Chinese Habit

The Chinese clothing has varied according to times and locations. it is part of Chinese culture.

THE DYNASTY OF CHINA

The hanfu is the traditional dress of reference before the Qing dynasty. It is different for different classes, each with their own preferences regarding mode.

Civilians and military officials

Chinese civilians and the military officials had resorted to a variety of codes to show their rank and social position, the most recognized being the square Mandarin. Another Code was to set color button on the top hats. Each button indicated the social position of the person (9 different buttons for different ranks 9). Ming official headdresses could vary.
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Chinese Habit

The Chinese clothing has varied according to times and locations. it is part of Chinese culture.

THE DYNASTY OF CHINA

The hanfu is the traditional dress of reference before the Qing dynasty. It is different for different classes, each with their own preferences regarding mode.

Civilians and military officials

Chinese civilians and the military officials had resorted to a variety of codes to show their rank and social position, the most recognized being the square Mandarin. Another Code was to set color button on the top hats. Each button indicated the social position of the person (9 different buttons for different ranks 9). Ming official headdresses could vary.


Painting depicting life during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

THE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

The arrival of the Manchu Qing Dynasty marks a real break with the past. Citizens were asked to adopt a new style of dress and wearing a ponytail. This new style, tangzhuang (clothing Tang) involved the wearing of Changshan (long shirt) for men, and the qipao (a long loose dress) for women.

THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (1911-1949)

The overthrow of the Qing Dynasty, which marks the abolition of the imperial China, the vast majority of Chinese Hans cut their tails, which were previously required. Sun Yat-sen launched a new style of clothes for men, consisting of jackets and trousers instead of dresses. Adopted by the students, the new holding is called the Zhongshan suit.

For women, the qipao has become a close-fitting dress, emphasizing form (cheongsam), far from the traditional qipao.

THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (1949-1980)

From the beginning of the Republic of China, Mao Zedong has inspired the Chinese style by imposing its own variant of the Zhongshan suit, known in the West, the Mao suit. The widow of Sun Yat-Sen, in turn imposed the cheongsam as the standard uniform of women. At the same time, old practices, seen as backward and then exceeded, are abolished. Thus the foot bandage was banned in both China and the West.

During the destruction of the "Four Olds" (the four old), anything that does not remember the Chinese traditional culture encountered opposition from Communist Red Guards. Thus all the objects can attract dangerously intent as jeans, high heels, coats of a western style, neckties, jewelry, cheongsams and long hair were banned. They were a sign of class and wealth. If a citizen was taken by the Red Guards have one of these objects, he risked torture or violence.

THE HABIT OF CONTEMPORARY CHINA (1980-present)

Since the abandonment of the standard uniform of the Communist period in the 1980s, Chinese fashion has changed the pace of the rest of East Asia. Urban fashion has looked very focused on major brands. In large urban centers, especially in Shanghai, there is a very Western look, leaving more casual outfits to more formal clothing. Trademarks, they find their success among teenagers, while children often wear clothing bearing the effigy of their heroes Cartoons.

However, some trying to revive the traditional dress as Hanfu. During the economic cooperation for Asia Pacific in 2001, silk embroidered jacket tangzhuang (Tang garment) was presented as a traditional Chinese costume.

Emperor of China

The Emperor of gynécée brought together hundreds of women. Employees were responsible for record in detail the sex life of the emperor, to identify women who may bear children. The sex life of the Emperor of China was an affair of state because of his good health depended on the throne.

The woman who was chosen by the emperor to spend the night with her, was carefully washed and prepared, but also searched to verify that it was hiding weapons or poison.

The more a woman was regularly called by the emperor, it was more likely to bear a child. The rivalries and hatreds were terrible in the gynécée and there existed cases of murder were empresses concubines. One story is that of the Empress Wu in the Han Dynasty (200 BC), who had murdered one of his rival and her child.

All of these women focused their efforts to seduce the emperor and have an heir. In this game refined, subtle and sometimes deadly plots were daily and sometimes terrible consequences for the losers.

It was very bad that the emperor falls in love with a concubine who was there to make a child. Thus an emperor of the Tang dynasty in the eighth century made the mistake of falling in love with the famous and beautiful Yang Guifei杨贵妃, one of his concubines. This provoked a very serious crisis that threatened the dynastic imperial power.

Plum blossoms

Ornamental plum is the head of the four plants the most popular writers and painters (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo). In exceptional resistance to cold weather wind and snow, this tree is often mentioned to describe the unyielding character of a man. Lingmei Nan, Wang Chunhua called, is a native of Meizhou in Guangdong Province. As a boy, his father took him to India to seek a livelihood. Later, he returned to China to make its primary and secondary education in Meizhou. He never attended art school, but he loves the passion the arts of painting and calligraphy.

The plum blossom is the symbol of the city of Meizhou and residents have all the passion of this tree. Won by this passion, Nan Lingmei has a predilection for the plum. He likes, admires and exalts plum and does not hesitate to start looking for him all over the area where this tree grows flowering. He carefully copied the paintings of plum of all ages, read the prose and poems singing the praises of plum and studied the techniques of traditional Chinese painting, allowing it to be a good piece of art.

In a simple ancient plum painted by Nan Lingmei are strong and a striking resemblance. Combining the styles of the schools in the South and North, plum brush under its branches have strong bearing shoots rights, more or less dense and stretched in all directions. It seems that these flowers are able to smile, to be picked and exhale perfume.

Women in China's feudal era

In China, the feudal period, the company was proof of male chauvinism, so that there was a widespread belief: humans are superior to women. Thus, this belief became the dominant ideology throughout the feudal society. The women were worth little more than servants forced in ancient China.

At that time, male dominance was ensured and maintained by certain standards. The three cardinal principles (the leader is the master of the subject, the father is the master's son and the husband is the master of women) and the five constant virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity) encadraient driving society, and the three obedience (in ancient China, a woman must obey her father before marriage, her husband during her marriage and her son during her widowhood), as well as the four virtues (loyalty, charm physics , speech and appropriate skill in needlework of women) guided the family.

