Chinese tea sets: Preserving the Essence of Chinese Teas

By Sammia Cheng

China has been exporting tea to 90% of the world's market. Chinese teas are known for their superior quality especially when it comes to taste, texture, and flavour. Among the most commonly consumed beverages, tea ranks first amongst others. Chinese teas are best served with Chinese tea sets since they create a synergistic effect that enhances the experience.

Tea has become a part of life for most cultures, but it is said that most tea trees from other countries have their origin in China. People from different cultures call tea in different names. In China, tea is called "cha", more like "tsa-a" in the Philippines. Russians on the other hand, call their tea as "cha'i", pronounced as "chaye".

Japan started its love for tea during the 6th century while the American and Europeans discovered this aromatic beverage only after the 17th and 18th century. People from different parts of the world enjoy the relaxing attributes of tea, but it is beyond doubt that the passion for tea started in the Yixing town of China.

Teas can be classified in different ways, but the commonly used classification is on how they are made.

1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.

2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as "red teas" by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.

3. Wulong tea: Wulong teas are popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Taiwan, Guandong, and Fujian. Wulong tea is simply a mixture of black tea and green tea.

4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or "brick tea" is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.

5. Scented tea: This type of tea mixes fragrant flowers with tea leaves to create an aroma that is unique to teas. The most commonly used flowers are magnolia and jasmine.

Teas are best served with tea sets since they preserve the natural flavor of tea. Tea sets are high quality, durable set of dishes that are used for afternoon tea or a formal tea party. Most of these tea sets are made of porcelain, bone china, or silver.

In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.

In assessing a quality of a pot, there are a number of things that a tea enthusiast should consider. Tapping the body of a pot with another pot is a simple test to determine its quality. If the light tap creates a metal like sound, then the pot is of good quality.

A different way to assess the quality of a clay pot is to fill it up with water then close its lead. If the water flows smoothly out of the pot, it tells us that the pot is made to serve its purpose.

The Yixing tea pots are also known for their ability to retain the flavour of tea. When a tea is brewed using the Yixing pot for a long period of time, a coating is created, and this coating preserves the natural flavour of tea. Washing the pot with soap will wash away the coating, this is the reason why these types of teapots should only be washed with water and air dried.

It is undeniable that tea has become a part of life for most people. Teas can be brought in a variety of mixes and flavours. Most teas taste best when they are served in their appropriate tea sets. Chinese tea sets, specifically the Yixing clay pots, are best with Chinese teas since they do not only preserve the flavour of tea, but the tradition of Chinese tea as well. - 30294

About the Author:

S. Cheng is a lifestyle magazine editor situated in Beijing, China. She has a fascination for Chinese Tea Sets and many other chinese style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.

China 101: From Beijing Hotels to Courtyards of the Forbidden City

By Efrenn Larson

China, the sleeping Dragon of Asia, is now opening its doors to the world. Most people would probably think of the Chinese people as strict and stiff because of their political background. But far from the racial issues, lie a rich culture that is yet to be uncovered.

The Forbidden City, along with the Great Wall of China, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Beijing. During the afternoon breeze, one could see the distinct beauty of the Forbidden City from afar. Its golden roof and bright red walls magnificently reflect the symbol of China's longstanding power and grandeur.

Beijing, being the most anticipated economic powerhouse player of today, offers a number of hotels for her visitor and guests who are into Asian culture and dining. There are also a number of hotels in Beijing that are also proximal to the cultural centers of China, making it easier for tourist to organize their time efficiently while enjoying city's sights and sound.

When visiting China's Forbidden City, it is best to schedule your tour on a weekday since crowding usually happen on the weekends. It would also be best to take a tour guide with you during your tour so you could accurately understand the unique and stunning architectural designs and structures of the palace. If you plan on going the extra mile, then buying a guidebook from a near by coffee shop or hotel lobby would also work for that matter.

