The culture of China is very old. It is also one of the most complex cultures in the world today. People naturally have many questions about it, especially when it comes to the subject of Asian collectibles and home decor. To provide the help needed to understand the quest for the superior home decor scheme, this writer would like to share some general facts about China's historic culture. In doing so, the interested reader may better understand the factors which have shaped the "Feng Shui" school of thought in home decoration.
First, the area in which this particular East Asian culture is dominant covers a huge geographical region. It is an undisputed fact that customs and traditions vary greatly in this region, especially between towns, cities, and provinces. Chinese is a Sinitic language in a family of languages in East Asia. It is distinguished by its high level of internal distinctions. All varieties of the Chinese language family are tonal and analytic. The official and standard language of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) is Mandarin. Standard Mandarin is also one of the official languages of Singapore. Cantonese is very influential in Guangdong Province, but it is not the official common language of China. However, Cantonese is one of the official languages of Hong Kong (along with English) and also of Macau.
In addition, today there are 57 different recognized ethnic groups in China. The pre-eminent grouping is recognized to be the Han Chinese. One must understand that throughout China's history many people groups have been assimilated into other ethnicities, especially neighboring ones. Others simply disappeared without any trace left behind. Therefore, many people within the Han identification have maintained distinct linguistic and regional cultural traditions. The term "Zhongua Minzu" has been used to describe the idea of Chinese nationalism. This was necessary when so many ethnic groups all merged into the "new China" reality which we know today.
Since the time period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, some form of ruler has been the primary authority above all others in China. It is true that different periods of history have unique names for the various positions within this particular Asian society. However, the Chinese have almost universally understood that a strong central ruler is necessary because of the great diversity within their society. Most social values originate with either Confucianism or Taoism. It is no secret that the subject of which school has been most influential is always debated. Concepts such as Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, and many other topics have surfaced in such debates as these. The teaching of Reincarnation is really a reminder to the Chinese of the connection between this life and the "so-called" next life. It should be noted that the business culture has been shaped by these ideas as well. In business the concept of "guanxi" has been very well established for some time. Guanxi teaches that relationships should take precedence over mere regulations as a general rule.
Chinese religion was originally devoted to worshipping the supreme god "Shang Di." This mainly occurred during the Xia and Shang dynasties. The emperor and diviners acted as priests in this primitive religion. The Zhou dynasty changed this religion to worshipping the broader concept of "heaven." Therefore, a great part of Chinese culture is based on the idea that a spiritual world does exist. Countless methods of this form of divination have helped to answer the questions people. In fact, they have even served as an alternative to medicine. Folklores have aided in filling in the gap for things and/or events which could not be fully explained. For all these reasons, there tends to be a dim line between that which is myth, religion, or unexplained phenomenon. Therefore, many deities of China are part and parcel of the traditions which go back in time a very long ways. Some of the most recognized holy figures would include Guan Yin, Jade Emperor, and Buddha. It is interesting that many of the old stories and myths have evolved over time into traditional Chinese holidays!
Since the Feng Shui method of home decor is devoted to the placement of objects in a particular area, these facts about China's fascination with different emperors, deities, historical figures, and the myths relating to them suggest good reasons for the Feng Shui scheme. If one chooses to adopt the Chinese school for home decoration, it would be a good idea to learn more about China's history and unique traditions. Doing so may enlarge your vision and better educate your mind on this important subject. After all, choosing this decor scheme would indeed suggest to others that you are sympathetic with a "Chinese" identification. Good luck in your pursuit of this decor strategy!
Harlan Urwiler answering all your Asian collectibles questions.
For more information, please feel free to visit my website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com.
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