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Interest-free Loans: Chinese University Student Loans

In the process of popularizing and deepening higher education, student loans, as an important funding policy, provide countless students from economically disadvantaged families with the opportunity to continue their studies. It not only alleviates the economic pressure of students, but also promotes educational equity and social progress. This article will elaborate on the application conditions, preferential policies and relevant policy adjustments of student loans during the epidemic.

Application conditions for student loans
Student loans, especially national student loans and student loans from the place of origin, are an important funding method for students from economically disadvantaged families. Its application conditions mainly include the following aspects:

Identity and student status requirements:
Applicants must be full-time students in ordinary colleges and universities, including undergraduate students (including higher vocational students), graduate students and second bachelor’s degree students.
Applicants must have the nationality of the People’s Republic of China and hold a valid resident identity card of the People’s Republic of China.
Applicants must be formally admitted by full-time ordinary undergraduate colleges, higher vocational schools and higher technical colleges (including private colleges and independent colleges) approved by the state to establish and implement higher education, and obtain a true, legal and valid admission notice or student ID card.
Family financial situation:
Family financial difficulties are one of the basic conditions for applying for student loans. Applicants need to provide proof of family financial difficulties to prove that their family income is insufficient to support the basic expenses required to complete their studies during school (including tuition, accommodation and living expenses).
For student loans from the place of origin, the applicant and their co-borrower (usually parents or other guardians) must be registered in the same county (city, district), and the family’s financial situation must meet the requirements of the local funding center.
Personal qualities and academic performance:
Applicants must have full civil capacity (minors must obtain written consent from their legal guardians).
Applicants must be honest and trustworthy, abide by laws and regulations, and have no illegal or disciplinary violations.
Applicants must study hard, pass the exams, and be able to complete their studies normally.
Other conditions:
The applicant’s school must sign a bank-school cooperation agreement with the Bank of China or other financial institutions to ensure the smooth issuance and recovery of loan funds.
Applicants must be approved by their school and submit other relevant materials required by the bank and school.

Preferential policies for student loans
In order to further reduce the financial burden of students from families with financial difficulties, the state and local governments have introduced a series of preferential policies for student loans, mainly including the following aspects:

Increase in loan amount:
Since the fall semester of 2021, the amount of national student loans has been adjusted. The annual loan amount for full-time ordinary undergraduate and junior college students (including second bachelor’s degrees, vocational students, and preparatory students) has been increased from no more than 8,000 yuan to no more than 12,000 yuan, and then further increased to no more than 16,000 yuan. The annual loan amount for full-time graduate students has been increased from no more than 12,000 yuan to no more than 16,000 yuan, and then increased to no more than 20,000 yuan.
Interest rate discount:
The interest rate of national student loans is implemented in accordance with the loan benchmark interest rate issued by the central bank during the same period, and it does not float. Borrowing students do not need to pay interest while in school, and start to pay interest after graduation. This policy effectively reduces the repayment pressure on students.
Extension of repayment period:
The maximum loan period of the student loan is determined by the remaining study time of the borrower plus 15 years, and the maximum period shall not exceed 22 years. This policy provides borrowers with a longer repayment period and reduces their repayment pressure.
Interest and principal deferral policy:
In order to further reduce the burden of college graduates from families with financial difficulties, the state has introduced a policy of deferring the repayment of student loan interest and principal. For example, for loan students who graduated in 2024 or earlier, the interest on the national student loan that should be repaid in 2024 will be exempted, and the principal can be deferred for one year. This policy effectively alleviates the economic pressure of graduates and helps them find employment smoothly.
Early repayment policy:
If the borrower is able to repay in advance, he or she can choose to repay the loan principal and interest in one lump sum. Early repayment helps reduce interest expenses and reduce the total repayment amount.

Chinese People Rush To Pay The Bill

In Chinese society, the dining table is not only a place to satisfy the appetite, but also an important place for interpersonal communication and emotional exchange. In such a cultural background, “rushing to pay the bill” has become a unique social phenomenon. It is not only about the payment of money, but also contains profound cultural implications and social strategies.