Considered as the world's largest palace, The Forbidden City, locally known as Gugong or Zinjincheng, has an area that covers 0.3 square miles or 720,000 square meters of land. There are only four gates that connect the palace to the outside world, the Tiananmen Gate, which is located at the southern end of the complex, serves as the main gate to the palace.

After entering the main gate, you should see an inner gate, this is the Meridian or the Interior Gate, and this gate will lead you to the heart of the palace. Beyond the Interior Gate, is a vast plaza that is connected to another sacred gate, the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

This Imperial Court of Harmony has two divisions to it: There is an inner court that serves as a living quarter for both the emperor and his subordinates, and another court, dubbed as the outer court; that contains the Hall of Supreme Harmony, China's larges wooden structure to date.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, back in the olden times, played a very important role in shaping Chinese culture and tradition. This is the hall where most of China's important gatherings have taken place, from enthroning a King to celebrating royal marriages.

The hall is bounded with numerous symbols that symbolize China's magnificent culture. The dragon, being the known symbol of imperial supremacy and power, is one of the most diverse structures found in the room that would surely get ones attention. Another vital configuration which lies afar from this hall is the Midway Hall of Harmony, where the sovereign exposes himself to the common people to tackle issues that surrounds his statute.

The Hall of Heavenly Purity houses the emperor, his eunuch, and some concubines. Eunuchs are political advisers to the emperor, it is said that these advisers were forced to get their testicles remove to satisfy the emperor's security with regards to his position in the dynasty. During the Ming dynasty, there was a slight change in the room assignment, instead of the emperor and empress sleeping together, they were separated by another hall.

Finally, The Imperial Garden, where the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity is located. This Garden lodges the overwhelming artifacts and astounding remnants of China's civilization which proves its passion for excellence and perfection.

No doubt, China, its people and its culture has proven in many ways their active participation and exceptional part in the world's history. Today, being the pioneer of the world's most life changing technologies and inventions, China is encouraging foreigners and locals to experience a unique and more exciting of scenes in the city. From the Hotels in Beijing to the Forbidden City Courtyards, the marvelous blend of culture, history and technology, will surely bring a new flavor to the table, a person should never miss this once in a lifetime experience - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Phoenix Palace Beijing hotel and many other beijing hotels. Go to his website on the Phoenix Palace Beijing Hotel here.

Beijing Hotels Boost Tourism in the 2008 Summer Olympics

By Efrenn Larson

China, one of the world's emerging superpowers, recently increased her exposure in the world stage as she hosted the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The Olympics is a quadrennial event which is participated by about 120 countries, with players engaging themselves in various sports, from track-and-field to javelin throwing, from basketball to soccer, from swimming to diving, you name it.

Beijing, after being chosen to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, immediately selected the site where future delegations will stay and where majority of the games will be played. The city and the national government summoned the finest team of architects, engineers and landscape designers to begin this remarkable task which would usher huge investments to the country. In addition to this, foreign hotel groups started to set up their branches of hotels in Beijing in anticipation of increased tourists during the event.

The government planned to use a site wide enough to put the various stadiums and complexes in one place. By doing such, travel time will be significantly reduced, thereby increasing the players' productivity. The Olympic Green was the name chosen for the site. In there, thirty-one sporting venues can be seen. It is situated at the north end of the central axis of Beijing.

The Olympic Green is accessible to most of the hotels in Beijing since it is well within the city's cultural and business districts, where thousands of tourists and businessmen flock to. Many significant sporting venues are located within the green. The biggest of these is the Beijing National Stadium. The building's design was inspired by Chinese ceramics, which depicted intricacy and beauty rolled into one. Also called the 'Bird's Nest,' it hosted 91,000 spectators during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as in the football and athletics finals.

Another unique structure is the Beijing National Aquatics Center, better known as the 'Water Cube.' Its design is based on the structure of soap bubbles, which are air-filled pockets of translucent plastic. At night, the structure illuminates with colors which change from time to time. This was where swimming, diving and synchronized swimming competitions were held.

