英美文化论文-中西方节日差异Cultural_Differences_in_Chinese_and_Western_Festivals
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中西方节日差异英语作文100Title: The Distinctive Celebrations of Eastern and Western Festivals.Festivals and holidays are integral parts of any culture, serving as a means to unite people, honor traditions, and commemorate significant events. However, the manner in which these festivals are celebrated in the East and the West often differs significantly, reflecting the unique values, beliefs, and histories of each region. This essay delves into the differences between Eastern and Western festival celebrations, examining the underlying reasons for these disparities.In the West, festivals are often centered around religious beliefs and historical events. Christmas, for instance, is a festive occasion centered around the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. This festival is marked with a variety of traditions, such as gift-giving, feasting, and the decoration of Christmastrees and stockings. Similarly, Easter, another significant Christian holiday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus and is marked with services, egg hunts, and other festive activities.In contrast, Eastern festivals often have a stronger focus on nature, agriculture, and community. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is a time for family reunions, the giving of red envelopes (hongbao), and the eating of special foods believed to bring good luck. This festival, which falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, is also marked by dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and other traditional celebrations. The Indian festival of Diwali, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, is another example of a festival centered around community and tradition. It is marked with the lighting of oil lamps and fireworks, family feasts, and the exchange of gifts.The difference in the underlying themes of these festivals is reflected in the way they are celebrated. Western festivals often involve elaborate gift-giving, with family and friends exchanging presents as a symbol of loveand affection. In contrast, Eastern festivals often focus more on community gatherings and the sharing of food, with families and neighbors coming together to enjoy a feast.Another significant difference lies in the symbolism and装饰 associated with each festival. Western festivals are often marked by the use of specific colors, such as red and green for Christmas, and specific items, such as the Christmas tree and the Easter bunny. These symbols and装饰are deeply ingrained in Western culture and serve as powerful reminders of the festival's meaning.In the East, symbols and装饰 also play a crucial role but often have a deeper cultural significance. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is marked by the use of red, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The dragon and lion dances, which are performed during this festival, are not just entertainment but also serve as a means to invoke the protective powers of these mythical creatures.In conclusion, the differences between Eastern andWestern festival celebrations are numerous and diverse, reflecting the unique values, beliefs, and histories ofeach region. Western festivals are often centered around religious beliefs and historical events, with a strongfocus on gift-giving and specific symbols and装饰. In contrast, Eastern festivals have a stronger focus on nature, agriculture, and community, with an emphasis on family reunions, community gatherings, and the sharing of food. These differences add to the richness and diversity ofglobal culture, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of each region's festival celebrations.。
中西方节日异同英语作文Holidays are an important part of any culture, reflecting the unique traditions, customs, and values of a particular region or community. While Eastern and Western cultures may have vastly different historical backgrounds and social structures, the celebration of holidays often serves a similar purpose - to bring people together, to honor important events or figures, and to foster a sense of cultural identity. However, the specific ways in which these holidays are observed can vary greatly between the East and West.One of the most significant differences lies in the calendar systems used to determine the timing of holidays. Many Eastern countries, such as China, Japan, and Korea, follow the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. This results in the dates of their major holidays shifting each year on the Gregorian calendar used in the West. For example, the Chinese New Year, one of the most important festivals in East Asia, can fall anywhere between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunisolar calendar. In contrast, Western holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day are fixed to specific dates on the Gregoriccalendar, making them more predictable and consistent from year to year.The origins and cultural significance of Eastern and Western holidays also tend to differ. Many Eastern holidays have deep roots in ancient religious and philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The Mid-Autumn Festival in China, for instance, celebrates the moon and the harvest, with ties to the lunar cycle and the veneration of nature. Similarly, the Hindu festival of Diwali commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. In contrast, Western holidays often have more secular origins, stemming from historical events, national independence, or the Christian calendar. Christmas, for example, is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, while Thanksgiving in the United States is a commemoration of the harvest and the early interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.The way in which these holidays are celebrated also varies significantly between the East and West. Eastern festivals are often marked by vibrant, colorful displays, elaborate rituals, and the gathering of extended families. