History of East Asian Literature

1. 1. Chinese and Japanese Literature were the most famous East Asian Literature.
2. 2. Chinese and Japanese Literature were written (periods of B.C).
3. 3. The earliest layer of the Chinese Literature was influenced by oral traditions.
4. 4. There is a wealth of early Chinese literature dating from the Hundred Schools of
Thought that occurred during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770- 256 BC)
5. 5. The Confucian works in particular have been a key to the importance of the Chinese
Culture and History.
6. 6. The introduction of woodblock printing during the Tang Dynasty and invention of
movable type printing during the Song Dynasty, has rapidly spread written knowledge
throughout China.
7. 7. The earliest known narrative history of China was the Zuo Zhuan, which is compiled
not later than 389 B.C.
8. 8. The oldest extant dictionary in China was Erya, dated to the 3th Century B.C.
9. 9. Although court records and other independent records existed beforehand, the
definitive work in early Chinese historical writing was the Shiji, or Records of the Grand
Historian written by Han Dynasty court historian Sima Qian (145 BC-90 BC).
10. 10. Sima Qian was often compare to the Historian Herodotus.
11. 11. During the Song Dynasty, the compilation of the Four Great Books of Song (10th
century 11th century), begun by Li Fang and completed by Cefu Yuangui, represented a
massive undertaking of written material covering a wide range of different subjects.
12. 12. In northern China, the Shijing or Classic of Poetry (approx. 10th-7th century BC)
comprises over 300 poems in a variety of styles ranging from those with a strong
suggestion of folk music to ceremonial hymns.
13. 13. Confucius is traditionally credited with editing the Shijing.
14. 14. Shi It is the basic meaning of poem and poetry.
15. 15. Classical Chinese poetry composition became a conventional skill of the well-
educated throughout the Ming (1368 1644) and Qing (16441911) dynasties.
16. 16. The late Qing also saw a "revolution in poetry" , which promoted experimentation
with new forms and the incorporation of new registers of language.
17. 17. Japanese Literature was greatly influenced by Chinese Literature and Buddhism.
18. 18. Classical Japanese literature generally refers to literature produced during the Heian
period, referred to as the golden era of art and literature.
19. 19. Many genres of literature made their dbut during the Edo Period, helped by a rising
literacy rate among the growing population of townspeople, as well as the development
of lending libraries.
20. 20. The Meiji period marks the re-opening of Japan to the West, and a period of rapid
industrialization. The introduction of European literature brought free verse into the
poetic repertoire. It became widely used for longer works embodying new intellectual
themes.
21. 21. He is one of the most controversial Japanese Authors His genre-defying, humorous
and surreal works have sparked fierce debates in Japan over whether they are true
"literature" or simple pop- fictionHis genre-defying, humorous and surreal works have
 sparked fierce debates in Japan over whether they are true "literature" or simple pop-
fiction

Chinese literature

1. 1. CHINESE LITERATURE Created by: Angie Anders Presented to: Mr. Daryl Gates
World Literature Southern University of Shreveport
2. 2. INTRODUCTION To many Westerners, Chinese literature remains a hidden seam in
the rich strata of Chinese culture. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure of a very
considerable number of brilliant and profound works as each dynasty, in the long history
of China, has passed down its legacy of magnificent events and works.
3. 3. Historical Treasure For 3500 years, the Chinese have woven a variety of genres and
forms encompassing poetry, essays, fiction and drama; each in its own way reflecting the
social climate of its day through the high spirit of art. Chinese literature has its own
values and tastes, its own reigning cultural tradition and its own critical system of theory.
4. 4. Famous Works Tao Te Ching The Art of War Tang Poems The Analects Doctrine of
the Mean The Great Learning Classic of Filial Piety
5. 5. Tao Te Ching ~ Lao-tzu Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery
we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall
see. ~ Tao Te Ching
6. 6. Art of War ~ Sun Tzu Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor damped, your
strength exhausted and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take
advantage of your extremity. Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the
consequences that must ensue.
7. 7. Tang Poems How beautiful she looks, opening the pearly casement, And how quiet
she leans, and how troubled her brow is! You may see the tears now, bright on her cheek,
But not the man she so bitterly loves. Li Bai, A Bitter Love
8. 8. The Analects ~Confucius Section 3 Part 12 Yen Yuan asked about perfect virtue.