Cultural roots: face and reciprocity
Face culture is an important part of Chinese society that cannot be ignored. In the Chinese concept, face represents dignity, status and social evaluation. When having a meal or banquet, taking the initiative to pay the bill is often regarded as a generous and face-saving performance. By bearing the expenses, individuals not only show their economic strength, but more importantly, they win the respect and goodwill of others and maintain their face.

The traditional virtue of reciprocity is also an important factor in promoting “rushing to pay the bill”. In Chinese culture, if you accept the hospitality or help of others, you should give something in return to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships. Therefore, after the dinner, many people will rush to pay the bill out of politeness and gratitude to show their respect and gratitude to the host or inviter.

Social psychology: group identity and sense of belonging
Group identity is an important aspect of Chinese social psychology. In a group, individuals often gain a sense of identity and belonging by imitating and following group norms. In a dinner party, when seeing someone start to pay the bill, others may join in the bill payment out of herd mentality or to avoid being seen as “unsociable”. This group behavior not only strengthens the connection between people, but also promotes social harmony.

The need for a sense of belonging is also one of the reasons that prompt people to rush to pay the bill. In the fast-paced modern life, people are eager to find a sense of belonging and security in social activities. By sharing the expenses, people feel close ties and mutual support between each other, which enhances the sense of belonging.

Economic considerations: strength display and relationship maintenance
Economic strength display is one of the motivations for some people to rush to pay the bill at dinner parties. For some people, paying for dinner parties is a way to show their economic strength and social status. By paying the expenses, they can send a signal of success and confidence to others, thereby gaining more social recognition and respect.

Relationship maintenance is also an economic consideration that cannot be ignored. In Chinese society, interpersonal networks are crucial to personal development. By treating others to a meal and paying the bill, individuals can deepen their emotional connections with others and build or consolidate their network of relationships. Although this investment may seem like a monetary investment in the short term, it may bring more resources and opportunities in the long run.

IV. Gender and generational differences
Gender and generational differences are also worth paying attention to in the phenomenon of “rushing to pay the bill”.

In terms of gender differences, traditionally, men’s greater financial responsibility in dinner parties is seen as a manifestation of responsibility and commitment. However, with the progress of society and the change of gender concepts, more and more women have begun to take the initiative to pay for dinner parties, showing their independence and confidence. However, in some occasions, men may still insist on paying the bill out of traditional concepts or respect for women.

Generational differences are reflected in the views and practices of different age groups on the behavior of paying the bill. The older generation may pay more attention to reciprocity and face culture, so they are more inclined to take the initiative to pay the bill; while the younger generation may pay more attention to personal feelings and actual needs, and have a more flexible and diverse attitude towards the behavior of paying the bill.

V. Reflection and Changes in Modern Society
With the development and changes of society, the phenomenon of “rushing to pay the bill” is also facing new challenges and reflections.

On the one hand, with the change of consumption concepts and the popularization of mobile payment, more and more people have begun to pay attention to the fair sharing and transparency of dining expenses. Some people have begun to advocate the AA system or use mobile payment software to share expenses to reduce unnecessary economic burdens and embarrassment.

On the other hand, the reflection on the cultural customs and social etiquette behind “rushing to pay the bill” is also gradually deepening. Some people believe that over-emphasizing face and reciprocity may lead to increased economic burdens and complicated interpersonal relationships; while others believe that this phenomenon reflects the unique cultural spirit and social wisdom of the Chinese people, which should be respected and passed on.

VI. Conclusion
The phenomenon of “Chinese people rushing to pay the bill” is the result of the interweaving of multiple factors such as Chinese culture, society and psychology. It reflects the unique cultural customs, social etiquette and collectivism of the Chinese people; at the same time, it also reflects the reflection and changes of modern society on traditional concepts. In the future, as society continues to develop and progress, we look forward to seeing more diverse and rational ways of paying for dinner parties; at the same time, we also hope that this phenomenon can continue to inherit and carry forward the fine traditions and spiritual core of Chinese culture.

What Does Green Hat Mean In China

In Chinese culture, colors often carry rich symbolic meanings and cultural connotations, and the term “green hat” is a metaphor with special cultural meanings. It does not simply refer to the green hat itself, but contains deep cultural psychology and social customs. To explore in depth why Chinese men do not wear green hats, we need to analyze from multiple dimensions.