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and the exchange of red envelopes containing money. In Japan, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a time of great beauty and reflection, with people gathering to appreciate the fleeting blooms and participate in traditional teaceremonies. Western holidays, on the other hand, tend to be more individualistic, with a greater emphasis on consumerism and the exchange of gifts. Christmas in the West is often characterized by the decoration of homes, the giving of presents, and the gathering of immediate family members.Despite these differences, there are also many similarities between Eastern and Western holidays. Both regions place a strong emphasis on the importance of family, community, and tradition. Holidays are often seen as a time to reconnect with loved ones, to honor one's cultural heritage, and to participate in shared rituals and celebrations. Additionally, many holidays in both the East and West share common themes, such as the celebration of the changing of the seasons, the remembrance of important historical events, and the honoring of religious or spiritual beliefs.Furthermore, in an increasingly globalized world, the boundaries between Eastern and Western holiday traditions have become increasingly blurred. The influence of Western culture, particularly through the media and tourism, has led to the adoption of certain Western holidays, such as Valentine's Day and Halloween, in many Asian countries. Conversely, the growing interest in Eastern culture and philosophy has resulted in the incorporation of Eastern traditions, such as meditation and yoga, into the celebrations of Western holidays.In conclusion, the differences and similarities between Eastern and Western holidays reflect the rich diversity of human cultures and the universal human need to commemorate and celebrate important events, traditions, and beliefs. While the specific ways in which these holidays are observed may vary, they serve as a powerful reminder of the shared experiences and values that unite people across the globe. By understanding and appreciating these cultural differences, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the human experience.。
中西节日文化差异探究**Exploring the Cultural Differences between Chinese and Western Festivals**Festivals, being a significant part of any culture, reflect the values, traditions, and beliefs of a society. China, with its rich cultural heritage, and the West, particularly influenced by Greco-Roman traditions, exhibit remarkable differences in their festival celebrations. This essay aims to delve into these differences, highlighting the unique aspects of each culture.**Festival Origins and Purposes**Chinese festivals often stem from ancient agricultural practices, natural phenomena, or historical events. They serve as a means to pay tribute to ancestors, pray for a bountiful harvest, and reunite families. For instance, the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is a time for family reunions and giving red envelopes as a symbol of good luck.In contrast, Western festivals often have religious or secular origins. Christmas, a Christian holiday, celebratesthe birth of Jesus Christ, while Halloween, a pagan festival, marks the end of the summer and the beginning of winter. These festivals serve as a time for community gatherings, gift-giving, and celebrating life's joys.**Festival Customs and Rituals**Chinese festivals are often marked by specific customs and rituals. The Dragon Dance, a popular performance during the Spring Festival, symbolizes good luck and the defeat of evil. The Mid-Autumn Festival, on the other hand, is marked by moon gazing and the eating of mooncakes, symbolizing family unity.Western festivals, on the contrary, are often associated with specific symbols and traditions. Christmas, for instance, is marked by the exchange of gifts, the decoration of Christmas trees, and the singing of carols. Easter, another significant Western festival, involves the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marked by egg hunts and the eating of chocolate eggs.**Festival Foods**Food plays a crucial role in both Chinese and Western festivals. Chinese festivals often feature traditional dishes that are associated with specific meanings. For instance, dumplings during the Winter Solstice symbolize family unity, while fish during the Spring Festival represents abundance.Western festivals also have their unique food traditions. Christmas, for example, is associated with turkey, ham, and various desserts such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. Easter, on the other hand, is marked by the eating of hot cross buns and chocolate eggs.**Conclusion**In conclusion, the cultural differences between Chinese and Western festivals are numerous and significant. These differences are a testament to the unique historical, religious, and cultural backgrounds of each region. Understanding and respecting these differences is crucialin promoting cultural harmony and understanding. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, it is important to recognize and celebrate the rich diversity of festival celebrations around the globe.**中西节日文化差异探究**节日作为文化的重要组成部分,反映了一个社会的价值观、传统和信仰。
中西方节日差异英语作文【篇一:英语论文中西方传统节日文化的差异】culture differences of chinese and western traditionalfestivalabstracttraditional festivals are the historical products of a nation’s development. whether in china which has a long history of more than five thousand years or in the newborn america, the origination of traditional festivals in the two countries is similar. mo st traditional festivals originated from people’s expectation for harvest in the agricultural production, the worship towards the gods and the nature, sacrifices to the historical characters and etc. after the long-term evolution, traditional festivals have become an indispensable part of the national culture. through traditional festivals, the distinct cultural characteristics of a people and the national spirits can be observed. since the ancient time, china has been a large agricultural country, the small-scale economic mode known as ―the men plough and the women weave‖ initiated the agricultural civilization of chinese characteristics. chinese traditional festivals are deeply rooted in the agricultural civilization and greatly influenced by confucianism. to some extent, chinese traditional festivals have relieved from the primitive taboos and tended to be happy festivals which reflect the concept of harmony and integration in confucianism. in america, religion plays a very important role in people’s life. with various branches, the religious system of america is quite complicated, among which christianity is of the greatest importance. some americantraditional festivals are the direct products of christianity and most festivals have evolved into the religious festivals later.this paper is designed to discuss the differences in customs, origins and other aspects of traditional festivals with thesimilar cultural connotation, then analyze the reasons lying behind the differences and finally reflect the culturaldifferences of the two nations. the paper also analyzes the mutual fusion in tradtional holidays between china and the west.key words: traditional festivals; chinese and american culture; cultural differences; causes; mutual fusion.中西方传统节日文化的差异摘要传统节日是一个民族发展的历史产物。