The Master said, "To subdue one's self and return to propriety, is perfect virtue. If a man
can for one day subdue himself and return to propriety, an under heaven will ascribe
perfect virtue to him. Is the practice of perfect virtue from a man himself, or is it from
others?" Yen Yuan said, "I beg to ask the steps of that process." The Master replied,
"Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety;
speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to
propriety." Yen Yuan then said, "Though I am deficient in intelligence and vigor, I will
make it my business to practice this lesson."
9. 9. The Doctrine of the Mean ~ Confucius While there are no stirrings of pleasure, anger,
sorrow, or joy, the mind may be said to be in the state of Equilibrium. When those
feelings have been stirred, and they act in their due degree, there ensues what may be
called the state of Harmony. This Equilibrium is the great root from which grow all the
human actings in the world, and this Harmony is the universal path which they all should
pursue.
 10. 10. The Great Learning ~ Confucius Things being investigated, knowledge became
complete. Their knowledge being complete, their thoughts were sincere. Their thoughts
being sincere, their hearts were then rectified. Their hearts being rectified, their persons
were cultivated. Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their
families being regulated, their states were rightly governed. Their states being rightly
governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.
11. 11. I Ching, The Book of Changes This famous system of 64 hexagrams plus their
commentaries and trans-for-mations is at the root of Chinese thought. ~ Tr. Wilhelm(en,
fr).
12. 12. Reading Chinese Literature The main disadvantage of written Chinese is the great
number of characters it contains: Even basic reading and writing require a knowledge of
more than 1,000 characters. This has often made it difficult to spread the skills of reading
and writing into certain areas of the country. But even with this disadvantage, Chinese
has been a potent factor in shaping and maintaining a cultural continuity for millions of
people.
13. 13. The Splendor of Chinese Literature Chinese literature can be used as an escape into a
beautiful world and time, a guide to virtuous living, and a historical map through images
and philosophy.
14. 14. References Compton's Living Encyclopedia (2005) Chinese Literature. Retrieved
from http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/core9/phalsall/texts/chinlit.html Rick Harbaugh
(2010) Chinese Classical Literature. Retrieved from http://zhongwen.com/gudian.htm
Lao-tzu (1891) Tao Te Ching, translated by J. Legge, Retrieved from
http://www.sacredtexts.com/tao/taote.htm Li Bai, A Bitter Love, Tangshi VII. 1. (234),
Retrieved from http://wengu.tartarie.com/wg/wengu.php?l=Tangshi&no=234 Confucius,
The Analects, (500 B.C.E.) Retrieved from
http://classics.mit.edu/Confucius/analects.3.3.html Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean
(500 B.C.E) Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Confucius/doctmean.html Confucius,
The Great Learning, (500 B.C.E.) Retrieved from
http://classics.mit.edu/Confucius/learning.html Yi Jing, I Ching, the Book of Changes,
Retrieved from http://wengu.tartarie.com/wg/wengu.php?l=Yijing&no=6

. Japanese Literature
2. Brief History of Japan Heavy cultural influence from China and Korea (Buddhism, ways of
farming, art, language / letters) 12th to 19th centuries: Samurai ruled (Shogun), emperor was
only figure head.
3. 1853: American Commodore Matthew Perry (with four warships) requested Japan to
begin trading. 1868: After civil war, Shogun resigns and Emperor restored to power; once again,
he is truly in charge of Japan. Emperor begins modernization of country, abolishes samurai class
and feudal system.
4. Oldest (formalized by 1400s) Stories are spiritual in nature (ghosts, demons, possessions)
Masks are worn Audience is aristocratic/upper class Elegant & refined Noh
 5. Noh Simple sets, little or no props Stage has three sides for audience, connects to dressing
room (separated by curtain) Accompanied by music / chorus
6. A TRADITIONAL NOH THEATER
7. Developed around 1600s Stories based on folklore, history Highly stylized make up
Appeals to middle class audience that often yells during performance Bountiful and exaggerated
Kabuki
8. K a b u k i Elaborate sets, often using special effects Extensive use of props, especially the
fan Stage has one side Accompanied by music / chorus Omnagata: males performing as
females
9. Contemporary Influence of Kabuki & Noh Japanese anime (cartoons) and manga (comic
books) Costume / make up design for modern movies (such as Star Wars)
10. Haiku A form of minimalist Japanese poetry Theme: Nature or Seasons Attempts to be
deep or compare two unlike things Consists of 3 lines and a certain number of syllables per line
Haiku has 5-7-5 syllabic structure.