In feudal China, women had no say about their future spouses, and are expected to comply unconditionally with the arrangements of their parents or their brothers. The women had no right to divorce or remarry. A woman live longer than her husband or not, it had the right to marry only once during his life. On the other hand, a husband was entitled to abandon his wife legally if she had committed one of its seven "sins": infidelity, infertility, debauchery, jealousy, if she had contracted a shameful disease, had stolen or had interfered with the affairs of others. With such a low social status and family, women could not even hope to occupy a place in politics or économique.Cependant, over two millennia, long and obscure, history of feudal China, there were a brief respite, a glimmer for oppressed women of ancient China from 618 to 765, during the heyday of the Tang dynasty. Experts agree on the fact that compared to most of the ancient Chinese times, those who lived in the Tang were blessed to live in happy times.

The luckiest of the Tang dynasty

Under the Tang dynasty, women have been fortunate to live in a period characterized by openness and liberalism.

After accession to the throne of Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin), politics, economy, culture, domestic and international relations enjoyed great development. National cohesion, and spiritual civilization and material foreign, exerted a great influence on the Tang dynasty, much faster progress. Li Shimin and other skilled emperors adopted a set of guiding principles and policies that enriched the country and enjoyed the people, which laid a solid foundation for the future prosperity of the Tang dynasty, as embodied by the "peace Zhenguan of "and the" splendor of Kaiyuan ".

At the height of the dynasty, the advanced productivity and strong economic base is reflected in the fields of philosophy, politics, culture, art, social ethics and, more particularly, in social position of women.

Shortly after the establishment of the Tang dynasty, the imperial court decreed in favor of an allowance and a land tax system in order to develop agricultural production, which in those days, took a leading role in the national economy . Under the new system, the government allocated land to both male head of household as a widow, it is entitled to more land if it were dependent. Having their own land, women could benefit from greater economic independence.

Under the Code of Tang, a couple who wanted a divorce on the basis of mutual consent and good agreement was not punished. This measure meant that the law protected the right to divorce people through consultation. The historical records show that it was not uncommon for women to divorce or to remarry at the time. Contrary to the predominant trend at the time other feudal dynasties, a widow was not considered "unclean" if she remarried. In a divorce agreement concluded during the Tang dynasty, we read: "Since we can not live together in harmony is better to separate us. I hope that after the divorce, niangzi (a kind of name of someone's wife) may be as young and as beautiful as before, and I hope she finds a husband who suits him better. I hope that divorce does not sow hatred between us for the future. "This agreement reflects not only divorce women's equality within marriage but also the general openness of the people at the time of Tang.Les women of the imperial family were not subject to marital restrictions or constraints. The reign of Emperor Gaozong than Emperor Suzong or in the early to middle of the Tang dynasty, there were 98 princesses, 61 were married, 24 who have remarried, and four who were married to three times. This trend has shaken the foundation of traditional feudal morality.

During the Tang, it was common for Han marry persons of foreign or ethnic minority, and there was a law that protects marriage. According to historical records: "Many of the Tartars (called Hu in Chinese and corresponding to people other than Han nationality) who have long lived in Chang'an were han married women and had children. Tartars married Han and now, many young people of Chang'an are derived from a mixed marriage. "Some of the imperial family have married people of other nationalities. Seven of the 19 daughters of the emperor Gaozu have married a man of another nationality, and eight of the 21 daughters of the Emperor Taizong married a foreigner. During the fifteenth year (641) of the "Peace Zhenguan" Princess Wencheng married the king of the Tubo. She has made many technical advances in production Tubo, thus contributing greatly to the friendship and cultural exchanges between the Han and Tang dynasty Tibétains.La has attached great importance to education and women in the Tang had the same rights and equal opportunities for education than men. This beautiful Dynasty is probably the most celebrated for its abundance of great poets. The Complete Poems of Tang contain more than 50 000 poems by more than 2 000 poets, which were 20 prominent personalities in the history of Chinese literature. There were also famous poets, including Shangguan Wan'er is the most representative. His poems have a style that is personal style that inspired Shangguan-Li Bai, the most famous poet of ancient Chinese poets. During the Tang, writing poetry was not only a privilege reserved for women of the nobility but was also practiced by the women of the Tang commun.Sous, women also had the opportunity to learn the history, policy and a military learning. At the foundation of this dynasty, Princess Pingyang personally participated in battles, leading a detachment of women to help his father, Emperor Gaozu. The Princess Taiping, daughter of Emperor Gaozong, crushed riots two occasions in the court in critical times.

As women in the Tang has enjoyed a relatively calm social environment and an independent social life, the conduct of those who were well educated was significantly different from that of women in other dynasties. They were allowed to drink wine at their discretion and singing loudly in the taverns, to ride at a gallop in the vicinity, or even to compete with men on the polo fields. During the Tang, the women had social activities and conducting business independently. They were distinguished even in the political sphere, the most notable being the princess Zhangsun, the most virtuous empress of China.

Empress Virtuous

The Empress Zhangsun was the wife of Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin). It belonged to the old ethnic Xianbei. Zhangsun grew up in the Central Plains and has received very good education, she mastered particularly well literature and history. At the time of the rivalry for the throne between Li Shimin and his brothers, Zhangsun has repeatedly exonerated Li Shimin, Emperor from Gaozu, harm which he was falsely accused. During the Xuanwumen Mutiny (in which the son of the emperor Gaozu fought for the throne), Zhangsun came in person to raise the morale of the army, helping Li Shimin to get rid for good its enemies politiques.Après be crowned empress, Zhangsun continued to lead a frugal life and objected to what his parents obtinssent securities official using his influence. She often advised to Li Shimin to solicit suggestions and opinion of counsel of the court. Wei Zheng, prime minister during the reign of Emperor Taizong, has often shown very daring when warning the emperor. Sometimes the emperor was so angry he threatened to decapitate Wei Zheng without further ado, but each time the Empress Zhangsun threw the water on the fire and protecting the prime minister loyal.

As mistress of the imperial harem, Empress Zhangsun was a lot of attention to the other concubines of the emperor, treating them like his own children. If it meant that one of the concubines was sick, it was treating its own drugs. All concubines deep respect Zhangsun Empress, and all lived in harmony, leaving plenty of time to the emperor to deal with affairs of state.

In the tenth year (636) of the "Peace Zhenguan, the disease took the Empress Zhangsun at the age of 36 years. Before she died, she had expressed a wish, to be buried simply, and had asked the Emperor Taizong of paying attention to honest advice and be good for the common people. Emperor Taizong deeply regrets the death of Zhangsun, and he constructed within the imperial palace, a high platform from which he could see the Zhao Mausoleum where his beloved empress rested for eternity .