中西节日文化差异探微Western festivals, such as Christmas and Valentine's Day, are often associated with family reunions, gift-giving, and romantic celebrations. These festivals emphasize personal expression, emotions, and commercialization. In contrast, Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival andMid-Autumn Festival are rooted in cultural traditions and family reunions. They prioritize family values, respect for elders, and the appreciation of nature. The main difference lies in the emphasis on personal versus collective values and the commercial versus traditional nature of the celebrations.Christmas, a significant Western festival, is marked by vibrant decorations, festive meals, and gift exchanges. It represents a time of joy and giving, with families gathered around the Christmas tree to celebrate. In contrast, the Spring Festival in China is marked by red lanterns, fireworks, and family reunions. It is a time for honoring ancestors, giving red envelopes, and feasting ontraditional foods. These differences highlight the contrast in cultural values and traditions between the two cultures.Valentine's Day, another popular Western festival, is a day of romantic love and gift-giving. Couples exchange flowers, chocolates, and cards to express their affection.In contrast, Chinese festivals like Double Ninth Festival emphasize filial piety and respect for the elderly. It is a day for family members to gather and show gratitude totheir elders. These differing focuses reflect the distinct values and traditions of each culture.In summary, Western festivals tend to emphasizepersonal expression, emotions, and commercialization, while Chinese festivals prioritize family values, cultural traditions, and respect for elders. These differences in festival celebrations highlight the rich diversity of cultural values and traditions between the two cultures.**中西节日文化差异探微**西方节日,如圣诞节和情人节,通常与家庭团聚、赠送礼物和浪漫庆祝活动相关联。
中西方节日的文化差异研究Cultural Differences in Chinese and Western Festivals摘要:节日是世界各国的宝贵文化遗产,不同国家的节日反映着不同的文化背景。
本文旨在讨论中西方节日的文化差异以及某些重大节日的对比研究,以达到促进跨文化交流的目的。
关键词:节日;文化差异;春节与圣诞节;清明节与万圣节;七夕与情人节;对比研究Abstract Festivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries, so different festivals can reflect different cultures. This article discusses cultural differences and comparison between someone in Chinese and western festivals, aiming to promote cross-culture communication.Key words festivals; culture differences; Spring Festival and the Christmas Day; the Pure Brightness Festival and the Halloween; the Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s Day1. SummaryFestivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries. That is also the reason why festivals in China and western countries have little in common. As a matter of fact, Chinese and western festivals serve as an intriguing window into their cultural differences. Their different origins and people's different ways to celebrate the festivals all reflect their cultural contrasts.First of all, the naming and the origins of Chinese and western festivals are an indication of their totally different traditions. In China, many of our festivals are connected with seasons which have great influence on agriculture. New Year's Day, the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Duanwu Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival and Winter Solstice Festival are all examples. Take Duanwu Festival, for instance. Except for the explanations to honor the great poet Quyuan, many folk scholars believe that it originated from summer solstice and people's worship of dragons. In the fifth lunar month, crops begin to grow quickly. Obviously water is vitally important to agricultural production. While in ancient China, dragon was believed to be the god in charge of water. On the day of the festival, people raced dragon boats to please the god and offer him Zongzi. In this way, they pray for favorable weather for agriculture. As regards Chongyang Festival which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, it is in the golden harvest season. All people are in great enjoyment of the exciting harvest. So we can see China has been a big country of agriculture since along time ago, and Chinese people tend to attach great importance to agriculture. Now let's see the origins of the western festivals. More often than not, we find the appearance of religion, especially Christianity. There are New Year's Day, Epiphany, Saint Patrick's Day, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. They are all connected with religion. Good Friday is the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus, Easter is to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection and Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. We can see western festivals are covered with a strong color of religion.What's more, people's different ways to celebrate the festivals embody their different values. In China, we pursue health, union, and harmony. Food is a main subject for thecelebration. In Spring Festival, we have dumplings, noodles, New Year cakes, etc. Noodles symbolize longevity, while the New Year cakes pronounce “niangao” in Chinese, which means life will become better and better year by year. Family reunion dinner is of cause in dispensable. We also eat moon cakes in Mid-autumn Day and Laba Porridge in Laba festival. We Chinese try to make our life more harmonious. However, for westerners the way of celebration is different. They never like to stay at home. Instead, they choose to go out and have fun. April Fools’ Day is a festival for playing tricks and it brings great fun. Activities to celebrate the Independence Day are colorful and exciting, including picnics, playing fireworks and parades. For them, to realize individual value is the most important. They like to expre ss their own feelings freely. For example, Saint Valentine’s Day is a good chance for westerners to express their romantic love. Compared with this, Chinese people are more confined to the old tradition. On Double-Seventh Day which can be called “Chinese Valentine’s Day”, people just can recall the stories of Niulang and Zhinu then do nothing.To sum up, Chinese and western festivals are a window into their different cultures, including their tradition, their belief and their value. To learn different festivals is to promote cross culture communication. We should know the origins and people’s ways of celebration to understand the different cultures. Thus communication between China and Western countries will be much easier.2. Comparative study on some important festivals between China and western countriesFestival culture is very profound. The festival customs in dissimilar countries are