11. Japanese Haiku the first cold shower even the monkey seems to want a little coat of straw.
old pond (fu/ru/i/ke ya) a frog jumps (ka/wa/zu to/bi/ko/mu) the sound of water (mi/zu no o/to) --
both by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694)
12. PERIOD OF JAPANESE LITERATURE:
13. Yamato/Kofun Period 300-710 Yamato : Great Kings Kofun: giant tomb mounds
Military aristocracy Imported Chinese culture Via Korea: Writing Confucianism Buddhism
14. Prince Shotoku Kamukara Period 573-621 Prince Shotoku Prince Shotoku Kamakura
period, early 14th century Kamakura period, early 14th century gild bronze gild bronze Regent
during reign of Empress Suiko (r. 592628) Wrote the Seventeen Article Constitution, the earliest
piece of Japanese writing and basis for Japanese government throughout history. Led Japanese
court in adopting Chinese calendar and sponsoring Buddhism.
15. Asuka Period 645-710 Capital in the Asuka District Establishment of Imperial Power
under Taika Reform Edict Temple building and sculpture introduced with Buddhism -heavily
influenced by Korean and Chinese models Relief Tile with Buddhist Triad Relief Tile with
Buddhist Triad Asuka period, 7th century Asuka period, 7th century Metropolitan Museum of
Art Metropolitan Museum of Art
16. The Naiku The most respected of all shrines, the Naiku, is located at Ise. The Naiku
preserves Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral goddess of Japan's imperial house and the great
ancestral holy being of the Japanese people.
17. Amaterasu Omikami Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865). Amaterasu Emerges from the Light.
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865). Amaterasu Emerges from the Light. (colored woodcut, no
date). (colored woodcut, no date).
18. Nara Period: 710-794 First permanent capital established at Nara Emperors embraced
Buddhism leading to its rapid and dramatic expansion Rise in political power of Buddhist
monasteries led to capital being moved to Nagaoka.
19. Nara Fashion During the Nara and the previous Asuka periods, techniques for During the
Nara and the previous Asuka periods, techniques for dyeing silk were developed. Clothing
consisted of many pieces dyeing silk were developed. Clothing consisted of many pieces
including upper and lower garments, jackets, aafront skirt, and aa including upper and lower
garments, jackets, front skirt, and back skirt. back skirt.
 20. Nara --Temple Horyu-ji Nara Temple Horyu-ji 7th century 7th century Nara --Temple
Chugu-ji Nara Temple Chugu-ji 7th century 7th century Buddha Sculptures
21. Earliest Japanese Literature The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) -- an anthology of
myths, legends, and other stories The Fudoki (Records of Wind and Earth), compiled by
provincial officials describe the history, geography, products, and folklore of the various
provinces. Nihon Shoki (Chronicle of Japan) -a chronological record of history.
22. The Kojiki Japan's first book. It was written in 712 by the noble Ono Yasumaru (? - 723) at
the order of Empress Gemmei (661-721) and is in three volumes. It recounts the history of Japan
from its mythological origins to the era of the Empress Suiko (554-628). Kojiki (Record of
Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) Ancient Matters) album cover album cover
23. Izanami and Izanagi, Izanami and Izanagi, The Creator Kami The Creator Kami
24. The Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) 759 Anthology of over 4500 poems
Includes wide variety of poems: courtly, rustic, dialectical, military, travel Identified and
anonymous poets Syllabic poetry: 5-7-5(Haiku) Choka: indeterminate number of lines
culminating in a 7syllable (mora) couplet Tanka: 31 syllable poem: 5,7,5,7, 7
25. Heian Japan (794-1185) Capital at Heian: present-day Kyoto Highly formalized court
culture Aristocratic monopoly of power Literary and artistic flowering Ended in civil wars and
emergence of samurai culture
26. The Kokinshu (Collection of Ancient & Modern Times) Anthology commissioned by
Emperor Daigo (897-930 ) 1111 Tanka poems in 20 books Books divided by subject: love,
seasons, felicitations, parting, travel, names of things, etc. Renga(linked verse): pairs or groups
of poets would compose jointly, with one poet supplying the initial 5-7-5 of a verse and another
the concluding 7-7, A confused array A confused array of redleaves in the leaves often building
up to hundred of redcurrent in the current of Tatsuta River. of Tatsuta River. verse sequences.
