The Qingming (Pure Brightness) Festival is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China, falling on April 4-6 each year. After the festival, the temperature will rise up and rainfall increases. It is the high time for spring plowing and sowing. But the Qingming Festival is not only a seasonal point to guide farm work, it is more a festival of commemoration said the oriental furniture worker.

The Qingming Festival sees a combination of sadness and happiness.

This is the most important day of sacrifice. Both the Han and minority ethnic groups at this time offer sacrifices to their ancestors and sweep the tombs of the diseased. Also, they will not cook on this day and only cold food is served said the Chinese furniture worker.

The Hanshi (Cold Food) Festival was usually one day before the Qingming Festival. As our ancestors often extended the day to the Qingming, they were later combined.

On each Qingming Festival, all cemeteries are crowded with people who came to sweep tombs and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to the cemeteries becomes extremely jammed. The customs have been greatly simplified today. After slightly sweeping the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then burn incense and paper money and bow before the memorial tablet said the oriental furniture worker.

In contrast to the sadness of the tomb sweepers, people also enjoy hope of Spring on this day. The Qingming Festival is a time when the sun shines brightly, the trees and grass become green and nature is again lively. Since ancient times, people have followed the custom of Spring outings. At this time tourists are everywhere.

People love to fly kites during the Qingming Festival. Kite flying is actually not limited to the Qingming Festival. Its uniqueness lies in that people fly kites not during the day, but also at night. A string of little lanterns tied onto the kite or the thread look like shining stars, and therefore, are called “god’s lanterns.”

The Qingming Festival is also a time to plant trees, for the survival rate of saplings is high and trees grow fast later. In the past, the Qingming Festival was called “Arbor Day”. But since 1979, “Arbor Day” was settled as March 12 according to the Gregorian calendar said the Chinese furniture worker.

7/15/2007– Motives for Chinese population to immigrate to United States have been same as for most other immigrants. Many immigrants shifted to United States to for the gold rush, while others came to seek better economic opportunities. Many others were forced to leave China as either refugees or contract workers said the Chinese furniture worker.

Chinese immigration began decades ago and was divided into three periods: 1849-1882, 1882-1965, and 1965 to the present. The first period started very shortly after the California Gold Rush and ended unexpectedly with Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Through this period, many young male peasants left their villages and became laborers in the western part of America said the oriental furniture worker.

These peasants were recruited to extract metals and minerals, retrieve swamplands, construct railway networks, develop the fishing industry, and work for extremely competitive manufacturing industries. Chinese population at the end of the first period was approximately 110,000 in United States said the Chinese furniture worker.

Economic development and racial prohibition characterized the pattern of settlement for Chinese Americans. Manner of settlement was influenced by the pattern of economic development in the western states that took place before the Chinese Exclusion Act. Chinese immigrants resided in most parts of California while others settled in the states west of Rocky Mountains said the oriental furniture worker.

Though most Chinese immigrants faced many hardships in the late nineteenth century, they had an immense effect on America. Language, culture, social institutions, and customs came along with these Chinese immigrants. These immigrants tried to become a vibrant part of the population of United States and contributed a lot towards their adopted country.

The Yungang Grottoes, ancient Buddhist temples located near the city of Datong in the Shanxi province of China, are excellent examples of rock-cut architecture. They are also one of the three most famous cave clusters or ancient scriptural sites of China, the other two being Longmen and Mogao said the oriental furniture worker.

The grottoes lie in the valley of the Shi Li river at the base of the Wuzhou Shan mountains, and contain stone carvings from the 5th and 6th centuries. In all there are 252 grottoes and 53 caves lining a distance of one kilometer, which have more than 51,000 Buddha statues and statuettes said the Chinese furniture worker.

The caves have been divided into three parts on the basis of their cultural and relic definitions. The eastern part of the caves are dominated by ‘Pagodas’ while the western caves are much smaller in size with score of niches. The caves that lie in the center of these two have front and back chambers separated by hundreds of Buddha statues. The walls of these caves have been embossed with ancient Chinese motifs said the oriental furniture worker.

The construction on the Yungang Grottoes was started in 450 AD and they are a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Not only did the sculptures absorb the essence of Indian gandhara Buddhist art, it also drew inspiration from the social norms of the time and combined the two in perfect harmony said the Chinese furniture worker.