established by usage, with the own distinct national feature and rich presentation forms, but they in filtrate to each other. This and the western countries: Spring Festival and the Christmas Day, the Pure Brightness Festival and the Halloween, the Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s Day.Spring Festival and the Christmas DayIn China, as spring is the most beautiful season and all creatures on earth begin to grow, flowers are blooming in a riot of color; seeds sprout everywhere, i t is vitally important to celebrate the coming of the spring. As the beginning of a year, December 23rd in lunar year is the prelude to Spring Festival. On that day, all families without exception will worship the god of the kitchen and started to busily prepared for the New Year’s coming. In addition, according to the traditional habits, Chinese people will also make a thorough cleanup, which is also called spring-cleaning, to show their desire to sweep “the old and bad things” out of their house, ring out the Old Year and ring in the New Year. After this work, every house along the street has a bright and new look. With paper-cuts on the windows, couplets on the wall and red lanterns in front of the door, it looks really brilliant and full of happiness. The New Year’s Eve is the last day of December in lunar year. At that night, all members in a family will get together to enjoy the “family reunion dinner”, implied meaning lucky and harmony. When having dinner, everyone should only talking about things happy and good, avoid referring to death, disease or something bad. What’s more, family members will not sleep until the dawn of the Ne w Year’s Day. Instead, they will chat, watching TV and having snacks such as melon seeds, orange, and peanuts. The most exciting moment is when the New Year’s Bell rang. It seems as if all the firecrackersaround the world are set off with only one second. The sound of firecrackers will not stop until the dawn, and the new upsurge will begin at that time, when every family open the door and begin to visit their relatives. The carnival will continue to January 15th in lunar year.In western countries, a similar festival is the Christmas Day which actually begins in December 12th and ends in January 6th in the next year. Like Chinese New Year, it is also a period rather than only one day, which is familiar to us all –December 25th. As the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Christmas Day is with no doubt the most vitally day all over the year. And as we all know, most western people are Christian. Red, green and white are regarded as the luckiest colors in Christmas Day, as they stand for the Christmas candle, Christmas tree and pure snow. People decorate a kind of evergreen tree with all kinds and colors of lights, balloons, gifts, paper flowers and so on, all filled with a festival atmosphere. Santa Claus is the most famous figure in western festival. All children believe that they will receive a brilliant gift from Santa Claus, and as they growing up, they will gradually know that their Santa Claus is a figure in human’s imagination. But who care? The most important thing is they get pleasure and own a happy childhood full of imagine. Just like Chinese spring-dinner, western people value the reunion of the whole family. They having dinner together beside the Christmas tree and enjoy themselves in playing until late at night. It is worth mentioning that the most popular songs during this period are “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”.Spring Festival and the Christmas Day all show the happy and harmonious atmosphere established in family reunion. By contrast, Chinese people prefer to express their affection and homesick, while western people are more likely to pray for the gift of God.The Pure Brightness Festival and the HalloweenPure Brightness here means clear and clean. Pure Brightness Festival is from Chinese lunar calendar. It is a time to remember the dead and the dearly departed. In Pure Brightness Festival, it’s a custom to visit one’s ancestor’s grave and sweep their tomb. Therefore, Pure Brightness Festival is also called Tomb-sweeping Day. The reason why Chinese people choose this day for honoring their ancestors may be that this day is the beginning of spring and ending of winter, all creatures begin to grow and people believe that their ancestors will obtain their new lives this day. They will look over the tomb carefully and make sure that there is no damage or corrosion. Then they will busting some paper-money, paper-flowers or some other things all made of paper, which is regarded as necessity for the dead people’s everyday use. Celebrate this Festival is important to all of us, but burning paper is not the only way. Beyond that, going for an excursion and fling kites. Sobriety is one of the Ghost Festival, demons; nature is capable of warding off evil into willow.Chinese Pure Brightness Festival has the great value of commemoration and show the “Immortality of Soul” theory in the traditional Chinese thinking modes. Life-sustaining is not confines in biological process, but in the continuation of Chinese culture. It exists in the concept inherited from one generation to the next and is reverted by the whole Chinese nation.Relatively, the western “Ghost Festival”is the Halloween. Children dress up incostumes at night on Halloween and play pumpkin lanterns-pumpkins are a traditional part of the celebration, all people have parties and play games. Young person get together, wearing interesting costumes and all kinds of masks, visiting every house along the street and asking for sweets. It is said that ghosts will also visit the human world at night on Halloween and living person should try their best to treat them with warmth. The fire and pumpkin lantern are used to frighten the ghost and lead them back. On that day, people could do everything or make joke or trouble as they like and never mind other’s resentment, because everyone does as well. All people are happy and enjoy themselves in the harmony with the Nature.T he Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s DayLove is the permanent topic of human society. In china, people celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day, which has a long history. It is also called “Qixi Festival”or “Double Seventh Festival”, as the date is July 7th in lunar year. How did the festival get its name? It is said that, once upon a time, there was a cowboy called “Niulang” and a fairy called “Zhinu” who fell in love with each other. However, their love was not allowed by others just because a fairy couldn’t love a human being. As a result, Zhinu was forced to go back to the Heaven and not allowed to meet