Tradition

People flock to the Che Kung Temple in Hong Kong, China, to pray and ask for blessings. (iStock)

Interpreting a divination lot from Hong Kong's Che Kung Temple

Did the wise men understand the profundity of the words “Instead of flattering ao (奥), it is better to flatter zao (灶)” when they used it as an oracle in the drawing of divination lots? Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai delves into the historical background of the quote from the Analects and what we can learn from it.
A parent takes a photograph of her child in traditional Tibetan clothing as she poses outside Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet, on 27 June 2023. (CNS)

Tibet aims to boost tourism but not at the expense of security

Since the relaxation of anti-epidemic measures in China, officials have been ramping up efforts to promote tourism in Tibet. However, the dilemma between cultural preservation and developing the tourism industry, and that between security and economic development, are issues that could curb the autonomous region’s opening up to tourists. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong shares findings from her media visit to Lhasa and Shannan.
People make their way around Times Square amid smoke from Canada wildfires on 7 June 2023 in New York City. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images/AFP)

Shedding the passive image: Ethnic Chinese need to step up in US society

Asians are generally known to be humble, tend to keep a low profile, and not strive for leadership positions. However, US academic Wu Guo argues that perhaps it is time for ethnic Chinese to take a leaf from white Americans’ book and learn to be confident enough to step up.
Playwright Teo Sung Lung (left) and director Cai Bixia (right) have a discussion during a rehearsal of When The Narcissus Blooms. (SPH Media)

Flowers in concrete: Keeping traditional Chinese opera alive in Singapore

To keep alive the art of traditional Chinese opera, Singapore opera troupes and theatre groups are working together to integrate their respective art forms on stage, to attract new young audiences and open up fresh perspectives. Zaobao correspondent Wang Yiming has in-depth conversations with practitioners, directors and audiences, to get a full picture.
The eight "aquatic immortals". (Photo taken by Jin and provided by Chiang Hsun)

Heavenly dishes in a little Shanghai restaurant

Chiang Hsun ruminates on a myriad of ingredients, marvelling most at the eight vegetable ‘aquatic immortals’ in Chinese cuisine, which showcase the pure and delicious flavours of the season. Best of all, he enjoyed the heavenly dishes during autumn, in a little Shanghai restaurant that feels like home.
The rich historical tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony must not be forgotten. (iStock)

More than one road to ‘the way of tea’

Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai asserts that it is erroneous and even arrogant to think that the Japanese way is the only true “way of tea”. Those that do forget that the Japanese tea ceremony originated from China and that different historical traditions make up varied but no less authentic paths to the way of tea.
This photo taken on 7 January 2023 shows a man guiding goats in a rural area in Tai'an, China's eastern Shandong province. (Noel Celis/AFP)

The complex economics behind gifting in rural China

A common practice in rural China is to give monetary gifts during important occasions, be it weddings or funerals. These gifts can drain a sizeable part of a person’s income, and deciding on the amount to give is an art in itself. Economics professor Zhang Rui tells us more about this longstanding tradition.
Worshippers wearing face masks make their first offerings inside the Wong Tai Sin Temple, in Hong Kong, China, 21 January 2023. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage and the preservation of Lingnan culture

Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage is a mix of Lingnan culture and influences from British colonial rule, says cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai. This is what makes Hong Kong’s cultural treasures unique, and fortunately, the people of today are able to discern what to keep and what to discard.
The black-and-white lanterns at COCOPARK in Shenzhen. In Chinese culture, black and white are seen as inauspicious colours. (Internet)

White lanterns and ugly rabbits: The no-nos of CNY decorations

A mall in Shenzhen came under fire for putting up white lanterns with black text as part of its Chinese New Year decorations, while an “ugly” rabbit-shaped light decoration was removed from another mall in Chongqing. Academic Zhang Tiankan muses on tradition and innovation, and the evolution of traditional decorations.