Legendary Chinese Festivals

Chinese culture and heritage is rich and runs across a time frame of five thousand years. It was during this time that a variety of unique and varied celebrations began to grow roots. Despite China’s many changes Chinese festivals are deeply rooted in popular tradition. China amasses a vast area and consists of a number of ethnic groups that all come together as part of a vibrant cultural experience. Some of these festivals have developed into popular celebrations that are not only practiced in China, but also in many Chinese communities throughout the world. Much of the customs and traditions of its people vary by geography and ethnicity yet remain firmly established as part of the country’s vibrant culture. Over the years much of the festivals have evolved with the changes in the development of the Chinese civilization and as a consequence have become an integral part of the Chinese culture. As with time’s progression and the advent of science, technology and rapid globalisation many Chinese are no longer able to tell how their festivals originated which has in turn seen the gradual shedding of ethnic traditions for modern and universal ways. This is especially true of Chinese communities outside their homeland.

Chinese Festivals provides an illustrated introduction to China's traditional festivals, firmly established as part of China's rich, diverse culture.

Granet’s original work delves deep into the religious and spiritual customs of ancient China by analysing their festivals and songs from the Book of Odes including the original Chinese script. This translation, originally published in 1932, aimed to present Granet’s observations to a wider English readership by omitting the Chinese characters and providing an in-depth insight into one of the most important early civilisations. This title will be of interest to students of Asian studies.

Have you ever seen the boisterous lion dances or heard the multitude of firecrackers in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year? Did you ever wonder what kind of festivals and holidays the Chinese people celebrate? This book takes a look at the fascinating world of Chinese food and festivals. It introduces the most popular traditional festivals celebrated by Chinese people all over the globe, including the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and two "festivals of the dead." It also examines intriguing ethnic festivals celebrated by some of China's 55 officially recognized minority peoples. Discover the customs, legends, and traditional food and treats of these festivals. Share the excitement of the celebration with one-fifth of the world's population, and enjoy the liveliest component of a 4,000-year-old civilization!

Lantern Festival is the first full-moon of the first lunar month in China. The book introduces the origin, development, dissemination, and traditions of the Lantern Festival and techniques of producing lanterns. This book shows the ultimate beauty of ancient Chinese decorative arts. Lanterns symbolize the raising of hope like sunrise and colorful lanterns with a background of full-moon at night represent peace, tranquility and harmony. Thus, the Lantern Festival is an irreplaceable part of Chinese festivals.This book not only describes the origin, design, production for each kind of lantern, but also explains lantern riddles and interesting stories hidden behind lanterns, which are appealing to readers. CONTENTSThe Origin and the Legends of the Lantern Festival The Development of the Lantern FestivalThe Customs of the Lantern FestivalUnique Customs in Different RegionsThe Lantern Festival of Minority Ethnic GroupsThe Lantern Festival in Other CountriesThe book includes illustrations, tables and graphics.

China is an ancient culture, but it is also a diverse culture and this series of 10 books celebrate the diversity of Chinese festival culture. Each book explores and reveals insights into Chinese festivals and their origins. The books discuss the origins of each festival and the lives they celebrate. In particular, they highlight the unique tapestry of modern Chinese life while exploring the rich and ancient culture of the Chinese people. Each book is beautifully illustrated and provides a detailed examination of each festival. The series is unique in exploring the festivals of ethnic groups in China with their unique celebrations which are less well known outside China. Each book brings to life the long standing heritage of the Chinese people they examine and the joy of their festivals. This series is an essential resource for anyone keen to explore the rich diversity of China's festival culture and includes the following: The Festival of February the Second * The Festival of March the Third * The Lantern Festival * The Maguai Festival of the Zhuang People * The Peony Festival * The Saizhuang Festival of Yi Ethnic Group * The Sister Rice Festival * The Spring Festival * The Tibetan Calendar New Year * The Tomb-Sweeping Day. (Series: Chinese Festival Culture) [Subject: Subject: Anthropology, Chinese Studies, Asian Studies, Cultural Studies]