FILIPINO- 中國人 CULTURE AND TRADITION

By: PROUD TO BE CHINOY

Culture and Traditions of

Chinese

ReligionBecause China is a communist state, there is no official religion and more than half of the population claims no religious affiliation or identifies as atheist. About a quarter of the people practice Taoism and Confucianism and other traditional religions. There are also small numbers of Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Although numerous Protestant and Catholic ministries have been active in the country since the early 19th century, they have made little progress in converting Chinese to these religions.

LanguageThere are seven main dialects of Chinese — Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, Wu, Min, Xiang and Gan. Pŭtōnghuà, the type of Mandarin based on the speech in the capital Beijing, is the official national language of mainland China. Many Chinese are also fluent in English. The written language is symbol-based.

FoodLike other aspects of Chinese life, cuisine is heavily influenced by geography and ethnic diversity. Among the main styles of Chinese cooking are Cantonese, which features stir-fried dishes, and Sezchuan, which relies heavily on use of peanuts, sesame paste and ginger and is known for its spiciness.The Chinese word for rice is fan, which also means meal, and it is a staple of their diet, as are bean sprouts, cabbage and scallions. Because they do not consume a lot of meat — occasionally pork or chicken — tofu is a main source of protein for the Chinese.Tea is the beverage of choice.

CelebrationsThe largest festival — also called the Spring Festival — marks the beginning of the lunar new year. It falls between mid-January and mid-February and is a time to honor ancestors. During the 15-day celebration, children receive money in red envelopes for good luck and people thoroughly clean their homes to signify a fresh beginning. The holiday is marked fireworks and parades with dancers dressed as dragons.

Culture and Traditions of

Filipinos

The Filipino ReligionBefore the introduction of Christianity, the Filipinos were mostly pagans. They worshipped spirits which they believed dwell in objects like trees, mountains ,and rivers,. They worshipped nature, the sun the moon, and the stars. They also believed in a supreme God or deity. Because of their belief in a deity and in animate or living things their religion was called animo-delsm.It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos become Christians. Today, majority of the Filipinos are Catholics. But a group of Filipino Catholics headed by Mr. Gregorio Aglipay founded the Philippines Independent church. This splinter, nationalistic group does not recognize the Pope as the head of the Catholic church. But their beliefs and doctrines are the same as of the catholic. This group are called Aglipayan after their founder. 

Courting and Wedding In some rural areas, the practice involves a night serenade called Harana where the boy serenades the girl he is courting with love songs. The young man also serves the girls family by performing daily chores such as chopping wood, mending the fence, etc. These actions were originated in the past when boys were too shy to court the girls directly and parents arranged the marriage of their children. Engagement and marriage are two events where the provinces in the Philippines differ in their rituals and practices. A bride is not supposed to try her wedding gown before the wedding as this could bring bad luck.

Respecting EldersAnother trait that has lingered on is respect to elders.Ar an early age,Filipinos are tauught to respect their elders and obey their will. It is common practice,especially in the province,to kiss the hand or forehead of ones grandparents or older relatives,as a sign of greeting and respect.Elders are key in the family,and their advice usually followed.Children are taught to attach"po" or"Opo"to whatever they say especially when speaking with older people.

The Bayanihan SpiritBayanihan or the spirit of helping one another is said to have been inherited by the Filipinos from their Malay forefathers. In the rural areas, bayanihan is reflected in many ways. During the planting and harvest seasons, all members of the family and neighbours help out without expecting payment in return. Helping one another is also carried out in such activities as when having a party where neighbours, friends and relatives help in cleaning and decorating the house, cooking, setting the table and entertaining the guests.

Similarities Of Chinese and FilipinosChinese and Filipinos have great respect to elderlies.

If Filipinos attach po and opo in their responds or sentences so as Chinese. For example you want to say hello to a person that is older than you. You should not say nĭ hăo instead you should say nín hăo.

Chinese and Filipinos both celebrate festivals and other celebrations. People make rituals and other traditional doings.

Filipinos are fond of eating rice so as Chinese.

** *

*