Korean Culture

Korean culture has as many nuances as the topography of South Korea. This
beautiful peninsula studded with some 3,000 islands has a long history, which has
resulted in a unique town. Koreans are different from other Asian groups in their
language, cuisine, dress, and culture.
To know the history of South Korea and its culture we must go back far back in
time, some 5,000 years. The Gojoseon kingdom marks the starting point of
Korean history, stained for long periods by wars and invasions by Asian dynasties
and Western governments.

Korea’s strategic location has proven to be a disadvantage for its security. Powerful
governments have wanted to dominate it, and as a defensive resource, South Korea
has almost completely isolated itself from the rest of the Asian countries. This has
undoubtedly contributed to making Korean culture unique and special.
A clear example of this uniqueness is its language. Although it is classified as an
Altaic language, linguists recognize that it is an isolated language. Actually, it is not
related to any other language. All the traditions and the varied ancestral Korean art
coexist to this day with the modernity of the populous South Korea.

Korean traditional lifestyle

South Korea is a center of technological advancement, yet the traditional lifestyle
endures in modern South Korea. It is enough to visit Seoul to understand how
thousands of years old palaces can coexist with the most modern skyscrapers.
Any visitor can perceive that Korean traditions are still as alive as millennia ago;
in their homes, their food, their clothing, and in their worship and religion.

Traditional dwellings – Hanok

In Korean culture, architecture stands out for its adaptation to the natural
environment. Always faithful to the man-universe union, Koreans have been
concerned with building homes that harmonize with their surroundings. Hanok is
the typical traditional Korean dwelling.
What is special about this house? Its heating and ventilation systems are both
efficient and very natural. Ondol is the heating system created with slabs that
radiate heat, and maru is the mechanism to ventilate or cool the home. The Hanok
are built with wood and their roofs are made of tiles made from dry straw. These
hanok are very sturdy and can withstand the passing of the centuries well. An
example is the Geungnakjeon Hall building, built in the 18th century and which
remains unscathed to this day.
An interesting detail is that modern Korean buildings use a heating system based
on the operation of the ondol of their traditional houses.

Traditional costume – Hanbok

Korean traditional dress is a reflection of their love for life and respect for values.
They are discreet garments that keep good taste and modesty, known as
hanbok. According to Korean history, this clothing has retained its basic
design for about 5,000 years.
Today the hanbok are worn with beautiful colors and patterns although their
Korean ancestors preferred the color white. At present, traditional Korean clothing
is worn only for special occasions such as weddings or certain typical festivals.
This traditional dress consists of a blouse with long, wide sleeves and a skirt that
reaches just below the bust, finished with a ribbon. The color of these dresses is
very varied and most have delicate embroidery. The male handok is made up of a
blouse (jeogori) and wide pants called javi.
South Korea is the birthplace of great fashion designers. This has generated the
creation of modern styles that combine the traditional hanbok with new patterns,
giving rise to the modernized hanbok.

Traditional cuisine
Korean culture exhibits exquisite gastronomy, for a reason South Korea is
compared to Italy. Food is always prepared with well-being in mind, enjoying
something delicious and healthy.
The flavors that predominate in traditional Korean cuisine are intense and spicy.
Fermentation has a lot to do with these flavors, fermented foods are normal in
Korean cuisine. The degree of fermentation of the food depends on the taste of
the food.
These are the most representative dishes of traditional cuisine in South Korea:
 Kimchi
 Bibimbap
 Bulgogi
 Ganjang
 Gochujang
 Hanjeongsik
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish well known throughout the world for its taste
and nutritional value. The great variety of kimchi that we can get in Korean cuisine
stands out, there are about 180 different ways to prepare this dish based on
Chinese cabbage.
The flavor of this food is intense, salty and spicy and the smell of kimchi is
extremely strong by virtue of the fermentation process. Among the benefits that
kimchi provides are its contribution of vitamins, the control of obesity and its
antioxidant power.

Traditional drinks
Korean drinks are particularly strong. The alcohol content of one of these
traditional drinks, soju, is around 19%. A very high AVB if it is considered that it is
the most common drink to accompany meals at any time of the day.
Another popular drink in Korean culture somewhat milder than soju is
the makgeolli known as Korean rice wine. This very nutritious and delicious milky
white drink is the result of a fermentation process of rice in an onggi. Its flavor is
unique, a thick bittersweet liquor with bitter notes. It is perfect to accompany a
variety of jeon.
Nongju, as this traditional drink was previously called, has undergone some
changes over the years. We can find variants of makgeolli all over Korea. The base
is still fermented rice, but it is possible to find other predominant flavors among
which stand out: banana, peach and cream cheese.
We cannot fail to mention cheongju among the most popular Korean drinks.
This is also a rice wine but lighter than makgeolli and it is drunk cold. It is also
known as chongchu, and its consumption in rituals of Korean culture is very
common.

Popular Festivities
Most of the popular festivities in Korea have their origin in the agricultural life
of this peninsula. The rites associated with land, rain, and harvests laid the
foundation for the festivities of Korean culture.
All popular festivals in Korea are celebrated with special dishes, games, and dances.
There are at least a dozen holidays throughout the lunar year, among the most
important are:
 The first day of the new year (seollal).
 The first full moon of the year (daeboreum).
 On the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar year (chuseok).
 The birth of Buddha.
 The weddings.
  The 60th anniversary of each person’s life.
In addition, there are 5 very important national holidays in Korean culture, each of
these commemorating an important date in the independence of South Korea:
 Samijeol.
 Gwangbokjeol.
 Jeheonjeol.
 Gaecheonjeol.
 Hangul Day.

Korean weddings
Traditional Korean weddings are one of the most attractive and moving festivals in
Korean culture. Although today they have been greatly simplified, Korean couples
can still be seen in traditional costumes at their wedding ceremony. The groom
wears a samagwandae, and the bride wears a beautifully embroidered wansam
that is complemented by a delicate crown called a jokduri.
In the nuptial ceremony the family of the bride and groom is always present,
because in Korea weddings represent the union, not of two people but of two
families. For this reason, even in the most modern ceremony, the bride and
groom’s family is present.

