The Weed

“Dear readers,

It’s been a pleasure for me and my team to write for The Weed for the past few months. We hope you enjoy each and every one of the posts. And now, the time has come for us to pen our last words on the monthly publication and we will soon sign off for the last time in this monthly issue.”

Alright people, yes, it’s our last issue for the current editorial team but I do not wish to end it the sad way with the tone you have just read a second ago. Since this is our final edition, each and every one of us have summoned out best effort to deliver the best ever article for you. Yes, to you, our loyal readers! It might be too far fetch but we really hope it fits your reading selection. This month, we highlighted the upcoming Duan Wu Festival, or the Dragon Boat Festival, an event not to be missed. Read on and you will be enlightened on Feng Shui, a concept that has heavily influenced the Chinese community. We also serve Chinese Opera in the menu, and by chance, if you’re a fan of Chinese food and very concerned with your diet (a weight watcher perhaps?), we will tell you if you’re making the right choice in Jia Yin’s article, Is Chinese Food More Nutritious?

So, we have come right till the end, and I on behalf of the board would like to thank each and every one of you for your support throughout the whole course (and that includes first time visitors =P). It’s really an honour for us to write for the Chinese Society of Bristol University and her supporters. We would also like to take this chance to apologize to anyone that we offended in any of our publication. Seriously, sorry, we really don’t mean it

Right, guess that’s all for this time! And till then, we hope you will stay tune and anticipate for the next publication by the new editorial board. And yes, do not forget to bookmark our website, it is http://www.weedchinesesociety.blogspot.com/.

Stuart Chan

Chinese Opera

by Sue Yin Chuah

Chinese Opera is also known as “theatre” or “Shakespearean theatre” among the western culture. Yet the English notation of opera may not fully capture the true essence of Opera in China, as anyone vaguely familiar with Chinese Opera should agree.

Chinese Opera in Chinese is known as 戏曲, Xi Qu, which word by word translated as “the theatre of song” or “musical”. Again, neither of these terms accurately captures the essence of Chinese Opera. So, what is the essence of the Chinese Opera that is so unique and cannot be described accurately by any English notation that we normally used to note the western musical but yet a worldwide favourite?

To qualify as Xi Qu, the art must be able to pose the following elements:-

1. The action, or drama, must involve a plot
2. It must rest on a written script replete with stage instructions
3. It must involve a cast of actors/ performers who impersonate characters (this to distinguish Xi Qu from a narration)
4. The plot must unfold via a mixture of dialogue, action, and singing (”dancing” – including leaping and other dramatic movement associated with martial arts – may occur, but this is strictly optional)
5. There must be a combination of “makeup” (not the same as the Painted Face) and costume
6. There must be musical accompaniment from start to finish (not just musical accompaniment during certain passages during the drama, as in the American genre calling itself a “musical”)
7. There must be a well-defined role categories (the tragic figure, the jester, etc.)
8. The Xi Qu performance must be the main event itself, not a warm-up act or an intermezzo for another event

Chinese Opera roots back to as far as third century CE. There are numerous branches of Chinese Opera, of which the Beijing Opera (Jingju) is one of the most notable.

Beijing Opera Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfNcf4EppkE&feature=related
Sichuan Puppet Opera video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMUfj0CFPWw&feature=related

There are different types of Chinese opera and it differs by area such as Northern and Southern. Here are some examples of the opera types in different areas of China. At most case, it differs across dialects spoken in that particular area.

Besides being played and staged in China, Chinese opera has also become one of the traditions that have been practiced by Chinese community in other countries such as Malaysia. Chinese Opera is usually being staged during a big prayer ceremony. It is being seen not just as an entertainment, but also being respected as a form of ancient art which can be used to be presented to the God.

Duan Wu Festival, 端午节
by Stuart Chan

The Duan Wu festival or in English, Dragon Boat festival is an annual event on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on the 28th of May in the Gregorian calendar. Duan Wu festival is auspiciously celebrated by the Chinese community throughout the world. In fact, it is such an important event that China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan declare the Dragon Boat Festival as a public holiday.

