China's Population & The One Child Policy

As of January 2011, the worlds population was about 6.7 billion people.  China, with a population of 1.3 million people represents about 20% of the worlds overall population.  This makes China the worlds most populated country.  This though may not stay this way because of China's one child policy which began in 1979.  It was originally designated as a temporary measure because of it's over-population. The policy still continues today.  This policy limits couples to only having one child.  Over the first 20 years it reduced China's population by 300 million people.

http://www.historycentral.com/nationbynation/China/Population.html

This chart shows China's population growth from 1980 (right after the one child policy was put into place) to 1996.

http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/onechild.htm
http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/chinapopulation.htm

Official and Traditional Chinese Holidays

January 1st- New Year's Day (Official holiday)
This official holiday is not as popular as it is in other parts of the world because of the Chinese New Years festival that follows soon after.  There are lots of parties in parks and dancing halls and employees and students are given off. 

1st day of the 1st lunar month- Spring Festival or Chinese New Year (Traditional holiday)
Biggest and most popular festival in all of China.  It is the equivalent to our Christmas in level of importance. This festival often lasts three to five days.  The date of the Chinese New Year is based off of the Chinese Calender.






http://journals.utoledo.edu/xinren/2012/01/27/happy-chinese-new-year/

June 1st- Children's Day (Official holiday)
This is a day where Chinese children are celebrated.  Things such as museums, parks and movie theaters are free to children.  Their schools and parents shower them with gifts. 

5th Day of the 5th lunar month- Duan Wu (Dragon Boat) Festival- (Traditional Holiday)
This festival is in memory of Chinese patriot poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest of the emporer of his time.  In an attempt to save his body from the consumption of fish, the people of Chu (the state in which he lived), they brought their boats into the water.  In the place where he drowned they threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo to feed the fish.  Based off this story they now hold dragon boat races during this festival and the race itself has become a legacy.   
                 
http://celergo.com/cultures-revealed-chinese-dragon-boat-festival/


http://www.wku.edu/~haiwang.yuan/China/newyear.html
http://www.wku.edu/~haiwang.yuan/China/holiday.html

Surnames in China

http://www.great-chinese-names.com/chinese-last-names.html

Chinese Surnames are names that have been passed down families lines for centuries.  A surname gives the history of one's family.  A Chinese surname is placed before their actual name.  These surnames were originated by Emperor Fu Xi (2852BC).  These family names are an important aspect of Chinese life.  Old Chinese customs prohibited the marriage of two people with the same surname.  People with the same surname consider themselves relatives.  Today there are about 200 Chinese surnames being commonly used. 


Surnames who's population in over 20 million: 
Liu
Chen
Yang
Huang
Zhao
Wu
Zhou
Surnames with population of over 10 million each are as follows:
Xu
Sun
Ma
Zhu
Hu
Guo
He
Gao
Lin
Luo
Zheng
Liang

http://genealogy.about.com/library/authors/ucboey2a.htm
http://www.chinese-traditions-and-culture.com/chinese_family_name.html

Traditions in China

Foot Binding

 

Originally foot binding was only practiced by the wealthiest classes in China.  When a women had her feet bound, it often suggested her social status and represented that they did not take part in manual labor. By the 17th century almost all Chinese women, rich or poor, had their feet bound. 

 

 

 

Chinese Chopsticks

 

The first recorded history of chopsticks was in the Shang Dynasty's - Book of Rites 2000 years ago.  Then, they were in the form of twigs.  During the Ming Dynasty they were called kuaizi and were even then used as eating utensils.  They were often used by Hans and other minority groups in China.  Some things they were made of in the past were: branches, bamboo, animal bones, ivory, bronze, and iron. 

 

 

Chinese Knots

 

In China knots have been used for many things including fastening, wrapping and even recording events.  While made popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Chinese knots were developed during the Tang and Song Dynasties. Traditional Chinese phrases are assigned to each knot that is made.  They are often made as gifts or ornaments. 

 

http://www.chinese-traditions-and-culture.com/

 

 

Connections Between Western Civilization & English

For my last paper in English, I talked about immigration.  Immigration is relatable to China because many immigrants come from China to America.  After looking at different view of immigration, I feel like people may come to China in hopes of possibly bringing back American ideals to China.  In addition, some people from China may want to see how the economy is here and how the United States political system is working out for us.  Some Chinese people may feel that they could have a better life if they live in America.  Maybe they do not like the way their country is run as much as the way America is run.

