Dumplings and Post-pardem (cont)

So, I'm not sure if my last entry was posted, I had to shut down my computer because they needed to turn off the power for a little bit. Anywhoo, I can't remember what I said, I know it wasn't much.
I learned how to make dumplings this week, "jiao zi" in Chinese. They are so good!! AND boy do I have leftovers!! They are so yummy, but very time consuming!! I will post these pics on Photobucket so you can see the process. I also had a yummy dinner on Saturday night with some other students, they made a seafood dish for me! I love people cooking for me, but I want to learn how to make them on my own and it is their custom to allow the "guest" to relax while they cook, so I watched and wrote and then relaxed...and then ate! WHen you eat with Chinese people, be prepared to eat A LOT! You will usually sit down to at least 5 different dishes. Normally there is one soup and then one noodle dish, often served near the end of the meal. AND in Shandong Province you cannot forget the Qingdao beer!
I also, recently, had some interesting conversations with some students regarding some cultural traditions and beliefs. One conversation was kind of depressing to me. A girl asked me if I believed in true love. I said, of course. She does not think it's possible for a man and woman to truly love one another. She said that too many people are depressed and have psychological problems to truly understand love. I also think this stems from the idea and practice of marrying who your parents think fit best with the familys' status and place in society. The husband brings home the bacon, the wife serves the family and raises the child and you do what is best for your country. Everything done in order and in a logical manner. None of this mushy love crap. I said to some other students it seems like more of a business arrangement than a marriage and she said, it is. This practice, however, is not as common as it used to be, although, many families still do this. It used to be the bride and groom didn't even meet each other until the day of the wedding, at least now they will meet prior. Just interesting, another cultural difference. And in America it's way too romanticized, we all (when I say "we all" I mean mostly females and certainly myself) want movie love, which isn't exactly realistic either. I also learned of an interesting wedding tradition. On the wedding night, the family or close friends to into the bedroom of the couple and dangle an apple on a string. They hold the apple above the couple, who are in bed, and they try to eat the apple, of course the friend pulls the apple up so the couple will kiss. WHich is a big deal here, you see NO PDA whatsoever, although, on campus the couples are pretty affectionate. I have not seen one person kiss another, especially on the lips, that is not acceptable.
This is also interesting. Many people still believe and participate in this practice which blows my mind. After a woman has given birth, she is supposed to stay in bed for one month. She cannot wash herself, she cannot walk anywhere and mainly eats fresh fruits and vegetables. Interesting, huh? (How does that sound Shan?)
If someone dies, their sons or male members of the family will stay with the body for at least 2 nights to protect the spirit. THen after they have buried/cremated the body, the family brings food, fake money to burn, paper washing machines or other useful items for the afterlife to the gravesite for 5 weeks, on the 5th week they have a huge celebration with wine and a lot of food. THey burn the money and paper replicas so that their loved one will be cared for in the afterlife with things they may need. There is also a portion of the funeral where the men are dressed all in white and wear while slippers and a white girdle/wrap around their midsection and a white headwrap/hat. Females aren't allowed to the funeral if they are under the age of 18 or if they are unmarried.
I just love learning these things! I also just found out that we are invited to a Chinese reception next Friday night. A teacher is getting married and has invited all the foreign teachers, fun, huh!? I will let you know how that goes! ANd, of course, take pictures!
I love you all! Miss you tons! I am busier which is wonderful! I am off to Qingdao again this weekend and I am very excited to stay with an American family!! I hope all is well with everyone and you are happy and healthy!
Fascinating!