The Empress Wu Zetian

The most famous woman of the Tang dynasty is unquestionably Wu Zetian. There were 243 emperors during the 2 000 years elapsing from the Qin Dynasty (221 BC). At the end of the Qing Dynasty (1911), and Wu Zetian was the only empress. Wu Zetian personality is the most legendary and most controversial of Chinese history. She lived to 82 years, and reigned for 50 years. Wu Zetian was born into a family of official Wenshui, Shanxi Province. It was not only beautiful but also very intelligent. In addition to its strong attraction for women and grace Wu Zetian was determined and committed in everything she undertook. She entered the palace at the age of 14 years and was assigned to the service of Emperor Taizong gave him the name of Mei, which means beautiful and charming, in recognition of its beauty. However, she did not like that name. After his accession to power, it changed its name to Zhao (which means light of the sun and the moon that illuminates every corner of the earth). Wu Zetian woman was adamant. One day there was a wayward wild horse in the stables of the palace and no one can control it. Wu Zetian said that the way to overcome was the first fight with a whip of iron, and that if this were not enough, to tuer.Wu Zetian was first awarded cairen (concubine ranking), but was unable to win the favor of Emperor Taizong. She acted as his secretary for 12 years, but had no promotion and was unable to give birth to her child. However, Li Zhi, the son of Taizong, was deeply obsessed by it. After the death of Taizong, Li Zhi was crowned emperor and Wu Zetian became Empress. The emperor and empress have jointly ruled the country. As Li Zhi was a frail, in fact, it was Wu Zetian who was the real leader of the country. On the death of Li Zhi, Wu Zetian has stabilized the political situation, based on its rich experience of political intrigues. In 690, Wu Zetian is mounted on the throne and changed the name of the dynasty in that of Zhou. It rejected all his political enemies and established the family court as Empress Wu, it was diligent, insightful and caring. During his reign, the country has maintained its prosperity and the people lived in peace. The tribes who lived at the time of the Zhou dynasty were all newly established dedicated allegiance to the empress. As it had been the secretary of the Emperor Taizong for twelve years, Wu Zetian was very familiar with the priorities of the ex-emperor in the management of State affairs, and she respected greatly, include, among others, its emphasis on agriculture, reduction of taxes and duties malleable, the practice of a peaceful foreign policy and demand for advice and suggestions in a wide range of people.

The Empress was very careful to select talented people and placing them in key positions. She also encouraged and supported women's participation in political life. Shangguan Wan'er is the perfect example. The grandfather and father of the latter had been killed for opposing the accession to power of Wu Zetian, and the young Wan'er and her mother were employed as servants to the palace where Wan'er are received very good education. It not only wrote beautiful poetry, but also gained an intimate knowledge of the affairs of state. Wu Zetian valued skill and has appointed his personal assistance. Shangguan Wan'er has proven its value to the empress, not only by his ability to participate in making decisions the chronicles of the throne, but also by developing imperial edicts for the empress. Shangguan even one day to act as examiner-in-Chief of official imperial examinations. After the death of Wu Zetian, Shangguan Wan'er remained at the court to help the emperor to govern Zhongzong the pays.Wu Zetian was very tolerant in relation to views different from his subordinates. Yougong Xu was the official in charge of judicial affairs, but he often expressed his dissatisfaction to the Empress over some verdicts of the court. On one occasion, Wu Zetian was so angry that she issued an order to decapitate Xu, but when the execution would take place, it gracia, degrading the person to the rank of the people. When his anger was calmed, Wu continued to seek the opinion of Xu, and she gave back the position of chief justice. In short, Wu Zetian empress was a personable and power that has made outstanding achievements.

Merits or not, history is the sole judge

To maintain social stability, just before his death, Wu Zetian decided to hand state power to the Tang dynasty. However, the turmoil that caused his conduct have never calmed down. Even today, opinions persist about his conduct and personality. That the epithet "the empress iron hand" is seen as a compliment or an insult, no one can deny the story she wrote. During the reign of Wu Zetian, the achievements of his predecessors have been continued and further developed, leading the Tang Dynasty at the height of the splendor of Kaiyuan. During the hundred-year prosperity of Tang, we can say that Wu Zetian deserves to be awarded the credit of fifty. This is the Tang dynasty that gave birth to Wu Zetian, and this indomitable woman gave back by dedicating his life and energies to his peuple.Wu Zetian gave orders that at his death, a tablet is erected in front of the tomb where the emperor Gaozong and rest, but that remains empty shelf. According to Wu Zetian, achievements and failures of his life would be subject only to the evaluation of history. As a means, it has enjoyed the status of the emperor and the support of the people, but as a woman, she has sacrificed almost everything: parents, friends, love, and at the end his own life. How few words inscribed on a tablet would have been able to truly reflect the joys and vicissitudes of his life and the fickleness of the world she had lived?

Besides being an outstanding politician, Wu Zetian was also a great poet and a great calligrapher. She was so versatile that his death filled his subjects of profound grief.

Yang Yuhuan was another unforgettable women of the Tang dynasty. She was extremely beautiful and excelled in dance and music. Yang Yuhuan was very loving Emperor Xuanzong, and the two were inseparable. However, this has aroused the strong disapproval of the subjects of the emperor, and at the end, as the couple fled the rebel army, Yang Yuhuan was forced to hang herself.

Unlike Wu Zetian, Yang Yuhuan was never mixed with politics, although it had been the concubine of the highest rank. What these two women have done or not the policy of the time, they were heavily discriminated against on the basis of their gender. Although Wu and Yang Yuhuan Zetian have lived every second during the Tang dynasty, so open-minded, they could not completely shake the foundations of prejudice and intolerance of feudal morality against them, particularly in political struggles.

In retrospect, the so-called lucky women in the Tang dynasty may not have been lucky enough to arouse the envy of women today, but in the Tang, women's contribution to the advancement Historical progress is undeniable and worthy of admiration.

Chinese family names

The family is a core value for the life of a Chinese.

For most Chinese, the main social relations are the first family, then colleagues or classmates. In the countryside, the neighborhood relationship is very important also, having friends, but these links are often from the first two. When we talk about family, not the family of two generations of blood, but at least three generations, and all relationships either Germanic or the bond of marriage. The basic social unit is the family, the Chinese are disciplined and taught to sacrifice their personal well-being for the interest of the group. This goes to the point where those who bear the same surname offer sacrifices to their own ancestors.
The family is also a unit of economy: land, assets, furniture, everything belongs to the family but not the individual.