Were I Ito cross, Were to cross, I Iwould break the fabric of would break the fabric of aarich
brocade rich brocade
27. Kokinshu Poets
28. Lady Ise
29. Ono-no-Komachi
30. Fun'ya-no-Yasuhide
31. Ki-no-Tsurayuki
32. Ariwara-no-Narihira
33. Otomo-no-Kuronushi
34. Heian Fashion
35. Today, 1200 years later, the Imperial household still uses the costumes of the Heian period
Today, 1200 years later, the Imperial household still uses the costumes of the Heian period for
the formal occasions of coronations and weddings. To protect against high humidity, for the
formal occasions of coronations and weddings. To protect against high humidity, buildings had
elevated floors made of tatami mats. The convention of sitting on the floor buildings had
elevated floors made of tatami mats. The convention of sitting on the floor became an important
part of the life style. Clothing became stiffer and more voluminous. became an important part of
the life style. Clothing became stiffer and more voluminous. This layered dressing is called
"juni-hito" which literally means "12 layers." The layered This layered dressing is called "juni-
hito" which literally means "12 layers." The layered color pattern reflected many things
including seasons, directions, virtues, and elements of color pattern reflected many things
including seasons, directions, virtues, and elements of the earth as they related to spirits of
nature. the earth as they related to spirits of nature.
36. Heian Style A culture more independent of Chinese influence Emphasis on the exquisite
and evanescent Literary: poems, letters, pillow books Extreme sensitivity to nature Nocturnal
Importance of convention and fashion
37. Heian Painting: Yamato-e
38. Onna-e style from Genji-monogatari
39. Otoko-e style
40. Heian Literature Men continued to write Chinese-style poetry. Women began to write in
Japanese prose. First novel: Genji Monogatari by Lady Murasaki Shikibu Diaries: The
Pillowbook by Sei Shonagan As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams by Lady Sarashina
41. Adapted from Chinese calligraphy, but a totally different language. Kanji: ideogrammatic
use of Chinese characters. Manyo-kana: ideogrammatic and syllabic Kana: syllabic Hiragana
(womens writing)- cursive, doesnt require knowledge of Chinese Katakana- cursive, derived
from Chinese Japanese Writing
42. Murasaki Shikibu From aaseries of the 36 From series of the 36 Immortal Poets Immortal
Poets Katsukawa Shunsho 18ththc. Katsukawa Shunsho 18 c.
43. The Tale of Genji Lady Murasaki Picture of life at the 10th c. Heian court. Relates the
lives and loves of Prince Genji and his children and grandchildren. Unesco Global Heritage
Pavilion: The Tale of Genji
44. Artist Unknown, Chapter 12 Suma, Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji). Artist Unknown,
Chapter 12 Suma, Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji). About mid-18th century, Color on Paper
About mid-18th century, Color on Paper
45. The Tale of Genji The Tale of Genji has 54 chapters and over 1,000 pages of text in its
English translation. The novel has three gradual stages: 1. The experience of a youth (Chapters
1-33): Love and romance 2. The glory and the sorrow (Chapters 34-41): A taste of power and the
death of Genjis beloved wife 3. The descendants (Chapters 42-54): After the death of Genji The
Tale of Genji depicts a unique society of ultrarefined and elegant aristocrats whose vital
accomplishments were skill in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. The novel is permeated
with a sensitivity to human emotions and the beauties of nature.
46. THANK YOU!

Chinese literature final

1. 1. WELCOME TO CHINA !!!

2. 2. The flag of China was officially adopted on October 1,1949. The red of the
Chinese flag symbolizes the communistrevolution, and its also the traditional color of the
people. The large gold star represents communism, The four smaller stars represent
the social classes of thepeople. In addition, the five stars together reflect the
importanceplaced on the number five in Chinese thought and history.
3. 3. Chinas Geography
4. 4. The Peoples Republic of ChinaArea: 9,600,000 sq. kmPopulation: 1.3 billionCapital
City: BeijingNational Flag: Five-Stars-Red-FlagLocation: middle and East Asia, bounded
on the east bythe Pacific OceanTerritorial Seas: the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the
EastChina Sea, and the South China SeaClimate: mainly continental monsoon climate
(Tibet:vertical climate zone)
5. 5. PEOPLE: HAN CHINESE (93.3%), PLUS 55ETHNIC GROUPS LIKE MIAO, LI,
MONGOLIANLANGUAGE: MANDARIN CHINESE (PUTONGHUA)BASED ON
BEIJING DIALECT, PLUS LOCALDIALECTSMAIN RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS:
OFFICIALLYATHEIST, CONFUCIANISM, BUDDHISM,TAOISM,ISLAM (OVER 22
MILLION), CATHOLICISM (OVER4 MILLION) AND PROTESTANTISM (OVER
10MILLION)
6. 6. CURRENCY AND MONETARYUNIT: RENMINBI/YUANFORM OF
GOVERNMENT: SYSTEM OF NATIONALPEOPLES
CONGRESSADMINISTRATIVE DEMARCATIONS:23 PROVINCES, 5
AUTONOMOUS REGIONS, 4MUNICIPALITIES, AND 2
SPECIALADMINISTRATIVE REGIONSCHINESE PRESIDENT: HU JINTAO
7. 7. Chinese history is generallydivided into dynasties or periodsduring which particular
family orgroup of people reigned. Chinese states were unified into alarge empire with a
centralgovernment.HISTORICAL CONTEXT
8. 8. The Chinese empire lasted foe overtwo thousand years survivingperiods of internal
turmoil, attacksfrom outside invaders and the riseand fall of numerous dynasties The
poet Tao Chien lived duringthe period known as the SixDynasties (220 A.D 581
A.D),one of the most tumultuous eras inthe Chinese History.
