Encountering Ancient Traditions in Modern Chinese Family Life

Assignments to hand in:    Travel Journal of Modern Chinese Practices

Step 1: Introduction - Look at the pictures below and read the following text:

                                                                           
Chinese family eating a meal                                                              Map of the People's Republic of China

Throughout Chinese history, the family has been the most important institution in China. Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, described five key relationships in society, three of which relate to the family: that of a parent and a child, a husband and a wife, and an elder sibling and a younger sibling. Chinese families have traditionally been responsible for monitoring family members' behavior; providing work for them, and looking after their welfare. Several practices and beliefs have strengthened the family unit. The design of Chinese homes; birth, marriage, and funeral practices; and the belief in ancestor worship all have contributed to making the family a stable and fundamental element in Chinese society.

While the family remains an important societal institution in the People's Republic of China, its power has been somewhat weakened by the Communist government. After the Communist Revolution of 1949, the Communists sought to strengthen citizens' loyalty to the government and promote equality across class lines by weakening traditional family bonds. Community organizations were established to fulfill responsibilities that were once performed by the family. For example, children began to be educated in community schools. The government assigned jobs to its citizens, and sometimes separated families by assigning husbands and wives to regions that were far apart from one another. Family size was also limited by a strict policy that allowed each family only one child. In addition, officials tried to discourage traditional ceremonies that have strengthened family ties in the past. The Communist government has tried to persuade couples to get married in simple civil services instead of elaborate ceremonies. The government also recommends cremation rather than expensive funeral rites. The efforts to weaken the family have been somewhat successful in the cities of mainland China. However, many of the traditional family practices and beliefs remain almost unchanged in China's rural communities, in urban areas such as Hong Kong, and in Taiwan.

Step 2: Download and print the handout: Travel Guide to Practices of Modern Chinese Families

Step 3: Cut the pages of the Travel Guide and staple them together like a book.

Step 4: Download and print the handout: Travel Journal of Modern Chinese Practices

Step 5: Traveling in China: You will complete the Travel Journal by visiting each STATION below. Follow these directions:
    A. Look at each picture.
    B. Read the caption that goes with the picture.
    C. Read the corresponding text in your Travel Guide.
    D. Answer the prompts and fill in the visuals in the Travel Journal.

STATIONS OF MODERN CHINESE FAMILY PRACTICES

You are at a cemetery near the capital city of Beijing watching members of a Chinese family, who are gathered around the tombstone of their parents. As you move closer to the group, you notice that they have cleaned the stone and are repainting the names engraved on it with red paint. Use your travel guide to learn how the Chinese honor, or venerate, their ancestors.

You are standing in front of an egg vendor who is selling hard-boiled and raw eggs at a market stall in northwestern China. As you approach the vendor, you notice that the boiled eggs are colored red. Consult your travel guide to learn how red eggs are used in Chinese birth ceremonies.

You are standing on a road in southern China, watching a funeral procession make its way past you. Looking more closely at the mourners, you notice that some of them are slowly walking backward, away from the coffin. Use your travel guide to learn how Chinese mourners participate in death and mourning rituals. Listen to this example of Chinese funeral music.

You are in northern China watching members of a family posing for a photograph. As you watch the photographer snap pictures, you notice that the family has members from three generations. Use your travel guide to learn more about the structure of traditional Chinese families.

You have encountered a boy assisting an elderly woman down a dirt path in a garden located in southern China. You are impressed with how the boy holds the woman's arm so that she does not fall. Use your travel guide to learn more about filial piety, or the devotion and respect that the Chinese have for their elders.

You are in a rural area in central China looking at the exterior of a traditional Chinese home. You are impressed by the gate that marks the entrance to the home. Use your travel guide to learn more about the gate and other important features of traditional Chinese homes.

You are in a hospital in eastern China looking at newborn babies. You have been told that the tags attached to the babies' blankets contain vital information, such as their gender, weight, and the names of their mothers. Use your travel guide to learn about how the babies will be named after they are released from the hospital.

You are in the city of Shanghai on the east coast of China watching a young bride prepare for her wedding. You notice that she is surrounded by family members and that one of them is adjusting her veil. Use your travel guide to learn more about traditional weddings in Chinese culture.

Step 6: Writing a Letter Home: Write a letter to a friend at home about your tour of China following the directions on this handout: Guidelines for Writing a Letter About Practices of Modern Chinese Families

PowerPoint: Chinese Traditions and Culture

Supplemental Video (To View - Right click, then "Save Target As..."):
Traditional Foods & Markets
Hidden Peoples of China (China's minority populations and their culture)

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