The Beijing National Indoor Stadium, dubbed 'The Fan' due to its design similar to a traditional Chinese holding fan, hosted Artistic Gymnastics, Handball events and Tramp lining. The Convention Center, a 270,000 square-meter structure, used for Fencing and the Modern Pentathlon, can also be found within the Green. It was also the International Broadcast Center where the press covered the entire games.

The Beijing Olympic Village was the temporary home of the athletes. It resembles some of the hotels in Beijing since it is made up of twenty-two six-storey buildings and twenty nine-storey buildings.

Beijing hotels were having good occupancy rates during the games. The city and the country were the stars of the show. Indeed, China and its people were in the limelight. People can finally say that the Sleeping Dragon has finally awakened! - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fraternal Cooperation Hotel Beijing and many other beijing hotels. Learn even more about the Fraternal Cooperation Hotel Beijing here.

About Tai Chi Techniques and Training

By Walter McKibbin

Derived from the Taiji symbol which, in the Western areas is known as the yin and yang, Tai Chi was said to be the practice that preserved the oldest schools of learning which study the receptive and active principles.

As a practice, Tai Chi's core training features 2 forms: first, the solo form, which stresses slow sequence of movements while keeping the spine straight and firm, maintaining the range of motion and constant breathing. The Push Hands being the second core of Tai Chi training involves training of the principles of movement in a manner that is more practical and convenient.

As the word implies, the solo form of Tai Chi, requires only the one person to conquer the movements. It would take the students through a natural and complete range of motion over gravity's center. If repeated accurately, the practice of the solo form can retain posture, maintain honest flexibility going through the joints and muscles, encourage proper circulation from any point of the student's body, and let students be more familiarized with some of the important martial art application sequences that are usually implied by the different forms.

Major styles of traditional Tai Chi have forms that somewhat differ from the others in its presentation. Some differ in the wave of the hands, in the position of the legs, the reaction of the body and the pace of the movement. But these things don't matter at all because what is important to Tai Chi practice is that it benefits not just your body but your mind as well. And besides, there are still many similarities coming from the point of their common origin that are obvious enough to recognize, anyway.

Solo form, weapons and empty-hands are the basic steps to start off with learning Tai Chi. Many other martial arts application do this in their trainings. This is especially intended to prepare the students for self-defense.

The philosophy goes: if one becomes stiff and equally uses hardness in attending to violence, otherwise resisting it, then it is expected that both sides can be injured at a certain degree. An injury like that is a Tai Chi theory that coincides with the consequence of fighting brute with brute, which, in Tai Chi is far beyond the right attitude and style.

Unlike in other martial arts where force is encourage to be applied to some extent, in Tai Chi, students are taught to face battle with delicate movements and gentleness, following every attacking motion and in the end, tiring their opponent. This is even done while remaining at a close contact. This is the principle wherein the yin and yang is applied - the main goal of training Tai Chi.

Aside from that, Tai Chi schools also focus their attention on how the energy of a striking person affects his opponent. For example, the palm can strike physically looking the same and performing the same but has a different and dramatic effect on the target.

With your palm you can push a person forward or backward, do it in such a way that the opponents are lifted vertically from the ground, this way their center of gravity will be shaken and eventually fall.

After which, this technique can literary terminate the striking force within the body of the person with the dearest intention of causing traumatic internal damage. - 30294

About the Author:

Forget everything you thought you knew about living a healthy life because you won?t be able to have it when what you are sustaining is just your physical body. Overall health isn?t just about physical wellness. This website, Tai Chi in Los Angeles, shatters the current myths and gives it to you straight.

Overlooking the Forbidden City of China from Hotels in Beijing

By Efrenn Larson

The People's Republic of China, home to the world's largest population, carries with her a rich culture and a continuing tradition wrought about by 5,000 years of history. Throughout this time, many characteristics of their culture was preserved and enhanced. One of these and probably the most visible is their architecture.

The Forbidden City, one of China's most sought after man-made wonders, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming down to the Qing dynasty. Since the spot is centrally-located, many hotels in Beijing abound, making it more practical for tourists to include this site in their daily itineraries.