It was during the rein of an emperor by the name of Xiao Wen that a monk named Tanyao took up the task of constructing the Yungang Grottoes. Cave number six is the largest one at the site with a height of 20 meters. It contains a 15 meter high column decorated with Buddha statues and carvings. Surrounding the pillar on all four sides are 33 panels depicting the life story of Sakyamuni.

Most of the caves in the grottoes have been numbered, making it easier to remember them than a lot of tedious names.

Caves that deserve a special mention in the Yungang Grottoes are the ones numbered 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. This cluster of five caves is called the Tan Yao Caves. They are very similar to each other in style but are definitely not identical. They all contain statues of five emperors by the names of Taizu, Taizong, Shizu, Gaozong, and Gaozu, expressing the theme that Buddha was the sole emperor.

Martial Arts is one of the contributions of Asia to the world. Who can forget Bruce Lee and the fact that he was first and foremost a martial arts athlete before being a movie star? Even until now martial arts is still a big hit with the increasing popularity of Asian movies like crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and more recently the House of the Flying Daggers said Chinese furniture worker.

The Chinese are the first people that come to mind when it comes to these things but the Japanese are just as athletic with a rich heritage of body contact sports that can be found in their history. The modern Japan still gives honor to these things by holding tournaments and promoting such sports abroad said the oriental furniture worker,

One of these is Aikido. It is interesting to note that the word comes from three Japanese words from which one can derive the meaning of the one word. Ai means joining, Ki means spirit and Do means way. From this we can understand why Aikido is beyond just the physical skills of it students especially sin its proponent Ueshiba focused more on the spiritual and philosophical development of his students said the Chinese furniture worker.

In Aikido, one is not taught violence instead one is taught to be in harmony with the opponent to be able to defeat. This might seem odd but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the opponent to be able to attack him where he is weakest and in doing so diver or immobilize him but never to kil said the oriental furniture worker.

This is where Aikido becomes an art. Art is something beautiful to watch and something positive and Aikido is all that. At least one of the people involved in the fighting strives for harmony and harmony can only be achieved if there is grace in the movements. The moves maybe calculated but there is an air of finesse in doing these movements, not a womanly finesse but just a finesse that emanates peace. The art of peace as what they call in Aikido is one of the most positive influences of Aikido to its students and to everyone who choose to know about this Japanese martial art.

One form of Shaolin meditation is called “Chan” or “Zen”. The Shaolin received the concept of Zen meditation from an Indian priest named Bodhidharma. What Bodhidharma did that was so unique was to introduce breathing patterns into the meditation said the oriental furniture worker. You see Bodhidharma would find that the Shaolin monks were falling asleep during their meditation, so he added the breathing exercises to help keep them focus on increase their mental development. To this day Shoalin Kung Fu practitioners still use Chan meditation and it has formed the basis of the Shaolin mental preparation and development said the Chinese furniture worker.

The Shaolin monks would prepare their minds to withstand the most terrible conditions so that when faces with those conditions in the real world, they would be prepared instead of shocked. Knowing that you have the mental toughness and readiness instills a confidence that allows you to go into any situation ready to act without hesitating. Self doubt is the number one way to be defeated before the enemy has even thrown a punch said the oriental furniture worker.

Meditation also allows one to focus his inner energy into his actions. The Japanese call this Chi, and many Westerners have heard of it. The Chinese, however, call it Kiai. Kiai allows a Kung Fu student to do things their physical body alone cannot do. Developing control over your Kiai is a matter of intense mental strength and conditioning. While some people may scoff at the idea of Kiai, and it is true that it might be more of a mind over matter application than an actual force, but Chinese Kung Fu masters has demonstrated their control over their Kiai by doing physical feats that would otherwise be impossible said the Chinese furniture worker.

It’s hard to overvalue the influence of the Confucianism to the development of Chinese culture, politics arts and history. Scientists still doubt and can’t define the exact meaning of the teaching. Some place it to religion; others place it to moral ethics, third to political science. There are others who try to follow it without vain reflections and they state it works for them. I think all of them are right in their own way as the Confucian teaching is a harmonious mixture of ethics, esthetics, politics, religion and humanism said the Chinese furniture worker.

