Buddhism lectures focus on culture, art & festivities
Anna Nguyen
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Lifestyles
Liu then followed with his lecture, in which he discussed the holidays and festivals celebrated in the Tang and Song China dynasties. The Tang government regulated about 30 festivals, including the New Year; the Shangyuan Festival, which is the first full moon day of the Lunar New Year; and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Tang dynasty had more time for entertainment elements, said Liu, but Song officials had to work more than the Tang officials. The Tang dynasty also had more religious elements in Buddhism and Daoism practices and there were more rites and rituals of Confucianism in Song, he said.
Holidays in China are not only restricted to traditional festivities. Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day and Christmas are also popular in China. There have been current arguments, however, on the transition of traditional festivals in modern times, Liu said.
"Scholars want to protect values and [the country's] cultural identity," Liu said.
Buddhism is a significant part of Chinese culture, as it has a tremendous impact on art, literature and thought in Chinese history, Chen said.
"Without understanding Buddhism, it's unlikely one can understand Chinese culture and even daily life," he said.
The Tang dynasty had more time for entertainment elements, said Liu, but Song officials had to work more than the Tang officials. The Tang dynasty also had more religious elements in Buddhism and Daoism practices and there were more rites and rituals of Confucianism in Song, he said.
Holidays in China are not only restricted to traditional festivities. Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day and Christmas are also popular in China. There have been current arguments, however, on the transition of traditional festivals in modern times, Liu said.
"Scholars want to protect values and [the country's] cultural identity," Liu said.
Buddhism is a significant part of Chinese culture, as it has a tremendous impact on art, literature and thought in Chinese history, Chen said.
"Without understanding Buddhism, it's unlikely one can understand Chinese culture and even daily life," he said.
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