Within the Asian giant can distinguish four culinary schools, that of Beijing, north of the country, the Shanghai, the east of Guangzhou, south, and Sichuan in the west, the latter being more likely to use spices and intense flavors obtained. However, they all share a common guideline, as well as a unified conception of the role of food in everyday life. Not forgetting the Taoist principle of yin and yang, which applies in all foods. For example, foods such as rice, carrots, onion, soy sauce, sugar or salt (yin) to be combined with others such as pork, wine, pepper, ginger and fat (yang .) Nor must not lose sight of the distinction between main courses (fan) and secondary (ts I).
In any case, it goes without saying that the traditional Chinese menu is far from the Western structure: far consist of a first course, a second and a dessert consisting of around five or six plates (ISC) meat (ROU) , fish (yu) cooked rice (Mifano), pasta, soy cheese (tofu) and vegetables, of which the guest is served directly. Although in some areas of the country there is a notable pastry tradition, China’s population never ends their feasts with sweets.
By contrast, abundant food served cold and served with salsa (liangban) and others who form the spearhead of Chinese cuisine. Among its most emblematic specialties That little or nothing to do with those served in Chinese restaurants in place in the West, Highlighting the jiaozi (dumplings with meat or vegetables, fried or steamed), soup agripicante (suanlatang) stewed with soy sauce (hongshao), fish in sweet and sour sauce (tangcuyu) and, above all, the style of Peking duck, which is eaten wrapped in pancakes and served with soy sauce or hoisin sauce. As part of the prestigious Cantonese (current south of the country), it should be noted the wonton (fried dumplings stuffed with meat), the very famous spring rolls Whose origins date back to the Tang dynasty The far daan tong (soup egg), the hojan no taiji (sauteed scallops with oyster sauce), crispy chicken, chop suey (roasted vegetables) or chow mien (Chinese noodles).
Also, restaurants in some major Chinese cities For example, the commercial center of Luoyang gastronomic offer hard to find in Europe, despite having an English name: the hot-pot. The original meal consists in introducing various fresh ingredients (fish, mushrooms, tofu or carpaccio) in a large bowl of soup (a burner underneath the table keeps it hot at all times). After a few seconds, they can retire with sticks and tasted separately, or together with sauce or broth.
Festivals, family reunions and rites of ancestor worship
Here, we present in chronological order, most marked Chinese festivals.
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (Chunjie)
This is the highlights of the calendar. His arrival paralyzed the country for two weeks, along which much of the population returned to their home to enjoy this time with the family. Chinese New Year coincides with the start of the first lunar month (zheng yue), which ranges from 21 January to 21 February Westerners. The pomp culminating on day 15 of zheng yue with the Feast of Lanterns (Dengjie). Based on a legend dating from the Han period, this tradition is to light lanterns in which some puzzles are printed (custom dating from the Song Dynasty). Those who manage to solve them in exchange receive a small gift.
Day of Goddess Mazu
This festival is especially strong in Taiwan and the southeastern coastal provinces of China Including Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian?, Since it involves the worship of the divine protector of the sea. Held on 23 of the third lunar month, during which he conducted opera performances, puppet theater and fireworks. In the case of Taiwan? Where about 300 shrines stand in honor of Mazu? is organized, a huge procession that since 1730, culminating in the central temple Beigang temple.
Day of the Dead and Brilliant Clarity Party (Qingmingjie)
During the day Held at a date between 4 and 6 April China’s population worships their ancestors through various rituals. The most common practice is to clean and place flowers and fruits at the tomb of their ancestors, burn incense and bow perform various rituals.
Boats Fiesta of Double Dragon or Five (Duanwujie)
This tradition is named after the date on which commemorates: the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. As in the case of worship of the goddess Mazu, is especially linked to the coastal area of mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and owes its origins to ancient rites associated with fertility. Its most significant feature canoe races are decorated with images of dragons (long shou). Each accommodates eight to 20 paddlers, depending on your wingspan. This is to remember the death of the classical poet Qu Yuan (340 BC-278 BC), who drowned.
Valentine’s Day (Qixijie)
Contrary to what might seem a priori, it is not Valentine’s Day, but a festival linked to the classical Chinese mythology. According to legend, the cowherd and the weaver Niulang Zhinü (represented by two stars separated by the Milky Way) are the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, when it takes place Qixijie. In fact, this coincides with what in the West is the phenomenon known as the Perseids (or falling stars), which occurs annually between 25 July and 18 August. Despite the tradition that once had many rituals associated with China, they have practically disappeared. Instead, lovers exchange gifts, so that the party has acquired a commercial character identical to our 14 February.
Feast of the Spirits (Guijie)
By day 15 of the seventh lunar month, the faithful visiting times to make offerings to the spirits. According to legend, this is the time when the earth god descended from heaven to help lost souls to continue the cycle of reincarnation. Thus, unlike Qingmingjie, offerings not only for deceased loved ones, but for all those who tormented spirits have to satisfy and pacify.
Mid-Autumn Festival or the Full Moon (Zhongqiujie)
It takes place on day 15 of the eighth lunar month, and is closely linked to the celebration of the harvest and the autumn equinox. Currently, the most widespread habit is to go outside, in the home, and enjoy with family and neighbors calls yue bing (Cookies moon), While admiring the full moon and are expressed aloud the wishes of good fortune.
New Year’s Eve (Chuxi)
It consists of a set of cleaning practices or renewal to begin the new year off right. It celebrates the eve of the first lunar month (zheng yue), which ranges between 21 January and 21 February. Among the customs associated with more widespread, highlighted the division between children red envelopes (hong bao) containing a small amount of money and used to convey good luck. Also, preparing Chinese dumplings or jiaozi, involving many of the members of the family, is also a tradition.