The name in a family takes a much more important than in Western society. This is not what we say often "chinoiserie" unnecessary complication: the system of appellation reflects, first, the Chinese philosophy of family and society and reinforce the other hand , the operation of the perfect order.

The Chinese have adopted a number of specific names and they have added prefixes to indicate the degree of collateral circulation and the degree to ancestry or descent. It is therefore a more accurate system in the West: Where the French say "cousin", the Chinese show exactly how the person is affiliated.

The specific terms vary depending on whether the person is older or younger than that to which it is related within the same generation: the term for brother varies depending on whether it is older or younger. The term for paternal uncle also varies depending on whether it is younger or older than the father, etc..

Specific terms or prefixes vary depending on whether the person has the same surname or not. This distinction is very important because a Chinese man could not marry someone who had the same surname as him. The words that indicate the degree of extraction were also important, because if the marriage was allowed between relatives by women (it was even common among cousins by the mother) was that the two belong to the same generation.

In the first ascending generation, we have two terms and mu fu, father and mother. Then we add a prefix: gu to indicate the father's sister, whether younger or older, bo for the brother of the father older than him and shu for the brother of the father younger than him. We therefore call uncle younger than his father "Shushuai. It is the paternal uncles and aunts.

For the generation of "first degree", the words are more specific:

* Xiong for the elder brother
* Di for brother
Jie zi * or for the older sister
* Mei for the younger sister
* Sao for the wife of elder brother.

In these terms, we add a prefix to indicate the second degree of collateral circulation. For first cousins, it uses the terms brother and sister. The distinction with young or older they are the same generation, but by adding the prefix biao they are the children of the paternal aunt and do not bear the same surname, and the prefix bears the tang same surname.

Thus the kinship terms indicate the relative designated:

* His generation
* Line of collateral
* Age
* Sex
* The sex of the person by whom it is related
* If it is a relationship by blood or marriage
* And an optional if the person is dead or alive

For example, the word "uncle" in Chinese, can be translated by

* Bo: the brother of my father's older than him
* Shu: the father's brother younger than him
* Jiu: the brother of the mother
* Biaoshu the related cousin of the father by his mother and younger than the father
* Biaojiu: the cousin of the mother
* ...

In Chinese, the term "family" and the term "nation" or "heritage" are always linked. A "country" said Guojia, which literally means "home and family." To describe the adverse effect of the war, they say guopo jiawang: the homeland is broken, the family dies. There is also a saying: "Peace family precedes prosperity." Young writers learn to manage the family later, have the capacity to serve the Emperor, to become official, and manage a community.

Chinese Red Envelope

A red envelope, red packet or红包(hong bao) is a gift of money traditional Chinese, made in a red envelope. His name is Cantonese lai si, also transcribed lai see (利是, or利市利事) and Ang Pow in Minnan. It is supposed to bring good fortune. The red envelopes are also used for political kickbacks.

The red envelopes are available during family celebrations such as wedding reception, or during traditional festivals such as Chinese New Year (in this case they are called Yasui Qian,压岁钱). Red is also the color of wedding dresses and traditional costumes worn by children for the new year. This color symbolizes happiness in China, and the amount of money in the package is often more favorable, such as a number made a lot of 8, whose pronunciation in Chinese is similar to the word "prosperity".

At Chinese New Year hong bao is typically given by an adult (usually married) children move at their own offspring. The recipient wants a future in favor of donor taking the red envelope.

The amount of donation is very important, because according to him that one who receives the distinguished social importance of the donor and the strength of their relationship is a form of social relationship.

Similar customs exist in other Asian countries. Thus, Vietnam, red envelopes are lì xì word similar in pronunciation in Cantonese lai see. In Japan and Korea, the gift of money, called otoshidama made to children by their parents during the New Year takes place in a white envelope which is marked on the recipient's name. And in Malaysia, Muslims give money in packages decorated with green Islamic Eid el-Fitr. Finally, in Thailand, the Thai Chinese give red envelopes called Ang Pow or Tae Ea.

Maintain the relationship: an imperative Chinese (the guanxi)

The关系guanxi
Relations in everyday life in China:
A history of flow and balance

J'ai beau me repeat that often English and Chinese are very similar, there is still many cultural differences that it is sometimes difficult. Evidenced few thoughts that I came as a result of simple events of everyday life that occurred this weekend.

Facts of life

Sunday, I planned to visit a Chinese girlfriend pregnant. Since she lives near the 5th ring road, to visit him ask me every time several hours of transport. I can not see it as often as I would like, but when I do, I do not feel it at all as a constraint.
This Sunday it, it seems that my friend felt a little guilty that I come from as far away as I had homework to do, and that is what arises as the rest of the events.

We spent the morning after quietly discuss everything and nothing, including gender roles in couples. My friend told me that such men should pay the bulk of the expenditure incurred by their girlfriend when they went out together, including clothes, food, etc.. I was shocked by this utilitarian vision that is often found in China. My Chinese friends have confirmed to me later that yes, girls often felt that their boyfriends had to (almost) all their pay ... and also to bring their business to those who live in China, you will notice that you often see men wearing handbags female, which is not a chimera but a sign of the role they play aupres de their partner.

I was going to live in reality the application of the theory a little later.
My friend had to leave in the city center, and her husband had to go drive the car before leaving himself with his work. Naturally, they offered me to take me. For me, it was so, I was able to shorten my journey in making me a file a bus station or subway near me. But my friend did not design the same things as me. She wanted her husband, after having filed, escorted me to my house to the other side of the city before starting its work! For me it was out of question to make a large detour, while I could easily take a bus or metro, and I knew very busy. On the way, so I insisted they lay me on a bus pass or who could carry me home. My friend was sorry, but let me do. To reassure them, I send a text message arriving in my home telling them that everything was fine and that this had been rapid.
But strangely, shortly after, my friend called me on my telephone to tell me that her husband was sorry not escorted me home. She also said, to my surprise my "I admire you very much for and have taken the bus, none of my Chinese friends have done what you did, they would take the car to my husband for escort. " Estomaquee I said with a laugh that it was not even when an extraordinary feat of taking the bus, and that her friends would have probably done so. But she tells me her idea and told me she was sorry. We discussed a bit before hanging up, and that is, considering this phone, I tell myself that something was wrong.