The Forbidden City is the world's biggest surviving palace complex and sits in a total of 72 hectares of land. It is made up of 980 buildings and houses a wide array of artwork and artifacts from many dynasties. When one is outside, he would notice high walls made from rammed earth core and overlaid with baked bricks which served as defense from invading tribes. Aside from this, the four lookout towers at each city corner, were and still are the most visible parts of the palace to commoners.

As one enters the city, he will find that it is subdivided into two: the Outer court, mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner court, where the emperor and his family and servants resided.

In the Outer Court, one could view the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Just a few steps away, he will be awed by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a magnificent edifice built above three stone foundations and bordered by bronze incense burners. It was here where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties celebrated their wedding and enthronement ceremonies. Further down is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall used by the ruler to prepare and rest before and during special occasions. Finally, there is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for rehearsing activities.

In the inner court, one will be delighted by the sight of its largest building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor's audience hall where he received visitors from other countries. The residence of the empress, The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, can be found within striking distance.

After a worthwhile time of touring this historic site, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are dispersed just outside the city. Famous parks include the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. One will be amazed by the lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and soothing trees which can ignite the senses.

For those who want to take a piece of the Forbidden City, they can also buy souvenir items which are readily found outside the city's walls. Shirts, mugs, caps and replicas will help them rekindle their amazing experience. Alas, as the sun sets and breeze starts to cool, it is now time to head back to one of the nice hotels in Beijing to relax and prepare for the next journey ahead. - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fuhao Hotel Beijing and other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Fuhao Hotel Beijing here.

One of Beijing Hotels' Top Destinations: The Great Wall of China

By Efrenn Larson

The world's tourism industry is already gaining ground. Many individuals in different parts of the globe slowly realize that it is time to set foot and learn more things in foreign soil. This is the reason why the hotel industry is now creating giant leaps in many nations.

The facts and figures of the United Nations - World Tourism Organization in 2008 have shown that the People's Republic of China placed fourth as the country where tourists frequently visit. With an astounding 53 million tourist arrivals, one cannot help but be amazed, but there is in actuality little surprise to that, since the world has known that the country houses many natural and man-made wonders.

As China's capital, Beijing is one of the major gateways of the country. This translates to increased occupancy rates in Beijing hotels, more shoppers in malls and diners in fine restaurants, eventually leading to increased tourist receipts vital in pump-priming their economy.

One of the most notable of these Chinese landmarks is the Great Wall of China. Recently, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This structure is 8,851.8 kilometers long, stretching from the Northeastern shores of the seaside town of Shanhaiguan to the cold and mountainous Gansu Province in the Northwest.

The Great Wall is a chain of stone and earthen defenses which was constantly built, rebuilt and maintained between the 5th and 16th centuries to safeguard the country from invading Mongolians and other tribes. It also provided protection to the country's economic and cultural progress, watched over the Silk Route and secured the transmission of information and transportation. Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, facilitated the construction of the wall and the emperors of the Ming dynasty continued and brought the wall to its present state.

The Great Wall is not just a wall. Throughout its area, one could see defensive structures such as forts, passes and beacon towers which were once used to house soldiers, store grain and weapons and pass on military information.

Although the Great Wall lasts more than a lifetime and can be treasured throughout the year, the best time to have ones' vacation to the place is during spring and autumn, primarily to avoid multitudes of people. In spring, one could see the flowers abloom with pastel colors and the lush greenery, creating an atmosphere of freshness. In the winter, when it is glacial, the surrounding terrains and the wall itself are blanketed with snow, making it the perfect time for one to see the entirety of the wall. From Beijing, a 65-minute bus drive will get you to Badaling, which is the most accessible site. Other sites are Mutianyu and Jinshanling. The itineraries of Beijing hotels make it sure that the tourists will not find it difficult to travel to the place.

