ancient china, chinese history, cultural heritage, educational stories, filial piety, historical figures, legendary women, maternal influence, stories of resilience, women in history

8 Exemplary Mothers of Ancient China: The Pillars of Virtue and Valor (Part 2)

Throughout history, the influence of mothers in shaping leaders and visionaries has been profound and enduring. In ancient China, the enduring principle that “to know the virtues of the ancestors, one must trace the roots” reflects a deep reverence for maternal wisdom. This second part of our series continues to explore the lives of exemplary ...

Mikel Davis

Closeup shot of blooming orchids in a garden.

Fate and Fortune: Fang Guancheng’s Guardian Angels

In the tumultuous times of the Qing Dynasty, a man named Fang Guancheng (1696-1768) from Tongcheng experienced a life filled with both fortuitous encounters and narrow escapes from peril. His early years were marked by adversity when his father was forcibly conscripted into the army due to involvement with a distinguished author whose works sparked ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of an ancient pathway, a serene landscape, and the guiding presence of guardian figures to accompany a traveler in ancient Chinese clothing.

Pipa Master Tang Yingzeng’s Tale

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Tang Yingzeng, who was from Pizhou, was exceptionally skilled at playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese lute, so people called him Tang Pipa. Because his family was poor, he couldn’t afford to get married, leaving him and his mother to rely solely on each other. Tang was ...

Mikel Davis

Painting from the Tang Dynasty era of a flying heavenly maiden with a pipa.

Fan Zhongyan’s Diligence and Resilience

Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked ...

Mikel Davis

Fan Zhongyan.

Haenyeo: The Tenacious South Korean Mermaid Divers

The Haenyeo, directly translated as “sea women,” represents a unique and storied tradition in the coastal towns of Jeju Island, South Korea. For centuries, these skilled divers have played a key role in catching fresh seafood, supporting their families, and fueling the economy. What sets the Haenyeo apart from other divers is their remarkable free-diving ...

Nathan Machoka

A Haenyeo.

The Virtue of Silence: The Tale of a Compassionate Healer

In the annals of Qing Dynasty lore, the story of Wei Lianfang’s father stands out as a beacon of compassion and medical expertise. A physician of great virtue, he treated all who sought his help with unwavering dedication, regardless of their financial status. His generosity knew no bounds; for those too impoverished to afford treatment, ...

Max Lu

Blocks spelling out the word 'silence.'

5 Unique Coffee Traditions Around the World

Coffee is more than just a drink. It’s the second most sold good in the world, after oil. As a result, coffee traditions have become symbols of hospitality and social contact in many countries. Coffee’s cultural significance extends beyond its stimulating properties. It expresses heritage, history, and unique practices. This article will explore the five ...

Viena Abdon

A green mug full of coffee surrounded by coffee beans.

From Deserter to Famed General: The Story of Di Qing

A true embodiment of the saying “a hero doesn’t fear a humble beginning,” Di Qing’s journey from a deserter, marked by a punitive tattoo, to a celebrated general is a tale of grit and determination. His rise was significantly influenced by the open-minded Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty and the encouraging chancellor Fan ...

Mikel Davis

Terracotta warrior statues.

The Magic of Fairy Tales: Keeping the Art of Storytelling Alive

From the treasure trove of our childhood memories emerge the enchanting stories told by grandparents, parents, or caregivers. Fairy tales, those captivating narratives, whisked us away to realms where dragons soared, ogres devoured misbehaving children, princesses discovered love in the most unexpected places, and ordinary objects concealed extraordinary secrets. But these stories offer us more ...

Nathan Machoka

Girl reading a story to her stuffed animals.

Rediscovering the Lost Treasures of Modern Life

Life is a process of simultaneously gaining and losing. As you grow and your living conditions improve, you often don’t realize what you’re losing while acquiring new things. Some of these lost treasures, although outdated by modern standards, are invaluable to you and, once lost, can never be reclaimed. 1. The loss of tradition When ...

Max Lu

People holding hands are seen in silhouette in front of the setting sun.