Communism: China After Mao Zedong

Things changed for China after Mao Zedong passed away. Deng Xiaoping implemented a lot of changes to the Chinese ways and thoughts.  He made a lot of changes to the economic system.  Deng is said to have had the most influence on China's economic system and he was the reason for China's economy today.  He was able to branch out China to the world.  His main focuses were on "Four Modernizations":     

                         - agriculture

                         - industry

                         - science & technology

                         - military 

http://www-cs-faculty.stanford.edu/~eroberts/cs181/projects/communism-computing-china/china.html

And today, there are even more changes in the way China runs and incorporates communism. 

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong was a very important and well known Chinese communist leader.  He was the founder of the People's Republic of China and was greatly involved in the Cultural Revolution. Below is a detailed video of Mao Zedong's life and his impact to China and the Chinese political system as a whole. He was responsible for turning China into one of the most powerful countries in the world. But, it was not all good and easy as it may seem. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fNmTvFPRY

Chinese Dynastic Cycle

The Chinese Dynastic Cycle: Timeline
http://www.netplaces.com/speaking-mandarin-chinese/an-overview-of-china/the-dynastic-cycle.htm

Dynasty	Time Period
Xià	2205–1765 b.c.e.
Shāng	1766–1066 b.c.e.
Zhóu	1066–256 b.c.e.
Qín	221–207 b.c.e.
Hàn	206 BCE–220 c.e.
Sān Guó	220–280 c.e.
Jìn	265–420 c.e.
Liù Cháo	420–589 c.e.
Suí	581–618 c.e.
Táng	618–907 c.e.
Wǔ Dài Shí Guó	907–960 c.e.
Sòng	960–1279 c.e.
Yuán	1271–1368 c.e.
Míng	1368–1644 c.e.
Qīng	1644–1911 c.e.

Over time, a long period of time, China has gone through many dynasties as shown above. 

The Dynastic Cycle: Flow Chart

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/goldenages/IMAGES/dynasticcycle.gif

Above is how the Dynastic Cycle worked for the Chinese. This is the repetitive cycle that look place for many, many years in China as you can see from the numerous dynasties over time. 

History

This is a short clip of a long documentary on China's history, past and present. In the first minute the video highlights some key facts about China that are expanded on later in the film.

Chinese Writing System

The Chinese writing system is one of the oldest know written languages.  Some of the earliest examples of ancient Chinese writing date back to over 4,000 years ago.  The Chinese writing system uses a logographic system.  This system consists of large Chinese symbols know as characters.  All characters are written in calligraphy.  China is an enormous country with two main languages: Mandarin and Cantonese.  These two languages have their own dialects.  Although the two languages pronounce words differently their written language is the same.

Timeline

This is a timeline of China's History that dates from 1700 BC to 1989.  It outlines the time periods when each dynasty ruled over China, when the time period of dynasties ended, and new government parties took over.  It also includes important key events in China's history like the Opium War and China's Cultural Revolution.

China and the Need For Social Media

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/world/asia/china-social-networking-young/index.html

 

 Social Media has become so prevelant in the United States, it's no wonder that other countries are following in our footsteps. China, with their mass political and social reform, have become dependent on social media, like Twitter and Facebook, themselves. However, the next generation of Chinese leaders does question if social media is harmful of helpful. The social media being used now by leaders has proven to be helpful; Facebbok is updated constantly of social issues, as well as spreading China's communist message to the people. In a country with over a billion people, how else can you get the news to  diffuse to everyone? 
     While their new dependency on social media seems like a step forward,some people fear that, instead, may be a step in the wrong direction. Social media began to present problems when limits were placed to prevent rumor mongering. Anyone who signed in on these sites were required to subscribe using their first names, which did arouse controversy. These laws were never really strictly enforced, but China's small understanding of social media is where the real problem lies. While developing and evolving rapidly into a more modern country like the United States, there is so much that a country of this size needs to learn, in order to avoid conflict between the government and the people.
 

The Chinese Revolution of 1949

http://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/ChineseRev

Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.  This declaration was so important because it ended the civil war between the Communist Party and the Nationalist Party.  The formation of the People's Republic of China was really what initiated the rebuild and strength of governmental challenges China was facing. 



Above, Mao Zedong 

 



Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gZY4i4Kg3s

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are three of the oldest and most popular religions throughout China.  While Buddhism was discovered in India, Taoism and Confucianism were both founded in China. All three of these religions are based on ethics and moral principles designated to better a participants relationship with the universe. 

Buddhism: Was founded in 520 BCE and is to this day the most popular religion in the far east. Founded by and Indian prince, Siddharta Guatama, also known as "The Buddah".  Buddhism focuses on meditation and believes in Nirvana or rebirth. They practice the "Four Noble Truths" as well as "The Eightfold Path".