The Great Wall of China is one of mankind's best achievements. That is why for transients to completely enjoy their tours, they should dress suitably for the season, bring their versatile cameras, and of course, they must be open and friendly to co-travelers. Wherever they stay, be it in Beijing hotels or in any accommodations from other neighboring areas, one must take time to visit this wonder and who knows, maybe it is in here that he will find what he desires the most. - 30294

About the Author:

E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fuhao Hotel Beijing and many other beijing hotels. Learn even more about the Fuhao Hotel Beijing here.

How Tai Chi Can Improve Your Health

By Walter McKibbin

Tai Chi is believed to have beneficial effects on health. It can increase energy flow which results to an increase in strength and harmony in your body system. In fact, practitioners of Tai Chi have testified about how the meditative and calming aspect of Tai Chi have helped them eliminate stress brought about by their daily workloads.

Tai Chi, as an exercise can improve muscle tone and enhance the individual's sense of flexibility and balance. Indeed, Tai Chi shows a resemblance to the concept of Yin and Yang where force s expresses in a most harmonious and balance form.

Aside from relaxing the mind and enriching the soul, Tai Chi can also prevent complications of certain illnesses. Over all, it is a very good way of maintaining good health and wellness inside and out. However, it doesn't mean that Tai Chi is a disease-curing technique nor it can be a replacement to your medicines. Tai Chi is somewhat a form of therapy to consider - a therapy that gives you the following benefits:

Sense of Balance and Coordination

One of the major causes of disability and death among the elderly is loss of coordination or in more ways than one, falling. By practicing Tai Chi, balance in older people can improve thus reducing the risk of falling.

Soothes Arthritis

Tai Chi can be used to increase the range of motion without even causing a twinge of pain to the arthritic joint plus improving the flexibility of the bones and strengthening the surrounding muscles. It is not to be addressed that Tai Chi can cure the disease itself but it only lessens its severity and the contributing pain by working on those joints as early as possible.

Improves Circulation

Problems regarding the circulatory process of the heart can be remedied by involving oneself in Tai Chi. By practicing Tai Chi, it can enable the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body and thereby improving the system's circulation.

Multiple Sclerosis

Further studies about Tai Chi have known its great potential in enhancing both the mental and physical well-being of a person. Mental diseases like multiple sclerosis can be prevented by incorporating the practice of Tai Chi in ones daily life.

Banish Stress

Who would want stress? Although, stress is inevitable it surely can be prevented. Tai Chi and its meditation function can reduce the production of toxins and hormones that contribute stress which is directly reflected into your body.

For your Tai Chi experience to become more reproductive and effective, choose a practitioner that is a master of the different aspects and knows what is best for your present day situation.

There are no age limits when it comes to practicing Tai Chi. Everyone is welcome to join. Although, if you are really old and can no longer take such vigorous activities, better consult your physician on what is best before engaging in Tai Chi.

Always remember to inform your instructor of any health problems that you have so that he or she can make certain measures to provide you with the ability to do such movements. Tai Chi must not make you feel any pain. If you do feel any pain, tell your instructor right away. - 30294

About the Author:

For health enthusiasts who want to keep up with the trend in healthy living, get the most up to date information about Tai Chi exercise here at Tai Chi in Los Angeles. Search no more, this is the only resource you will ever need.

Meaning Of The Dragon Symbol

By John Chan

Dragon is one of the most widely accepted mythical creatures which has been an important part of the East Asian way of life. The creation of this beautiful creature comes originally from China. The body of dragon is scaly like any other serpent but it also has four legs with big foot and five claws on each claw.

Like China Europeans too have their dragons but they have different physical qualities and also in their meaning as European dragon has negative implications.

The Chinese dragon on the other hand has assumedadopted both roles of good and evil throughout Chinese history. But more than anything else the symbol of the dragon represents auspicious power according to ancient folklore and art from China.

The Chinese dragon takes on various qualities which the Chinese people have credited to it. It is hardly known that the Chinese dragon is the male symbol representing yang. Then again it is taken as a symbol to carry rain and water where the people are doing agriculture for a living.

A least known fact is that Chinese dragon has a female counter part. This not so well known creature is known as phoenix. As a matter of fact the westerners take it for granted that the Chinese dragon stands for China itself. This fact is not true at all.