Niulang any other time beside the Double Seventh Day. It usually rains more or less on this evening of the year, after being separated on either side of the Milky Way as a punishment by the Lord of Heaven. The Chinese Valentines Day is comparably more romantic yet heartrending, because this is the only time of year when the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Zhinu) meet each other cross the Milky Way. Luckily,their true love moved the magpie, which was regarded as a lucky bird in China. These helpful birds consist a bridge over the Milky Way and the lovers could met each other at that day. On this day, people will looked up towards the sky to look for the Milky Way, the stars stand for the couple and pray for their love. Young girls will pray for ingenuity by making some hand-made little bag and hope for a happy ending.T he Western Valentine’s Day is February 14th, which originated in the ancient Rome. The third century AD, ancient Rome, there was a tyrant called Claudius Meadows. Ancient Rome has been continuous war, more than a tyrant Crowe recruited a large number of Sri Lankan citizens to the battlefield, complaints were heard everywhere. Crowe Meadows fly into a rage, he was not allowed to transmit orders to hold a wedding, not even all at once to be engaged in also to the dissolution of marriage. A boy called Valentinus performed secret weddings after Claudius banned marriage to prevent soldiers from deserting his armies. His action was heard by Crowe Meadows and Valentinus was arrested and put into prison. The boy was tortured and finally put to death. His friends buried him in great sorrow on February 14th. When they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh-because they know that love can't be beaten! And now t he Western Valentine’s Day has become a day for lovers who have a strong will of love. On that day, lovers give gifts to each other, young boys will choose roses and girls chocolates. You could see sweet and happy lovers everywhere in the street.3. ConclusionThe differences of the origins and evolutions are clarified about the Chinese and western traditional festivals, and the cultural differences are compared between Chinaand western countries. It is believed that most of western traditional festivals are based on religionary culture especially the Christianism culture, which has stronger general applicability and cross-cultural naturalizing ability; while Chinese traditional festivals mainly originated from calendarian time and solar term, which have very strong secularity and pantheism. These kinds of originating and developing differences become the barriers to cross-cultural intercommunion and naturalization of traditional festivals, especially for Chinese traditional festivals to naturalize across cultures to western countries. In order to endow Chinese traditional festivals with cross-cultural radiating catholicity, reconstruction of it with the era must be carried out, including the reconstruction of social soil it rooted, and brand-new historical meanings should be endued to traditional culture.Reference[1] 李蜜.中西方重大节日对比研究[J].岳阳职业技术学院学报, 2006[2] 方川.王怀义.名俗的思雄[M].哈尔滨:黑龙江人民出版社, 2003[3] 刘刚. 李辉.节日的故事[M].北京:中国旅游出版社, 2004[4] 盖国梁.节趣[M].上海:学林出版社, 2000[5]房泽庆.中西传统节日文化的比较[J].山东大学学报, 2008(10):1-10.[6]李欣.比较视野中的中西传统节日文化[J].中州学刊,2008(7):243-245.[7]傅德岷.中国八大传统节日[M].重庆:重庆出版社,2007.[8]李丽敏.论西方文化冲击下中国传统节日的回归[J] .鸡西大学学报,2009(8):146-147.[9]李大明.恢复与弘扬传统节日是中国文化发展的历史必然[J].赤峰学院学报:汉文哲学社会科学版,2009(2):33-35.[10]侯根香.从传统节日看中西文化差异[J].无锡商业职业技术学院学报,2008(4):98-99.[11]唐进修,孟宪谟.世界节日纪念日辞典[M].北京:中国对外翻译出版公司,2005.[12]Anthony F.A. The book of the year: a brief history of our seasonal holidays [M].USA: Oxford University Press, 2003.[13]Christopher H. Holidays and holy nights: celebrating twelve seasonal festivals of the Christian Year [M].USA: Quest Books, 2003.英美文化课程论文论文题目:中西方节日文化差异及对比研究作者姓名:李澎瀛院系:生命科学院班级:生物技术2班学号:20076035任课教师:成祥军完成日期:2010年8月10日。
中西方传统节日文化差异英语Cultural Differences in Traditional Festivals Between East and WestFestivals are an integral part of any culture, and they play an important role in shaping the traditions and values of a society. However, there are significant differences in the way Eastern and Western cultures celebrate their traditional festivals. These differences can be observed in various aspects, including the origins, customs, and meanings associated with these festivals.One of the main differences between Eastern and Western traditional festivals lies in their origins. In the East, many festivals are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and religious practices. For example, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is based on the lunar calendar and is associated with the traditional belief in ancestor worship. The festival is celebrated with various rituals, such as lighting firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and praying for good fortune.In conclusion, there are significant differences in the way Eastern and Western cultures celebrate their traditional festivals. These differences can be observed in the origins, customs, and meanings associated with these festivals. While Eastern festivals often have religious or ancestral origins andare marked by elaborate ceremonies and rituals, Western festivals are more festive and celebratory in nature and often have personal meanings. These cultural differences reflect the unique values, beliefs, and traditions of each society and contribute to the richness and diversity of human culture as a whole.。
《中西方节日文化比较》高中英语作文Cultural Comparison: Western and Chinese FestivalsFestivals are an essential part of every culture, reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of a nation.Western and Chinese festivals have their unique characteristics, showcasing diverse customs and beliefs.In this essay, we will explore and compare some of the most popular festivals in both Western and Chinese cultures.Western festivals are deeply rooted in Christian traditions.Christmas, for instance, is celebrated on December 25th to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.It is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals.In addition, Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is believed to visit homes on Christmas Eve, bringing presents for children.Another significant Western festival is Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.It is celebrated with egg hunts, religious processions, and enjoying复活节大餐( resurrection day banquet).Chinese festivals, on the other hand, are closely tied to Confucianism and Taoism.