9. 9. Shang Dynasty (about 1700-1050 BC) -Development of Chinese Writing The first
dynasty for which there ishistorical record and archaeologicalevidence is the Shang
Dynasty. It was a small empire in northern centralChina. No documents from that
country survive,but there are archaeological finds ofhieroglyphic writing on bronze wares
andoracle bones. The hieroglyphic writing system laterevolved into ideographic and
partly-phonetic Chinese characters.SHANG DYNASTY (ABOUT 1700-1050 BC)
10. 10. Their dynasty lasted for about 800years, The great literary works ofphilosophy
and religion that becamethe basis for Chinese religious andsocial belief stem from what
iscalled the Spring and Autumn Period(770-476) and the Warring StatesPeriod (475-
221). Taoism, Confucian literature, andother prominent religious andphilosophical
schools all emergedduring these periods.CHOU DYNASTY (1045-255 BC)BASIC
PHILOSOPHICAL AND RELIGIOUS LITERATURE
11. 11. The Dynasty had big armies andconquered the others. Once the Chin emperor
had control, hewanted to keep it, and they squelched anyopposition to his authority. A
big philosophical and religious schoolthen was called Mohism. An early form of
Buddhism was alsoestablished in China at that time, buttheir temples and literature
weredestroyed and even less is known aboutthem.CHIN DYNASTY (221-206
BC)LITERARY DISASTER AND LEGALISM
12. 12. The Han Dynasty era lasted for 400years. At the beginning of the
era,Confucianism was revived. Confuciantexts were rewritten andrepublished. The
resulting ideology was theofficial ideology of the Han Dynastyand influenced political
 thinkingafterwards. The eras major contributions werehistorical texts and scientific
works.HAN DYNASTY (206 BC 220 AD)SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL TEXTS
13. 13. The Tang Dynasty had a big empire thatbenefited from trade with the westalong
the Silk Road, battled with theTibetan Empire, and experienced thegrowing influence of
organized Buddhistreligions. This eras main contribution to Chineseliterature was in
the poetry of Dufu, LiBai and many other poets. Dufu and LiBai are often thought of as
Chinasgreatest poets.TANG DYNASTY (618-907)EARLY WOODBLOCK
PRINTING AND POETRY
14. 14. Military technology greatly advanced. Theytraded little with the west due to
thepresence of warring Muslim states on theold trade routes. There wasnt territorial
expansion, but theempire was continuously attacked bynomadic tribes and countries
around them. So the era is divided into two eras calledthe Northern Sung (960-1127)
and SouthernSung (1127-1279) eras.SUNG DYNASTY (960-1279)EARLY
WOODBLOCK PRINTING, TRAVEL LITERATURE, POETRY,SCIENTIFIC TEXTS
AND THE NEO-CONFUCIAN CLASSICS
15. 15. The Chinese rebelled against theMongols, and the Ming Dynasty erabegan about
1368. One of the four great classicscalled Journey to the West about amonk going to
India was writtenduring this time of isolation. Novels were the eras
maincontribution.MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)NOVELS
16. 16. The Mongols established the very richYuan Dynasty. The Mongols were nomadic
people whoherded cattle north of the Tang Empireand wandered over a large area
fightingon horseback. It was a big empire with high technology,a big population and a
big army. It was an era of some historicallyrenowned dramatic playwrights andnovelists
who wrote in vernacularlanguage.YUAN DYNASTY (1279-1368)DRAMA AND
GREAT FICTIONAL NOVELS
17. 17. CHINESE LITERATURE1000 B.C.- A.D.1890Know contentmentAnd you will
suffer no disgrace;Know when to stopAnd you will meet with no danger.You can then
endure.- the Tao Te Ching
18. 18. Poetry is a part of everyday life throughout thehistory of China Poets have been
among the most highlyregarded members of Chinese Society 2nd -12th centuries A.D.
