Sami+Weinkoetz+(Traditions)

Traditions in the United States and in China

What comes to mind when you hear the word “tradition”? As you probably already know, the traditions in the United States are much more different than the traditions in China. Although the Chinese and the Americans have different views on traditions they can also have similar views on it as well.

What is your favorite part about Christmas? The cookies? Opening the presents on Christmas morning? Probably the most popular tradition for Christmas in the United States is the setting up, and trimming of the Christmas tree. The Chinese also decorate Christmas trees, but the difference is what they use to decorate the tree. The Chinese mostly decorate their trees with, paper lanterns, paper flowers, and paper chains. Here in the United States, common things you might find in the United States are spherical ornaments often decorated in certain designs. Another common ornament is a star or an angel located at the top of the tree.

During this time of the year known as Valentine’s Day, sweethearts express there love and passion for each other. One tradition that is very popular in the United States is exchanging flowers, chocolates, cards, or special gifts. In China, the origin of Valentine’s Day is from a legend of two people named Niu Lang and Zhi Nu who were separated and were only allowed to meet on one day of each year, which is now known as Valentine’s Day. During this day, the Seven Sisters Association hangs up colorful “shrines” which are made out of fresh fruit and paper in celebration in Niu Lang and Zhi Nu.

Is there a favorite food that you eat on Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving in the United States is a day we take to give thanks for all that we have. Here in the United States, most families have their relatives over and have a big feast, just as the Pilgrims and the Indians did in 1621. Also, either during,after, or before the feast people all over the nation watch the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, New York. The Chinese celebrate Thanksgiving in an almost similar way. In China the people hold a Harvest Festival. One different thing about this is that it is held at midnight, during a full moon in August.

No matter what you compare weather it be food, religion, or even wildlife, you are always going to end up with similarities and differences. The Chinese an the Americans have different views on things. This is true no matter what two races. Although it is also true that you will end up with similarities too.

[|Glogster]