春节(Chinese New Year), also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China.It usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar.People celebrate by cleaning their homes, wearing new clothes, and enjoying family reunions.Fireworks, red envelopes, and traditional performances are alsointegral parts of the celebration.Another popular Chinese festival is中秋节(Mid-Autumn Festival), which falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar.It is a time for families to gather, enjoy mooncakes, and appreciate the full moon.While both Western and Chinese festivals emphasize the importance of family and traditions, there are some key differences in their celebrations.Western festivals often focus on religious significance, with specific dates and symbols associated with their religious beliefs.In contrast, Chinese festivals are more influenced by nature and the agricultural calendar, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature.Moreover, the way gifts are exchanged also differs.In Western festivals, gifts are usually given during Christmas and birthdays, symbolizing love and appreciation.In Chinese culture, gifts are exchanged not only during festivals but also as a token of respect and goodwill.The act of giving gifts in Chinese culture is considered an essential part of building and maintaining relationships.In conclusion, both Western and Chinese festivals play a significant role in their respective cultures, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and beliefs of each society.While Western festivals are closely tied to Christianity and emphasize family and gift-giving, Chinese festivals celebrate the harmony between humans and nature and emphasize the importance of relationships.Understanding and appreciating thedifferences in festival cultures can help promote cultural diversity and global understanding.。
中西方节日文化的差异英语手作文Holidays in China and the West have distinct differences that reflect their unique cultural backgrounds. In China, festivals are often tied to lunar cycles and agricultural traditions. Spring Festival, for instance, marks the start of a new lunar year and is celebrated with family reunions, firecrackers, and red envelopes filled with lucky money. The atmosphere is one of joy and prosperity, with people engaging in activities like dragon and lion dances.On the other hand, Western holidays tend to have religious or historical origins. Christmas, for example, is a celebration of Jesus' birth and is filled with traditions like decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and feasting on turkey and pudding. The spirit of the holiday is one of giving and joy, with carols playing in the streets and families gathering around the fireplace.The way people celebrate also differs. Chinesefestivals often involve group activities like fireworks displays and lantern festivals, while Western celebrations tend to be more family-oriented, with special meals and time spent together. Color and symbols also play a significant role, with red being synonymous with good luck and prosperity in China, while green and red are associated with Christmas.In China, New Year's Eve is a time for cleaning the house and preparing for the coming year, symbolizing the removal of bad luck and welcoming in good fortune. Western cultures, on the other hand, might.。
中外传统节日的差异英语作文Festivals are a significant part of every culture, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and values of a society. However, the way these celebrations are conducted can vary greatly from one country to another. In this essay, we will explore the differences between traditional festivals in China and those in the United States, focusing on their origins, practices, and cultural significance.Firstly, the origins of festivals often differ. In China, many festivals are tied to the lunar calendar and ancient agricultural cycles. For instance, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest and family reunion, with the legend of Chang'e, the moon goddess, at its core. In contrast, American holidays like Thanksgiving have historical roots in the country's colonial past, celebrating the Pilgrims' first harvest with the Native Americans.Secondly, the practices associated with these festivals are quite distinct. Chinese festivals often involvetraditional foods, such as mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival and zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival. These foods are not only enjoyed but also carry symbolic meanings. On the other hand, American festivals like Halloween are characterized by activities like trick-or-treating, where children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door for candy, and Thanksgiving, which is marked by a family feast featuring turkey.Moreover, the cultural significance of festivals in each country is unique. In China, festivals are deeply rooted inthe country's Confucian and Taoist philosophies, emphasizing family values and respect for ancestors. The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is a prime example, with its emphasis on family gatherings and honoring the past. In the United States, holidays like Independence Day celebrate the nation'sfounding principles and the spirit of freedom and democracy, often with parades, fireworks, and patriotic displays.Despite these differences, there are also commonalities. Both Chinese and American festivals serve to strengthen community bonds and provide a sense of continuity andidentity. They are times for feasting, merriment, and, inmany cases, a reflection on the past and hope for the future.In conclusion, while the specifics of traditionalfestivals in China and the United States may differ, theyboth play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of belonging among their respective populations. Understanding these differences can lead to a greater appreciation of the rich tapestry of globaltraditions and a deeper respect for the diversity of human expression.。
中西方节日的文化差异及对比研究Cultural Differences in Chinese and Western Festivals摘要:节日是世界各国的宝贵文化遗产,不同国家的节日反映着不同的文化背景。
本文旨在讨论中西方节日的文化差异以及某些重大节日的对比研究,以达到促进跨文化交流的目的。
