English translations

There are a variety of sites that offer free translations and dictionary lookups, but Life in China offers something a little different.

I would ignore the uninspired home page and go straight to one of these: 5 pages of Chinese Proverbs, a longer page of Chinese idiom translations or to Festivals and Holidays for some greetings, phrases and a culture note or two.

Wacky Love in Translation

I have to agree with reviewer Anne Midgette's view in the NYT. I am not sure that a Mandarin version of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will play well in Shanghai -- but what a neat possibility for Americans who are studying Mandarin. (or should it be American adults? I don't know the original play well enough to judge)

If you are thinking of a class field trip, you only have until June 3rd!
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2007/05/18/theater/reviews/18perf.html

Catalogs

There are a number of catalog available to support your search for knowledge, I mean resources.

"Everyone" seems to like ChinaSprout: Chinese Cultural & Educational Products. They have a lot of "things" in addition to books.

Since I am more focused on books, my favorites include:
Shen's Books (Or, read more from me on them)
Asia for Kids and Culture for Kids (these two seem to be cousins).

For the more serious students of Chinese language:
Cheung & Tsui Company

I am sure I have forgotten some, and there are others available that are fine too!

80 generation family tree!

All direct quotes from BBC web page.

"For the first time in more than 2,500 years the family tree of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, is to include women descendants."
For the complete article, see BBC

"Analysts say Beijing now sees Confucianism more as a celebration of traditional Chinese culture and its strict hierarchy of subjects obeying rulers."

"Many also see Confucianism as a provider of moral values in a country that is embracing capitalism more and more."

Dispelling Evil

"Dispelling evil and pestilence and seeking peace": The Dragon Boat Festival, lunar 5/5

Dragon Boat racing is a sport that is growing around the world. Most Americans teams have a competitive teams as well as teams as youth or "fun" teams. In addition, there are quite a few teams that focus on fund-raising for charity or that are "survivor teams".

Redrawing the eyes on the boats brings them to life. While it is done at the start of the season, not everyone is clear about whether it is for all boats, or only the new ones. If I got to vote, I'd say to (re-)paint them all, why take a chance?

If you are interested and want to try and see a race near you, a full list of dragon boat races in the USA are available at www.dragon-boats.com/dbnet/dragon_boat_races_usa.htm. I thnk there were about 60 in 2006!

In some regions, balancing an egg on end at noon will ensure a lucky year. (So much for this being solely a equinox practice.)

All this came from Appeasing the Water God?!?

Certainly more insects are out and biting at the start of summer, and this is the only Chinese Festival I've heard of where reminding family members to take care of their health is a component.