Traditionally, Duan Wu Festival is to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet during the ancient China. Qu Yuan was a well respected scholar during the Confucius era who served as royal counsellor in the southern state of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty. Qu Yuan was a very loyal minister with political integrity. However, the Chu king is said to be undermined by the corrupted ministers under his premiership to exile Qu Yuan. It is during the period of exile that Qu Yuan produced a great deal of poems that deliver his feelings and thoughts. Qu Yuan was then accused of treason and years later, he committed suicide by jumping into a river on the fifth day of fifth month in the lunar calendar. Locals who admired him wrapped food in bamboo leaves and threw it into the river he jumped to feed the fishes as a means to prevent them from eating his body which is then said to be the origin of Zong Zi. In addition, the locals also row boats and beat drums around the spot he jumped to keep the fishes away.

Since then, boat races are held annually during Duan Wu Festival. The race boats are so called Dragon Boats because the front and rear segment of the boats are decorated to resemble a dragon head and tail. Traditionally, 22 crews were involved in each boat, comprising of 20 rowers; a drummer, who will set the pace of rowing pattern for the whole boat with his drum beats; and a tiller at rear of the boat to control the direction where the boat is heading. The drum beats is a set of rhythms that regulate the paddling strokes and frequencies of the boat. Rowers will synchronize their paddling patterns in order to maximize the boat speed. Each boat will race for the fastest time to grab the flag at the floating post of the ending line.

It is a happening event as during the race, the thundering beats of each boats topped with the cheering of the crowd is sure to keep one at the end of his or toes to join the rest to cheer. In the race, some of the boats may finish lengths behind the winner but it is the spirit and enthusiasm that makes the festival an eventful one. Also, the boats are decorated so beautifully that one can be kept amused by the arts and designs of each boat, distinctive from the others with its own uniqueness. Do keep an eye on the next Duan Wu Festival, as Dragon Boat races are not merely held in China, but also across the western countries. Certainly, it is not an event to be missed.

Another highlight of this festival is preparing and eating Zong Zi. 粽子, Zong Zi is made out of glutinous rice stuffed with different contents and wrapped in bamboo leaves. They are then boiled or steamed and usually come in pyramid shapes. Today, there are wide varieties of stuffing available such as peanuts, red beans and meat stuffing. It’s rather filling and just one or two of them can easily be ones lunch or dinner. They are simply delicious. And for those of you who just can’t tear yourself off work, you can now find a whole lot of Zong Zi varieties on the market.

However, remember that it is during the preparation of Zong Zi that one finds joy and laughter which will further strengthen their relationships. Wrapping the Zong Zi itself is a skill as it is essential to ensure that the contents of the wrappings do not fall out when it is steamed or boiled. So why not challenge yourself to make one of them?

It’s simply worth trying, and most probably, you will not hesitate to long for a second one. Do have your hands on making them if you fancy experiencing the spirit of this festival. After all, it would not be hard for one to Google for the recipe on the internet.

So having heard all the facts about Duan Wu Festival, why not experience it yourself? Keep an eye on the 28th of May, 2009, and of all you may not know, there might just be an auspicious celebration near you. Or if not, get along with friends, and try preparing the Zong Zi. Do not hesitate to get the readymade ones too from Asian Supermarkets or even China town. As for the Dragon Boat Race, I’m sure it is held worldwide around the time of the festival. And if you’re in or near UK, the London Dragon Boat Race 2009 will be held on 28 of June 2009 at London Regatta Center, right opposite London City Airport. It may be an effort to make it there, but I assure you, it is an experience that is worth your time. After all, it is a Sunday, do you not have reason to treat yourself a day off to experience the spirit and enthusiasm of this festival?

Feng Shui

“When there is light in the soul,
there is beauty in the person.

When there is beauty in the person,
there is harmony in the home.

When there is harmony in the home,
there is honour in the nation.

When there is honour in the nation,
There is peace in the world.”

This Chinese proverb eloquently explains the traditional Chinese concept of the nature – Feng Shui. That harmony begins in an individual cannot be emphasised more. Only when that is achieved, can it be extended to the wider circle of family, society and the world.

Literally, Feng Shui means “Wind” and “Water”. It is neither science nor art precisely, but rather a dynamic combination of both. Feng Shui deals primarily with how human being can harness the best of the surroundings to help in the enhancement of our well being.

Now, you might wonder what nature has got to do with our daily life. The Chinese generally believe that our destiny is made up of three components and it is assumed that each factor dictates our life equally, that is with one third weighting each.

a.) 天 (Tian) or Heaven
- This factor explains why some of us are born Kings, while others, in the slum. The statements of “Why am I born poor?” or “Life is unfair” could be attributed to this element. It is the only aspect beyond human control and is usually termed as “fate”.