关键词:节日;文化差异;春节与圣诞节;清明节与万圣节;七夕与情人节;对比研究Abstract Festivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries, so different festivals can reflect different cultures. This article discusses cultural differences and comparison between someone in Chinese and western festivals, aiming to promote cross-culture communication.Key words festivals; culture differences; Spring Festival and the Christmas Day; the Pure Brightness Festival and the Halloween; the Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s Day1. SummaryFestivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries. That is also the rea son why festivals in China and western countries have little in common. As a matter of fact, Chinese and western festivals serve as an intriguing window into their cultural differences. Their different origins and people's different ways to celebrate the festivals all reflect their cultural contrasts.First of all, the naming and the origins of Chinese and western festivals are an indication of their totally different traditions. In China, many of our festivals are connected with seasons which have great influence on agriculture. New Year's Day, the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Duanwu Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival and Winter Solstice Festival are all examples. Take Duanwu Festival, for instance. Except for the explanations to honor the great poet Quyuan, many folk scholars believe that it originated from summer solstice and people's worship of dragons. In the fifth lunar month, crops begin to grow quickly. Obviously water is vitally important to agricultural production. While in ancient China, dragon was believed to be the god in charge of water. On the day of the festival, people raced dragon boats to please the god and offer him Zongzi. In this way, they pray for favorable weather for agriculture. As regards Chongyang Festival which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, it is in the golden harvest season. All people are in great enjoyment of the exciting harvest. So we can see China has been a big country of agriculture since along time ago, and Chinese people tend to attach great importance to agriculture. Now let's see the origins of the western festivals. More often than not, we find the appearance of religion, especially Christianity. There are New Year's Day, Epiphany, Saint Patrick's Day, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. They are all connected with religion. Good Friday is the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus, Easter is to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection and Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. We can see western festivals are covered with a strong color of religion.What's more, people's different ways to celebrate the festivals embody their different values. In China, we pursue health, union, and harmony. Food is a main subject for thecelebration. In Spring Festival, we have dumplings, noodles, New Year cakes, etc. Noodles symbolize longevity, while the New Year cakes pronounce “niangao” in Chinese, which means life will become better and better year by year. Family reunion dinner is of cause in dispensable. We also eat moon cakes in Mid-autumn Day and Laba Porridge in Laba festival. We Chinese try to make our life more harmonious. However, for westerners the way of celebration is different. They never like to stay at home. Instead, they choose to go out and have fun. April Fools’ Day is a festival for playing tricks and it brings great fun. Activities to celebrate the Independence Day are colorful and exciting, including picnics, playing fireworks and parades. For them, to realize individual value is the most important. They like to ex press their own feelings freely. For example, Saint Valentine’s Day is a good chance for westerners to express their romantic love. Compared with this, Chinese people are more confined to the old tradition. On Double-Seventh Day which can be called “Chinese Valentine’s Day”, people just can recall the stories of Niulang and Zhinu then do nothing.To sum up, Chinese and western festivals are a window into their different cultures, including their tradition, their belief and their value. To learn different fe stivals is to promote cross culture communication. We should know the origins and people’s ways of celebration to understand the different cultures. Thus communication between China and Western countries will be much easier.2. Comparative study on some important festivals between China and western countriesFestival culture is very profound. The festival customs in dissimilar countries are established by usage, with the own distinct national feature and rich presentation forms, but they in filtrate to each other. This and the western countries: Spring Festival and the Christmas Day, the Pure Brightness Festival and the Halloween, the Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s Day.Spring Festival and the Christmas DayIn China, as spring is the most beautiful season and all creatures on earth begin to grow, flowers are blooming in a riot of color; seeds sprout everywhere, i t is vitally important to celebrate the coming of the spring. As the beginning of a year, December 23rd in lunar year is the prelude to Spring Festival. On that day, all families without exception will worship the god of the kitchen and started to busily prepared for the New Year’s coming. In addition, according to the traditional habits, Chinese people will also make a thorough cleanup, which is also called spring-cleaning, to show their desire to sweep “the old and bad things” out of their house, ring out the Old Year and ring in the New Year. After this work, every house along the street has a bright and new look. With paper-cuts on the windows, couplets on the wall and red lanterns in front of the door, it looks really brilliant and full of happiness. The New Year’s Eve is the last day of December in lunar year. At that night, all members in a family will get together to enjoy the “family reunion dinner”, implied meaning lucky and harmony. When having dinner, everyone should only talking about things happy and good, avoid referring to death, disease or something bad. What’s more, family members will not sleep until the dawn of the New Year’s Day. Instead, they will chat, watching TV and having snacks such as melon seeds, orange, and peanuts. The most exciting moment is when the New Year’s Bell rang. It seems as if all the firecrackersaround the world are set off with only one second. The sound of firecrackers will not stop until the dawn, and the new upsurge will begin at that time, when every family open the door and begin to visit their relatives. The carnival will continue to January 15th in lunar year.In western countries, a similar festival is the Christmas Day which actually begins in December 12th and ends in January 6th in the next year. Like Chinese New Year, it is also a period rather than only one day, which is familiar to us all –December 25th. As the birthday of Jesus Christ, the Christmas Day is with no doubt the most vitally day all over the year. And as we all know, most western people are Christian. Red, green and white are regarded as the luckiest colors in Christmas Day, as they stand for the Christmas candle, Christmas tree and pure snow. People decorate a kind of evergreen tree with all kinds and colors of lights, balloons, gifts, paper flowers and so on, all filled with a festival