Stemming from the ancient to the present, religions, rituals, and superstitions have all

embodied an immense position in the structure of the nation's history and culture. China is
merely one of the countless devout lands within the planet and it's not a bolt from the blue that
the nation offers such a colossal scope of the world of religions, rituals, and superstitions.

China is a nation with an inordinate diversity of religious views. The chief religions within the
land are Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism.

1. Buddhism

Buddhism has had a long history in China and has been instrumental in shaping Chinese
culture and tradition. Throughout the millennia, the religion has remained strong, and today
China hosts the world's largest Buddhist population.

DYK? Chinese Buddhism is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism in history and China’s
oldest foreign religion. Chinese Buddhists believe in a combination of Taoism and Mahayana
Buddhism, the latter of which teaches that enlightenment can be achieved in a single lifetime. 

Trivia: There is no God in Buddhism.

2. Taoism

Taoism, or Daoism, is a philosophical tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in

harmony with the Tao. In Taoism, the Tao is the source, pattern and substance of everything
that exists.

DYK? Taoism began in the in the late 4th century BC under the work of Laozi, in the Tao Te
Ching. 'Tao' means 'way' and Taoism is sometimes expressed as 'the flow of the universe.

Trivia: Taoists are not allowed to tell lies, steal, commit adultery, commit murder or drink
alcohol.

3. Christianity

Christianity in China appeared in the 7th century, during the Tang dynasty, but did not take
root until it was reintroduced in the 16th century by Jesuit missionaries.

DYK? In recent years, the number of Chinese Christians has increased significantly;
Christians were 4 million before 1949, and are reaching 67 million today. Christianity is
reportedly the fastest growing religion in China with average annual rate of 7%.

Trivia: Christianity is one of the three big world religions to come to China from the west. Of
the three religions, it was the second to arrive -- after Buddhism and before Islam.
 4. Islam

Islam has been practiced in China for about 1,400 years. It is the third largest world religion
in the country after Buddhism and Christianity, with about 20 to 30 million practicing believers.

DYK? Islam is considered to be the newest world religion to come to China. The religion
arrived in China after Buddhism and Christianity. Muslim traders began to arrive in China during
the Tang Dynasty and perhaps hundreds of thousands of Muslims were brought into the Yuan
by the Mongols.

Trivia: The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.

5. Protestantism

Protestantism entered China in the early 19th century, taking root in a significant way during
the Qing dynasty. Some historians consider the Taiping Rebellion to have been influenced
by Protestant teachings.

Since the mid-20th century, there has been an increase in the number of people who
practice Protestantism as their religion. According to a survey published in 2010 there are
approximately 40 million Protestants in China.

Trivia: Protestantism entered the nation of China back in the early 19th century.

As one of the world’s utmost ancient civilizations, China is rich in traditions and unique
customs. Similar to various ancient civilizations, ancient China had diverse rituals that were
essential to its society. Rituals ranged from religious to family to political to specific gods in
China. The following are to label a few of instances of rituals, customs and supersitions
practiced in the country.

 The Worship of Earth

The worship of earth ritual was for the summer solstice and dedicated to Mother Earth. At
first the worship of earth was associated with human sacrifice until the Han Dynasty.

DYK? The ritual was instrumental in worshipping several facets of the earth like mountains,
rivers, soil and the millet god.

Trivia: The ritual was especially important in the northern portion of the country.

 Long Noodles

DYK? Noodles represent longevity and, as such, are served when you want to wish
someone long life. This is why noodles are served during birthdays. To take advantage of
the supposed longevity effect, it's best to consume long life noodles on your birthday.
 Trivia: The Chinese believe that if noodles are cut, it will also ‘cut the longevity’.

 Giving Hongbao during Chinese New Year

A hongbao (is a gift of money packed into a red packet.

DYK? Red is considered a symbol of luck, life and happiness. Hongbaos are given as
tokens of good wishes during auspicious occasions such as Chinese New Year and weddings.

Trivia: The hongbao represents blessings for the year to come.

 Moustaches and beards

When you think about it, you don’t often see a Chinese man with a beard. That is because
the Chinese believe that one should keep a well-shaven face

DYK? Despite a long history of beards and moustaches in Chinese heroes and Chinese
deities pictured with beards, wearing a moustache is considered bad luck by Chinese custom,
and can bring misfortune on the family and relatives of the wearer.

Trivia: The Chinese believe that any facial hair that looks shabby will not bring good fortune
and is considered bad luck.