Worship and religion

Investigating the past we can find that Buddhism is the oldest form of worship in
South Korea. However, we cannot claim that it is the official religion of this country.
The truth is that the variety of cults and forms of worship is so varied in Korean
society that there is no single official religion.
The worship of Buddha and the moral code of Confucianism are an intrinsic
part of life in South Korea. At the same time religious freedom has given rise to
different forms of worship such as Christianity, Protestantism and a great variety of
local cults.
 Cheondoism
 Deajongism
 Buddhism Won
 Shamanism
Catholicism has been gaining ground in South Korea. Today it is the religion with
the largest number of adherents, surpassing Buddhists and other religions.
The influence of Confucianism is still present in Korean culture. It can be clearly
seen in the rituals performed at Seonggyoonkwan in honor of Confucius and other
famous Korean Confucians.
The Korean Wave – Hallyu
Hallyu has grown throughout Asia and the world like a great wave, hence the term
“Korean wave.” This artistic and cultural movement became evident in the 1990s. At
that time, the doors of China were opened to receive young Korean artists through
television.
Korean soap operas or doramas have become very popular throughout China since
1997. In addition to these television productions, the pop music produced and sung
by young Koreans has made a deep impression all over the world.
The Korean wave transcends borders and these young artists have passionate fans
in the Western world. Interestingly, hallyu has had a positive effect on Korean
culture. Contrary to what one might think, it has unleashed a furor among young
people for learning more about their culture and projecting it through this wave.
Hallyu has even contributed to the country’s economy by promoting tourism. Now
many tourists visit South Korea attracted by the popularity of its young artists, and
the number of these visitors is increasing every year.
K-pop
This name is known to contemporary music, written, composed and performed by
Koreans. It is a show of light, color and sound. K-pop has been gaining energy
since 2000 throughout East Asia, especially in the Japanese record market.
This modern musical genre currently has more than 150 groups in South Korea.
Some of these groups are: Wanna One, BTS, Big Bang, Girls Generation and TVXQ. It
groups together several musical genres, such as hip-hop, rock, pop dance, R and B,
among others.
Currently there are big K-pop concerts in and outside of Korea, these events draw
large crowds of young people identified with the Korean wave. Many of the Korean
groups participating in these events have been awarded national and international
awards. An example of this is the band BTS, winner of an award at the 2019
Billboard Music Awards.
Korean series – Dorama
Korean series have earned a very special space in eastern and western homes.
Dramas captivate for their realism and naturalness, and for the beauty of their
characters. Regardless of whether the plot takes place in a simple rural setting or in
modern Seoul, they are immersive stories. Nobody wants to miss a single detail of
them.
Dorama project Korean culture in every corner of the world. Food, lifestyle, and
family values are commonly depicted in Korean productions. Some of these
television series are framed in the history of Korea and showcase the traditional
dress and lifestyle of their ancestors.
Titles like “Descendants of the Sun” and “Love in the Moonlight” are some of the
most renowned dramas on the Korean wave. The latest Korean series continue to
be successful in both the East and the West. Among the most awarded are:
 Sunshine.
 That winter, the wind blows.
 It’s Okay to not be Okay.
 When the camellia blooms.
 Crash landing on you

Korean cinema
Cinema has a long history in Korean culture, it is more than a hundred years of
hard work and today they are reaping what they have sown. Proof of this is the
recognition of Korean cinema at major international film festivals, such as Cannes,
Venice and the Berlin festival.
Undoubtedly, this international recognition has been boosted by film festivals held
in South Korea itself. Great hallyu conductors and artists have hosted such
important festivals as BIFF, JIFF and BiFan.
These are some of the Korean film productions that have surprised by their unique
storytelling and unpredictable scripts:
 The man without a past.
 Parasites.
 Train to Busan.
 The maid.
Of course, technology has given Korean culture a huge boost through the use of
platforms like OTT. This platform has made it possible to project culture through
cinema in more than 35 countries, with a great reception.
Korean culture is rich, unique and very special, and it will undoubtedly continue to
be talked about around the world.
1. Japanese Values and Philosophies

Japan is said to be one of the most socially and ethically homogenous

countries in the world. Although Japan does have a minority ethnic group,
the アイヌ (Ainu) people of the Hokkaido prefecture, the Japanese as a
whole share essential values.

Unlike other countries, which place importance on diversity and house

multiple ethnic groups and cultures, 和 (wa), or “harmony,” is the most
important value in Japan. Japanese people prioritize the harmonious
balance and peace of a society (and of the groups they belong to), rather
than asserting and pursuing one’s personal desires. Doing so would be
considered bad manners as it would break the balance of harmony and
create disorder.

Japanese culture values collectivism, contrary to most Western societies

which promote individualism. Thus, Japanese people are generally polite
and kind to others, and they try to avoid causing conflict. For example,
expressing an opinion contrary to that of the majority can be considered a
source of conflict.

Confucianism has also influenced Japanese values, particularly those

revolving around seniority. Respecting parents and seniors is important,
and the concept of seniority is often seen in school club activities (where
senior students have a more confident attitude than juniors, even if the
juniors perform better) and in traditional workplaces (where seniority
affects pay raise and promotion).

Many Japanese values are based on the idea of 神道 (Shinto), which is the
traditional Japanese religion. Shinto is polytheistic and believes that “gods”
or “divine spirits” inhabit all things in nature, and thus, all things should
be treated with respect. As a result, the Japanese tend to subconsciously
respect things and handle things with care.
 Harmony, or 和 (wa), is one of the most important Japanese values.

2. Religions and Beliefs

Japanese religious beliefs can be characterized as a mix of Shinto
and Buddhism, both of which greatly influence Japanese cultural values.

Shinto originated from Ancient Japan, making it almost as old as Japanese

culture itself. During that time, people believed in an animistic spirituality.
According to this belief, every single thing in nature contained an
enormous number of divine spirits referred to as 八百万の神 (Yaoyorozu
no Kami), or literally “eight million gods.” Buddhism came later from India
via China in the sixth century and the two religions have been coexisting
since then.

However, Japanese people nowadays are not religious nor do they gather
together to worship like believers of many other religions do. This is
because Shinto and Buddhism are more like moral codes or philosophies
on how to live.

In Japanese culture, Shinto and Buddhism are embedded in a variety of

festive and life events, such as New Year, festivals, births, coming of age
ceremonies, and funerals. For such occasions, Japanese people visit
shrines and temples and follow the religious ceremonies, but people
regard them as cultural traditions rather than displays of religious piety.