Ⅰ、Cultural background and symbolic meaning

The traditional meaning of green

In traditional Chinese culture, green is not always evaluated positively. In ancient times, green was sometimes associated with “immaturity” and “greenness”, lacking a sense of maturity and stability. However, more importantly, green has gradually developed new symbolic meanings in modern Chinese, especially in spoken language and slang. Green is often associated with negative behaviors such as “cheating” and “infidelity”, especially the term “green hat”, which has become a symbol of the shame suffered by the husband when his wife has an affair.

The metaphor of “green hat”
The popularity of the term “green hat” originated from a folk legend or custom, that is, when someone’s wife has an affair with someone else, people will jokingly call the person’s hat “green” as a way of mocking and insulting him. Although this saying lacks conclusive historical records, it is widely circulated among the people and gradually solidified into a cultural symbol, which profoundly affects people’s concepts and behaviors.Social psychology and customs
Taboo psychology
The Chinese have always attached great importance to face and dignity, and often take a taboo attitude towards things that may damage their reputation and status. Therefore, when the “green hat” becomes a symbol of infidelity and shame, men will naturally try their best to avoid any association with it, including not wearing a green hat, so as not to be misunderstood or ridiculed.
Constraints of social customs
In addition to the taboos at the personal psychological level, social customs also have a strong restraining effect on people’s behavior. In Chinese society, abiding by traditional customs and moral norms is regarded as a virtue, and violating these customs and norms may be condemned and rejected by society. Therefore, not wearing a green hat has become a manifestation of men following social customs and maintaining their own image.

III. Changes and reflections in modern society

Diversification of color concepts
With the development of society and the influence of globalization, Chinese people’s color concepts are gradually changing. As one of the common colors in nature, green is gradually accepted and loved by more people for its positive, healthy and environmentally friendly meanings. In modern society, more and more people are beginning to break free from the shackles of traditional concepts and look at green and related things with a more open and inclusive attitude.
Reflection on the metaphor of “green hat”
At the same time, more and more people are beginning to reflect on the rationality and fairness of the metaphor of “green hat”. They believe that it is unfair to simply associate unfaithful behavior with green hats, and it is also a prejudice and discrimination against women. Therefore, some people have begun to call for abandoning this outdated concept and looking at marriage and loyalty issues with a more rational and objective attitude.

IV. Conclusion
In summary, Chinese men do not wear green hats not just because of personal preferences or aesthetic preferences, but are affected by multiple factors such as deep cultural background, social psychological customs and changes in modern concepts. Under the influence of traditional culture, the “green hat” has become a symbol of infidelity and shame, which makes men often avoid choosing green when choosing the color of a hat.

What Are The Chinese Zodiac Signs?

The Chinese zodiac, also known as the twelve zodiac signs, are twelve animals that are matched with the twelve earthly branches according to the year of birth of a person in China, including rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. This folk culture has a long history and has profound cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. The following will elaborate on the specific content and origin of the twelve zodiac signs.

The specific content of the twelve zodiac signs
The order of the twelve zodiac signs is fixed, and they correspond to the twelve earthly branches respectively, as follows:

Rat: represents wisdom and wit, and also symbolizes flexibility and diligence.
Ox: represents tenacity and diligence, and also symbolizes stability and loyalty.
Tiger: represents bravery and strength, and is a symbol of strength and confidence.
Rabbit: represents gentleness and kindness, and also symbolizes agility and intelligence.
Dragon: In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of mystery and dignity, representing authority and innovation.
Snake: represents wisdom and calmness, and also symbolizes flexibility and deep thought.
Horse: represents speed and passion, and also symbolizes freedom and bravery.
Sheep: represents gentleness and kindness, and also symbolizes harmony and loyalty.
Monkey: represents wit and curiosity, and is a symbol of flexibility and mischief.
Rooster: represents diligence and punctuality, and also symbolizes auspiciousness and bravery.
Dog: represents loyalty and bravery, and is a symbol of fidelity and friendliness.
Pig: represents diligence and kindness, and also symbolizes happiness and wealth.