You will find that in ancient Chinese history the dragon symbol was restricted to be used solely by emperors. It is well known that the common people were not allowed to use the Chinese dragon symbol during the reign of Yuan dynasty. Only during the Qing dynasty rule that the Chinese dragon was brought to be used on the national flag.

From a long time China has been trying very hard to convince the west that the Dragon has no real connotation in modern day China as they feel that the western people believe that the Chinese dragon represents a war like condition. Therefore they have been looking for something less threatening and have come up with giant panda as their official symbol.

Chinese Dragon plays an important part in giving ethnic identity to Chinese people even today when some of them feel that they are the descendants of the Dragon and they truly have faith in the powerful symbol. The identification of a nation with an animal is a tendency which started in 1970s when the Mongols felt that they have characteristics of wolf and Tibetans felt that they are descendants of monkeys.

The modern Chinese society is still using the Chinese Dragon a lot. The role of the Chinese dragon has changed from religious faith to that of decorative purpose. You will find posters, T-shirts, tattoos, advertisements etc. carrying Chinese Dragon symbol while you are walking around the streets in China. - 30294

About the Author:

Chinese dragon symbols are a good option for a tattoo. If you would like to read further on Chinese peace symbols please follow the links.

Cheaponsale.com Reports Economic Meeting To Guide Direction

By Ke Lei

China is expected to fine-tune its macroeconomic policies, one year after it launched the massive $586-billion stimulus package to save the economy from the worst global financial crisis since the 1930s.

A government conference to lay the groundwork for the country's economic policies not only for 2010 but for the next five years may wrap up today, according to media reports.

Decisions made at the central economic conference, which began on Saturday, will influence policies next year, the last years of the 11th five-year plan (2006-2010), and guide directions in policy for the next five-year plan.

No details of the conference have been released.

But experts said a Nov 27 meeting could set the tone for the conference.

That meeting concluded with officials broadly stating that China will "maintain the continuity and stability of economic policies, and continue to implement the proactive fiscal policy and loose monetary policy".

The issues most likely to be high on the conference agenda include how the government will improve the quality of growth, speed up economic restructuring and boost domestic consumption.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter and GDP growth for the year is expected to exceed 8 percent, government statistics showed.

To boost economic growth, the government must support policies that increase the income of residents, tackle healthcare reform and invest more in education, experts said.

The stimulus package has played the most important role in reviving the economy, but it also made the economic growth more reliant on investment, said Liu Manping, a researcher at a price monitoring institute under the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planning body.

"China should gradually and moderately adjust its macro policies to avoid any huge impact on economic growth," he said.

Jia Kang, director of the Research Institute for Fiscal Science at the Ministry of Finance, said that "the government may perhaps change its policies in the industrial sectors because of overcapacity and the increasingly ballooning property industry".

Fluctuating prices in the housing market may ease in the second quarter of next year if monetary policies are adjusted, said Wang Zhihao, an economist with Standard Chartered Bank.

During a visit to a number of low-income housing projects on Nov 28, Premier Wen Jiabao said the government should curb speculation in the housing market. - 30294

About the Author:

I am a professional editor from http://www.cheaponsale.com/, and my work is to promote a free online trade platform. http://www.cheaponsale.com/ contain a great deal of information about Motokata Nose Hair Trimmer,Tractor Tires and Rims, welcome to visit!

Animal Zodiac Signs And Chinese Calendar

By John Chan

The symbols that make up the Chinese Zodiac calendar are images of various animals. The Chinese have been using this 12 year cycle for dating the years since ancient times. Unlike the western linear idea of time the Chinese lunar calendar represents a cyclical concept of time.

Since the Chinese calendar is based on the cycles of the moon it is known as a lunar calendar and works absolutely opposite to that of the western solar calendar. On comparing the Chinese New Year to the western one we find that it begins somewhere close to the end of January and beginning of February.

The present day China even now stick to the lunar calendar for its traditional events and festivities though officially it had adopted the western calendar by 1911. To give an example the Chinese New Year is still celebrated as per the lunar calendar. The calendars which are printed in China today show both lunar and solar dates.

