BY: LYNNIE STROTHER

Chinese Seating Arrangements

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The Seat of Honor

Reserved for the master or “head of the house” or the guest with highest status

Seat most center and facing east or facing the entrance facing danger

The closer a person’s position is to the “master,” the higher his/her rank

ranked by status and relationship to the head of the house Not uncommon to reserve the seat of honor for the most

respected guest and the head of the house to occupy the seat of least importance

Sign of humility

The Table and Seating Arrangements

Round tables: seat facing the entrance is

the seat of honor seats on the left hand side

of the seat of honor are ranked second, fourth, sixth…

Right hand side- third, fifth, seventh…

Many tables present: the table of honor is the

one most center and farthest from the entrance http://images.clipartof.com/small.jpg

Ancient Tables and Seating Arrangements

Eight Immortals tableLarge, square table with benches for two people on

each side. Right hand seat facing the entrance is the seat of

honor The tables are square to represent the

balance or “yin and yang” of Taoist principles

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The Legend of the Eight Immortals

Group of legendary “spirits” that each have a specific power to do good or evil

The immortals represent man and woman, rich and poor, and the young and the old.

Revered by the Taoists and considered to be signs of prosperity and longevity Images are used in art and

furniture

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Vegetarianism in China

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History of Vegetarianism In China

First Prophet-King was Fu-Xi, Vegetarian taught his people to plant

seeds and harvest medicine from plants

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Religious Influences

Taoism based on inner-spiritualism, naturalism, pacifism,

compassion, and vegetarianismBuddhism

philosophy that promotes vegetarianism by emphasizing a “low-impact” living

discourages killing of any kind because affects a person’s karma

Economic and Cultural Influences

Vegetarianism is common in rural villagesLarge population of vegetarians in cities

Easy access Rise of Capitalism

Increase in number of Vegetarian Restaurants

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Vegetarian Dishes

Plain vegetable dishesImitation meat dishes

Gluten, beancurd, and taro (tropical plant with an edible stem)

imitate the qualities of meat, poultry, and fishBuddhist dishes

Avoids ginger, garlic, onions, and other “stimulating” spices

Vegetable Dishes

Golden Needle Mushrooms & Cucumber (cold)

金针菇拌黄瓜(Jīnzhēn mógu hé huángguā )

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Imitation Meat Dishes

Crispy-Skin Tofu脆皮豆腐 (Cuì pí dòufu )

Tofu fermented in soy sauce

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Buddhist Dishes

Buddhist Monk’s Soup

佛教僧侶湯 (Fójiào sēnglǚ tāng )

• squash, cellophane noodles, coconut milk, mung beans, peanuts, and sweet potato

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