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Customs of Social Organization

Shifu – Chinese Folklore

Shifu

Shifu is a Chinese term for a master or teacher. The character “shi” means “teacher”. The meaning of “fu’ is “tutor” or “father”. It is also commonly used in a martial arts context to denote an instructional relationship

Common Usage

In mainland China, shifu is a common respectful form to address all professions where knowledge or skill is required, such as school teachers, drivers, cooks, house decorators, and many elders of some trades and arts, with a large amount of experience, such as paintings and calligraphy.

In modern slang, people use the word so as to build up a better relationship with others, in particular those with whom they are not familiar, not dissimilar from the western terms “boss”.

Martial Usage of Shifu

Traditionally, in Chinese martial arts, the term was used as a familiar term and sign of respect as in the general usage.

The term takes on a more intimate context when a student becomes a formal student or describe of the teacher. The acceptance as a student is a very formal event, usually requiring a ceremony calledbai shi. After the ceremony, the relationship is defined as a more direct parent/children context.

Naming Taboo – Chinese Folklore

Different Kinds of Naming Taboo

The naming taboo of the state was the taboo against using name of the emperor and his ancestors. For example. During the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang’s given name Zheng was avoided, and the first month of the year “Zheng Yue” was rewritten into “Zheng Yuen” and furthermore renamed as “Duan Yue”.

The naming taboo of the clan was the taboo against using names of one’s own ancestors.

The naming taboo of the holinesses was the taboo against using the names of respected people. For example, Confucius’ name was a taboo during the Jin Dynasty.

In diplomatic documents and letters between clans, each clan’s naming taboos were observed.

In 1777, Wang Xihou wrote the Qianlong Emperor’s name in his dictionary without leaving out any stroke as required, resulting in the executions of him and his relatives and the confiscation of his property.

Methods to Avoid Offence

There were three methods to avoid a character:Changing the character being avoided. For example, the Xuanwu Gate of the Forbidden City was renamed as “Shenwu” in order to avoid the Kangxi Emperor’s name Xuanye.

Leaving the character as a blank.

Omitting a stroke in the character, especially the final stro

Birthday Celebration Customs – Chinese Folklore
Traditionally, Chinese people do not pay a lot of attention to birthdays until they are 60 years old. The 60th birthday is regarded as a very important point of life and therefore there is often a big celebration.

After that, a birthday celebration is held every ten years, that is the 70th, 80th, etc., until the person’s death.

It is often the grownup sons and daughters who celebrate their elderly parents’ birthday to show their respect for them. On the birthday morning the father or mother will eat a b owl of long “long-life noodles.” In China long noodles symbolize a long life. Eggs are also among the bes choices of food taken on the special occasion.

Regardless of the scale of the celebration, peaches and noodles, which are both signs of long life, are required. But interestingly the peaches are not real. They are actually steamed wheaten food with sweet stuff inside.

The are called peaches just because they are made in shape of peaches. When the noodles are cooked, they should not be cut short, for the shortened noodles can have a bad implication. Everyone at the celebration eats the two foods to extend their best wishes to the long-life star.

The typical birthday presents are usually two or four of eggs, long noodles, artificial peaches, tonics, wine and money in red paper.

Business Manners – Chinese Folklore
As more and more foreign corporations and individuals go to tap the Chinese market, it is necessary to know some Chinese practices in business contacts and negotiation beforehand.

When negotiation is entered, the right of decision-making often depends on who are present at the meeting. In most case, verbal communications are enough. Too many gestures may leave others an impression of arrogance.

As to eye contact, when you speak, looking into other’s eyes will do, for cultural differences puts a limit on it. And you’d better not take the Chinese nod for agreement; it is only a sign that they are listening attentively.

Chinese prefer formal meetings. But after that is usually a dinner together to show their hospitality. However some Westerners think it a waster at public expense. One piece of advice may be “Do as the Chinese do.”

When you become acquaintance with the Chinese partner, a private lunch meeting or dinner at home is a good opportunity to know each other.

In China you should not be surprised to see many business women taking up positions like director, general manager, president and etc. They play such an important role in the society as to “prop up half of the sky” Generally speaking, career women demand no more respect than men, but they will particularly appreciate the gentlemanly manners.

Chinese think punctuality is a virtue and try to practice it especially in the business world. Chinese usually tend to come a bit earlier to show their earnestness. And it would not be regarded as being late if you come within 10 minutes after the time as agreed.

Chinese Daily Life Manners –Chinese Folklore
China is know as a state of etiquette and ceremonies. Many proverbs have been passed down from generation to generation such as “civility costs nothing” or “courtesy demands reciprocity” and so on.

Chinese used to cup one hand in the other before the chest as a salute. This tradition has a history of more than 2,000 years and nowadays it is seldom used except in the Spring Festival.

And shaking hands is more popular and appropriate on some formal occasions. Bowling, as to convey respect to the higher level, is often used by the lower like subordinates, students, and attendants.

But at present Chinese youngsters tend to nod as a greeting. To some extent this evolution reflects the ever-increasing paces of modern life.

It is common social practice to introduce the junior to the senior, or the familiar to the unfamiliar. When you start a talk with a stranger, the topics such as weather, food, or hobbies may be good choices to break the ice.

To a man, a chat about current affairs, sports, stock market or his job can usually go on smoothly. Similar to Western customs, you should be cautious to ask a woman private questions. However, relaxing talks about her job or family life will never put you into dange.

As is said above, Chinese consider gift as an important par t to show courtesy. It is appropriate to give gifts on occasions such as festival, birthday, wedding, or visiting a patient.

If you are invited to a family party, small gifts like wine, tea, cigarettes, or candies are welcomed. Also fruit, pastries, and flowers are a safe choice.

Contrary to Westerners, odd numbers are thought by Chinese to be unfortunate. So wedding gifts and birthday gifts for the aged are always sent in pairs for the old saying goes that blessings come in pairs.

Though four is an even number, it reads like death in Chinese thus is avoided. So is pears for being a homophones of separation. And a gift of clock sounds like attending other’s funeral so it is a taboo, too.