In this way, Japanese people are not religious and their mindset toward
religions is quite open. Interestingly, the Japanese import other religious
traditions into the culture as “entertaining events,” without adding (or
even knowing) their religious meaning. Examples include exchanging gifts
and eating cakes on Christmas, conducting wedding ceremonies at church
(often a fake one) with a white wedding dress, and giving chocolates to
loved ones on St. Valentine’s Day. It’s said that real Christians in Japan
comprise only about 0.7% of the total population.

room would have tatami flooring. You would sit on the floor with a low
table for eating and sleep in 布団 (futon) bedding placed directly on
the tatami without using a bed.

4. School and Work

Are you looking to work or study in Japan? Then you should become
familiar with typical Japanese culture in business and school.

A- School and Education

The Japanese school system has four levels: elementary school (six years
starting from age 6), middle school (three years), high school (three years),
and higher education. Higher education can consist of junior college (two
years), university (four years), or vocational school (one to three years).
Elementary school and middle school are compulsory and for free.

Most schools have a school uniform and school rules that keep order and
uniformity among students. Also, students are taught throughout their
education that they should follow the rules, not cause trouble for other
people, and prioritize uniformity. Students are also taught, especially in
elementary schools, the importance of taking responsibility and keeping
things clean for the public good. For example, they learn to serve lunch
themselves at lunch time and to clean classrooms and school facilities
themselves after school.

Educated in such a way, Japanese people are good at cooperation and

uniformity in states of emergency, such as natural disasters. In most
cases, people act in a decent manner to minimize panic and try to help
each other. During these times, looting and violence hardly ever happen
in Japan.

While these Japanese culture characteristics are part of what make the
country so beautiful, they’re not without criticism. Some argue that
teaching students to prioritize uniformity discourages the cultivation of
personality and keeps individuals from fine-tuning their gifts and abilities.
This may result in a person who is unable to state his or her opinions with
confidence.

Most Japanese middle and high schools have school uniforms and school
rules that keep order and uniformity among students.

B- Work
Japanese people are known for being diligent, responsible, and punctual
workers. This is a very good thing for customers or clients who benefit
from fast, accurate, punctual, polite, and kind services. However, the
workers who are expected to deliver such excellent services (and Japanese
customers/clients do expect such a high standard) may struggle and
suffer a bit.

As mentioned before, Japanese people are taught to keep harmony and

not to cause trouble for others. This applies to Japanese workplaces as
well. No matter how tight the schedule is or how much work you have,
you’re expected to meet deadlines and/or clients’ requirements. Thus,
working overtime is common in most traditional Japanese workplaces.
Workers are unable to say, for example, “I have a family to take care of, I
will continue tomorrow,” at 5 or 6 pm (which is supposedly the end of the
work day). Taking consecutive paid holidays can also be difficult, as
Japanese employees feel guilty about taking leave while other colleagues
have to cover their absence.

Another essential aspect of Japanese work culture is social drinking with

colleagues and bosses—or even with clients—to create rapport for
smoother work. These occasions are often very difficult to decline, as it
can be considered rude or uncooperative to do so.

There are still a lot of traditional Japanese practices to be improved upon,

such as:

 Overworking
 終身雇用 (shūshin koyō) – “life-time employment”
 年功序列 (nenkō joretsu) – “seniority system”

These aspects of Japanese business culture encourage employee

retention until retirement, and base promotions and pay raises on age
(regardless of performance). On one hand, this is good for less-capable
employees as employment and salary are secured. On the other hand,
such customs result in low productivity, unfair opportunity, and an
inflexible labor market. In addition, male-dominant workplaces accelerate
the gender inequality in job positions, salaries, and stability of
employment.

However, the government is eager to reform the work environment by

introducing new policies, and the situation has been slowly improving
among large corporations in particular. That said, it may take a little more
time to create the ideal work environment.

5. Art and Entertainment

In many ways, the country’s rich history of art and entertainment is what
makes Japanese culture unique. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the
most popular Japanese art forms and entertainment industries.

A- Ukiyo-E Art
浮世絵 (Ukiyo-e) is one of the traditional Japanese painting styles, which
flourished between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. As the
name 浮世絵 (Ukiyo-e), literally meaning “picture of floating/transient
world,” indicates, it depicts the lifestyle of the Edo period, especially the
pleasure-seeking aspects.

The subjects range from people to landscapes, and from folk tales and
travel scenes to erotica. One of the most internationally famous Ukiyo-
e paintings is 葛飾 北斎 (Katsushika Hokusai‘s) The Great Wave off
Kanagawa which illustrates huge waves making a big splash and
features Mt.Fuji in the background. Today, some Ukiyo-e paintings are
used as designs for T-shirts and other products.
 An Ukiyo-e depicting a Kabuki actor.

B- Shodō
書道 (Shodō), which literally means “way of writing,” refers to Japanese
calligraphy used for special purposes or artistic reasons. Examples of
when this would be used include 書き初め (Kakizome), or “first calligraphy”
written at the beginning of the year, and 年賀状 (Nengajō) meaning “New
Year’s Day postcards.”

Japanese calligraphy originated from that of Chinese, as Kanji originally

came from China. There are several writing styles and techniques that can
be used to leave different impressions.

Shodō is taught at every elementary school and some middle schools in

Japan.

C- Kabuki
歌舞伎 (Kabuki) is a traditional Japanese drama theatre that’s performed by
only male actors.

Kabuki theatre is characterized by its unique drama and acting style as

well as the exquisite stage makeup called 隈取 (Kumadori) worn
by Kabuki actors. Basically, major Kabuki actors and their names are
passed down from generation to generation according to the hereditary
system. Kabuki theatre is managed by the strict traditional system and
rules.

Kabuki theatre is said to have been created in the seventeenth century

and it was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity by UNESCO in 2008.
D- Haiku
俳句 (Haiku) is a Japanese poetry form characterized by its use of three
phrases. Part of the Haiku’s artistic appeal is that it has to portray an idea
well using a balanced choice of words.

In order to make a Haiku, one must follow these three specifications:

 The first phrase must have 5 syllables, the second must have 7, and
the third must have 5. The Japanese morae or syllable is called 音
(On).
 The Haiku must include 季語 (kigo), or a word that is associated with
a particular season, to provide economy of expression.
 It must also have the essence of 切れ (kire), or “cutting,” which cuts
the phrase with an accent of sound. Good kire is said to give the
words a sense of feeling. Within a small interval, readers are evoked
to imagine its scene and context, as well as the emotion of the
author.

The Haiku is thought to have developed from the early modern period
around the fifteenth or sixteenth century. One of the most famous Haiku
poets, 松尾芭蕉 (Matsuo Bashō), enhanced its artistic quality in the
seventeenth century.

