Emma Lu

Impressive Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a low-cost vegetable and are used in a wide variety of cooking and baking, as well as for decorating. But their nutritional value and health benefits are often overlooked. Pumpkins contain an abundance of nutrients such as protein, beta carotene, several B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial to human health ...

Emma Lu

Harvested pumpkins.

The Mythology and History Behind Chinese Music

China has one of the oldest music cultures in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. When it comes to how Chinese music originated, the Chinese have an interesting mythological tale to explain this — one that involves a magical creature. Mythology During a time when immortals walked on the earth, a young ...

Emma Lu

A Chinese flute player.

Traditional Chinese Culture Symbolism: The Phoenix

The phoenix is probably the most iconic mythical bird in human history. Multiple cultures, from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Arabs, revered the bird. In traditional Chinese culture, the phoenix, referred to as feng huang, was seen as a noble bird that was able to judge the character of human beings and confer blessings ...

Emma Lu

The Chinese phoenix.

Amazing Quotes About Character and Life by Greeks and Laozi

People often have a mistaken notion that intelligence is something modern and that the ancients were not as wise as we are now. If you harbor such beliefs, the following words of wisdom from ancient Greek thinkers and the Chinese philosopher Laozi about character and life should change your opinion. Greek quotes about character Heraclitus (535 ...

Emma Lu

The Greek philosopher Plato.

The 5 Flavors of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine deals with five flavors. Some people prefer their food to be sweet, some like spicy, while others go for sour. These flavors tease our taste buds — enjoyment all of us indulge in. However, there’s more to eating than pleasure. A balanced diet includes the right amount of meat, vegetables, and fruits ...

Emma Lu

A meal with the 5 flavors of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Exquisite Style of Ming Furniture

The Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) is often considered to be the period when the art of furniture-making reached its zenith in China. The furniture of this era was usually made of a single large piece of hardwood. Though simplistic in design when compared to furniture styles from previous periods, Ming furniture stands out with ...

Emma Lu

Ming Dynasty chairs and table.

Virtue: The Foundation of Traditional Martial Arts

With kung fu’s introduction outside China came the emergence of martial arts films like Fist of Fury, Drunken Master, and so on. “When you can take the pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to leave,” is a memorable quote from the classic 70’s TV series Kung Fu. Along with Bruce Lee’s rise ...

Emma Lu

A martial arts display.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Eating According to the Seasons

People today are accustomed to eating whatever they want, no matter the time, day, or season. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this is not an ideal eating habit. TCM advocates eating according to seasons. Human beings should consume foods that are in season. This will harmonize their internal state with weather conditions. As a ...

Emma Lu

An ear of corn.

Great Emperors of Ancient China: Taizong of Tang

One of the most extraordinary emperors in the history of China, as regarded by historians, was Taizong of Tang. With his encouragement and assistance, his father, Emperor Gaozu of Tang, overthrew the Sui Dynasty, propelling China into a golden age — the Tang Dynasty. Who is this man whose life and triumphs are larger than ...

Emma Lu

Emperor Taizong.

When Shaolin Monks Came to Aid the Tang Emperor

In our minds, Buddhist monks are men of peace, unyielding understanding, and nonselective compassion. Well, that is true. But for the Shaolin monks? Well, they can be a force to reckon with if you happen to land on their bad side. A short history of Shaolin monks It is said that the Buddhist monk Buddhabhadra, ...

Emma Lu

The Shaolin Temple.