The origin of the twelve zodiac signs
There are many theories and legends about the origin of the twelve zodiac signs, but the most widely accepted one is related to animal worship and the ancient calendar system.
Animal worship
The origin of the twelve zodiac signs is closely related to the worship of animals by ancient humans. In ancient society, animals were closely related to human life. Through observation of animals, people discovered their unique habits and characteristics, which led to the worship of animals. This worship psychology gradually evolved into linking animals with human destiny, personality, etc., forming the concept of the twelve zodiac signs.
Ancient calendar system
According to historical records, the origin of the twelve zodiac signs is also related to the calendar system of ancient China. As early as the Western Zhou Dynasty, China had a calendar system that divided the year into twelve periods and used twelve animals as symbols. This calendar system may have been formed based on astronomical observations and agricultural production experience, and was used to guide people in farming activities and daily life. Over time, this calendar system was gradually improved and combined with the twelve earthly branches to form the twelve zodiac signs we are familiar with now.
Legends and Stories
There are many vivid legends and stories about the origin of the twelve zodiac signs. The most famous one is the story of the “Twelve Zodiac Signs Race”. According to legend, Huangdi held an animal race to determine the representative animals of the twelve hours. The participating animals included rats, cows, tigers, rabbits and other twelve species. In the competition, various animals showed their own strengths and wisdom. In the end, the rat won the first place in the competition with wit and flexibility, and became the representative animal of Zishi; while the cow won the second place with diligence and steadiness, and became the representative animal of Choushi… and so on, and finally determined the order and representative meaning of the twelve zodiac signs.
Documentary Records
The earliest complete record of the twelve zodiac signs that is the same as today is “Lun Heng” by Wang Chong of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In this work, Wang Chong describes in detail the correspondence between the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve earthly branches and their respective symbolic meanings. This shows that in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the twelve zodiac signs had formed a complete system and were widely accepted and passed down.

III. The cultural significance of the twelve zodiac signs
As an important part of Chinese traditional culture, the twelve zodiac signs have far-reaching cultural significance. It is not only a way of recording time, but also a folk belief and cultural symbol. In folk culture, the twelve zodiac signs are endowed with rich symbolic meanings and implications, representing people’s different understandings and thoughts on life, nature and society.

Timekeeping method
As a way of recording time, the twelve zodiac signs are simple and easy to remember. In ancient society, people did not have the concept of time in the modern sense, and could only roughly judge the time by observing astronomical and natural phenomena. The twelve zodiac signs provide an intuitive and easy-to-understand way of recording time, allowing people to determine their zodiac signs according to their year of birth, so as to better understand themselves and others.
Folk Beliefs
In folk beliefs, the twelve zodiac signs are endowed with various mysterious powers and meanings. People believe that different zodiac signs represent different personality traits and destiny. Therefore, in terms of marriage, life, and annual fortune, people will pay attention to their zodiac signs and the related taboos. For example, in terms of marriage, people will judge whether they are compatible based on the zodiac signs of both parties; in terms of the year of birth, people will take various measures to avoid evil and ensure safety.
Cultural Symbols
As one of the important symbols of Chinese culture, the twelve zodiac signs are widely used in various cultural and artistic fields. The twelve zodiac signs can be seen in art forms such as painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. In addition, the twelve zodiac signs are often used as one of the elements of decoration and celebration in traditional festivals and celebrations. These art forms not only show the unique charm and rich connotation of the twelve zodiac signs, but also inherit and promote the spirit and value of Chinese traditional culture.

IV. Conclusion
The Chinese zodiac signs are a folk culture with profound cultural connotations and symbolic significance. It originated from the ancient human worship of animals and the development and improvement of the ancient calendar system.

The First Emperor Of China:Qin Shi Huang

The first emperor of China was Qin Shi Huang, whose life and contributions had a profound impact on Chinese history. The following is a detailed introduction to Qin Shi Huang:

I. Biography
Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC), surnamed Ying, clan Zhao (some say Qin), named Zheng (some say Zheng), also known as Zulong, Lv Zheng and other nicknames. He was an outstanding politician, strategist, and reformer in ancient China, the founder of the Qin Dynasty, the first autocratic centralized state in Chinese history, and the first monarch in China to be called emperor. Qin Shi Huang was born in Handan, the capital of Zhao State, and was the son of King Zhuangxiang of Qin and Zhao Ji. Because his father was a hostage in Zhao State, he was born and raised in Zhao State. After King Zhuangxiang of Qin became the crown prince of Qin State, Qin Shi Huang was sent back to Qin State and inherited the throne at the age of 13.

