For many of us, we are happy to say good-bye to 2019 for a number of reasons----illness, disappointments, betrayals, losses. Of course, these occurrences happen every year, but there seemed to be a heaviness specific to the Year of the Pig. For some, it’s a relief...
Preparing your kitchen - and your life - for the New Year One of the most popular gods in Chinese culture is Zao Jun, the Kitchen God. The story goes that Zao Jun was assigned by the emperor of heaven to watch over families and take...
There’s a tradition in China that involves the exchange of red envelopes when someone wants to express gratitude toward another person or wish them well. They would put money in the red envelope and give it to them. No one really knows how the red envelope...
The Forbidden City, today called the Palace Museum, is located in the northern city of Beijing (bei means north; jing means capitol). The capitol was moved there from Nanjing (nan= south) in 1403 to provide better protection against northern invaders. In 1421, the Forbidden City was completed. It...
Chinese gardens were always arranged in accordance with a set of Feng Shui or geomantic principles. A geomancy master would be engaged to find a location and to determine directional placement of the garden or the buildings within the garden....
As of February 4th we have moved into the Year of the Pig. Due to the make-up of Pig nature, we might be able to expect a year that is a bit more mellow, more laid back and relaxed....
While we are diligent about sending well-wishes on a friend’s birthday, the Chinese typically reserve birthday celebrations for children and the elderly. Although Western influence has changed some of that cultural perspective, Chinese birthday parties still have special traditions....
There’s no argument that Feng Shui applies itself well in residential spaces. Historically Feng Shui principles were applied to the land, but now it’s mostly used in homes, condos, apartments or rooms....
Most everyone I know owns books. Some people have skads of them—so many, in fact, that they’re stored in boxes in the basement. Others wouldn’t think of keeping them in boxes—so they’re stacked in various corners waiting for the right place to call home. Setting up a library...
Now that our January New Years commitments and resolutions are put into place, we have the opportunity to review, revise, and re-commit to them by observing the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Dog begins on February 4----or February 16 if you want to...