In addition to the Haiku, there are two other forms of Japanese poetry: 和
歌 (Waka) and 短歌 (Tanka). These forms are longer than the Haiku.

E- Manga and Anime

There are two modern Japanese art genres that are very popular today:

 漫画 (Manga) – “comics”
 アニメ (Anime) – “animated cartoon film”
There are many Manga/Anime fans in a range of different age groups.

Japanese Manga is said to have developed during the late nineteenth

century. From the 1950s to this day, Manga has been evolving to become
one of the most popular Japanese subcultures. There are numerous
genres of Manga, from adventure and comedy, to science fiction, horror,
and erotica.

Manga is so influential that popular Manga are made into cartoon films
and movies, which are then translated into multiple languages and
broadcasted in many different countries. Manga and Anime have also
created new industry opportunities and subcultures, such as コスプレ
(Kosupure), or “costume play.” This is a performance art where cosplayers
wear costumes and fashion accessories to pretend to be a specific
character from Manga/Anime.

F- Video Games

Japan is known for its video games, many of which have been influencing
countless children and adults all around the world. Before the emergence
of the internet and gaming apps in smartphones, the Japanese gaming
industry was prosperous with major electronic and video game
companies, such as Nintendo, Sony, Sega, Conami, Bandai Namco,
Capcom, and the list goes on.

A number of popular video game hardwares and softwares have been

created in Japan and the video game subculture has become a
phenomenon. Today, due to the fast-changing technology and trends
(such as Virtual Reality and social gaming), as well as the multi-platform
availability of video games, the gaming industry has become more
competitive than ever. New types of video games are being created every
day.
In addition to games for individuals, there are many video games and
gaming entertainment facilities in Japan for the public in Japan. These
include game centers and amusement parks where people can enjoy real
physical games and attractions.

B- Japanese Food

Japanese food culture is one of the best in the world, proven by the fact
that Tokyo has been announced the world’s most Michelin-starred city for
the thirteenth consecutive year according to the Michelin Guide Tokyo
2020. That’s right: it’s not Paris or Rome, but the capital city of Japan.
Japanese people are known to be foodies who can wait in line for two
hours just to get a bowl of Rāmen.

Japanese cuisine is characterized by its diversity, ranging from local casual

food to traditional authentic Japanese food. You’ll find restaurants
throughout the country where you can get a meal for as little as ¥300
(around $3) as well as super high-end restaurants. You can find delicious
food at any level, any budget, and any restaurant type. (Not to mention
there are also international cuisines available in Japan!)

Another place you can experience the rich Japanese food culture is in
convenience stores and supermarkets. There are all kinds of bento boxes,
delicatessen foods, and dried and instant foods. After all, instant cup
noodles are a notable invention of Japan!

Appetizers of Kaiseki cuisine, consisting of multiple dishes. Each dish is

usually small and artistically decorated.

7. Traditional Holidays and Celebrations

There are many traditional holidays and celebrations in Japan.
  January 1 – 元旦 (gantan), “New Year’s Day”

The official national holiday is only on January 1, but New Year’s Day
celebrations usually last until at least January 3. These extended
celebrations are referred to as 正月 (O-shōgatsu), and this is one of
the biggest celebrations in Japan. To welcome the new year, family
members and relatives get together, visit shrines to pray for
happiness, have a special meal such as 御節 (Osechi) or お雑煮 (O-
zōni), give お年玉 (Otoshidama) or “gift money” to children, and so
on.

 Second Monday of January – 成人の日 (Seijin no hi), “Coming of Age

Day”

20 years old is the official age of adulthood in Japan. Every year

on Coming of Age Day, all the young people who turn 20 that year
celebrate their adulthood, typically dressed up in traditional 着物
(kimono).

On Coming of Age Day, those who turned 20 years old that year dress up
in traditional Kimono and celebrate their official adulthood.
 February 11 – 建国記念日 (Kenkoku kinenbi), “National Foundation
Day”

This holiday celebrates the mythological foundation of Japan, and

the date corresponds to when the first Emperor of Japan came to
power on February 11, 660 BC. Festive ceremonies are conducted at
major shrines throughout Japan.

 March 3 – ひな祭り (Hinamatsuri), “Girls’ Day”

Although this day is not a public holiday on which public services

and schools close, it’s one of the remarkable traditional celebrations
of Japan. To celebrate the healthy growth of girls, it’s tradition to
display 雛人形 (hina-ningyō), or a set of ornamental dolls that
 represent the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in
the traditional court dress of the Heian period.

 April 29 to May 5 – ゴールデンウィーク (Gōruden Wīku), “Golden

Week”

It is called “Golden Week” because it contains many national

holidays, making it a whole holiday week when combined with
Saturday and Sunday. April 29 is Shōwa Day, May 3 is Constitution
Day, May 4 is Greenery Day, and May 5 is Children’s Day.

Around Children’s Day, it is tradition to put 鯉のぼり (Koinobori),

or “carp-shaped windsocks,” outside of one’s house to wish for the
healthy growth of children.

Around Children’s Day, a lot of households put Koinobori carp flags

outside to wish for the healthy growth of children.
 Around August 15 – お盆 (O-bon)

While this is not an official holiday, August 15 and the surrounding

days are considered important. This is when families get together to
honor the spirits of their ancestors. Derived from Buddhist custom,
it’s believed that ancestors come down from heaven to earth around
this time, once a year. Many Japanese people return to their parents’
or grandparents’ home, spend family time together, and then visit
their ancestors’ graves to clean them and leave offerings.

 Third Monday of September – 敬老の日 (Keirō no hi), “Respect for

the Aged Day”

Influenced by Confucianism, Japanese culture values respecting and

taking care of the elderly. This day is to show gratitude and respect
for them. Usually, families celebrate and give gifts to their
grandfather and grandmother.
 December 31 – 大晦日 (Ōmisoka), “End of Year Day”

Ōmisoka is not an official national holiday, but most companies offer

time off for winter holidays as well as the Year End and New Year
holidays. It is Japanese tradition to celebrate the last day of the year
with family by giving thanks for having come through the previous
year safe and sound, and by welcoming the new year with hope for
good things to come.

In order to welcome the fresh new year, Japanese people clean their
house and eat 年越しそば (Toshikoshi soba), or “year-crossing
noodle,” to wish for a long life. Before midnight, families go to a
temple to hit a 除夜の鐘 (Joya no kane), or “bell,” to remove all
unwanted states of mind. This custom originally derives from
Buddhism.
1. Values and Beliefs

Let’s learn more about Thai culture and traditions.