II. Political achievements

Destroyed the six kingdoms and unified the world
From 230 BC to 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang successively destroyed the six kingdoms of Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi, and completed the great cause of unifying China. This feat ended the situation of warring states that had lasted for more than 500 years since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and established the first unified dynasty in Chinese history, the Qin Dynasty. This achievement not only laid the foundation for the formation of a unified multi-ethnic country in later generations, but also greatly promoted the exchange and integration among ethnic groups.
Establishment of the Emperor System
In 221 BC, after completing the great cause of unification, Qin Shihuang believed that his achievements were “virtuous as the Three Sovereigns and meritorious as the Five Emperors”, so he adopted the “Emperor” of the Three Sovereigns and the “Emperor” of the Five Emperors to form the title of “Emperor”, and called himself the First Emperor. This initiative marked the formal establishment of China’s monarchical autocracy, and was also used by emperors of later generations.
Centralization and local management
Qin Shihuang created a complete bureaucratic system at the central level, implemented the system of three officials and nine ministers, and officials such as the prime minister, the general, and the imperial censor assisted the emperor in handling state affairs. At the local level, he abolished the feudal system and replaced it with the county system, with officials directly appointed by the central government to govern the local areas. This system greatly strengthened the central government’s control over local areas and laid the foundation for the development of the centralized system in later generations.

III. Economic and cultural contributions

Unification of weights and measures and currency
After Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, in order to promote economic exchanges and development, he ordered the unification of weights and measures and currency. This move eliminated obstacles in transactions between various places and promoted commodity circulation and economic development. At the same time, he also built the Chidao (ancient highway) to strengthen the connection and communication between various places.
The same writing and the same track
In order to strengthen cultural unity and administrative efficiency, Qin Shihuang implemented the policy of the same writing and the same track. He stipulated that the small seal script should be the official writing, and unified the production standards of vehicles and road specifications. These measures not only promoted the exchange and dissemination of culture, but also improved the efficiency and convenience of administrative management.

IV. Military and diplomatic achievements

Strike the Xiongnu in the north and conquer the Baiyue in the south
After unifying the six kingdoms, Qin Shihuang did not stop the pace of external expansion. He sent generals such as Meng Tian to the north to attack the Xiongnu, recovered the Hetao area and built the Great Wall to defend against the invasion of nomadic peoples in the north. At the same time, he also sent generals such as Ren Xiong and Zhao Tuo to the south to conquer the Baiyue area, incorporated the Lingnan area into the territory of the Qin Dynasty and set up three counties, Nanhai, Guilin and Xiangjun, for management. These measures not only expanded the territory of the Qin Dynasty, but also strengthened the central government’s control over the border areas.
Construction of Lingqu and communication of water systems
In order to strengthen the connection with the Lingnan area and facilitate the transportation of materials and the mobilization of troops, Qin Shihuang ordered the construction of Lingqu. Lingqu connects the two major water systems of Xiangjiang and Lijiang, allowing ships in the Central Plains to reach Lingnan directly by water. This project not only solved the problem of military needs at the time, but also had a far-reaching impact on the transportation and economic development of later generations.

V. Historical evaluation
As the first emperor in Chinese history and the founder of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang’s achievements and contributions are indelible. He ended the separatist situation since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period and achieved the first great unification in Chinese history; he established a series of far-reaching political systems and cultural policies, laying the foundation for the formation and development of a unified multi-ethnic country in later generations; he expanded outward and strengthened control over border areas, expanded China’s territory and promoted ethnic exchanges and integration. However, during his reign, Qin Shihuang also implemented extreme policies such as harsh laws and burning books and burying scholars, which aroused controversy and criticism in later generations. Despite this, we should still look at Qin Shihuang’s historical status and contributions objectively and give him due evaluation.

Why Don’t Chinese Men Wear Green Hats?