atmosphere. Santa Claus is the most famous figure in western festival. All children believe that they will receive a brilliant gift from Santa Claus, and as they growing up, they will gradually know that their Santa Claus is a figure in human’s imagination. But who care? The most important thing is they get pleasure and own a happy childhood full of imagine. Just like Chinese spring-dinner, western people value the reunion of the whole family. They having dinner together beside the Christmas tree and enjoy themselves in playing until late at night. It is worth mentioning that the most popular songs during this period are “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”.Spring Festival and the Christmas Day all show the happy and harmonious atmosphere established in family reunion. By contrast, Chinese people prefer to express their affection and homesick, while western people are more likely to pray for the gift of God.The Pure Brightness Festival and the HalloweenPure Brightness here means clear and clean. Pure Brightness Festival is from Chinese lunar calendar. It is a time to remember the dead and the dearly departed. In Pure Brightness Festival, it’s a custom to visit one’s ancestor’s grave and sweep their tomb. Therefore, Pure Brightness Festival is also called Tomb-sweeping Day. The reason why Chinese people choose this day for honoring their ancestors may be that this day is the beginning of spring and ending of winter, all creatures begin to grow and people believe that their ancestors will obtain their new lives this day. They will look over the tomb carefully and make sure that there is no damage or corrosion. Then they will busting some paper-money, paper-flowers or some other things all made of paper, which is regarded as necessity for the dead people’s everyday use. Celebrate this Festival is important to all of us, but burning paper is not the only way. Beyond that, going for an excursion and fling kites. Sobriety is one of the Ghost Festival, demons; nature is capable of warding off evil into willow.Chinese Pure Brightness Festival has the great value of commemoration and show the “Immortality of Soul” theory in the traditional Chinese thinking modes. Life-sustaining is not confines in biological process, but in the continuation of Chinese culture. It exists in the concept inherited from one generation to the next and is reverted by the whole Chinese nation.Relatively, the western “Ghost Festival”is the Halloween. Children dress up incostumes at night on Halloween and play pumpkin lanterns-pumpkins are a traditional part of the celebration, all people have parties and play games. Young person get together, wearing interesting costumes and all kinds of masks, visiting every house along the street and asking for sweets. It is said that ghosts will also visit the human world at night on Halloween and living person should try their best to treat them with warmth. The fire and pumpkin lantern are used to frighten the ghost and lead them back. On that day, people could do everything or make joke or trouble as they like and never mind other’s resentment, because everyone does as well. All people are happy and enjoy themselves in the harmony with the Nature.T he Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s DayLove is the permanent topic of human society. In china, people celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day, which has a long history. It is also called “Qixi Festival”or “Double Seventh Festival”, as the date is July 7th in lunar year. How did the festival get its name? It is said that, once upon a time, there was a cowboy called “Niulang” and a fairy called “Zhinu” who fell in love with each other. However, their love was not allowed by others just because a fairy couldn’t love a human being. As a result, Zhinu was forced to go back to the Heaven and not allowed to meet Niulang any other time beside the Double Seventh Day. It usually rains more or less on this evening of the year, after being separated on either side of the Milky Way as a punishment by the Lord of Heaven. The Chinese Valentines Day is comparably more romantic yet heartrending, because this is the only time of year when the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Zhinu) meet each other cross the Milky Way. Luckily,their true love moved the magpie, which was regarded as a lucky bird in China. These helpful birds consist a bridge over the Milky Way and the lovers could met each other at that day. On this day, people will looked up towards the sky to look for the Milky Way, the stars stand for the couple and pray for their love. Young girls will pray for ingenuity by making some hand-made little bag and hope for a happy ending.T he Western Valentine’s Day is February 14th, which originated in the ancient Rome. The third century AD, ancient Rome, there was a tyrant called Claudius Meadows. Ancient Rome has been continuous war, more than a tyrant Crowe recruited a large number of Sri Lankan citizens to the battlefield, complaints were heard everywhere. Crowe Meadows fly into a rage, he was not allowed to transmit orders to hold a wedding, not even all at once to be engaged in also to the dissolution of marriage. A boy called Valentinus performed secret weddings after Claudius banned marriage to prevent soldiers from deserting his armies. His action was heard by Crowe Meadows and Valentinus was arrested and put into prison. The boy was tortured and finally put to death. His friends buried him in great sorrow on February 14th. When they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh-because they know that love can't be beaten! And now t he Western Valentine’s Day has become a day for lovers who have a strong will of love. On that day, lovers give gifts to each other, young boys will choose roses and girls chocolates. You could see sweet and happy lovers everywhere in the street.3. ConclusionThe differences of the origins and evolutions are clarified about the Chinese and western traditional festivals, and the cultural differences are compared between Chinaand western countries. It is believed that most of western traditional festivals are based on religionary culture especially the Christianism culture, which has stronger general applicability and cross-cultural naturalizing ability; while Chinese traditional festivals mainly originated from calendarian time and solar term, which have very strong secularity and pantheism. These kinds of originating and developing differences become the barriers to cross-cultural intercommunion and naturalization of traditional festivals, especially for Chinese traditional festivals to naturalize across cultures to western countries. 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