Discovery of hidden meaning

True, it was so weird to say "I admire you very much" and "I'm sorry"! Nothing that I made to feel the need to call me for 10 minutes while I sent him a message saying that I was well rentree was strange.
I had already taken a first step towards understanding this strange finding, but the second was not done with the help of other Chinese friends who I expressed my concerns.

In fact, I realized that I had made serious cultural errors in trying to be nice and save the husband of my friend to escort me:

- I had no doubt, though to a lesser extent, is "losing face" was my friend before her husband telling her that her husband had a lot of work and I did not want it to lose its time (especially in the morning, her husband had already had to accompany the parents of my girlfriend somewhere before taking his own parents). Since the idea came from my friend, the contest was probably wrong, although for my part I felt we turned a little slave.

- But above all, after the explanation of my other Chinese friends, I had broken the equilibrium in the flow of our friendship, or phone call from my friend to try to restore: indeed, my friend liable because he felt that I had come from afar, not to mention some that I had given to other opportunities. Being able m'arrangerait in turn making me escort her husband allowed her to make me turn a service, and maintain the relationship and balance of his trips. By denying this, I do not allow him to serve me, and suddenly I had unwittingly created its stock symbol "charges or debts of friendship" that desequilibre our relationship. Where apparently his phone, saying she was sorry. In fact she was sorry for not able to get what she thought my duty. Wanting to help, I really had difficulty setting!

Another point concerns his phone call and the Chinese way of saying things through the back door. At the beginning, for example, she did not say: "I'm sorry", but "My husband is sorry." In my opinion, her husband was quite happy and relieved not escorted me, in fact he had not suggested any escort me and had not objected to my proposal to take the bus or metro . So it was not her husband, but she was sorry that, as she told me towards the end of the phone.
Then I took a replay of my Chinese friends need to understand the "I admire you very much" as a criticism deguise, although it was probably a little criticism, or rather an expression of gene. It does not m'admirait have managed to take the bus, naturally! It expressed rather a misunderstanding of my conduct, while his other friends in China, they would take the car to get back safely.

In reliving this episode, I say it is impressive to see how cultures construct the meaning of the relations completely different way. As I explained to my friends at home if a friend wants to go home by bus in order not to disturb, we try to convince him a little, but if it's really his choice, do we leave and not to occupy more. There is no history at all to maintain and balance the flow of the relationship, at least not in the case of small actions of daily life! It seems to me that in France, it does not judge the choices and lives of others, the balance can be found in the reasons to the individual, whereas in China, for small things like 'example I gave is the balance in the relationship between individuals and not in people themselves.

The problem is that the theory is to understand one thing, but achieving and applying it is another proof with what happened to me. So the adventure is not necessarily the realization exploits "external", but may very well be a "live" another culture in daily life, and internal. In any case, as I saw my experience in China, as an adventure interieure, to the exoticism of Segalen.

Emblem of China: what does happen?

National Emblem of the People's Republic of China Tiananmen present at the center illuminated by five stars and surrounded by sheaves of wheat and cog wheels. The sheaves of grain, stars, Tiananmen and cogwheel are gold, the part inside the circle and hanging ribbons are red and this because these two colors to represent China in the prosperity and happiness.

Tiananmen symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese people in their struggle against imperialism and feudalism, and sheaves of wheat and cog wheels representing the working and peasant classes, and five stars recall the great unity of Chinese people under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese Flag

There are several versions of the interpretation to be given to the five yellow stars of the flag of the People's Republic of China.

According to official sources (IRC)

The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, adopted in 1982 states that China has used the flag and emblem that had been selected on the eve of the proclamation of the People's Republic on 1 October 1949, at the 1st Political Consultative Conference of the Chinese people.

In June 1949, during the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee of the Political Consultative Conference a committee was formed with the mandate to draft a flag, emblem and national anthem. The group inquired from various circles of project proposals and, in a month, received 4912 draft flag and emblem in 1120. Can a project has ended up being chosen. Its designer is Liansong Weng, who worked at the Agency of Modern Economics in Shanghai.

The national flag of the People's Republic of China is a red flag rectangular format (3x2), which carries top five-star yellow left: a large and four small. The five yellow stars and five branches are concentrated in the upper left of the flag, and four smaller ones form a semi-circle on the right of a star greater. The five stars symbolize the great unity of the people (small star), around the Chinese Communist Party, the great star. Red is the symbol of the revolution and the yellow, the light flooding the Chinese territory.

The red flag with five stars was hoisted for the first time on Tiananmen Square on 1 October 1949. Since that day, he became the national flag and is listed as such in the Constitutions of 1954, 1975, 1978 and 1982.

Other sources are also less formal version

1 - The red flag is the traditional color of revolution, the large gold star represents "the Common Program of the Communist Party" and smaller gold stars represent the four classes united by the joint program:

* Workers (工Gong)
* Farmers (农nóng)
* The "petty bourgeoisie" (城市小资产Chengshi xiǎozīchǎn or more classically商Shang: trader, dealer)
* The "patriotic capitalists" (民族资产minzu zīchǎn, or more classically学xue: scholar)

2 - There is another interpretation that relates to the period of the founding of the Republic of China by Sun Yat-sen (1911): The large star represents the majority population, the Han (ethnic Chinese speaking); four small, four main minorities at the time: Manchus, Tibetans, Mongols and Huis (满藏蒙回) today and ethnic minorities in general.

The number five (there are five stars on the flag) has traditionally been a splendid figure in Chinese culture, like the color red, which by happy coincidence is also the symbol of the socialist revolution.

Chinese dragon

The Chinese dragon (龙; pinyin: long) is a fantastic creature. Long a potent symbol of power in favor folklore and Chinese art, is the personification of the concept of yang and associated with climate and water as one who brings rain.
Legend of the Yellow Emperor

The legend states that Huang Di (Yellow Emperor) used a snake for his coat. Every time he conquered another tribe, he added the emblem of his own enemy. Huang Di was immortalized into a dragon which seems like his arms. This explains why the Chinese dragon has the body of a snake, scales and tail of a fish, the antlers of a stag, the face of a qilin (a mythical creature kind suede with fire all over his corp), and two pairs of eagles greenhouses and the eyes of a demon. They fly in the sky amidst the clouds. Almost all the images of Chinese dragons are playing with a pearl of fire. It is assumed that the latter gives them their power and enables them to ascend to heaven.