Cultural background and symbolic meaning
The traditional meaning of green

The metaphor of “green hat”
The popularity of the term “green hat” originated from a folk legend or custom, that is, when someone’s wife has an affair with someone else, people will jokingly call the person’s hat “green” as a way of mocking and insulting him. Although this saying lacks conclusive historical records, it is widely circulated among the people and gradually solidified into a cultural symbol, which profoundly affects people’s concepts and behaviors.
Social psychology and customs
Taboo psychology
The Chinese have always attached great importance to face and dignity, and often take a taboo attitude towards things that may damage their reputation and status. Therefore, when the “green hat” becomes a symbol of infidelity and shame, men will naturally try their best to avoid any association with it, including not wearing a green hat, so as not to be misunderstood or ridiculed.
Constraints of social customs
In addition to the taboos at the personal psychological level, social customs also have a strong restraining effect on people’s behavior. In Chinese society, abiding by traditional customs and moral norms is regarded as a virtue, and violating these customs and norms may be condemned and rejected by society. Therefore, not wearing a green hat has become a manifestation of men following social customs and maintaining their own image.

III. Changes and reflections in modern society

Diversification of color concepts
With the development of society and the influence of globalization, Chinese people’s color concepts are gradually changing. As one of the common colors in nature, green is gradually accepted and loved by more people for its positive, healthy and environmentally friendly meanings. In modern society, more and more people are beginning to break free from the shackles of traditional concepts and look at green and related things with a more open and inclusive attitude.
Reflection on the metaphor of “green hat”
At the same time, more and more people are beginning to reflect on the rationality and fairness of the metaphor of “green hat”. They believe that it is unfair to simply associate unfaithful behavior with green hats, and it is also a prejudice and discrimination against women. Therefore, some people have begun to call for abandoning this outdated concept and looking at marriage and loyalty issues with a more rational and objective attitude.

What Magic Does Sun Wukong Have?

Sun Wukong, as the core character in Journey to the West, possesses many magical and powerful spells. These spells not only enable him to achieve great success on the journey to the West, but also make him a symbol of wisdom, courage and great magical powers in Chinese culture. The following is a summary and analysis of Sun Wukong’s main spells:

Seventy-two Transformations
Seventy-two Transformations is one of Sun Wukong’s most well-known spells. It does not mean that Sun Wukong can only transform into seventy-two forms, but describes his versatility and great magical powers. This spell allows Sun Wukong to transform into different forms in different situations, whether it is a person, an animal, an object, or even a god or a ghost, he can transform at will. Seventy-two Transformations are not only used to confuse the enemy and avoid danger, but also often play a key role in battle, allowing Sun Wukong to flexibly respond to various challenges.
Somersault Cloud
Somersault Cloud is another iconic spell of Sun Wukong, and it is also his fastest way of flying between heaven and earth. One somersault can cross 108,000 miles, a speed that no one in Journey to the West can match. The Somersault Cloud not only allows Sun Wukong to travel quickly between places on his journey to the West, but also often becomes his magic weapon to escape from difficulties in emergency situations.
The Heaven and Earth
The Heaven and Earth is a transformation spell. After casting, Sun Wukong’s height will become ten thousand feet high, and his attack power and attack range will be greatly improved. This spell not only makes Sun Wukong look extremely powerful visually, but also enhances his combat effectiveness in actual combat. In the battles with powerful enemies such as Erlang Shen, Sun Wukong has cast the Heaven and Earth many times, showing amazing strength.
External Incarnation
The external incarnation, also known as the clone technique, is a spell that Sun Wukong uses the hair on his body to transform. He can chew the hair and spray it out, and transform into countless clones to assist himself in fighting or completing other tasks. These clones are not only similar to Sun Wukong’s body, but also have a certain combat effectiveness, allowing Sun Wukong to be at ease when facing many enemies. In addition, Sun Wukong can also separate his clone from his main body to conduct long-distance reconnaissance or attack.
Fire Eyes
Fire Eyes is a magical power that Sun Wukong cultivated in the Eight Diagrams Furnace of Taishang Laojun, which can see through all falsehoods and disguises. On the way to the West to obtain scriptures, Sun Wukong used his fire eyes to see through the true form and tricks of monsters many times, and escorted the safety of the team. Fire eyes not only gave Sun Wukong the upper hand in battle, but also enabled him to see through people’s hearts and distinguish right from wrong in daily life.
Water Avoidance
Water Avoidance is a spell used by Sun Wukong when fighting underwater, which allows him to breathe freely and move freely in the water. This spell is crucial for Sun Wukong, because he often needs to cross rivers, lakes and seas on the way to obtain scriptures and fight monsters in the water. The use of Water Avoidance allows Sun Wukong to maintain a strong combat effectiveness underwater and is not affected by the water environment.
Soul Out of Body
Soul Out of Body is a spell that allows Sun Wukong to separate his soul from his body to carry out other activities. This spell allows Sun Wukong’s soul to leave his body to explore the enemy, find items or perform other tasks without moving his body. Soul Out of Body not only makes Sun Wukong more flexible in battle, but also enables him to solve many difficult problems in daily life.
Three Heads and Six Arms
Three Heads and Six Arms is a special form that Sun Wukong shows in battle. He can grow two extra heads and four arms in a short period of time, so that he can fight in all directions without dead ends. In this form, Sun Wukong not only has a greatly increased attack power, but can also deal with enemy attacks in multiple directions at the same time. The use of three heads and six arms makes Sun Wukong more brave and invincible in battle, becoming the enemy’s nightmare.
The Art of Blowing Hair to Change into Monkey
The Art of Blowing Hair to Change into Monkey is a new spell created by Sun Wukong combining the Seventy-two Transformations and the Incarnation. He can turn the hair on his body into countless little monkeys to assist him in fighting or completing other tasks. These little monkeys are not only numerous but also fast, and can put great pressure on the enemy in a short time. The use of the technique of blowing hair to change into a monkey makes Sun Wukong more handy in battle and can easily deal with various complex situations.
Other spells
In addition to the main spells listed above, Sun Wukong also mastered many other powerful spells. For example:

