The Richest Treasure of China

It is interesting to note the sweeping changes within China over the past generation.  Many people from the West still have an outdated view of China, even though it is obvious that the Middle Kingdom is a very modern place.  Today, the government of China commands great respect (and even fear) as the nation flexes is economic muscles.  However, the best thing about China though is still its people, its ancient culture, and its unique history. 

The modern Chinese woman has come a longs ways.  She has established herself as a new class of customer and business person throughout the world.  Her role in the family has also evolved too.  Chinese women today are busy at making money through business ventures the same as men.  I find the advancement of Chinese women to be one of the most incredible and delightful aspects of the East Asian experience.  It was not so long ago that the place of women in China was very different than it is now.

One can appreciate China in the most effective by visiting in person.  For this reason a trip to China is always a good idea.  May you find good luck in the Year of the Dragon!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler 

Year of the Dragon 2012 is Now!

Chinese New Year 2012 has come at last!  In Chinese communities all across America the celebrations are about to begin.  In China itself this is indeed a wonderful time of the year.  In the past, when China was largely an agricultural based society, these celebrations could last up to a whole month!  However, today they usually only last about two weeks.  Many people who are not Chinese may wonder what exactly the meaning of the celebrations are?

Chinese New Year is an important holiday for Chinese families.  It celebrates the new year according to the lunar calendar.  So it is one of the most significant holidays for Chinese people all across the world today.  The holiday itself is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods, and the display of festive, traditional decorations from China.  All of this is focused on bringing good luck for the new year.  It also anticipates the coming of spring in just a short time.

Chinese New Year is a happy time indeed.  2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which is a very powerful and old symbol in China.  May your Chinese New Year be a wonderful time!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

The Chinese Identity Considered

The true meaning of being Chinese is a difficult question for anyone to answer.  This is so because it is often subjective.  This is is especially true for those who take pride in their family's descent from the Middle Kingdom.  One part of the experience of the Chinese is the heritage of faith and belief.  In China there is a great diversity of religious belief and philosophies which are reflected.  However, for the most part the three teachings of Confucisanism, Daoism, and Buddhism dominate the cultural landscape. 

One of the greatest contributions to humanity from China is the teaching of Confucius.  In reality this teaching is really more of a philosophy than a religion, but it is sometimes lumped together with Daoism and Buddhism.  The teachings of Confucius stress the importance of ethical behavior if society is to function properly.  The man Confucius died in 479 BCE at the age of seventy three.  It is amazing that his philosophy has lived on after him for so long in such a powerful manner.  It is fair to say that he himself probably did not envision his influence being so profound.  China, and most of East Asia, have honored his legacy for the past two thousand years.

To understand the meaning of being Chinese it is perhaps foundational that one know something about this great leader and thinker.  In many ways the teachings of Confucius are just as practical and needed today as they were in the time when this man lived.  The Japanese also have learned much from the teachings of Confucius throughout history.  So the ideas which Confucius so convincingly set down are for any one to benefit from.  The Chinese person can begin to appreciate their own heritage best if they begin with Confucius!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, please feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

Japanese Anime Considered

There are many people who love animation films.  For those individuals who have not seen Japanese animation films, they are in for a different kind of experience.  Japanese animation is very different indeed from American animation.  To start with, Japanese animation distinguishes itself from traditional animation in terms of storylines and visual drawings.  Often these kinds of films are adapted from Manga (or 'comics').  The characters in them are not conventional heros and protagonists.  These characters come from a variety of backgrounds.

Most people new to Japanese anime will always notice that many of characters are drawn with very large eyes.  It is beyond what would be considered realistic on purpose.  Another common trait of these films is that the animators love to draw robots or "mecha robots" in the storylines.  Such animation films frequently question the roles played by science and technology in human society.  The subject of the consequences of over-dependence on technology are usually addressed in the storylines.

In any case, Japanese animation is a delightful film experience.  If any adjustment is needed in how to perceive them, it is certainly not something burdensome to overcome.  The enjoyment of the films will quickly make one forget any trivial considerations of perception.  The creative genius of anime from Japan is worth your entertainment time!

Best regards from the East,

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, feel free to visity my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.