- Tian also categorises our lifetime into several periods of “luck” and one period is almost always different from another. For instance, you probably know of someone who acquire massive wealth, lose it all, and within a short period of time, acquire it all back again. (Sound familiar, isn’t it? Steven Jobs of Apples is one of them). By no means have I claimed that it is fated, but his “luck” could be the underlying factor for the various episodes of his life.

b.) 地 (Di) or Earth
- This element is the central point of the Feng Shui theory. It is believed that harmony must exist between human being and its surrounding. Primary school level science taught us the Earth rotates about its axis as well as the Sun. So, it is common sense to acknowledge that the land is alive and filled with energy or “Qi”. Feng Shui is all about how we utilise this energy for our own interest.

c.) 人 (Ren) or Humanity
- This is the most conventional wisdom that propagates the statement “Practice and hard work bring success”. Work hard and you shall receive. It is as simple as that.

So, even though the component “Tian” is uncontrollable, the aforementioned formula tells us we can determine 2/3 of our life and it is achievable.

“Why is life so unfair?” one grumbles. “I study 10 hours a day, but the best grade I have ever achieved is a C+” one wonders. “My friends are having wonderful, romantic life, why am I still single?” one worries.

They DO work hard. They DO put it the necessary effort. So, why can’t they obtain the desired outcomes?

My experience suggests that these people have already fulfilled their “人@ Humanity” component and technically, accomplished one-third of the whole equation. It could be that the “天 @ Heaven” element does not favour them in that particular time of their life. But, to make things worse, “地 @Earth” may have turned against them.

Feng Shui is the remedy for those problems. And as emphasised by the Chinese proverb, it begins with us, the individuals.

It concerns how we deal with our living space – home (bedroom, toilet, kitchen, study area) offices, classrooms, and also to a certain extent – cities.

Feng shui is a convoluted subject and very technical in nature, for it has existed for more than 5000 years and was crafted by expert geomancers. Classical feng shui involves selecting the favourable directions for sleeping, studying or working. The subject area is so wide and ranges from having a particular shape for our furniture to building a business complex in a certain strategic location. Mastering feng shui cannot be done overnight.

But there are some simplified practical tips and they can be done easily:

1. Declutter
If you are stressed out, the first thing to do is to clear the clutter in your living space – bedroom, study desk, cupboard, kitchen, etc. Often our homes are overflowing with stuff and it inhibits us from fulfilling our life aspirations. Our homes are a reflection of ourselves. If there is disharmony in us, there will be disharmony in the home. A spotless or messy home may have disharmony but in different ways.

2. Bedroom Furniture
- Feng Shui principles state that mirrors should not reflect the bed. The sleepers’ spirit rises at night and might be shocked to see their image. This is superstitious but the point is mirror reflecting the bed causes bad “Qi”.

- Furniture with sharp edges should not point to the sleeper in bed. Pointing edges cause negative energy.

3. Romance
- Light some candles in your room. Candles in all shapes, sizes and colour are suggestive of love. Apart from giving your area a warm glow, it also enhances the entire look of your home, while enhancing romance.

- Your bedroom should have a romantic feel to it, with soft colours and lighting. Hang some romantic or saucy pictures on the walls, or some loving couple statues on your bedside or dressing table. Always keep it clean and tidy.

4. Sitting Position (Home or Office)
- Always sit with a solid wall behind your back to ensure that you have support in your life. And never sit with a window behind you.

5. Lighting
- Make sure that your room is sufficiently lit and yet not overdone. Soft lampshades are fine but spotlights and harsh lighting do not help.

The suggestions are but a few advices. The scope of Feng Shui is so wide to be fitted in just one article. But the crux is – we control our life. We decide who we want to be. Remember the 2/3rd rule. Apart from personal effort, always build a harmonious “relationship” with the surroundings. And you shall reap the benefits and ultimately, see the beauty in you.

Chinese Geomancer
…an Economics student. It is inevitable for him to quantify everything in his life – and of course, the list includes fate. He is an avid enthusiast of Chinese geomancy and would like meet anyone having an interest in Feng Shui/Destiny Code (Bazi). Contact sw8084@bristol.ac.uk if interested.

Is Chinese Food More Nutritious?