Fixed body method: can fix the enemy’s body and make it unable to move.
Draw a circle on the ground: use the golden hoop to draw a circle to resist the monsters.
Summoning method: chanting spells to summon mountain gods and other small gods to help.
Calling wind and rain: controlling weather changes by chanting spells.
Capturing method: using strong winds to take people and objects away.
Life-saving hair: three life-saving hairs given by Guanyin Bodhisattva can save lives in critical moments.
These spells are unique and powerful, making Sun Wukong an omnipotent mythical hero in “Journey to the West”.

In summary, Sun Wukong’s magic is diverse and powerful, which not only enables him to achieve great success on the journey to the West, but also makes him a symbol of wisdom, courage and power in Chinese culture. The use of these magic not only demonstrates Sun Wukong’s wisdom and courage, but also reflects his flexibility and firm belief in the face of difficulties and challenges.

Ghost Festival: Burning Paper To Remember The Dead

On the night of the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year, you will see many people burning paper on the roadside or other places, which brings you a strange atmosphere. This is actually an act of remembering the dead.

When is the Zhongyuan Festival?
The Zhongyuan Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival and the Half of July, is a traditional festival on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year (in some areas, especially in South China, there is also a custom of celebrating the festival on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month). This day is regarded as the intersection of the Yin and Yang worlds in traditional Chinese culture. It is an important day for worshiping ancestors and transcending the souls of the dead. The Zhongyuan Festival in 2024 falls on August 18, Sunday, which is not a statutory holiday, but its influence among the people is still far-reaching.
What is the Zhongyuan Festival?
The Zhongyuan Festival is one of the four traditional Chinese sacrificial festivals. Together with New Year’s Eve, Qingming Festival and Chongyang Festival, it constitutes an important node for the Chinese nation to worship their ancestors. It originated from the ancient worship of ancestors and belief in nature, and gradually integrated the religious elements of Taoism and Buddhism to form a unique cultural connotation. The Zhongyuan Festival is not only a day to worship ancestors and remember the dead, but also a time to pray for a good harvest, family peace, and social harmony.