Kung-fu-tsu (we know him under his Westernized name – Confucius) was born in 551 B.C. into a middle class family. From the very childhood he was devoted to learning and fond of many subjects. He mastered six arts – ritual, music, archery, charioteering, Calligraphy and arithmetic – the basic set for the noble youth of those times. Even being very young he was interested in public service. When grown up, Confucius went traveling state by state to study the way of life and customs of people of the different provinces said the oriental furniture worker.

He was born in difficult for his country times. China of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (that is the time he lived) was split into a number of small states which were at war with each other. These wars weakened the country, made a lot of harm to its people and devastated its lands. This was a time of moral chaos when moral values were rejected, crime and disobeying flourished and ruined the society from inside. The difference between poor and rich class was overwhelming and lead to a great contradictory in the society. There was a great need in a social theory which would reunite the country and Chinese nation and make it powerful and mighty union. A lot of theories were proposed at those times but Confucius’ one turned to be the most successful one and won a great supremacy during the ruling of the Han dynasty said the Chinese furniture worker.

During his life Confucius accomplished several books. He didn’t write them himself and they were written by his successors from his words. “The Confucius Analects” is the most famous of them. It’s a book of quotes and sayings of the master on the social, ethical and moral topics said the oriental furniture worker.

Shaolin kung fu is not just about defending yourself against an attacker or inflicting bodily harm. Shaolin martial arts also stress discipline, respect for yourself and others, patience, and being humble even in victory. The mental training of Shaolin martial arts helps prepare the student for any events that may come. Being physically prepared for an altercation is good, but if you are not mentally prepared you will not be focused enough to use the tools that your body has said the oriental furniture worker.
This is why Shaolin meditation is such an important part of the Shaolin martial arts training. Meditation may not be literally practicing your physical tools, but it allows your mind to make better use of those tools said the Chinese furniture worker.

Keeping cool in a self defense situation is one of the best ways to ensure you will survive. Tough mental preparedness allows the body to be pushed beyond its physical limits. Out bodies can only do so much, but our minds allow for much greater feats. I am sure you have heard of “mind over matter” and the truth is that it works. When the Shaolin added mental training to their physical training the result was that their martial arts system obviously surpassed all others in application and practical results said the oriental furniture worker.

One form of Shaolin meditation is called “Chan” or “Zen”. The Shaolin received the concept of Zen meditation from an Indian priest named Bodhidharma. What Bodhidharma did that was so unique was to introduce breathing patterns into the meditation. You see Bodhidharma would find that the Shaolin monks were falling asleep during their meditation, so he added the breathing exercises to help keep them focus on increase their mental development. To this day Shoalin Kung Fu practitioners still use Chan meditation and it has formed the basis of the Shaolin mental preparation and development said the Chinese furniture worker.

WITH WILD ACROBATIC DISPLAYS, magicians catching fish from thin air and performances of the popular cross-talk, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have been caught up in a wild circus. But the Chinese traditional wedding, as with all weddings, is filled with tradition and interesting customs that have been passed down through generations and developed over the centuries said the oriental furniture worker.

Red Veil

At a traditional Chinese wedding, the bride is often seen with a red veil covering her head and face. The Chinese red veil is made of a square piece of silk.

This practice dates back to the Qi Period (479-502) of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The veil was used by farmer women to protect their heads against cold wind or hot sunshine while working in the fields. It could be a cloth of any color and was big enough to over the top of the head. For its practical use and ornamental function, the veil was widely used said the Chinese furniture worker.

By the beginning of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the cover had become a long veil down to the shoulder. And it was no longer a mark of working women, Later, Emperor Li Jilong made a decision. He demanded that all maids-in-waiting in the palace add a piece of gauze to the veils to cover their faces. It soon became a fashion among the commoners but they made a difference to the cover’s function. In those days, women’s faces were thought of as a lure to men . A husband did not want his beautiful wife to attract other men. He wanted her to behave bashfully and appear shy. The wife readily accepted to wear the veil to show her loyalty to her husband. Gradually the veils became more popular among both married and unmarried women who were eager to demonstrate their virtues. Veils are not unique in China . Even today veils can still be seen in some other parts of the world said the oriental furniture worker.

