Daily life in Ancient China was dictated by many social custom, traditional habits, and etiquette. These customs, such as clothing styles and beliefs, made the people distinctly Chinese and provided an important sense of identity for the culture. Education and food culture in Ancient China were also heavily influenced by these customs and were integral parts of everyday life. This article will explore the intricate details of social customs, education, and food culture during Ancient China and demonstrate how each was intricately connected and impacted daily life.
Social Customs
Early Chinese society was driven by a long lineage of traditions that served to both organize and define the social order. Ancient Chinese social customs designated specific roles and expectations for men and women, as well as a strict hierarchy between members of the same sex.
Clothing
Clothing played an important role in distinguishing between different social classes and genders in Ancient China. Men typically wore loose-fitting trousers and robes of different colors and patterns depending on their social class, while women wore long flowing robes and had their hair braided. Wealthy men and women often wore elaborate accessories such as jade jewelry and adorned their clothing with intricate silk embroidery. Servants and slaves, however, were prohibited from wearing anything other than basic clothing.
Hierarchy
The hierarchical system of Ancient China predicated that men of higher social classes should be respected by those of lower classes. Respect was demonstrated through traditional customs such as bowing or kneeling and addressing those of higher classes with terms such as “sire” or “lord”. It was considered a breach of etiquette for those of lower classes to speak directly to their superiors and address them by their first names.
Education
The Chinese education system was based upon Confucian principles, which emphasized the importance of literature, philosophy, and the understanding of history. Education was seen as a key to success in Ancient Chinese society and was highly valued.
Requirements for Education
Education was divided into two categories in Ancient China: erudite, which was reserved for the upper classes, and martial, which was more accessible to the general population. Erudite education was only available to the wealthy, while martial training was available to those of all social classes.
Educational Institutions
Erudite education was typically held within the home under the supervision of a master while martial training was held in various schools and academies. The Imperial Colleges were the most prestigious educational institutions of the time, and admission was a highly sought-after honor.
Teaching Style
The teaching style in Ancient China was heavily focused on memorization and rote learning and students were usually presented with many works by the ancient Chinese philosopher’s such as Confucius and Mencius. These works were not only studied for their philosophical value, but were also seen as a way of understanding the past and unifying the Chinese people.
Food Culture
Food culture in Ancient China was influenced by many social customs and religious beliefs and was highly diversified. The food ranged from various types of meat, seafood, and grains, to soups and plant-based dishes. Here are some of the common food culture traits and dietary habits of Ancient China:
Diet
The diet of the Ancient Chinese was largely vegetarian and relied heavily on grains such as millet, rice, and wheat. Legumes and vegetables were also a major part of the diet, with dishes such as tofu, bamboo shoots, and bean curd being heavily consumed. Animal proteins were rare and typically reserved for special occasions or festive celebrations such as weddings and New Year’s celebrations.
Cooking Techniques
The primary cooking techniques used in Ancient China were steaming, boiling, and stir-frying. Fried foods were also popular and were usually served as side dishes or snacks.
Food Preparation
In Ancient China, food preparation was a tedious task. All of the ingredients needed to be prepared and cut into small pieces before they could be cooked, which was a labor-intensive process.
Table Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Ancient China was heavily regulated by various customs and etiquette. Giving and receiving food and drinks politely was considered a sign of respect and large meals were often served in bowls and bowls to the guests. This practice is known as Pai-han, which translates to “A banquet with bowls and bowls.”
Ancient China was a complex and highly advanced culture that was heavily influenced by various social customs, education, and food culture. Each of these aspects shaped everyday life in Ancient China and provided a sense of continuity and tradition that helped to unify the culture. Although times have changed, the traditions of Ancient China remain an important part of Chinese culture and can still be seen today in many aspects of modern-day life.