To understand the behaviors and worldviews of Thai people, you need to

be aware of the traditional Thai values and beliefs. There are two in
particular that play a huge role in our daily lives.

A- Social Hierarchy
Although Thailand has not been governed by an absolute monarchy for
over a hundred years now, there is still a social hierarchy in the country.
Thai people pay more respect to certain groups of people, such as the
royal family and monks. Also, Thai people are taught to respect those who
are older than themselves as well as their benefactors (parents, teachers,
etc.). So don’t be surprised when you see the degree of respect shown in
our interactions with elders and parents!

B- Collectivism
Thailand is often called “the land of smiles” because Thai people always
seem to have a smile on their face. While it’s true that Thai people are
friendly, visitors will be surprised to find out that a smile does not always
equate to happiness. Different smiles can mean anything from pleasure to
anger, and most of the time you won’t be aware of any negativity. This is
because Thai culture values avoiding conflict and “saving face.”

The reason behind this is that Thailand is a collectivist society. If you’re in

Thailand long enough, you may start to notice that Thai people tend to go
along with others when doing group activities. This is because Thai people
want to be like others and remain as part of the group. As a result, they
don’t dare to voice their opinions in front of others and prefer to
compromise instead of really solving problems.
2. Philosophies and Religions
In addition to smiles, Thailand is well-known for the Buddhist statues
found all over the country. Buddhism is the national religion and over
ninety percent of Thai people practice it. It’s common to see Buddhist
monks in traditional robes walking just about everywhere you go.

If you truly want to learn Thai, getting acquainted with the basics of
Buddhism is not a bad idea. Of course, you don’t have to convert to
Buddhism to master the language, but a good knowledge of the religion
will go a long way toward understanding the country.

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand.

As you can guess, most Thai philosophies are influenced by Buddhism in

one way or another. However, modern Thai culture is one of diversity. As
Thai people are quite open-minded, they are also influenced by other
religions and beliefs to some extent.

Because there are many Thai-Chinese in Thai society, there are many
practices influenced by Taoism and Confucianism. One example of this is
the Vegetarian Festival, which is celebrated during October each year. This
popular food festival is mainly celebrated by the Thai-Chinese, though the
rest of the population also gets in on the action. Another Thai-Chinese
custom is เชงเม้ง (cheeng-méng), when they pay respect to deceased
ancestors.

3. Family and Work

Family and work are integral aspects of society, no matter where you are
in the world. In this section, we’ll discuss the essential features of Thai
workplace culture and the Thai family.
A- Family
The Thai culture is very family-oriented. In the past, it was common for
Thai people to have large families. Grandparents got to see their
grandchildren, nieces, and nephews on a daily basis, as family members
all lived in the same area.

Of course, things have changed over time. While you may see this type of
big family in the countryside, it’s not very common in urban areas. Still,
Thai families share a strong bond. Despite not living in the same area,
family members often meet with each other or communicate via other
means. This Thai value has played a large role in shaping the modern Thai
society. The importance of family in Thai culture is also reflected in the
various Thai words used for family members.

The concept of ความกตัญญู (khwaam-gà-than-yuu), or “gratitude,” is another

thing that reflects Thailand’s family-oriented society. Because our parents
raised us, it’s very important to take care of them when we grow up. Thus,
Thai people won’t send their elderly parents to care centers unless they’re
really sick. Doing so would mean that they don’t care for them.

Now let’s discuss a final point about family: marriage. In the past, men
could have many wives but nowadays Thai people only practice
monogamy. Despite this step forward, there are still some cultural
elements that reflect gender inequality. For example, Thai women are
pressured to get married earlier than men. While it’s fine for a man to be
single in his thirties, this is not the case for women. On the other hand, a
man has to pay a ‘bride price’ to a woman’s parents in order to marry her.

B- Work
Thai people are chill by nature and love to have fun. To some extent, this
characteristic is reflected in the business world as well. If you ever decide
to work in Thailand, you’ll find that Thai people aren’t very punctual in
their work. Also, the work atmosphere tends to be less stressful than
those in other countries.

Most Thai people work solely to make a living, not to do things they love
or are passionate about. The Patronage system, which was a prominent
feature in how Thailand was once governed, also plays a role in our work
environment.

4. Art
Several aspects of the Thai culture and heritage feature heavily in our
artwork, with many of our most popular paintings and sculptures having
roots in Buddhism. For example, you can find various paintings of
Buddhist stories in the temples and Buddha statues are viewed as an
artform as well as a religious symbol.

Thailand is also home to several impressive architectural feats, most

notably our temples. In the past, temples were not only places for
practicing religion, but they also served as the royal family’s palace.
Because the temples in Thailand reflect this aspect of history, their
extreme beauty should come as no surprise.

Beautiful Thai architecture

Earthenware is another outstanding Thai artform. While temples are

related to religion, this type of art is more ordinary in nature. A famous
type of earthenware is called “celadon ware,” or เครื่องสังคโลก (khrûueng-
sǎng-khá-lôok). It originated in Sukhothai province during the Sukhothai
Era.
As for literature, Thailand is known for its poetry. There are various types
of poems written in the Thai language, many of which focus on
storytelling. These poetic ‘stories’ are diverse, covering a range of genres
from religion and fantasy to love and food.

Thailand boasts a range of musical instruments and styles. In Thai culture,

music is a huge part of daily life and is also incorporated into special
events. For example, Thai people like to sing a song called เพลงรำวงเกี่ยว
ข้าว (phleeng-ram-wong-gìiao-khâao), or “Harvest Song,” during the harvest.
This is also a great example of their fun-loving nature, as they love to sing
and dance even during work.

5. Food
Nowadays, Thailand is well-known for two things: its beautiful travel
destinations and its delicious cuisine. Indeed, Thai food and culture go
hand in hand. There’s even a special Thai phrase that ties into this topic:

 ในน้ำมีปลา ในนามีข้าว” (nai-nám-mii-bplaa nai-naa-mii-khâao)

Literally meaning, “There are fish in the water and rice in the rice field,”
this saying has been used since the Sukhothai Era to describe Thailand’s
natural richness. From the past until now, Thailand has never lacked food.
If you visit Thailand, you’ll be able to find food 24/7.

