Local Customs & Etiquette in Shangqiu, Henan, China
1. Shangqiu's Ancient Custom of Greeting with a Bow
Locals typically greet each other by bowing. This custom, unique to Shangqiu, is a remnant of ancient Confucian etiquette.
- Depth of Respect: The depth and angle of the bow signifies the level of respect.
- Social Context: Bowing is not typically used in casual settings, but more formal or traditional ones.
- Reciprocity: The other person will usually bow back to reciprocate the greeting.
2. Shangqiu's Temple Fairs Etiquette
During temple fairs, it is customary to be polite and respectful. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering temples.
- Shoe Removal: Removing shoes shows respect for the sacred ground.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid taking photographs of people without permission.
- Festival Manners: Follow the crowd's pace and respect local customs during festivals.
3. Giving Gifts in Shangqiu
Gifting is a common practice in Shangqiu, but it's essential to choose gifts thoughtfully. Avoid giving items associated with mourning during celebrations.
- Avoidance of Mourning Items: Mourning items are considered inappropriate for celebratory events.
- Gift Value: The value and thoughtfulness of the gift reflect the giver's respect.
- Acceptance of Gifts: When receiving a gift, it is customary to thank the giver politely.
4. Shangqiu's Tea House Etiquette
In Shangqiu tea houses, it is customary to pour tea for others before oneself and to drink slowly.
- Pouring Tea: The host pours tea for guests, showing hospitality.
- Tea Pacing: Drinking too quickly can be perceived as rude or inconsiderate.
- Returning the Favor: Guests should offer to return the favor of hospitality during future meetings.
5. Shangqiu's Food Sharing Customs
During meals, it is customary to share dishes among family and friends.
- Sharing Dishes: Food sharing demonstrates hospitality and friendship.
- Serving Order: The host serves the food, and guests are served in order of seniority or status.
- Courtesy Towards Elders: Elders are served first, and their dishes should not be taken until they have finished.
6. Shangqiu's Table Manners
Table manners in Shangqiu include eating with chopsticks, not speaking while eating, and using a bowl to drink soup.
- Chopstick Etiquette: Use chopsticks properly and don't leave them standing upright in the rice.
- Silence During Meals: Mealtimes are for eating, not conversation. Speak when asked a question or addressed directly.
- Bowl Drinking: Hold the bowl close to your mouth and sip the soup without slurping loudly.
7. Shangqiu's Toast Etiquette
In Shangqiu, it is customary to drink a toast by raising the glass and making eye contact with the person being toasted.
- Eye Contact: Making eye contact shows respect during the toast.
- Drinking Procedure: Drink your share of the toast in one sip to show appreciation.
- Toasting Frequency: Limit toasts during a meal to avoid excess drinking.
8. Shangqiu's Custom of Offering Incense Sticks
In temples and ancestral halls, it is customary to offer incense sticks as a sign of respect.
- Respectful Offering: The act of offering incense demonstrates respect for the deity or ancestors.
- Bowing with Incense: Offer the incense, then bow in front of the altar.
- Incense Etiquette: Light only one stick at a time and do not leave burnt-out sticks on the altar.
9. Shangqiu's Custom of Bargaining
Bargaining is a common practice in Shangqiu markets. However, it's essential to be polite and respectful during negotiations.
- Politeness: Use polite phrases such as 'Please' and 'Thank you' when bargaining.
- Respectful Tone: Maintain a respectful tone, even during negotiations.
- Fair Bargaining: Aim for a fair price that is mutually agreeable to both parties.
10. Shangqiu's Custom of Taking Off Shoes in Homes
In Shangqiu homes, it is customary to remove shoes before entering.
- Cleanliness: Removing shoes keeps the house clean.
- Respect for the Host's Home: Taking off shoes shows respect for the host's home and family.
- Social Context: This custom is not typically observed in guest houses or hotels.
11. Shangqiu's Custom of Bowing to Elders
In Shangqiu, it is customary to bow to elders as a sign of respect.
- Depth of Respect: The depth and angle of the bow signifies the level of respect.
- Social Context: Bowing is not typically used in casual settings, but more formal or traditional ones.
- Reciprocity: The elder will usually bow back to reciprocate the greeting.
12. Shangqiu's Custom of Giving Red Envelopes
During festivals, it is customary to give red envelopes containing money as gifts.
- Festival Tradition: Red envelopes are a traditional way of giving and receiving money during festivals.
- Monetary Amount: The amount inside the envelope should be even, and lucky numbers like 8 or 6 are preferred.
- Elders First: Elders and children are given red envelopes first.
13. Shangqiu's Custom of Wearing Mourning Clothes
In times of mourning, it is customary to wear black or white clothing as a sign of respect.
- Color Symbolism: Black or white clothes symbolize sorrow and respect during mourning.
- Length of Mourning: The length of wearing mourning clothes depends on the relationship to the deceased.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid wearing bright colors during times of mourning to show respect.
14. Shangqiu's Custom of Burning Joss Paper
During funerals or in temples, it is customary to burn joss paper as an offering for the deceased or deities.
- Offering for Deceased: Burning joss paper offers comfort and supplies to the deceased.
- Offering for Deities: Joss paper is also offered to deities as a form of worship.
- Cultural Significance: The act of burning joss paper represents the belief in afterlife and respect for ancestors.
15. Shangqiu's Custom of Kowtowing
In religious or official contexts, it is customary to perform kowtows as a sign of extreme respect.
- Number of Kneels: Traditionally, kowtowing involves kneeling and touching one's head to the ground four times.
- Religious Context: Kowtowing is typically performed in temples during prayer.
- Official Context: Kowtowing may also be used to show extreme respect to an emperor or high-ranking official.