This custom lasted about a thousand years. During the later part of the Jin Dynasty (936-946), a veil became a must for a bride at her wedding. But the color of the bride’s veil is always red as it is the symbolic color of happiness.

Wedding Sedan Chair

The traditional wedding usually begins with the ‘jiaozi’. The chair-like sedan enclosed with red-colored silk was one of the main vehicles in the main vehicles in the ancient China . Of course, it was mainly used by the rich. The poor had to rely on donkeys or their own feet to travel, so the sedan chair was a symbol of affluence. On special occasions, such as a wedding ceremony, a sedan chair was used to take the bride to the groom’s house, even for the poor said the Chinese furniture worker.

In addition to tasting great, Traditional Asian cooking is one of the healthiest cuisines around. Studies have shown that the traditional Chinese, Japanese and Thai diet is lower in cholesterol and saturated fat than American menus. Don’t confuse the traditional Asian cuisine with the fast food take out “Sweet and Sour Pork” or the “General Tso’s Chicken”. Healthy Asian meals use lots of high fiber fresh vegetables, which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The best place to start understanding their cuisine is in the Asian Pantry said the oriental furniture worker.

Soy Sauce - (shoyu, tamari and teriyaki) is a dark brown liquid made from fermented soybeans. Specific types of soy sauce are shoyu, tamari, and teriyaki. A staple condiment and ingredient throughout all of Asia, if you are watching your salt intake, try the low- or reduced-salt soy sauces on the market. (These may still be too high in sodium for some people who are on low-sodium diets.) said the Chinese furniture worker

Peanut Oil - a clear oil pressed from peanuts; it is used for salads and, because it has a high smoke point especially prized for frying. Most American peanut oils are mild-flavored, whereas Asian peanut oils have a distinctive peanut flavour said the oriental furniture worker.

Sesame Oil - The darker, Asian sesame oil has a much stronger flavor and fragrance and is used as a flavor accent for some Asian dishes. Arrow Root / Corn Starch - a thickening agent for sauces.

Dashi - a Japanese soup stock, which becomes the base of many Japanese dishes, such as soup and simmered dishes. the basic stock that provides the underlying flavor for most Japanese dishes, used as dipping sauce for tempura or when cooking vegetables said the Chinese furniture worker.

Sake - a beverage fermented from rice, used in sauces and for marinating.

Panko - used in Japanese cooking to coat fried foods made from dried rather than toasted bread, lower in salt and calories than breadcrumbs and is much crunchier.

In addition to tasting great, Traditional Asian cooking is one of the healthiest cuisines around. Studies have shown that the traditional Chinese, Japanese and Thai diet is lower in cholesterol and saturated fat than American menus. Don’t confuse the traditional Asian cuisine with the fast food take out “Sweet and Sour Pork” or the “General Tso’s Chicken”. Healthy Asian meals use lots of high fiber fresh vegetables, which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The best place to start understanding their cuisine is in the Asian Pantry said the oriental furniture worker.

Soy Sauce - (shoyu, tamari and teriyaki) is a dark brown liquid made from fermented soybeans. Specific types of soy sauce are shoyu, tamari, and teriyaki. A staple condiment and ingredient throughout all of Asia, if you are watching your salt intake, try the low- or reduced-salt soy sauces on the market. (These may still be too high in sodium for some people who are on low-sodium diets.) said the Chinese furniture worker

Peanut Oil - a clear oil pressed from peanuts; it is used for salads and, because it has a high smoke point especially prized for frying. Most American peanut oils are mild-flavored, whereas Asian peanut oils have a distinctive peanut flavour said the oriental furniture worker.

Sesame Oil - The darker, Asian sesame oil has a much stronger flavor and fragrance and is used as a flavor accent for some Asian dishes. Arrow Root / Corn Starch - a thickening agent for sauces.

Dashi - a Japanese soup stock, which becomes the base of many Japanese dishes, such as soup and simmered dishes. the basic stock that provides the underlying flavor for most Japanese dishes, used as dipping sauce for tempura or when cooking vegetables said the Chinese furniture worker.

Sake - a beverage fermented from rice, used in sauces and for marinating.

Panko - used in Japanese cooking to coat fried foods made from dried rather than toasted bread, lower in salt and calories than breadcrumbs and is much crunchier.