the main Chinesepoetic form was the Shih Ching ( The Book ofSongs) Even the
number of lines , each of which has thesame number of words Often expressed personal
emotions Many have brooding or trouble tone , but canexpress contentmentLITERARY
CONTEXT
19. 19. Contrast between Chinese and Westernmodes of philosophic thinking Western
philosophers seek out the being ofthings, the essential reality lying behindappearances
Chinese principal and establishment andcultivation of harmonious relationships
withintheir social structures Chinese thinking is far more concrete , thisworldly and
above all, practical.CHINESE PHILOSOPHY
20. 20. Chinese attitudes and beliefswere shaped by 3 religious andphilosophical schools:
Taoism Confucianism BuddhismCULTURAL CONTEXT
21. 21. Tao- path or the way Stresses freedom , simplicity and themythical contemplation
of nature(Tao) Force that controlled the universe Beyond the scope of human
concerns, but can see its workings byobserving natureTAOISM
22. 22. Avoid human desires Not educating Not honoring men of worth orencourage
cleaver to act Cause jealousy and greed Opposite of ConfucianismTAOISM
23. 23. How people act moral behavior Social relations based onsubordination: family
ruled byauthoritarian father , state ruled byauthoritarian king. Respect and obey those
with superiorstatus However, governed by the conceptren with a loving attitude
towardsothersCONFUCIANISM
24. 24. Tried to teach students to becometrue gentlemen- morally andspiritually Must
conduct oneself in a virtuousmanner, those in power serve asmodels Heaven is the
supreme moralauthority , which dictates how onemust live.CONFUCIANISM
25. 25. To lead a moral life To be mindful and aware of thoughtsand actions To develop
wisdom andunderstanding Life is sorrow and sorrow is caused bydesires Rid self of
desires Does not claim to be God Attain enlightenment
throughmeditationBUDDHISM
26. 26. Solutions to our problems are withinourselves Beliefs are incorporated into
poetrythrough symbols, imagery andlanguage of Chinese Literature Quietude and
calmness is a centralnotion in Buddhist thoughtBUDDHISM
27. 27. TRADITION AND CULTURE
28. 28. Red is the Color of Weddings in China Red is central to the wedding theme
ofChina. It signifies love, joy andprosperity and is used in a variety ofways in Chinese
wedding traditions. The brides wedding down is often red,as are the wedding
invitations, andwedding gift boxes or envelopes forcash gifts. Even the bride and
groomshomes are decorated in red on thewedding day.CHINESE WEDDING
TRADITIONS
29. 29. Before the Chinese Wedding Day Before her wedding celebration, a Chinese
bride traditionallygoes into seclusion with her closest friends. This Chinesecustom gives
the bride-to-be some time to symbolically mournthe loss of her friends and
family.CHINESE WEDDING TRADITIONS
30. 30. Some time before the couple are married, thegrooms family carries wedding gifts in
redbaskets and boxes to the brides house. One of the baskets will contain "uang susu"
ormilk money. Others will contain personal thingsfor the bride, so that on her wedding
day all ofher personal belongings will be in the groomshouse. The bride takes the gifts
to another room wherethey are sorted through. Three days before thewedding day,
women from the brides familyreciprocate, bearing gifts -- including somereturns-- in red
wrappings to the groomsfamily.CHINESE WEDDING TRADITIONS
31. 31. The Day of the Wedding Ceremony Wedding anniversaries in China, arecarefully
chosen according to astrologicalsigns. It is also customary for couples tobe married on
the half-hour or theirwedding day rather than at the top of thehour. In this way, the
 couple begins their newlives together on an upswing, while thehands of the clock are
moving up, ratherthan down.CHINESE WEDDING TRADITIONS
32. 32. Event: Chinese New YearDate: The first day of a year inlunar calendar, usually
betweenlate Jan and early Feb Activities: fireworks display,visiting and greeting,
Yangkedancing, lion and dragon dancing,holding temple fairs and manyother great
folklore-inspectionevents.CHINESE FESTIVALS
33. 33. This was a time for the Chinese tocongratulate each other andthemselves on having
passedthrough another year, a time tofinish out the old, and to welcome inthe new year.
