and they will have a big feast together. Afterwards, when the clock strikes midnight, they congratulate each other and wish them luck, prosperity, health, longevity, and so on. The next day, people will visit their relatives, and as a part of the custom, the elders will give the younger generations red envelopes filled with money. After visiting session, some people usually go to the town center to watch the Dragon Dance (Liong) or Lion Dance (Barongsai). The event continues until fifteen days later, and when that day comes, people will serve and eat stuffed rice dumpling. After this day is over, Chinese New Year is considered to come to an end that year.

A Woman in Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival is also one of the Chinese traditional events. It is celebrated every fifth day of fourth Lunar month, and its purpose is to honor the ancestors. In this day, people would visit their ancestors’ grave and clean them. Then they will put some food, fruits, flowers, or snacks upon the tombstones and burn some incense to give respect to their deceased ancestors. After the ritual, people will go strolling to enjoy spring air, or they will have picnic with their family. Some people will climb the mountain and after they reach the top, they will admire the view below and reflect on themselves. Other activities that are usually conducted on this day are flying kites, playing swings, or kicking footballs.

Mooncakes

The Moon in Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, or more commonly called Moon Festival is another Chinese traditional event. It is celebrated every fifteenth day of eighth Lunar month. This day is the most perfect day to view the moon since the moon will reach its biggest, fullest and brightest state. On this day, family and friends will gather together and have a leisure talk while enjoying the moon. Eating mooncakes is also a part of tradition in celebrating this festival. Afterwards, some people will lit some lanterns and float them to the sky, or they will go to the town center and watch the performance of Fire Dragon Dance.

These three events are among numerous Chinese traditional events. These events are as old as the China itself, and there are many important meanings in each event. The Chinese always enjoy celebrating these traditional events because these events are a part of their tradition.      

Soup!

Soup is usually served as the starter before a meal, or sometimes it is the meal itself. Soup is ideal as an appetizer on a chilly winter’s day or on a hot summer’s day. Otherwise, it can be had as light lunch or a supper.

The etymology of the word ‘soup’ is rather confusing. The word ‘soup’ was originally from the French word ‘soupe’, which actually means bread dipped in water or wine before being eaten. In the past, people called the liquid in which they added chopped meat or vegetables ‘broth’. There was also the term ‘pottage’, which is thicker than broth. Today, the term ‘soup’ is applied to a more modern version of broth, and comes in many forms.

Mussel Soup

The first type of soup is clear soup. Just like the name, the clear liquid of the soup makes the ingredients visible. The texture for this kind of soup is light, and it is suitable as the starter of the meal. 

Creamy Mushroom Soup

 The second type is creamy soup. As it is suggested in its name, the most important ingredient for this soup is soured creams, yoghurt or crème fraiche. Mostly, creamy soup contains potatoes or other starches to get the thick texture. 

Pureed Tomato Soup

The third type is pureed soup. This soup is usually thicker and richer in texture, compared to creamy soup. Green vegetables and sorts are vital to be added. To prepare pureed soup, sometimes it is required to use blender or food processor to get the wholesome thickness.

 

Gazpacho

The next type is cold soup. It is perfect for hot summer days, and the most crucial ingredient to be added is ice cubes to keep the soup cold. Bright and subtle-colored vegetables or other ingredients are required to stimulate the appetite.

The next ones are chowder, gumbos, and bisques. Chowder, which was originated from North America, came from the French word ‘chaudiere’ which means stew pot. Chowder has a thick texture, and the common ingredients are fish and shellfish. Gumbo, which is a trademark of Cajun cooking, came from the African word ‘gumbo’ which means okra (a kind of African vegetable). Similar to chowder, gumbo is also thick, and sometimes it is eaten together with rice as the meal itself. Bisque is a kind creamy puree that concentrates on one main ingredient, such as seafood, meat or poultry, to create a filling soup.

From left to right : Seafood Chowder; Creole Seafood Gumbo; Crab Bisque 

Vegetarian Minestrone

The last one is thick soup. Like the name suggested, the liquid is wholesome and thick. This soup is usually prepared for winter and eaten with fresh bread or rolls.

Soup has many forms. Moreover, it can be developed into other types that are more creative and delicious. Maybe you can observe more about and try unique combination to create new types of soup.