The Chinese culture has been around for thousands of years, evolving and adapting to a changing world. There is no one single culture in China; there are, in fact, a multitude of regional cultures that have developed over time. This article will explore the historical roots of the Chinese culture, highlighting key elements and customs from throughout the centuries.
A Brief History of Chinese Culture
For over three million years, the Chinese people have been creating a culture that is both unique and enduring. The various features of Chinese culture have been influenced by major events in the country’s history, such as the Han Dynasty, the Song Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty, as well as contact with other cultures.
The Ancient Chinese culture is characterized by its strong emphasis on respect towards ancestors, gods, society and even their environment. The concepts of Confucianism, the Three Teachings, Buddhism and Taoism were prevalent in ancient China, providing a moral and ethical foundation which shaped the ancient Chinese mindset and culture.
The Middle Kingdom
The Chinese are known for referring to their country as the “Middle Kingdom”, or ”Zhongguo”, emphasizing the country’s central location and its historical importance as a hub of power and culture.
The Chinese people have also traditionally held an immigration-friendly attitude, welcoming those from different cultures and backgrounds. This tolerant attitude has enabled ancient Chinese culture to become a powerful melting pot of different religions, philosophies, and linguistic influences.
The Influence of Confucianism
Confucianism has been the primary ethical and philosophical foundation of the Chinese culture for centuries. It focuses on the principles of loyalty, respect, honesty, filial piety and social responsibility. It was established by Confucius in the 6th century BC and has since been adopted by many Asian countries as their official ethical system.
Confucius believed that the only way to achieve a peaceful and harmonious society was through education, moral principles and the cultivation of virtues. He also believed that social roles should be respected, stressing traditional relationships such as those between father and son, teacher and student, and ruler and subjects.
The Influence of Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty, and it quickly became popular among the people. Chinese Buddhism is characterized by its practice of Chan (Zen), which seeks to gain enlightenment through meditation. This has been heavily influenced by the work of teachers such as Bodhidharma and Hui Neng, who both espoused the importance of insight and peacefulness attained though self-reflection. Buddhism also emphasizes the concept of karma and its role in suffering and rebirth.
The Influence of Taoism
Taoism emphasizes harmony with nature and the universe. It is rooted in the philosophies of Lao Zi, who wrote the Tao Te Ching, a series of verses describing the Tao, or “the way”. It is based on the notion of Yin and Yang, two complementary forces in nature, and the Wu Wei principle, or non-action, that seeks to emphasize the flow of life rather than trying to control it.
The Relationship between the Chinese and Nature
Throughout the centuries, the Chinese have had a lasting relationship with nature, perceiving it as both home and provider. In ancient times, the Chinese placed great importance in cultivating the land, a practice that led to the invention of several agricultural technologies.
The Chinese also view nature as a source of beauty and inspiration for art. Artworks such as the Great Wall of China, the Kaiyuan monastery, and the Terracotta Warriors all pay homage to the natural world. Landscapes such as the Yellow River basin, Huangshan Mountains and the Potala Palace are also admired worldwide for their natural beauty.
Chinese Family-Oriented Values
The traditional Chinese family is a tight-knit unit; respect and loyalty to the family is deeply ingrained in the culture. Chinese families typically live together, eat together and celebrate together, reinforcing the traditional values of Confucianism. In traditional Chinese culture, filial piety or xiao is of utmost importance; it is the duty of the child to respect their elders and show them reverence, even in their old age.
The Chinese celebrate and mark important family events such as weddings, births, and the lunar New Year with robust feasts and elaborate ceremonies.
A Rich Literary Heritage
Chinese literature has a rich and varied history, stretching back over three thousand years. There are thousands of works, divided into multiple genres such as philosophy, poetry, and fiction, which have shaped Chinese culture as we know it.
The five classics, written from 500 BC to 200 AD, form the core of Chinese literature and they continue to be studied by many today. These five classics focus on Confucian values and moral teachings.
The ancient Chinese invention of paper, ink and movable type printing all played a significant role in the development of Chinese literature. In the eleventh century, the invention of the bookbinding process made it possible to mass-produce books, leading to the spread of literature throughout the world.
Martial Arts and Chinese Sports
Martial arts, an ancient form of physical training, were popularized in China after the Han Dynasty and quickly grew in popularity. Today, martial arts are still a part of Chinese tradition; styles such as kung fu, tai chi, and wushu involve movements based on animal forms and have been practiced for centuries.
Sport is also an integral part of Chinese culture. Traditional sports like dragon boat racing, kite flying, and cockfighting have been around for centuries, although today they have been replaced by more modern activities such as tennis, football and basketball.
Throughout its long history, the Chinese culture has endured and adapted to the ever-changing world. The strong sense of respect for ancestors, nature, and family has remained a constant throughout the years, and it continues to shape the values and customs of the Chinese people. Even after thousands of years of history, the Chinese culture is still thriving and each day it is passed on to the next generation.
