T-shirt Translation

The first question most people that have seen the shirt I'm selling ask is, "What does it mean?" It's a totally valid question. No one (in the U.S.) wants to wear a shirt that could easily be blatant swearing, foolish nonsense, or worse, political jargon. (All of these I've seen in China on shirts written in English, by the way). That being said, it is high time I share the meaning of the "Read Between the Strokes" shirt.

 

 

三更灯火

五更鸡

是男儿读书时

黑发不知勤学早

白首方悔读书迟

 

From the dead of the night until dawn

is the time for a man to study

Starting early, a boy doesn't realize it's hard work

The old man regrets studying too late 

 

 

 

 

Now that you know what the shirt means, does it carry more significance to you? Some people I've talked to say knowing the translation makes it more philosophical, which suits them. What does it mean to you?

 

How to Get Ready for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival 【春节】begins on January 31st this year. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the whole of China will be on the move. From east to west, people, especially migrant workers, will return to their home villages to spend the time with families they haven't seen the rest of the year. On the 29th, families all over Asia will gather together to eat a special meal, perhaps watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV, and give each other gifts. In the days following they will visit relatives, and especially in China, take a break from work for 1-2 weeks.

Even though I am spending the holiday in the U.S., the Spring Festival is a special time of year for me, too. I enjoy sharing my host culture with people here at home. This year to celebrate I'll be presenting on China in my younger siblings' classes. However, creating a presentation fit for 5-8 year-olds takes a lot of preparation, as does the Spring Festival itself. If you haven't prepped your home or family for this holiday, I'm here to help. Here is my list on how to get ready for Chinese New Year. Keep in mind that my recommendations are all based on my own observations of preparations in China, and should, by no means, be taken too seriously. Especially if you live outside of China, just have fun with it!

Spring Clean

Before the new year arrives, it's important that your home be ready for all the good spirits and prosperity that is sure to come. More importantly, one must take care to sweep away all the bad luck from the year before. After you've got your house spick-and-span, don't forget to hang your traditional couplets around your door frame.
 

 

Buy Red

Buy red underwear in particular. Not only is this a lucky color in Chinese culture, but it is also a great preparation for Valentine's Day. Buy some for yourself. Get a few for your spouse. Stock up for your kids. Don't forget the grandparents! While you're at it, go for red sheets and duvets, too. Go big or go home, right?

 

Make Dumplings

This is a must. Because of their similar shape to ancient gold currency, dumplings represent fortune and prosperity. At the new year, people sometimes hide small coins inside the filling to be found by some lucky eater. Even without the coin, dumplings are a delicious main meal and fun to make at home or with friends. It's a common Chinese question to ask foreigners if they know how to "bao jiaozi," or make dumplings. Why not get a head start this year by making some of your own?
 

 

Set Off Firecrackers

As you ring in the new year, your ears should be ringing--there should be a Chinese idiom for that. Chances are, you're not going to be doing this in your backyard in the States, but a few sparklers or a bonfire would do, too!
 

 

If nothing else, you can wear my Chinese-English original design for your Chinese New Year celebration! Find it on my Etsy shop at the top of this page or here. Leave a comment and you'll get 10% off your order! Who can say no to more holiday deals? 
 

Starting the New Year with a New Business

Most of you know by now that I am in the U.S. visiting family and friends. What many of you don't know is how I'm really spending my time.

I have projects galore!

While in Oklahoma visiting my mom and siblings for Thanksgiving I completed my profile on Elance and began working as a freelance writer, editor, and researcher. 

I visited Dr. Robert Davis Con-Undiano at the University of Oklahoma, who gave me a lot of information on my research topic of how Americans view Mo Yan, Nobel prize winner for literature in 2012. 

I met with another professor at Oklahoma Central University and ended up being invited to present at the Asian Center for Development Program's (ACDP) national conference in Houston this coming March.

I decided to make a quilt top while in Oklahoma and two days later I was finished.

I then took a 16+ hour Greyhound bus ride to Holbrook from OKC. I met a man who had been shot eight times in his life, twice in the head. I even felt where the bullet is still lodged in his forehead. There was also a German-speaking, elderly Amish couple on board, and a girl who drank a 2-liter soda in three hours. The Greyhound truly impressed me as very American, to say the least.

I wrapped a suitcase full of presents and got more excited than the kids when it came time to open them. Fortunately, all the clothes fit, albeit some just barely ;) 

I got food poisoning.

I signed up for a 10k. I train at home and around town when I'm not helping my dad with food storage and feeding chickens.

So now I am gathering my research materials, getting in contact with more professors, writing articles for various blog posts, and I've started preparing presentations on China for my younger siblings' classes. 

But the thing that I just have to share with everyone is my new business--selling t-shirts! It's been my goal for a long time to sell shirts with my original designs. Since I'm starting small, right now I only have one design and 10 shirts. I have until March 16 before I head back to China and I'd love to get them all sold before then. For now, expect to see a lot of posts on Facebook and other outlets about these shirts. If you're interested in making a purchase, feel free to contact me through my Facebook page or my Etsy shop.

 

 

What do you think? Do you know someone who would like an English-Chinese character mix that combines American humor with Chinese aesthetics? If so, pass it on or leave a comment.

Happy New Year!