The typical seating arrangement is a part of Chinese dining etiquette. The following basic Chinese table manners will help you initially master Chinese dinner etiquette and ensure a pleasant dining experience in China. If you must turn down such an honor, it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that your actions are not taken as a slight.Īs they say, When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you are invited to their house, consider it a great honor. Traditional Chinese customs, including Chinese table manners, have even spread throughout East Asia.Ĭhinese people prefer to entertain in the public places rather than in their homes, especially when entertaining foreigners. Chinese people attach importance to politeness, courtesy and comity on any formal occasion, whether it is a Chinese wedding ceremony, a celebration party, or a banquet. In addition to these, fish has always been used to suggest the accumulation of prosperity and wealth with meals on New Year's Eve.China has long been known as a nation of rites. Eggs with a black pointed end and dots in an even number such as six or eight, indicates a boy's birth those without a black point and in an odd number like a five or seven will say the baby is a girl. In Central China, when a baby is born, the happy father will send red boiled eggs to announce the news. In ancient times, monks would kindly share all sorts of grains with people and made them flavorful porridge on this particular day. On the eighth day of the last month in the Chinese lunar calendar, people will enjoy a nourishing porridge called 'La Ba Zhou'. Now Zongzi is made in various shapes and sorts. The festival on that day is to venerate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan and the people fearing his body would be eaten by the fishes, threw Zongzi into the river to feed the fishes so that they wouldn't bite Qu Yuan's body. This is especially popular in northeast China.ĭuring the Dragon Boat Festival, though many people cannot reach the riverside to watch the boat race, almost all of them eat zongzi, a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. The return home is greeted with noodles and off home while a farewell is offered with dumplings. To most Chinese people, returning home after long absence or departure from home are both significant and there are dining customs associated with this. On the wedding day, it is also customary to serve dates, peanuts, longan and chestnuts together as wish that the couple will soon have a baby in accord with the Chinese proclamation. In addition to the above, peaches in many forms will be added symbolizing the longevity and immortality, as well as delightful couplets and candles. After middle age, his birthday will grander. When one is young, usually he will eat noodles before his birthday, because the long noodles indicate the longevity in China, and birthday cake on the actual day. To celebrate the birthday is important moment in one's life. When the main dishes are prepared in a decorative form either by cut or other means they will be placed facing the major guests and elder people at the table. When hosts place dishes on the table, they will arrange the main courses at the center with the supporting dishes evenly placed around them. Guests should not start to eat until the host says, 'Please enjoy yourself' or something like that, otherwise it suggests disrespect and causes displeasure. Before starting to eat dinner, the host may offer some words of greeting. In ancient times the common people led a needy life but they still tried their best to support the elder mother or father who took it for granted.Īlthough the hosts in China are all friendly and hospitable, you should also show them respect. The practice of presenting the best or fine food first to the senior members of the family has been observed for countless generations. It is really an admirable custom to respect others at the table, including the aged, teachers and guests while taking good care of children.Ĭhinese people stress filial piety all the time.
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