Culture
Here are various aspects of Chinese culture that we explore.
Chinese YoYo
The Chinese yo-yo is a toy that is also used in performances. A juggler uses a string tied on two sticks to rotate the yo-yo on its axle and performs tricks by throwing the yo-yo and capturing it in various ways. It used to be made of bamboo, but because of its low durability they are usually made of plastic. The disks have grooves carved into them to create a sound when spinning at fast speeds.
Western Countries have their own adaptation called the diabolo. The two are very similar, except the diabolo has cone shaped ends instead of disks and it does not make any noise when spun. ROW ROW FIGHT THE POWAH
Western Countries have their own adaptation called the diabolo. The two are very similar, except the diabolo has cone shaped ends instead of disks and it does not make any noise when spun. ROW ROW FIGHT THE POWAH
Mahjong
Mahjong is a four player table game similar to poker, with colorful tiles instead of cards. Players draw and steal tiles to try to complete a number of groups in order to win. Game play is usually fast paced; players sometimes get called out if they are taking too long for their turn.
Mahjong is a very social game among Chinese. In China, there areas where an entire street can have mahjong tables with players. In the US, adults sometimes get together to have friendlies .There are even international tournaments held in different countries around the world, such as Japan and Denmark.
Mahjong is a very social game among Chinese. In China, there areas where an entire street can have mahjong tables with players. In the US, adults sometimes get together to have friendlies .There are even international tournaments held in different countries around the world, such as Japan and Denmark.
Erhu
The Erhu is an instrument similar to the violin. What separates the erhu from other common stringed instruments is that the erhu only has two strings.The name of the instrument is actually derived from this (er=two in mandarin chinese). A bow (similar to that of a violin) is used inbetwen the two strings. Sound is generated by the vibration of snake skin covering the sound box at the base. A lot of kung fu movies have these playing in the background, like in Hero
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional dance in which two performers act out a lion's movement in a costume. The origin of the dance is believed to be in India and the costume to be modeled after the Asiatic lion. There are three categories of dances: Chinese Northern, Chinese Southern, and Taiwanese. The Northern version was mainly used for entertainment. The Southern style was done to summon good luck and to ward off evil spirits. The Taiwanese form integrates martial arts techniques.
The lion dance is a popular performance at Chinese New Year Festivals.
The lion dance is a popular performance at Chinese New Year Festivals.
Dragon Dance
The dragon dance is similar to the lion dance, but instead of two people holding up the lion, several people are needed to carry the poles which support the dragon. When performing, the dragon moves in an undulating pattern, meant to be similar to a river. Sometimes there are double dance routines where two dragons interact with each other. It originated during the Han dynasty by people who believed in and respected the dragon. Like the lion dance, the dragon dance is often shown in Chinese New Year Festivals.
Long Sleeve
The long sleeve dance was a way for royalty and nobles to celebrate a great happening. Young women would dress in silk gowns with long sleeves. The length of the sleeves requires the dancer to exaggerate movements in order to perform moves such as whipping and twirling. The moon festival event had the long sleeves dance as an act.
Ribbon Dance
The ribbon dance is another traditionally female dance, like the long sleeve dance, originating during the Han dynasty. The ribbon dance was intended to be performed for royalty, but in modern times everyone admires the elegance of the dance. Dancers hold two ribbons tied on dowels and make rhythmic movements to make the ribbons flow.