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The scale and variety of Chinese festivals have never ceased to amaze observers. But what are the origins of these festivals and how do they reflect traditional values in a civilisation with more than 5,000 years of history? The reader will be intrigued to learn that the festivals did not all originate at the same time. In fact, many have evolved with the development of the Chinese civilisation. The presentation of the stories about these traditional festivals in comics will help the reader to appreciate their celebrations through the ages.
Legends of Ji Gong first appeared as a literary work during the Song Dynasty. Funny and entertaining, the stories of Ji Gong had gone a long way in inculcating moral values in the common people. Numerous accounts had been written and published. Eventually, the original writer became obscure. Ji Gong was a peculiar and remarkable character. He was an immortal who made his appearance in the human world and mingled with ordinary folks. Depicted as a crazy and scruffy monk, he always carried a worn-out fan and a gourd of wine. Though a monk, he was fond of meat and wine. In this volume, you will find out how Ji Gong was born and how he became a monk. He did many good deeds--helping a goldsmith to find his long lost daughter, punishing an unscrupulous man, overpowering a boa spirit, exposing a fox spirit, reuniting a couple and rebuilding a tablet hall. You will be amused by the antics of this adorable monk.
The Way That Lives in the Heart is a richly detailed ethnographic analysis of the practice of Chinese religion in the modern, multicultural Southeast Asian city of Penang, Malaysia. The book conveys both an understanding of shared religious practices and orientations and a sense of how individual men and women imagine, represent, and transform popular religious practices within the time and space of their own lives. This work is original in three ways. First, the author investigates Penang Chinese religious practice as a total field of religious practice, suggesting ways in which the religious culture, including spirit-mediumship, has been transformed in the conjuncture with modernity. Second, the book emphasizes the way in which socially marginal spirit mediums use a religious anti-language and unique religious rituals to set themselves apart from mainstream society. Third, the study investigates Penang Chinese religion as the product of a specific history, rather than presenting an overgeneralized overview that claims to represent a single "Chinese religion."
As the authors point out, "China has arrived, big time. To ignore the Chinese is foolish." Yet, where does one begin? Getting a handle on China, with its sweeping history and vast cultural diversity, is, for most, a daunting task. China: Ancient Culture, Modern Society provides a much-needed starting point for piecing together the many parts of the complex puzzle that is China. More than simply a guidebook or historical survey, this rich volume bridges geography, culture, politics, and beliefs to present a nuanced picture of a nation that is often misunderstood by those seeking to view it through a Western lens. Whether one is approaching China for the first time or seeking to fill the gaps in one's existing understanding of things Chinese, this book provides an abundance of useful information.
The scale and variety of Chinese festivals have never ceases to amaze observers. But what are the origins of these festivals and how do they reflect traditional values in a civilization with more than 5,000 years of history. The reader will be intrigued to learn that the festivals did not all originate at the same time. In fact , many have been evolved with the development of the Chinese civilization. The presentation of the stories about these tradition festivals in comics will help the reader to appreciate their celebrations through the ages.
With overview essays and more than 400 A-Z entries, this exhaustive encyclopedia documents the history of Asians in America from earliest contact to the present day. Organized topically by group, with an in-depth overview essay on each group, the encyclopedia examines the myriad ethnic groups and histories that make up the Asian American population in the United States. "Asian American History and Culture" covers the political, social, and cultural history of immigrants from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and their descendants, as well as the social and cultural issues faced by Asian American communities, families, and individuals in contemporary society. In addition to entries on various groups and cultures, the encyclopedia also includes articles on general topics such as parenting and child rearing, assimilation and acculturation, business, education, and literature. More than 100 images round out the set.
The many proverbs and idioms in the Chinese language give it much of its colour and richness. Drawn from a wealth of sources, from historical anecdotes and legends to moral stories, these ancient sayings offer a fascinating insight into the Chinese culture. Popular Chinese Proverbs collects several old favourites and some of the most widely used expressions. Using vibrant illustrations and clear explanations of the metaphors and history behind them, their origins and meanings are presented in an easy-to-understand format. It is an entertaining read for anyone interested in the delightful idiosyncrasies of the Chinese language and an indispensable aid for students wishing to enrich their vocabulary. The core Chinese values and lessons they teach have passed the test of time, and remain as relevant to our daily life and social interactions today as in the past.
Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. To hyphenate or not to hyphenate has been a central point of controversy since before the imprinting of the first Gutenberg Bible. And yet, the hyphen has persisted, bringing and bridging new words and concepts. Hyphen follows the story of the hyphen from antiquity-"Hyphen” is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning “to tie together” -to the present, but also uncovers the politics of the hyphen and the role it plays in creating identities. The journey of this humble piece of connective punctuation reveals the quiet power of an orthographic concept to speak to the travails of hy...
It's a Whole New World with Frommer's. Frommer's is packed with completely up-to-date practical information,exact prices, and candid insider advice. It's the most authoritative, easy-to-use guide you can buy. Everything You Need for the Perfect Trip: The most inviting places to stay, from grand hotels and breath-taking beach resorts to charming boutique inns—with the best bets for business travelers The best dining: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan, from haute cuisine to the most authentic streetside fare A complete sightseeing guide: shrines and temples, colonial architecture, walking tours, and more The most spectacular beaches, gardens, and nature reserves How to get the best deals on antiques, crafts, Oriental rugs, pewter, spices, and more The lowdown on colorful cultural festivals—plus great nightlife Detailed, accurate two-color city and regional maps Frommer's. The Name You Can Trust. Find us online at www.frommers.com