Also, as the Chinese consider Huang Di as their ancestor, they refer to themselves sometimes as "the descendants of dragons."
Legend of carp

Another legend said that the carp can jump over the dragon gate become dragons. Several waterfalls and cascades in China are considered the locations of doors dragon. This legend is an allegory of the conduct and efforts to overcome obstacles.
Dragon toes

The imperial Chinese dragons have five toes on each foot, the Korean and Indonesian dragons have four Japanese and three. To explain this phenomenon the Chinese legend states that although dragons are Chinese in origin as far as they went they were losing their toes and to explain that they only exist in these countries if they had gone further they no longer had a toe. The Japanese legend is that the inverse dragons first appeared there, and they had more toes as they moved farther t that they had too many fingers to work properly. Korea and Indonesia both explanations apply depending on which direction journey dragon.

Another interpretation: according to several sources the Chinese dragons had four toes - but the Imperial Dragon had five. It was a felony for another as the Emperor of the symbol of the dragon to five greenhouses.

The number nine

The number nine is considered lucky in China and Chinese dragons are often connected. For example, a Chinese dragon is normally described in terms of nine attributes and usually scales to 117 - 81 (9x9) male and 36 (9x4) female.
Chinese zodiac

The dragon is one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are used to designate the year in the Chinese calendar. It is assumed that each animal is associated with certain personality traits.
Symbol of the emperor

An imperial robe from Qing DynastyLe dragon was a symbol for the emperor in many Chinese dynasties. During the end of the Qing dynasty the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. It was an offense punishable by death for manants (ordinary people) to wear clothing with the symbol of the dragon.

The dragon is the manifestation of imperial power, the Empeureur emblem and symbol of royal functions. It represents the Empeuruer, while the phoenix is a symbol of impératice.

Control of the seas: The dragons are considered as those who order on the seas. They may be in typhoons or tornadoes over water.
Master of Elements

Dragons rule the seas and oceans. They may be in a tornado or typhoon. Keepers of the water, they are rather good, but they can be awkward, the wrong task, asleep or drunk, and then the disaster is beyond the river, the storm ravaged the coast, or, On the contrary, the sources dry up, drought threat. It should then call them to order, or even punish them if the rain delay too, despite the prayers on the fate of the dragon statue outside the temple for display in bright sunshine, because it is well known that the Dragons do not like too much sun ...

Many dragons haunt the skies of China. Some tirelessly pursuing the sun and moon, causing eclipses. (It is interesting to note qu'astronomiquement, head and tail of the constellation of the dragon are the nodes of the moon, the points where eclipses occur). A large dragon fire determines the moods of his life: he opens his eyes and this is the day it closes and it is night. His breath caused storms. Thunder is a manifestation of his anger, or his battles with other dragons.

They also play a vital role in agriculture and represent the cycle of vegetation, represented by the hexagram K'ien principle of heaven and creation, including 6 solid 6 represent the stages of manifestation of life Plant:

* The first is the "invisible dragon", the image of the buried seed, the power of creation not yet expressed.
* The second is the "dragon fields", like the seed that grows, but is not yet visible.
* The third is called "dragon visible", and symbolizes the seeds appearing out of land.
* The fourth is the "leaping dragon": the plant grows and bears its fruit.
* The fifth is called "flying dragon", the image of seeds and pollen swarm.
* The sixth is finally the "dragon hovering" is the mind that directs it all, the dragon king of heaven.

We find that association of the dragon with the element water and the cycle plant in the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on lakes and rivers in some Chinese provinces in memory of suicide in 290 BC of poet Qu Yuan, in despair that his talents are not recognized by the king. This memorial ceremony is also linked to the time of planting green shoots of rice, which takes place at the same time, after the heavy rains of spring.
Nine types classics

* Tianlong, the celestial dragon
* Shenlong, the dragon spiritual
* Futs-Lung, the dragon of hidden treasures
* Dilong the dragon underground
* Yinglong (应龙), the winged dragon
* Qiulong (虬龙), the horned dragon
* Panlong (蟠龙), the coiled dragon: inhabits the waters
* Huanglong (黄龙), the yellow dragon, which emerged from the River Luo to show Fuxi elements of writing dragon king.

The first Chinese dragon

The oldest archaeological object representing a dragon was discovered in 2005 in a tomb of the noble palace of Erlitou (二里头) in Henan, supposed site of the capital of Xia. His age was estimated at 3700 years and is composed of some 2,000 pieces of turquoise. Other artifacts in the shape of a dragon have been found on the current territory of China, but in outlying regions.

Dance Yangko

Yangko dance is a sport where you balance your body some rhythms. This normally uses dance movements of the waist and hips to guide the foot, which moves in rhythm with one step forward and half a step back and show fully the rhythmic movements of the body.

Yangko dance has a history dating back 1000 years in China. She was born in the Song Dynasty South and danced mainly at the Feast of Lanterns. It is popular in northern China.

Because of differences in regions and customs, there are variations in the Yangko dances. The most typical are the dances Yangko North East, Shanbei, Hebei and Shandong, etc..

In the history of Chinese dance Yangko, the 1940s are an important period. The Chinese Communist Party establishes a solid base in northern Shanxi Province and recommended Yangko dance. Many artists joined the work and have produced many dance programs Yangko to original content.

After 1949, the new dance Yangko spread throughout China.

Since then, dance Yangko is played both in traditional festivals like the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and in the ceremonies. In addition, dance Yangko, as art folk, joined in the artistic professionals.

It is recognized not only in China but also abroad.

Dance of the Dragon

Dance of the Dragon also called "Running with the Dragon Lantern-hand" or "Dance with the Dragon Lantern-hands" is a folk-specific activities in China.

The dragon lantern is traditionally made with thin strips of bamboo, and silk lanterns. The head, body and tail of the dragon are made with strips of bamboo, then fine silk and is transparent to the glued strips, and feel, scales and paws are painted on silk.
Dragon lanterns have different lengths. Normally, the shortest are in three parts and the longest in more than ten, but mostly odd numbers. A handle is installed in each part of the dragon lantern, so that dancers can keep it. At the end, we light lamps in each party and the dragon-lantern is complete.