Thai cuisine is known for its use of herbs and deep flavors, as well as its
beautiful and colorful presentations. As mentioned earlier, Thai people
are quite open-minded. This means you’ll find many Thai food items that
have been influenced by foreign cuisines. For example, Thai sweets that
use egg as an ingredient are the result of Portuguese influence.
 Thai food is tasty and full of herbs.

6. Traditional Holidays
When it comes to traditional Thai holidays, there are two that stand out
from the rest: วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan) and วันลอยกระทง (wan-laauy-
grà-thong).

A- วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan)
วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan), or the Thai New Year, takes place from April
13 to April 15 each year. During this holiday, Thai people go back to their
hometown to visit their parents or travel with family.

Popular วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan) activities include visiting temples to

make merit and building pagodas made of sand and flowers. Thai people
also รดน้ำดำหัวผู้ใหญ่ (rót-nám-dam-hǔua-phûu-yài), which is an activity to
show one’s gratitude, ask for forgiveness, and get a blessing from one’s
parents or grandparents.

These activities clearly reflect the family-oriented society of Thailand.

รดน้ำดำหัวผู้ใหญ่ [rót-nám-dam-hǔua-phûu-yài]

In addition to the activities above, Thai people also play with water during
this period. This is because วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan) is not only the
solar new year, but also the hottest time of the year. Family gatherings
and water games make วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan) a colorful holiday that
foreigners and natives alike look forward to.

B- วันลอยกระทง (wan-laauy-grà-thong)
The history of วันลอยกระทง (wan-laauy-grà-thong) dates back to the
Sukhothai Era. On this day, Thai people engage in certain activities to ask
forgiveness from พระแม่คงคา (phrá-mâae-khong-khaa), the goddess of
rivers. Thai people make กระทง (grà-thong), or “lotus-shaped boats,” from
banana tree leaves and flowers and float them down the river.

Nowadays, วันลอยกระทง (wan-laauy-grà-thong) is one of the most popular

holidays in Thailand. There are many activities you can do on this day:
observe the beautiful scenery at night, see women dressed in traditional
Thai clothing, experience the beauty of Thai dancing, and much more.
 Vietnamese Culture
Vietnamese Culture is one of the oldest culture in the World which has
undergone changes almost four thousands of years. Some people said
Vietnam culture has influence from Chinese culture but there is a study
shows Culture of Vietnam has its own characters and has parallel
development to Chinese culture. Along the history of Vietnam from the
Dynasty of Trieu, Dinh, Ly, Tran & Le. In the pretty much same time with
Chinese dynasty of Han, Duong, Tong, Nguyen.
According to scholarly sources, the Culture of Vietnam originated from
ancient Nam Viet, an ancient kingdom of Giao Chi people which shared
characteristics of Han Chinese cultures and the ancient Dong Son
Culture, considered one of the most important progenitors of its
indigenous culture, during the Bronze Age. Nam Viet was occupied by
Northern evaders in 111 BC, leading to the first Chinese domination of
Vietnam lasting over thousand years that propelled Chinese influences
onto Vietnamese culture in terms of Confucian philosophy governance,
and the arts.
Following independence from Chinese in the 10th century; successive
Vietnamese imperial dynasties flourished as the country embarked on
a southward expansion that annexed territories of the Champa and
Khmer civilizations; which resulted in regional variances of modern-
day culture of Vietnam. During the French colonial period in the mid-
19th century; Vietnamese culture absorbed European influences
including architecture; Catholicism, and the adoption of the Latin
alphabet, which created the new official writing system that replaced
the previous Chinese characters and Nom scripts.
After French left, Vietnamese culture was characterized by
government-controlled propaganda, which emphasized the importance
of cultural exchanges with fellow communist nations such as the
Soviet Union, China, and Cuba. Following the reform in 1986, Vietnam
has continuously absorbed various influences from Asian, European,
and American cultures. Part of the East Asian cultural sphere,
Vietnamese culture has certain characteristic features including
ancestor veneration and worship, respect for community and family
values, and manual labor religious belief. Important cultural symbols
include 4 holy animals: Dragons, Turtles, Phoenix, Unicorn.
The national flower is lotuses and the most popular plant in Vietnam
is bamboo.
]
1. Ethnic groups in Vietnam
Vietnam is a multiethnic country with over fifty distinct groups (54
Totally). Each of them has its own language, lifestyle, and cultural
heritage. Many of the local ethnic groups residing in mountain areas
are known collectively in the West as Montagnard or Degar.

The largest ethnic groups are: Kinh (Viet) 85.7%, Tay 1.9%, Tai Ethnic
1.8%, Mường 1.5%, Khmer Krom 1.5%, Hmong 1.2%, Nung 1.1%, Hoa
1%, with all others comprising the remaining 4.3% (2009 census). The
Vietnamese has term for ethnic group (literally “minority people”). One
distinctive feature of highland ethnic minority groups in Vietnam is
that they are colorfully attired whether at home, in the farm, traveling
or in their home town.
Many ethnic groups elsewhere such as southern part of Vietnam,
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China, Papua New Guinea, and many other
countries do not wear attractive clothes while engaged in their day-to-
day activities. The clothing of one group is quite different from that of
other groups and adds color to the social landscape. When you travel
in Vietnam, you will meet and even talk to many of them. In the trip to
Sapa, you may see dozens of them or some province as Lai Chau has
20 ethnic groups ( more than 3 hundreds thousand habitats). Dak Lak
province has most in Vietnam with 47 ethnic groups.
2. Social Beliefs & Customs in Vietnam
Family is very strong in Vietnam. Family and clan (dòng họ) are valued
over individualism. Clan is the most important social unit in the
country and each clan features a patriarch heading the clan and a clan
altar. Even today, in some parts of the country, the tradition of clan
members living together in longhouses is quite prevalent. It is also not
uncommon to see three to four generations of a family living together
in the same house. Members of a clan are related by blood and often
name their villages based on their clan names. Death commemorations
of clan members are usually attended by all members of the clan and
villagers.
Weddings in Vietnam earlier was arranged mainly by parents and
people were married very young. However, things have changed so
much in recent years since Vietnam Open the door to the World and
tourism pick up in early of 90. Vietnamese youth enjoy greater freedom
of choosing the time of their marriage and their partner. Weddings are
still mostly held in the traditional manner with elaborate rituals
and ceremonies. The date for Wedding was carefully selected by Feng
Shui master or most respected man in the Clan.