The Chinese followed the idea of accepted folk tradition of representing each year physically with some animal. A particular animal will represent a particular year. Thus twelve years show twelve different animals with their own characteristics. As the calendar is cyclic the same animals keep coming back once in every twelve years.

The animals that represented the years took on the meaning that is similar to the concept of monthly or daily horoscopes in the west. The only difference was that the Chinese zodiac symbols determined were for the entire year. Hence people born in the year of a particular animal were believed to have the characteristics associated with that animal.

You may take the personality traits which the Chinese zodiac symbols depict seriously or not seriously but they do have another part to play.

The other role which the Chinese calendar performs is to show the age of a person. By knowing the animal sign of an individual you can calculate the age applying basic math and common sense.

As the Chinese legend goes once there was a fight between twelve animals to enforce some control over the cycle of years. Finally it was decided that there would be a race of the animals in which the animal to reach the opposite bank of the river would lead and the rest would follow as they finish. Thus the practice of representing each year with one animal sign came into being.

In the race the Ox took the lead and the rat rode on the Ox's back. As the Ox almost reached the opposite bank, the rat being crafty jumped off the Ox's back on the bank and got the first place. So the rat leads the cycle of year till today with the ox being the second. The last is the pig to depict the last month. - 30294

About the Author:

zodiac symbols from China are varied and interesting in their meaning. To read more on Chinese New Year symbols follow the hyperlinks.

Chinese Calligraphic Signs And Decoration

By John Chan

That the Chinese people have innate talent combined with inborn aesthetics is visible in the Chinese calligraphy. Hence, as a result, we find Chinese calligraphic silk rolls hanging in the studies of intellectuals who have refined knowledge about the history of Chinese calligraphy.

Chinese calligraphy is an art of high prestigious value in the eyes of Chinese people. One often sees two columns of calligraphic scrolls hanging at the entrances of houses in order to enhance the beauty of any decor. These scrolls are basically long pieces of paper with Chinese inscriptions on it.

Doorways of many Chinese houses have these Chinese calligraphic scrolls which contain specific Chinese symbols that are based on some concepts and philosophy. Chinese calligraphic scrolls that have wishes for a good New Year ahead written on them are the most common of all. Other variations involve name plates that bear the name of the resident of the house.

When it's the question of the artistic brilliance of Chinese calligraphy, it stands on the top undeniably. The Chinese were known to be experts with the brush and the volumes of Chinese calligraphic symbols are a proof of their craftsmanship.

The complete collection of calligraphic symbols is observed in hand painted works of art. However, there is such uniqueness in the craftsmanship that no two symbols in the calligraphy appear same.

In modern age, the whole world has developed a special liking for these marvelous Chinese calligraphic symbols. Many people have begun utilizing Chinese calligraphic symbols in interior decorations and as fashion commodities like pendants and necklaces.

That the Chinese artistry is timeless and priceless can be seen by the growing popularity of Chinese calligraphic symbols. These symbols that were developed at a time dated much before and are so aesthetically genuine that they even appeal to people who are unaware of the language itself. This is the most amazing feature of these Chinese calligraphic symbols.

Chinese calligraphy requires concentration for better understanding of its meaning and to appreciate it more. Its beauty lies in the fact that it balances both form and function with precision. On one hand, these calligraphic symbols have great artistic skill which makes it look beautiful and on the other hand they also serve as modes of communication.

Besides serving both the purposes of form and function beautifully, these Chinese calligraphic symbols have talented craftsmen and skilful people practicing the art of calligraphy with their brushes. All these factors jointly make Chinese calligraphic symbols an honorable collection, something to be proud of by the Chinese. - 30294

About the Author:

Traditional Chinese calligraphy symbols are fun and easy to learn. If you would like to learn more about Chinese kanji symbols follow the preceding hyperlinks.

Why Are People Still Choosing Laptops?