Common expressions heard at thistime are: GUONIAN to have made itthrough the old
year, and BAINIAN tocongratulate the new year.CHINESE FESTIVALS
34. 34. Event: Lantern Festival Date: 15th ofthe first lunar month Activities: Lanterns
expositions,garden parties, firework displays andfolk dances. The New Year
celebrations ended onthe 15th of the First Moon withthe Lantern Festival. In the legend,
the Jade Emperor inHeaven was so angered at a town forkilling his favorite goose, that
hedecided to destroy it with a storm offire.CHINESE FESTIVALS
35. 35. Event: Dragon Boat Festival Date: Date: 5th day of the 5thlunar month
Activities: Dragon Boat races andeating Zong Zi (pyramid shapedrice wrapped in reed or
bambooleavesCHINESE FESTIVALS
36. 36. Event: Mid-Autumn FestivalDate: 15th ofthe 8th lunar month Activities: Dragon
Boat racing, enjoyingmoonlight and eating moon cakes. Probably the second most
importantfestival in the Chinese calendar, Zhong qiuhas ancient origins. Abundant
meals are eaten during thefestival and moon cakes, round pastriesfilled with nuts, dried
fruits, preservedflowers, sesame and/or marinated beef orbacon are eaten.CHINESE
FESTIVALS
37. 37. Event: Qing ming Date: 12th of the3rd lunar month, usually aroundApril 4th or
5th. Activities: Cleaning ancestorsgraves and holding memorialceremonies, spring
outing, and flyingkites This is a time when ice and snow hasgone and plants are
beginning togrow again, and is a time for respectto ancestors . Qing Ming is often
marked by anindulgence of the Chinese passionfor kite flying.CHINESE FESTIVALS

38. 38. Confucius once said: "Eating isthe utmost important part of life". Food is a central
part of theChinese culture. Chinese cuisine is one of thegreatest methods of cooking.
The Chinese people enjoy eatinggood food at all levels of society,so cooking has
developed into avery sophisticated art.CHINESE FOOD AND COOKING

39. 39. Vegetables are the mainingredients. The Chinese people like well-prepared
food. Chinese also like to eat together, atradition that can be traced back along time
ago. Tea drinking is an integral part ofChinese life and the Chinese
foodexperience.CHINESE CUISINE IS NOTED FOR THEFOLLOWING
CHARACTERISTICS:
40. 40. A good education has always been highlyvalued in China, as the people believe
thateducation ensures not only the future anddevelopment of the individual but also
thefamily and the country as a whole. The great master Confucius taught that itis a
pleasure to learn something and to try itout at intervals. Similarly, numerousstudents have
been convinced that readingbooks excels all other careers.EDUCATION
41. 41. As far back as the Shang Dynasty(16th century BC - 11th century BC),inscriptions
on bones or tortoiseshells were the simple records ofteaching and learning. In the
Western Zhou Dynasty (11thcentury BC - 771 BC), nobles builtschools to teach their
children, astheir offsprings would be theofficials of the future, while thosewho were
gifted but of poor familiescould but dream of approachingstate affairs.EDUCATION
42. 42. The development of education system led to aform of evaluation that became the
means bywhich dynastic China appointed those withtalents as officials. In general, this
process can be divided intothree periods - chaju and zhengpi in theHan Dynasty, the
jiupin zhongzheng systemfrom Han to the Northern and SouthernDynasties, and the
Imperial Examinationwhich survived from the Sui Dynasty (589 -618) right through to
the last feudal dynastyQing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).EDUCATION
43. 43. Chinese ( ) comprises of seven main dialects,Mandarin (), Cantonese (
, ), Hakka (), Wu (), Min (), Xiang (), and Gan (
) . The variety of Mandarin based on the speech in thecapital Beijing is the official
national language ofmainland China and is termed Ptnghu, Commonlanguage (
). The de facto common language in Hong Kong andoverseas Chinese communities is
Cantonese.Amongst the official languages of Taiwan areMandarin, Taiwanese, and
Hakka .THE CHINESE LANGUAGE
44. 44. All varieties of Chinese belong to theSino-Tibetan family of languages.Members of
the Sinitic family aretypically tonal, meaning that differenttones, or intonations,
distinguish wordsthat otherwise are pronouncedidentically. Chinese by origin is
monosyllabic. Thevocabulary of dialects more recent in thelinguistic tree such are
Mandarin tend tobecome more polysyllabic (compoundwords) as an adjustment to the
loss of anumber of sounds compared to ancientChinese.THE CHINESE LANGUAGE

45. 45. THE CHINESE ALPHABET In the Chinese alphabet, small letters are
written like capitalletters, and vice versa.A iB bC xD dE yF i
fG jH i chI iJ jiK kiL i lM i mN i nO
P pQ j wR i rS i sT tU y wV wiW
du bi r wiX y k sY w iZ zi d
46. 46. The 100 yuan note has picturesof four of the founders of thePeoples Republic of
China.From right to left these are:Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, LiuShaoqi, and Zhu
De.CHINESE MONEY AND COUNTING
47. 47. Kong Qui, better known as Confucius,was born in 551 B.C. in the Lu stateof China.