The traditional funeral ceremony in Vietnam is also quite elaborate

and long-stretched. The body of the dead person is cleaned with
fragrant water and dressed carefully in the special clothes. A lot of
mourning following and depends on each tribe and location, they have
the slightly different ceremony. Later the body will be burying, the
most popular method. Recently, some area, people choose cremation
instead of burying. Only 1 case of remains in frozen condition and
several cases of Monks body was kept inside the statues…
According to Confucian, men and women can not touch hand unless
they are husband and wife so Vietnamese people don’t hug when
meeting. They say ” Xin Chao” or handshake between men.
People in the city talk gently and quietly and people come from the
countryside or from the sea talk pretty loud. They work on the farm or
ocean and they got to talk even louder than the wind or the waves.
3. Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese food is fresh and healthy and getting more and more
popular all over the World. It exhibits great diversity but can be
classified into three primary categories by locations: the north, south,
and central regions of the country. Many types of noodles and noodle
soups and all type of spring rolls are popular here. Less use of oil and
greater use of fresh vegetables is preferred. Soy sauce, fish sauce,
mint, and basil are popular ingredients. Rice is the main food and
eaten in 3 meals a day. The flavors of Vietnamese food range from
spicy and sour to sweet. The Noodle Soup originating in North Vietnam
is a noted Vietnamese dish and features rice noodles with beef,
chicken, fish, sea food…. soup and scallions or bean sprouts as
accompaniments. There is vegetarian noodle soup too.
4. Traditional costumes of Vietnam
54 tribes in Vietnam has their own traditional costumes. The
traditional dress of the Vietnamese people changed significantly from
time to time and depended largely on the whims and fancies of the
region’s rulers. The common people of the country had greater
freedom to choose their clothing prior to the Nguyen dynasty. During
Nguyen Dynasty, several restrictions were placed on the type and
colors of clothes that could be worn by the common people of
Vietnam.
Some of the examples of traditional Vietnamese costumes are the Áo
Giao Lĩnh, the Áo Tứ Thân, Áo Cánh, and the Áo Bà Ba. The first one
refers to a cross-collared robe worn by the Vietnamese men while the
second is a four-part dress worn by the women.
The last two dresses were worn by the peasants in the north and
south, respectively and appeared like silk-pajama-type costumes. The
color code of the dresses also varied from time to time and during
Nguyen dynasty, only the monarchs enjoyed the exclusive rights of
wearing golden clothes while purple and red were popular among the
nobles and aristocrats. The headgear worn in Vietnam changed over
the years with the conical hat or Non La being the most popular among
the community.
Beautiful Vietnamese girls in Ao Dai ( long dress) at Hue Citadel
5. Religion and philosophy of Vietnam

Most of Vietnamese people worshiping their ancestors and believe in

animism. In the ID most of Vietnamese (about 90%), the line: Religion:
None.
In reality ,religion in Vietnam has historically been largely defined by a
mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, known in Vietnamese as
the Tam Giao (“triple religion”).Catholicism is also practiced in modern
Vietnam.
Ancestor worship is common in Vietnamese culture. Most Vietnamese,
regardless of religious denomination, practice ancestor worship and
have an ancestor altar at their home or business, a testament to the
emphasis Vietnamese culture places on filial piety
6. Vietnamese Music & Dance
Vietnam is associated with a rich tradition of dance and music.
Vietnamese music also exhibits variance in each part of Vietnam. It is
older and more formal in the north while Champa culture exerts
considerable influence on Central classical music and music in the
southern part of the country is a livelier affair. The country has nearly
50 national music instruments. The Imperial Court music and the Ca
Tru are important traditional forms of Vietnamese music.
The great ethnic diversity of Vietnam has gifted the country with
diverse dance forms. These dances are usually performed at the
cultural programs and festivals held in the country. The Lion dance,
platter dance, fan dance, imperial lantern dance is some of the
traditional dance forms of Vietnam. The dances that developed in the
imperial courts of Vietnam are quite complex in nature and require
great skills to be mastered.
7. Vietnamese Arts & Literature
Water Puppetry
Literature in Vietnam has greatly evolved over the years from
romanticism to realism. Two aspects of the literature in the country
are the folk literature and the written literature both of which
developed almost at the same time. Folk literature features fairytales,
folk legends, humorous stories, and epic poems. Written literature was
previously written in the Cham and Nom characters and focused on
poetry and prose. Now, it is mostly written in the National Language
and includes short stories, dramas, novels, etc.
Vietnamese art is mainly influenced by Buddhism, Taoism,
and Confucianism. However, more recently, the Cham and French
influence have also been reflected in the art presentations. Silk
painting is popular in Vietnam and involves the liberal use of colors.
Calligraphy is also a much-respected art form and often, during
festivals like the Lunar New Year. On the third day of new year people
would visit a village teacher or an erudite scholar to obtain calligraphy
hangings for their homes. Vietnamese wood-block prints are also quite
popular. Water puppetry and several forms of theaters represent
other performing art forms in Vietnam.
8. Martial Arts in Vietnam
Vovinam ( Viet Vo Dao) is Vietnam traditional martial art. Vietnam has
a very well-developed tradition of martial arts that has some similarity
to Chinese martial arts. Vietnamese Vovinam martial arts philosophy
guides the martial arts practice in the country. It is associated with
intense spirituality because of its close association with Buddhism,
Taoism, and Confucianism. The scissor kick is a famous movement of
this form of martial arts.

Although Vietnamese martial arts is less popular in other parts of the

world than its Chinese or Japanese counterparts, there is no doubt
that it is gradually and steadily gaining greater popularity worldwide
with the establishment of schools teaching this martial art form in
many parts of the world.
9. Festivals of Vietnam

Vietnam has many festivals. In Vietnamese Festival is Le Hoi. It

includes 2 parts Le: Ceremony + Hoi: Game & fun.
Festivals including both traditional ones and those adopted from other
cultures are celebrated in the country with great pomp and glory. Here
is the top 10 festivals in Vietnam:

