CHINESE VALUES

print page
prev page

Chinese culture is highly complex but scholars across the world are agreed that despite the diversity of
Chinese communities many shared characteristics persist.
These derive largely form the pervasive influence of Confucian philosophy on Chinese culture and they are at
very core of Chinese identity. Indeed, since Confucian thought has dominated the Chinese way of life for
2,000 years, it is unlikely to cease its influence - even after two or three generations of participation in
British society.
The Chinese value the importance of the family; the hierarchical structure of social life; the cultivation of
morality and self-restraint and the emphasis on hard work and achievement. Various researchers also stress
the pride which Chinese people take in their culture as well as the fact that Chinese culture and society can
be defined as collectivist
.

I was brought up here. I think for the Chinese, everything can be summarised from the family, your
cultural value.
Community member, male, 26 years old
In many ways the family unit takes precedence over its individual members. Children must learn not to answer
back to their parents or other elders. It is assumed that the family as a whole will thrive and prosper if
harmony prevails at home.
In other words the basic rules of obedience,
moderation and self-restraint amongst family members
should be observed.
Expectations related to family life account for many of
the difficulties faced by Chinese immigrants. The
second generation finds it hard to cope with the
demands of their parents'.
They want to fulfil their own potential - like opting out
of the catering business. And, stripped of their
traditional position, deprived of respect, abandoned and
isolated, the first generation feels unable to shape their
children's way of life, Guilt on the children's part, and
shame on the parents', often results.

 Festivals and Customs

Mid-Autumn Festival

o
o
o
o
o
o

Rite of Birth
As the beginning rite of one's life, rite of birth consists of a series of ceremonies including praying for a son, fetus
protection, labor, as well as three...
Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs
The twelve Chinese zodiac signs are the twelve animals Chinese people customarily use to mark the year in which a
person was born. The twelve animals are...
Chinese Folk Worship
Folk Worship, an important part of ancient folk-custom in China, is a religious activity inheriting from the ancient religion.

Folk Handicraft

Clay Figurine

o
o
o
o

The Art of Bonsai

Bonsai is miniature landscape in pots of different materials, sizes and shapes featuring certain arrangement of flowers,
trees and mountainous rocks.
New Year Paintings
The paintings are called "New Year paintings" because they are mostly posted during the New Year holiday for
decoration and they are also a symbol of New...

Folk Art

Dragon Dance

Stringed and Woodwind Music

Auspicious Motifs

Clothing and Ornaments

Silk

Festive Clothes of the Miao Ethnic Group

Cheongsam ()

Folk Residences

Folk House of the Bai Ethnics

Monumental Archway

Ethnic Minority

The Chaoxian Nationality (The Korean Nationality)

The Tibetan Nationality

Myths and Legends

Ashima

Butterfly Lovers

Features

March 3 Festival

Adult Ceremony

Qingming Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

The 24 soalr terms

Dragon Culture in China

August 15

Traditional Chinese Weddings Art of Chinese Paper Cutting


Zhongyuan Festival

Four Divine Creatures in Ancient China

Hanfu: Beauty in Traditional Chinese Clothing