Are you interested in getting acquainted with Social norms in different countries? This article aims to provide you with essential tips and information about Chinese social norms. As always, thank you for being with us. Now tell us, have you read about Chinese Culture and China’s Traditions? Would you like to travel to China and learn about social norms in China after drinking tea?
So join us to read exciting and practical points in this article.
3 ethnocentric views of china in society
When you search for ancient Chinese civilizations, you will find that Confucius, Taoism, and Buddhism were ancient China’s three main philosophies and religions. The Chinese recognized these religions, and it is essential to know that these religious philosophies influenced ancient and even modern Chinese society. Did you know that there are officially 56 ethnic groups in modern China? (Guo, 2012)
So we now know that Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society. These religions influenced spirituality and the government, science, art, and social structure in China.
1. What is Confucianism?
Confucianism is closer to philosophy than to genuine religion. Confucius is considered a kind of tradition, philosophy, or even religion. (Yao et al., 2000) It is a humanistic or rational religion that describes a way of life.
The people of ancient China were interested in the customs of the Confucian religion, and today various researches show that the Confucian religion has been very influential in Chinese culture.
The founder of the Confucian religion was a philosopher and political figure. His creativity in the field of Confucius was interesting. He translated older religious rulings in China into guidelines for social norms.
2. What is Taoism?
Taoism or Daoism is an ancient religion in China that developed shortly after Confucius. Confucius focused more on Chinese social norms, but Taoism concentrated on the spiritual elements of life, including the nature of the world. In short, we can say that Taoism refers to finding a path or path, and Taoists must strive to reach it.
Chinese culture examples (Taoist followers)
To increase the team’s chances of winning the top spot, the Taoists turn on the incense sticks the day before the equestrian event at the Wong Tae-shrine in Hong Kong, hoping to increase the team’s chances of winning the top spot.
3. What is Buddhism?
The third primary belief system of ancient China was called Buddhism. Buddhist philosophy focused on personal growth and the attainment of profound knowledge, and Buddhists always sought enlightenment and practiced it through spiritual learning. For Buddhists, life is unstable and full of suffering and uncertainty. So to be able to achieve peace, they introduced Nirvana, which is a happy state beyond human suffering.
Importance of Chinese culture and ancient
You probably have the question of why ancient Chinese culture or modern Chinese culture is influential and leads to society’s growth.
In answer to this question, we must say that one of the most important Chinese social norms is Guanxi culture.
In this culture, some people come together to help a person who needs the help and assistance of others.
In this way, Chinese culture plays an influential role in building a society, and we are witnessing this in modern Chinese culture today, which is why China is achieving more and more growth and development than before.
In general, Chinese culture has many blessings, and observing these principles helps people in society to create solid and lasting relationships between generations.
What is traditional Chinese culture?
China has a vast and diverse geographical area. As you probably know, there are 3600 years of written history for this country, and by searching in its rich and profound culture, one can learn more about Chinese social norms.
Culture and Chinese social norms are diverse and unique, and intertwined.
Traditional and ancient Chinese culture is one of the oldest cultures globally that is more than thousands of years old. You can see Chinese culture in their ceramic arts, architecture, music, and literature. Chinese social norms exist in martial arts, cooking, visual arts, philosophy, and religion.
Each group of the Chinese ethnic minority has its costumes, festivals, and customs. In many Chinese tribes, there are different customs for marriage. Even a museum displays the traditions of ethnic groups in China.
Have you read about the habit of drinking tea in China? Drinking tea has a long history in China, and this habit has become common in other countries of the world. (Strassberg, 1994)
3 Critical Chinese values
1. Loyalty
Follow the way and not the ruler, follow righteousness and not the father.
Loyalty is one of the fundamental values in China, and you should live by it. This statement shows commitment to the path of values and lifestyle and indicates that one should always be committed to family, friends, organizations, and the government.
Of course, this does not mean an unyielding loyalty. Because according to Confucianism, commitment can be flexible.
2. Kindness and empathy
What you do not want doing to yourself, do not do to others.
Kindness or humanity refers to the idea of human relationships, empathy, and how one relates to others. Did you know that empathy and indifference are one of the main slogans of Confucianism?
3. Love
In Chinese culture and Chinese social norms, if you search, you will find that self-love and romantic relationships are important. These concepts are essential to all three religions: Buddhism, Confucius, and Taoism.
Of course, Buddhism focuses on universal love.
According to Confucius, love takes precedence through five central relationships.
Taoism also believes that you must first master self-love before you can express love to others.
Chinese culture facts and 2 Interesting Chinese social norms
1. Overemphasis on family value
The Chinese value family and family structure. Marriage, family, and childbearing are the most important Chinese social norms.
Grandparents tend to always live with their children. In China, children have to take care of their parents even after marriage. Celebrating in China is like a traditional festival, and family members will live together.
2. Chinese calligraphy is a valuable and respected art
Chinese calligraphy is not an art form of Chinese characters. If you search for Chinese social norms, you will find that calligraphy is a traditional and respected art in China. There are different categories of calligraphy in China that you will notice when traveling to this country.
Chinese communication etiquette
Greetings
Shaking hands for congratulations is as common in China as in any other country.
Shake hands to shake hands and shake your head at the same time
Please do not ignore the titles. When addressing a person, it is common to say the last name in addition to Mr. (xiansheng), Ms. (nvshi).
One of the most important Chinese social norms is to talk to the oldest or oldest person when attending a group. This behavior is a kind of respect for those in higher positions.
Do not touch too tightly. Because in Chinese social norms, if you shake hands firmly, your behavior may be interpreted as a kind of aggression.
If you are meeting someone for the first time, never hug them. Other than a simple handshake, any physical contact may upset the person.
Use more polite words to greet elders.
Conclusion:
In this article, we gathered valuable information about Chinese social norms. We hope you enjoy reading this article. We are happy that you are with us, and we hope you will follow us on social networks such as Facebook, Telegram, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
References:
- Yao, H., Yao, X., & Yao, H. (2000). An Introduction to Confucianism. Cambridge University Press.
- Strassberg, R. E. (1994). Inscribed Landscapes: Travel Writing from Imperial China. University of California Press.
- Guo, R. (2012). China’s Multicultural Economies: Social and Economic Indicators (2013th ed.). Springer.