 1 -TET Nguyen Dan – TET holidays all over the country

 2- Hung King Holidays in March 10th ( lunar calendar)- Phu Tho
province
 3- Saint Giong Festival – In March outside Hanoi in Soc Son district
 4- Ka Te Festival – In Champa community in Ninh Thuan Province
 5- Perfume pagoda festival – Outside Hanoi
 6- Dong Da Festival in Hanoi
 7- Cau Ngu Festival in Hue in December
 8- Hội đua voi – Elephant racing in Don village – Dak Lak province
 9- Ba Chua Xu Festival – In Chau Doc city, An Giang province in April
 10- Cam Muong Festival in Lai Chau province.
10. Holidays and other important days
Vietnam celebrates several holidays, totally 14 days of holidays in a
year including traditional holidays which have been celebrated in
Vietnam for thousands of years, along with modern holidays imported
predominantly from western countries.
Among Vietnamese traditional holidays, the two most important and
widely celebrated are the Lunar new year -TET, followed by the Mid-
autumn lantern festival (TET Trung Thu), although the latter has been
losing ground in recent years.
Chinese Culture: Customs & Traditions of China
China is an extremely large country — first in population and fifth in area, according to the CIA
— and the customs and traditions of its people vary by geography and ethnicity.
About 1.4 billion people live in China, according to the World Bank, representing 56 ethnic
minority groups. The largest group is the Han Chinese, with about 900 million people. Other
groups include the Tibetans, the Mongols, the Manchus, the Naxi, and the Hezhen, which is
smallest group, with fewer than 2,000 people.
"Significantly, individuals within communities create their own culture," said Cristina De Rossi,
an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Culture includes religion, food,
style, language, marriage, music, morals and many other things that make up how a group acts
and interacts. Here is a brief overview of some elements of the Chinese culture.
Religion
The Chinese Communist Party that rules the nation is officially atheist, though it is gradually
becoming more tolerant of religions, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Currently,
there are only five official religions. Any religion other than Buddhism, Taoism, Islam,
Catholicism and Protestantism are illegal, even though the Chinese constitution states that people
are allowed freedom of religion. The gradual tolerance of religion has only started to progress in
the past few decades.
About a quarter of the people practice Taoism and Confucianism and other traditional religions.
There are also small numbers of Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Although numerous
Protestant and Catholic ministries have been active in the country since the early 19th century,
they have made little progress in converting Chinese to these religions.
The cremated remains of someone who may have been the Buddha were discovered in Jingchuan
County, China, with more than 260 Buddhist statues in late 2017. Buddha was a spiritual teacher
who lived between mid-6th and mid-4th centuries B.C. His lessons founded Buddhism.
[Cremated Remains of the 'Buddha' Discovered in Chinese Village]
Language
There are seven major groups of dialects of the Chinese language, which each have their own
variations, according to Mount Holyoke College. Mandarin dialects are spoken by 71.5 percent
of the population, followed by Wu (8.5 percent), Yue (also called Cantonese; 5 percent), Xiang
(4.8 percent), Min (4.1 percent), Hakka (3.7 percent) and Gan (2.4 percent).
Chinese dialects are very different, according to Jerry Norman, a former professor of linguistics
at the University of Washington and author of "Chinese (Cambridge Language Surveys)"
(Cambridge University Press, 1988). "Chinese is rather more like a language family than a single
language made up of a number of regional forms," he wrote. "The Chinese dialectal complex is
in many ways analogous to the Romance language family in Europe. To take an extreme
example, there is probably as much difference between the dialects of Peking [Beijing] and
Chaozhou as there is between Italian and French."
The official national language of China is Pŭtōnghuà, a type of Mandarin spoken in the capital
Beijing, according to the Order of the President of the People's Republic of China. Many Chinese
are also fluent in English.
Food
Like other aspects of Chinese life, cuisine is heavily influenced by geography and ethnic
diversity. Among the main styles of Chinese cooking are Cantonese, which features stir-fried
dishes, and Szechuan, which relies heavily on use of peanuts, sesame paste and ginger and is
known for its spiciness.
Rice is not only a major food source in China; it is also a major element that helped grow their
society, according to "Pathways to Asian Civilizations: Tracing the Origins and Spread of Rice
and Rice Cultures," an 2011 article in the journal Rice by Dorian Q. Fuller. The Chinese word
for rice is fan, which also means "meal," and it is a staple of their diet, as are bean sprouts,
cabbage and scallions. Because they do not consume a lot of meat — occasionally pork or
chicken — tofu is a main source of protein for the Chinese.

The arts
Chinese art is greatly influenced by the country's rich spiritual and mystical history. Many
sculptures and paintings depict spiritual figures of Buddhism, according to the Metropolitan
Museum of Art.
Many musical instruments are integral to Chinese culture, including the flute-like xun and the
guqin, which is in the zither family.
Eastern-style martial arts were also developed in China, and it is the birthplace of kung fu. This
fighting technique is based on animal movements and was created in the mid-1600s, according
to Black Belt Magazine.
Ancient Chinese were avid writers and philosophers — especially during the Ming and Qing
dynasties — and that is reflected in the country's rich liturgical history.
Recently, archaeologists discovered detailed paintings in a 1,400-year-old tomb in China. "The
murals of this tomb had diversified motifs and rich connotations, many of which cannot be found
in other tombs of the same period," a team of archaeologists wrote in an article recently
published in a 2017 issue of the journal Chinese Archaeology. [Ancient Tomb with 'Blue
Monster' Mural Discovered in China]
Science & technology
China has invested large amounts of money in science advancements and currently challenges
the United States in scientific research. China spent 75 percent of what the United States spent in
2015, according to the journal JCI Insight.
One recent 2017 development in Chinese science is teleportation. Chinese researchers sent a
packet of information from Tibet to a satellite in orbit, up to 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) above
the Earth's surface, which is a new record for quantum teleportation distance. [Chinese Scientists
Just Set the Record for the Farthest Quantum Teleportation]
Another 2017 advancement is the development of new bullet trains. Dubbed "Fuxing," which
means "rejuvenation," these trains are high-speed transportation systems that run between
Beijing and Shanghai. The trains can travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph), making them
the world's fastest trains. [China's 'Rejuvenation' Bullet Trains Are the World's Fastest]
Customs and celebrations

The largest festival — also called the Spring Festival — marks the beginning of the Lunar New
Year. It falls between mid-January and mid-February and is a time to honor ancestors. During
the 15-day celebration, the Chinese do something every day to welcome the new year, such as
eat rice congee and mustard greens to cleanse the body, according to the University of Victoria.
The holiday is marked with fireworks and parades featuring dancers dressed as dragons.
Many people make pilgrimages to Confucius' birthplace in Shandong Province on his birthday,
Sept. 28. The birthday of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, is observed by visiting Taoist temples.
It falls between late March and late April. Similar celebrations mark the birthday of Mazu, the
goddess of the sea (also known as Tianhou), in May or June. The Moon Festival is celebrated in
September or October with fireworks, paper lanterns and moon gazing.