#2: Circles. On our first full day in China, we explored the city with the help of our two tour guides, Linda and Lilly. Among the attractions we visited, was the Temple of 500 Buddha’s. Someone noticed that the doorways in the temple were shaped in a circular fashion, and inquired about the significance. Lilly explained that to the Chinese, the circle represents the strength of a closely knit family. Later that day at lunch, we were given a sweet sesame encrusted hollow pastry. The pastry was in the shape of a baseball, and one of the Chinese students who had joined us for lunch explained that the shape of this pastry held significance. This symbolism was similar to that of the circular doorways, she explained that it stands for the strength within closenfamilies, and is used as a sign of welcoming.
#3: Relationships. A conversation that I had with Lara, one of Steve’s colleagues at the school, is something that has stuck out to me about the trip as well. On our way to dinner, our first night in Wuhan, she was telling me about her relationship with her husband. He is not Chinese, but rather an American from California. She was discussing with us the cultural obstacles that correspond with such a realtionship. One in particular arose when they first started dating. She informed me that it is customary in China, for the man to carry all of his girlfriend’s bags (purse included) when they are out in public together. However, seeing as we don’t have this custom in America, it was not something her husband was aware of- and therefore did not do. She explained that this had initially caused problems when her family and friends met him0- they felt that he was disrespecting her. It was interesting not only to hear about this, but also in the sense that after having this conversation with her, I noticed many men in China carrying purses.
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