When you dance with the dragon lantern in hand, a person holds an object resembling a pearl in the face of current dragon, the dragon and the whole must be followed; It requires strength, skill and endurance, which is why it is often presented by practicing martial arts. Of all the performers, the holder of the ball, that of the head and the holder of the tail are the most important. The holder of the ball is equivalent to a commander and must deal with movements of the whole dragon-lantern. The wearer of the head is the soul of the lantern, and its movements will influence the coordination of the whole dragon. The holder of the tail often has to perform movements such as rolls of jitter etc. But can not see the movements of others must rely on a regular training and act according to certain models.

During the dance, the dragon is accompanied by traditional music played with drums, cymbals and a gong.

The dragon dance there during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is usually performed on certain days as the traditional Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn accompanied by other activities such as fireworks, dances including the lion, mime and other games of balance.

To date, the dragon dance is still a very popular dragons and lanterns have left the country to dance in the world.

Cultivation of bamboo in China

The cultivation of bamboo竹exists in China for over 7000 years. It is deeply rooted in the everyday life of Chinese. During the Shang Dynasty (16 - 11 century BC), bamboos have been used to make household items and weapons such as arrows. Before the invention of paper, pieces of bamboo were the most important media for writing. Bamboo shoots, rich in vitamins, are also part of the ingredients used in Chinese cooking. Even today, many Chinese musical instruments are made of bamboo, such as di (Chinese flute), the SHENG (anche China) and Xiao (flute "vertical" Chinese).

Through the centuries, bamboo has inspired the imagination of many artists admire its purity and elegance. With plum梅(Mei),兰Orchid (Lan) and chrysanthemum菊(Ju), bamboo is one of four plants Chinese favorites, they are called the four men of honor四君子(Junz 4). The qualities of these four plants are highly admired by the Chinese to the point that they wish to have their virtues. In turn, plants have a certain human nature. This is an example of harmony between nature and can be found humain.On bamboo everywhere where it can grow in China. The gardens are usually good places to see bamboo, like the famous Purple Bamboo Park in Beijing and in Shanghai Guyi garden. The "Sea of bamboo in Sichuan Province, which consists of 28 fully covered mountains bamboo has become a tourist destination thanks to the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Festival bamboo has become popular in recent years. There are many such festivals held in different places across China each year. Participate in a festival of bamboo is probably the best opportunity to learn the culture of bamboo. During these festivals, there are usually exhibitions of sculpture, calligraphy and paintings dedicated to bamboo. Bamboo painting is an integral part of traditional Chinese painting. You can also discover all kinds of bamboos, listen and feel their "spirit" with your heart to bring peace and harmony.

Culture of the sword in China

At the beginning of the period of the swords that the sword appeared for the first time in China, but its use in melee combat was relatively short. From the earliest years of the third century, the sword had left the battlefield and became a major artistic theme. Thereafter, it was considered an accessory to denote social position.

A star of the stage

After the sword, the so-called queen of all weapons, was fallen into disuse on the battlefield, it turned into a tool for elimination of individual attackers, custodian of the lives of those who had and mania, and subject to aesthetic appreciation. The sword has always form an important aspect of theater and folk dance.

The two kinds of dance most popular during the Tang dynasty (618-907) were 'Civil dance, graceful and flowing, and the "martial dance", particularly animated. The handling of the sword with choreographic arrangement included the spectacular dance of the whirling sword Huntuo western regions, as well as folk dances bold and sensual Swords of Xihe de la Chine du Nord-Ouest.

Gong Sun was the supreme champion of the handling of the sword during the Tang dynasty. Wearing a costume martial arts, it mesmerizing the audience with her dancing skill and exceptional artistic level. His admirers included scholars and respected men of letters, the great poet Du Fu of Tang even wrote a poem praising his virtuosity.

In addition to intensifying the effects of dramatic depictions of martial arts, games of the sword often occupied a central position in the plot pieces, including operas. The Conqueror says goodbye to his favorite concubine, from the repertoire of Peking opera, is a good example. This opera tells the story of Xiang Yu, a serious pretender to the throne after the death of Emperor Qin. After being defeated and driven from the State of Chu, where he was born, Xiang Yu asks his concubine Yu Ji to join him to drown his sorrows in alcohol, but the devotion to his master Yu Ji led to develop a strategy for ultimate dedication. It interprets the dance of the sword - the great master of Peking opera Mei Lanfang choreograph thereafter - dance which ends with his death. And dying, Yu Xiang Yu Ji force to free the last few channels that prevented him from attempting to recover his kingdom.

Dance of the Sword of Yu Ji's style is graceful and flowing in the use of the sword in the tai-chi: an iron fist in a velvet glove. It reflects the reluctance of emotion heroin to separate from his love and unwavering courage to face death. This scene is the climax of the opera and provides a good example of a dramatic handling of the sword.

Jian épéeCalligraphier = handle of the sword

The martial arts masters and calligraphers agree that the calligraphy and the art of sword play had similar origins. To an artist, the skillful handling of the sword is like a dance and calligraphy, which is a source of inspiration, while the master in martial arts, calligraphy resembles the game of the sword, but on the paper.

It Meng Tian, a respected general of the Qin Dynasty (221 -206 BC.) Who first made the head of a brush-shaped cone with rabbit fur which was inserted in a bamboo rod, and he came to invent the first brush calligraphy and painting. Two thousand years later, it still seeks to improve the technique of manufacture.

Zhang Xu, a famous calligrapher of the Tang dynasty (618-907), was particularly good at caoshu. This style of calligraphy differs from others by its deceptively simple appearance, when in reality it is very difficult to execute. This calls for a style virtuosity similar to that required for abstract painting, in other words a good knowledge of classical art, a prerequisite for creating abstract works. The writing of Zhang Xu, based on its regular Kaishu or writing, was clearly unusual and daring. His calligraphic art allowed him to be called "sage of the cursive writing."

Xu Zhang and Gong Sun were contemporaries. The positions taken by it in performing its daring leaps, its surprise attack and sudden movement, fatally precise, referring to the eyes of Zhang Xu, the contours of Chinese characters, set in an exceptional way. Zhang was inspired by the art of games of the sword of Gong Sun and incorporated it into his distinctive style of calligraphy that he found anything exciting in the performance of Gong Sun. The style of Zhang Xu subsequently contribute to define the canons of the art.