Taoism:  Taoism was founded in China and is also referred to as Daoism.  Taoism practices "The Way" or Dao, the ultimate truth to the universe. Chinese philosophers Laozi and Zhuangzi developed the principles of Taosim. 

Confucianism: Was developed in 500 B.C.E. in China.  It is often argued that Confucianism is a philosophy as opposed to a religion.  Confucianism is a way of life.  There are Five Cardinal Relationships in Confucianism:

1. Sovereign-Subject
2. Father-Son
3. Elder-Younger Brother
4. Husband-Wife
5. Friend-Friend

They focus on Mercy, Social Order, and Fulfillment of Responsibilities. As well as "Li" or "The Proper Way" which is set of rules on how to interact with other people. 

                                 

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/budd

http://chineseculture.about.com/od/religioninchina/a/Daoism.htmhism-facts-history-of-buddhism.html

http://geriatrics.stanford.edu/ethnomed/chinese/fund/beliefs/



"A Chinese Education, For a Price"

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/22/world/asia/in-china-schools-a-culture-of-bribery-spreads.html




The Demands for children to get into good schools starts as early as kindergarten.

    
     The lengths that some people will go to for their children sometimes are simply astounding. But when is this desire taken too far? This article discusses the new Chinese school system, which now pressures children, from the very beginning of their education, to compete with other children and their families to get into the best schools possible. Howver, the spots that the children receive, are not always earned. Today, it is more common to see parents use bribery and their own personal connections to get their children into the "best" schools. Even though in today's society a proper education is now crucial, is the corruption of the school system because of personal ambition taking it too far?

China's Political System: Advantages

http://www.eeo.com.cn

 

China's political system has been through many changes and adjustments.  It is a complex and blended political system that the Chinese seem to like. These advantages are talking about how they helped China recently and currently. The political system has been very strong for China.  Something so cherished about this system is the close relationship between the government and the people.  That is a huge part of why China's political system works so well for the country. 

China's Economy Due to Outgrow America by 2030

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/10/chinese-economy-america-tectonic-shift

http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/1/7/saupload_china_gdp_1.JPG

Recent studies have shown that due to climate change and the moving of plates, food and water shortages will make China's economy superior the United States' economy. "In a tectonic shift, the health of the global economy increasingly will be linked to how well the developing world does — more so than the traditional west. In addition to China, India, and Brazil, regional players such as Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Turkey will become especially important to the global economy.Meanwhile, the economies of Europe, Japan, and Russia are likely to continue their slow relative declines." Thia is a clear demonstration of how China's economy is slowly overpowering the United States, and that our reign of being the most powerful country is coming to an end, because we will eventually become fully dependent on China.

Self-Immolation In Tibet

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/world/asia/china-tibetans-arrests/index.html?hpt=wo_bn4

As Tibet struggles to fight for freedom, many activists have taken matters into their own hands. Activists in order to demonstrate the freedom they desire from the oppressive Chinese government, have begun to set themselves on fire-28 people in November alone have killed themselves. Chinese officials say these acts are more isolated, and that not all Tibetans are supportive of these acts, but there is no sign of these self0immolations stopping any time soon. The Chinese officials place the blame for these attacks on the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader for the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama denies the fact that he wants Tibetan independence, but instead simply wants autonomy and for the self-immolation's to stop.

Disclaimer

This is created for educational purposes only.  The sources belong to the copyright holders.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is an important aspect of Chinese history.  It was built to protect the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups or military infiltration by warlike forces.  There are four major walls: The first major wall was built during the reign of the First Emperor, the main emperor of the short-lived Qin Dynasty.  The second wall was built during the first century BC under the reign of the Han Dynasty.  The third wall was built from 1138-1198 under the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and the last major wall was built from 1368-1620, it was started when Hongwu Emperor ruled until Emperor Wanli ruled during the Ming Dynasty.

What Gangnam Style Did to China

What Gangnam Style Did to China

  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICS4oPg75Tc

Political Activist Ai WeiWei, created a parodyto the hit Korean song "Gangnam Style", in order to protest his arrest which took place in 2011. In the video he wears handcuffs, to show how he His video was banned from the internet by Chinese officials, which led to an even bigger revolt led by British Artist Anish Kapoor called "Gangnam for Revolution".

  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcjFzmWLEdQ

The video, created by Kapoor, is to advocate freedom of expression for Chinese Citizens. The video went viral fast and soon gained support from all different human rights organizations (if you look in the video in the beginning, they are all written on the white banner background.) He like Ai Weiwei, dances with handcuffs, symbolizing the restaint and persecution so many Chinese people face.

Politics