III. Legends of Zhongyuan Festival

Mulian Saves His Mother
Mulian Saves His Mother is one of the most well-known legends of Zhongyuan Festival. Mulian, whose secular name is Luobu, was punished to suffer in the Avici Hell for her evil deeds in her lifetime. After Mulian acquired supernatural powers, he learned about his mother’s situation and resolutely went to hell to rescue her. He asked for help from Tathagata Buddha, and finally saved his mother from the sea of suffering and reincarnated as a dog in the royal city. After Mulian laid a forty-nine-day Taoist temple, his mother was able to ascend to heaven. This legend embodies the spirit of filial piety and compassion, and is also an important cultural foundation for worshiping ancestors and transcending the souls of the dead during Zhongyuan Festival.
Cai Mo Burns Paper
Another legend related to Zhongyuan Festival is the story of Cai Mo burning paper. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, after Cai Lun invented papermaking, his brother Cai Mo’s business was bleak due to poor papermaking technology. Later, his wife Hui Niang came up with a clever plan. She pretended to be dead and resurrected, claiming that because Cai Mo burned paper for her, she was able to enjoy money in the underworld, thus saving her from the predicament. From then on, every July 15th, people would burn incense and paper for their ancestors to show their remembrance and filial piety.

IV. Customs of the Ghost Festival

Ancestor worship
The most important custom of the Ghost Festival is to worship the ancestors. People will place offerings at home or in front of the ancestral tomb, such as three kinds of meat, three kinds of tea and five kinds of wine, etc. The head of the family will preside over the ceremony, burn three sticks of incense, kowtow and pray to the ancestors to bless the family with peace and prosperity of descendants. In some areas, there is also a custom of taking the souls of ancestors home and offering food every day until the end of July.
Release river lanterns
Release river lanterns is also one of the important customs of the Ghost Festival. People make river lanterns such as lotus lanterns, light them and place them in rivers, lakes and seas, letting them float. Legend has it that this can help drowning ghosts and other lonely ghosts in the water to rest in peace. Putting lanterns on the river is not only a mourning for the deceased relatives, but also a blessing for the living people.
Burning paper money
Burning paper money is an indispensable activity of the Zhongyuan Festival. People believe that paper money can represent money to be used in the underworld, so they will burn a lot of paper money for their ancestors and lonely ghosts. This custom reflects people’s remembrance of their ancestors and their compassion for the dead souls.
Grabbing the ghost
Grabbing the ghost is a special temple fair activity, which is usually held after the Zhongyuan Festival. The host provides the offerings for the sacrifice to people to grab, which is called “grabbing the ghost”. This activity is said to scare away the ghosts who linger in the world and make them stop haunting.
Taboos of the Zhongyuan Festival
It is not suitable to get married
The Zhongyuan Festival is considered to be a time when the yin energy is heavier, so it is not suitable to hold a wedding. People are worried that the newlyweds will be disturbed by the yin energy, affecting the happiness and auspiciousness of the marriage.
It is not suitable to go out at night
On the night of the Zhongyuan Festival, people believe that the ghosts in the underworld are active frequently, so they avoid going out at night. In order to avoid unexpected events or being disturbed by ghosts.
Swimming is not suitable
Water has the meaning of purification and represents Yin energy during the Ghost Festival, so swimming is not suitable. People are worried that ghosts from the underworld will take this opportunity to invade the human world and bring misfortune and disaster.
It is not suitable to turn on lights at night
It is not suitable to light too many lights at night to avoid attracting ghosts. People believe that too many lights will destroy the atmosphere of sacrifice and attract unclean souls.
It is not suitable to cry alone at night
Crying at night during the Ghost Festival is believed to attract ghosts and bring bad emotions to people. Therefore, people should maintain an optimistic attitude and avoid crying alone at night.
It is not suitable to pick fruits
The Ghost Festival is a time when ghosts are floating around, and picking fruits may attract unclean souls. People are worried that the picked fruits will be possessed by ghosts or carry bad air.
It is not suitable to throw things around
Throwing garbage or waste on the Ghost Festival is believed to attract evil spirits. Therefore, people should keep the environment clean and orderly and avoid throwing away garbage at will.
Do not ridicule ghosts and gods: Respect ghosts and gods, do not ridicule or ridicule, so as not to bring bad luck.

Respect tradition and understand taboos: The taboos of the Ghost Festival are not nonsense, but reflect people’s respect and respect for the dead. These taboos protect people’s spirit and emotions to a certain extent, and also promote people’s social harmony. When celebrating the Ghost Festival, respecting traditions and following taboos will not only help maintain the continuation of traditional culture, but also reflect our deep affection for our loved ones.