DAILY LIFE OF A CHINESE

What are some of the superstitions relating to birth?
A pregnant women is not allowed to hammer nails because it is feared that if she does, the baby will be born deformed. She must refrain from using foul language and on no account should she torture or kill any animal. Chinese old wives's tales will have us believe that one can determine the sex of the baby by the shape of the abdomen of the pregnant mother. If the abdomen appears "pointed" , then the baby is male. If it is rounded, then it is a baby girl. A large abdomen will means there will be twins or the baby will be a big one. A pregnant mother is also encouraged to eat nutritious food such as the essence of chicken, meat and herbal soup to build up her strength and to improve her blood circulation and also to ease labour and delivery.

What are some of the wedding superstitions?
A Chinese is not allowed to marry anyone with the same surname. The Chinese also prohibit marriage between cousins who are closely related. They believe that the offspring of such marriage will be retarded. However, marriage between cousins still occurs. Such marriage are arranged so as to strengthen family ties and to ensure that the family wealth does not fall into the hand of the outsiders. If in the unfortunate event that a relative of either party dies before the wedding day, the wedding must be postponed for a year. It is improper to hold a wedding while still in mourning.

Are there any table manners for the Chinese?
Definitely. Chinese prefer round tables because round tables seat more people. Apart from this, a round table allows the diners to eat facing each other without differentiation of status. In other word, during a meal, everyone is equal regardless of their status and wealth. Dining etiquette dictates the use of both hands. The left hand holds the bowl while the right hand holds the chopsticks. The chopsticks serve two functions: to pick up morsels of food and to push these and rice from the bowl into the mouth.

What are the common dietary of the Chinese and what beliefs do they have for food?
The Chinese emphasized a balanced and nutritious diet. Elderly people who have rheumatism, are not allowed to consume water spinach or Kangkong. Those with wounds must abstain from eating seafood, especially prawns and crabs. These two items are considered poison and slow healing of wounds, possible making them worse. For the Chinese, food is more important than other needs, such as house decorations and the like. Chinese parents will not get angry when their children spend their pocket-money on food. The needs of the stomach must take priority over other needs. However they will punish their children if pocket-money meant for food is spent on other items.

Why do Chinese children often wear a talismans or small figurine of their god around their neck?
The Chinese believe the talismans can ward off evil spirits. There are two types of talismans: the Buddhist and Taoist talismans. The Buddhist talismans is a piece of yellow cloth with sacred writing taken from the Buddhist scriptures. On the yellow piece of cloth is a picture of the Buddha drawn in black ink. The Taoist talismans is also yellow and the mantra written on it is taken form the I-Ching. The writing on the talismans is written in the blood of a chicken, dog or a human being. These talismans can also be worn or pasted on doors. It is customary for children to wear talismans. The Chinese believe children have weak spirits and have yet to reach the stage where they can fight off evil spirits and ghosts form possessing their body. With the talismans. the well-being of the wearer is preserved. A pakua is also hang on doors of the house of a Chinese to ward off evil spirits, It is a hexagonal-shaped mirror which the Chinese believe will reflect the ghosts images and frighten them away.

Chinese have the greatest freedom in wearing clothes. They are not as restricted as the Malays. Do they really have no constraints?
Chinese are only concerned about the colours of the clothes. The Chinese believe that there are three basics colours governing human life regardless of race, ancestry or sex. These three colours are red, black and white. Red is the most important and most favoured among Chinese. Red stands for positive things such as fame, happiness, joy, health and wealth. It is always associated with good luck and fortune. Black is undesirable to the Chinese and if possible be avoided. Black is associated with filth, sin, evil, cruelty, disaster, sadness, suffering , famine and death. Black is not a "good" colour as it signifies bad fortunes. However, many Chinese today have a fondness for black clothing. White is the intermediate colour, between red and black. White symbolizes moderation, purity, honesty and life. However, white is also used at funerals because it can harmonize with all sentiments. To many Chinese, white connotes neither evil nor goodness.

How do the Chinese greet one another?
Chinese have a unique style of greeting. The left-hand fingers and the right-hand fingers are interlocked together and waved up and down several times. This is the traditional form of greeting. However this is not used much by the Chinese today because they are more influenced by the English handshake. The Chinese abhor people who do not greet others appropriately. The protocol of greeting reflects the honour and respect accorded to the person being greeted., especially if the person being greeted is older and of a higher status. Someone who does not observe the protocol and who is fond of embarrassing people when greeting them will be look down upon by others. It is also a sign that he has not been properly taught by his parents. Chinese salutations reveal and establish the various relationships between family members: such as that between children and parents; siblings; nephew and niece and uncles; and blood relatives such as cousins and distant relatives. The honorific titles or salutations by which a younger or a lower status member calls the older and those with higher status formally establish the kinship and alliance between them.