His teachings, preserved inthe Analects, focused on creatingethical models of family and
publicinteraction, and setting educationalstandards. He died in 479 B.C.Confucianism
later became theofficial imperial philosophy of China,and was extremely influential
duringthe Han, Tang and Song dynasties.CONFUCIUS
48. 48. An anthology of brief passages thatpresent the words of Confucius and
hisdisciples. Describe Confucius as a man, and recountsome of the events of his life.
The Analects includes twenty books, eachgenerally featuring a series of chaptersthat
encompass quotes from Confucius,which were compiled by his disciples afterhis
death.THE ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS
49. 49. "The Master said, At fifteen I set my heartupon learning. At thirty, I had planted
myfeet firm upon the ground. At forty, I nolonger suffered from complexities. At fifty,
Iknew what were the biddings of Heaven. Atsixty, I heard them with docile ear.
Atseventy, I could follow the dictates of myown heart; for what I desired no
longeroverstepped the boundaries of right."Book II, Ch.4, p. 88THE ANALECTS
50. 50. "The Master said, From the very poorestupwards - beginning even with the man
whocould bring no better present than a bundleof dried flesh - none has ever come to
mewithout receiving instruction."Book VII, Ch. 7, p. 124THE ANALECTS
51. 51. "The Master said, A horn-gourd that isneither horn nor gourd! A pretty horn-
gourdindeed, a pretty horn-gourd indeed."Book VI, Ch.23, p. 120THE ANALECTS

52. 52. Po Chu-i was a gentleman poet andgovernment official during the goldenage of the
Tang dynasty in China. Po Chu-i eventually retired to amonastery when he was in his
50s.One of his legs was paralyzed at theend of his life. His poetry often has the easy,
retiringquality of Chan poetry of the time.PO CHU-I
53. 53. Lao Tzu ("old man" or "old sage") was the ancientauthor of Tao Te Ching, the most
widely translatedChinese work of all time and the classic book ofthe religion or
philosophy known as Taoism. A general history of China from the first centuryB.C.
describes Lao Tzu as an older contemporaryand teacher of Confucius (551-479 B.C.). It
says he wrote the two-volume Tao Te Ching atthe request of the keeper of a "pass" while
on awestward journey. Lao Tzu takes a more mystical approach to tuninginto the
natural order of things as a way ofachieving personal and social harmony.LAO TZU
54. 54. Tao Chien (365-427) was one of Chinasforemost poets in the five-word shih
style,and his influence on subsequent poetswas very great. Also known as Tao Yan-
ming One of Taos best-known poems is adebate among "Substance, Shadow, andSpirit,
" who speak respectively forhedonism, Confucian fame, and a kind ofTaoist stoicism
which accepts life in itstotalityTAO CHIEN
55. 55. Tu Fu was a great Chinese poet of the Tangdynasty, a family that ruled China from
618 to907. He is known as a poet-historian for hisportrayal of the social and political
disordersof his time and is also noted for his artistryand craftsmanship. His poetry he
introduces an intense, dramatic,and touching personalism through the use ofsymbols and
images, irony and contrast.TU FU
56. 56. IvoryChopsticks
57. 57. ordered chopsticksmade of ivoryWhen King Chow
58. 58. Chi Tzuwas mostperturbedFor hefearedthat once the kinghad ivorychopsticks
59. 59. but would want cupsof rhinocerosand jadehornHE WOULD NOT BE CONTENT
WITH EARTHENWARE,
60. 60. and instead ofbeansand vegetableshe would insist on suchdelicacies as
elephantstailand babyleopard
61. 61. He would hardly be willingeither to wear roughhomespunor live under a thatched
roofbut would demand silks and splendid mansions.
62. 62. It is fearof what thiswill lead to" said Chi Tzu
63. 63. that upsets meFive years later, indeedKing chow
64. 64. had agarden filled with meattortured his subjects with hot irons
65. 65. and caroused in alake of wine.And so he lost his kingdom.
66. 66. REPORTERSMark BahianFranzelle Mae G. LignesKevin Malinda
67. 67. The End