By Doug Thomas

Laptops are everywhere. Whether in business or personal situations, they are gaining more and more popularity. Somehow the compact and convenient nature of these computers has convinced people to spend the extra money that laptops cost. The question then becomes: is that really enough to justify the added price?

The affordability of the computer in question isn't something that should be taken lightly, given the current economic crisis. So if the only feature that recommends laptops over desktops is portability, then shouldn't you choose the one that won't break the budget?

Desktops have a number of beneficial features. For example, they are designed to be extremely modular which means you can set them up to meet your exact needs. This way, whether you are processing lots of videos or just want to play the high-end games, you can easily add the RAM or graphics cards that you need. You can also limit yourself to a very affordable computer if you just want to use it for social networking or Web browsing.

Laptops can be more difficult to upgrade and customize. Add to that their keyboards and touchpads that many people don't like using, and you can see some possible drawbacks to these systems. So why are they still gaining popularity? Is it really all about the convenience?

Right now we live in a very fast-paced world, and you can't underestimate the value of portability. Whether you use it for personal situations like social networking and word processing, or business situations like staying in touch with the company and accessing important documents, these laptops make it possible to do from almost anywhere.

Laptops continue to develop and they have advanced to the point that you can now get computers that are sleek and light and can easily be transported from place to place. Despite their small size, they often have all the processing power and graphical capabilities of their larger cousins.

It should also be pointed out that even though laptops have been (and are) more expensive than desktops, the prices have been steadily coming down. Technology continues to improve and manufacturers continue to find way to make their laptops more affordable.

There's no doubt that economic times are tough, but people will continue to go with laptops because they know the portability will give them an opportunity to be more productive. And if they can maintain those standards, they will have a better chance of pulling through these difficult times. They may cost a lot, but they can also be seen as a wise investment. - 30294

About the Author:

Learn more about computers. Stop by Doug Thomas's site where you can find out all about laptops and what it can do for you.

Precious Peace Symbol From China

By Lucy Xiu

China has a exclusive system of writing which is totally unfamiliar to us. They use characters rather than letters and these character symbols formulate concepts instead of words with phonetic value. There are about 47,035 characters in Chinese language in Chinese dictionary known as Kangxi dictionary. Though the character symbol which is called Hans is so large in number, they are mostly not used any more.

The concept of peace holds a very special place in the Chinese symbols. The peace as understood by Chinese character symbols is more of the feeling of contentment in the heart of the people rather than absence of war. They believe that this is what the human race is actually looking for.

The best thing the Chinese symbols offers to human race is the symbolization of peace. We all have our personal ways of getting peace. Some people will do something as absurd as bungee jumping if it gives peace where as some will repent in front of God to attain it. Chinese people also have their own way of achieving peace.

The peace symbol in China has tremendous value and you will see extensive use of this symbol in all walks of life in China. The Chinese have a strong belief that these symbols are a means of attracting the good thing in life. Peace is one thing which the whole human race is searching for all the time.

You may speculate how the Chinese people attempt to use this symbol of peace. The history of China shows plainly how the Chinese people as a nation used the peace symbol. They have used the symbol of peace by surrounding themselves with it to achieve peace in their own hearts rather than anything else.

The use of symbols is rather common in China to achieve good fortune as you will find the character of peace symbols are not the only ones to be used widely in China but many home, offices, shops and cars have good fortune and blessing symbols too.

Today the Chinese peace symbol is amongst the most popular characters used not only in China but also around the world. The west is particularly infatuated with Chinese symbols and peace being a universally appealing idea is right on top of the list.

The idea of peace is regarded as cool by the young people in the west in recent times. The formation of the symbols has a special attraction to the westerners as they appear to have style and philosophical significance. The shops in the west are selling the fashion garments and accessories with Chinese peace symbol in bulk to the people.

The Chinese peace symbol which the west has adopted has a totally different implication to what the traditional Chinese concept is which they have been following for past so many centuries. - 30294

About the Author:

Chinese peace symbols can be a good choice for a tattoo. If you want to see more Chinese kanji script please follow the links.