General Pei Min, of the Tang dynasty, is another famous virtuoso handling of the sword. While the general urged Daozi Wu, a famous Tang painter, to paint a mural on a wall of the temple to exorcise evil spirits and honor the memory of his dead mother, the artist replied: "I consider this invitation as a honor, but I have not painted for a while. Could you inspire me by a number of sword dance? "Pei Min therefore danced for him. Thereafter, Wu Daozi referred to the work he had created, under the inspiration of talented Pei Min, with the following words: "The most satisfying work of my life."

Emperor Wenzong Tang (826-841) has issued an edict declaring the imperial calligraphy of Zhang Xu, handling the sword of Pei Min and the poetry of Li Bai as the "three wonders of the great empire of Tang" .

Social

The ancient Chinese believed that the sword was the only weapon that does not cause bad omens. Many dynasties have enacted special laws on the wearing of the sword, which generally stated that the common workers were not allowed to own a sword. Indeed, the possession of this weapon was the privilege of the rich and those who have power and influence. The sword was the weapon both scholars and warriors. Many have paid as an accessory to fashion and to indicate their high social status. Only the most privileged officials could wear a sword when they were called to the imperial court.

The emperor was the supreme leader of the Chinese feudal society. Within this society, life or death of a man could be decided according to the whim of the emperor. Since it was considered that the sword of the emperor was endowed with such power, one who wore (rarely the Emperor himself) was vested with discretion as to its use. Consequently, whatever the rank of an officer accused, who bore the sword of the emperor had the power to execute or not that official, as he was entitled.

This weapon has also had applications in Taoism. A wooden sword fish was supposed to remove the demons and evil spirits, and is often hung on a wall to protect and decorate a home.

Finally, it was observed that even scholars of ancient Chinese felt a special affinity with the sword. And among the literati, it seems that the love of the sword were not recruited from among the Chinese. Thus, the great German poet Heinrich Heine did he not say: "After my death, lay a sword, not a brush in my coffin. "

Criteria of beauty in China, from ancient China to today

The criteria of beauty women of ancient China to today, have evolved according to the dynasties.

During the Tang (from the seventh to ninth century AD), a beautiful woman is a strong woman with round cheeks and wide hips. This vision of women is a very martial of China, where he had to be tough and strong. More women are represented in very-cut clothes, showing its forms.

Under the Song (about 1000), the power is in hands of civilians and specific official. Female beauty is more androgynous, with little hip and chest. This criterion of beauty continues to the Ming dynasty (fourteenth to seventeenth century AD). The women's clothing are also becoming much more modest, amounts to the neck.

From the seventeenth century under the Qing criterion of feminine beauty is like the heroine of Dream of the Red: very skinny and very white skin.

Some traditional criteria of beauty were at least questionable. Thus, the mothers for centuries enveloped the feet of their daughters tight bandages. At that time, the size of the foot was an essential element of beauty. The ideal was a foot of 15 cm long, why the children were up gang of four years. This aesthetic perfection was highly sought after and the girl who owned this asset was a rich marriage. This tradition has however imposed girls real torture and the practice was banned in 1911.

Later, during the Cultural Revolution, no sign of femininity was admitted and women looked to men (short hair ....)

Today it is considered in China a woman is beautiful if it is large, with large eyes and a nose longer than normal. These criteria for modern beauty are linked to a certain fascination with the West and Western women, excessively idealized and made the fortune of plastic surgeons.

Customs and etiquette in China

Some tips:

Remember above all: to demonstrate infinite patience! Try to stay calm in all circumstances.

* You must be a rule to speak freely and plainly to all the subjects you want to address. Avoid as much as possible indiscretion which can be annoying and do not run into criticism superficial peculiarities Chinese amaze you and you do not understand. Do you start in particular free of political considerations.
* When you greet a Chinese, a quick handshake is considered acceptable from a foreigner. Greater familiarity is reserved for true friends that we can not hope to do after a few days or few weeks of stay in the country.
* Foreigners should be kept to the bare minimum in their reciprocal demonstrations of sympathy or affection (kissing, walking hand in hand, arm in arm, etc.).. That two men or two women hold hands, however, is considered quite natural.
* Do not engage in disputes in public! If you have a score to settle with a Chinese, we should avoid any scandal or noisy stink in the presence of other Chinese. It is best to contain and wait to be able to settle the matter privately, out of sight and eavesdroppers.
* In China, men and women respond to the same label. This behavior is gradually changing in major cities, but foreign women should avoid clothes and makeup lights or too provocative. An array of jewelry is equally inappropriate. For private meetings with people, do not dress too formally, for against, the business meeting held impose a city of strict quality.
* Losing face is the worst thing that can happen to a Chinese. To lose face with someone is considered a behavior of extreme gravity. This is one reason why the Chinese do very little their feelings directly and openly.
So do not make calls when you know beforehand that it can not be satisfied. Indeed, a "no" implies a loss of face that will put both parties in a very embarrassing situation. Chinese, to avoid the embarrassing findings, often to dodge the question will be answered by a smile which means it is time to move on.
* Punctuality is a must for appointments and invitations or official business. In private meetings, the Chinese agree the "margins" reasonable.
* The practice of tipping is becoming increasingly popular in hotels, restaurants and other services. The Chinese you troubleshoot gives you a helping hand to expect a "gesture" from abroad.
* We shall not discuss the prices displayed in stores. As against the free market or to some very large purchases, the Chinese accepted the bargain they practice with a smile and good humor.
* You must respect the prohibitions to photograph when they are shown (the military are still banned, by definition). Some sites are permitted after payment of a fee. If you want to photograph people closely, we recommend to ask for permission to them.
* It is natural. Chinese speak of the age, weight, family income, etc.. Tell someone he has grown since the last meeting, is insulting, on the contrary!
* It is normal for Chinese to eat noodle soup and other ingredients aspiring food with a great noise, as is normal for him to throw the bones under the table or spit on the ground (in the countryside). Campaigns of "savoir vivre" trying to influence the behavior of people with varying degrees of success.
* Invited to private by Chinese (either restaurant or at home), we provide practical or gifts: fruit, spirits - French cognac is much appreciated - a fish alive, or something that is related hobbies hosts (compact discs, cassettes, books on life in the West) and a small package for each of the children (toys, candy). The younger generations appreciate citadines increasingly a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers (and Western) for the hostess.