Fola (second prelim notes)
Malous module
- SWEET AND SOUR PORK
Táng cù páigǔ (糖醋里脊)
Sweet and sour pork has a bright orange-red color,
and a delicious sweet and sour taste. At the very
beginning there was only sweet and sour pork, but
to meet demands, there have been some
developments on this dish. Now, the pork can be
substituted by other ingredients like chicken, beef
or pork ribs.
- GONG BAO CHICKEN
Gōng bǎo jī ding (宫保鸡丁)
This is a famous Sichuan-style specialty, popular with
both Chinese and foreigners. The major ingredients
are diced chicken, dried chili, and fried peanuts
- MA PO TOFU
Má pó dòufu (麻婆豆腐)
Ma po tofu is one of the most famous dishes in
Chuan Cuisine with a history of more than 100 years.
Ma describes a spicy and hot taste which comes
from pepper powder, one kind of condiment usually
used in Chuan Cuisine.
- WONTONS
Yún tūn (馄饨)
Since the Tang Dynasty (618–907), it has been a
custom for people to eat wontons on the winter
solstice. The shape of a wonton is a right triangle,
similar to Italian tortellini. Wontons are commonly
boiled and served in soup. The filling of wontons can
be minced pork or diced shrimp.
- DUMPLINGS
Shuǐjiǎo (饺子)
With a long history of more than 1,800 years, it’s a
traditional food popular in North China. Dumplings
consist of minced meat and chopped vegetables
wrapped into a thin piece of dough skin. Dumplings
are a traditional dish eaten on Chinese New Year’s
Eve.
- CHOW MEIN
Chǎomiàn (炒面)
The "Chow mein" is the Cantonese pronunciation of
the Chinese characters above, which means stir fried
noodles. Generally speaking, this stir -fried dish
consists of noodles, meat (usually chicken, beef,
shrimp, or pork), onions and celery.
- PEKING ROASTED DUCK
Běijīng kǎoyā (北京烤鸭)
Peking duck is a famous dish from Beijing, enjoying
world fame, and considered as one of China’s
national dishes. The Sliced Peking duck is often
eaten with pancakes, sweet bean sauce, or soy
with mashed garlic. A must-taste dish in Beijing!
- SPRING ROLLS
Chūnjuǎn
Spring rolls are a Cantonese dim sum of cylindrical
shape. The filling of spring rolls could be vegetables
or meat, and the taste could be either sweet or
savory. After fillings are wrapped in spring roll
wrappers, the next step is frying. Then the spring
rolls are given their golden yellow color.
- BAOZI
Bǎo zi
A known as baozi or simply bao, bau, humbow,
nunu, bakpao, bausak, pow, pau, or pao is a type of
steamed, filled bun or bread -like item in various
Chinese cuisines, as there is much variation as to the
fillings and preparations.
- MOONCAKE
Yuèbǐng
A mooncake is a Chinese bakery product
traditionally eaten during the Mid -Autumn Festival.
The festival is for lunar appreciation and moon
watching, when mooncakes are regarded as an
indispensable delicacy.
CHINESE ZODIAC SIGN
DRAGON
- DRAGON The dragon is an exceptional sign.
Proud, assertive, intelligent, and strong.
However, the other side of the Dragon can
be pushy, impulsive, and intolerant. They
breath fire in every direction; for both good
and bad. They attract the positive and the
attention, and stir up energy!! They make
the point, and make it well, but sometimes
lack consultation when needed. Dedicated
workers, and great companions....In for the
long haul!!!
SNAKE
- Snake Years : They proceed at their own
pace, which can be mis- understood. They
often shed their skins taking and venturing
onto something completely new. They are
great at showing off their social side, but
tend to enjoy being left alone to evaluate
the situation. They are elegant and refined,
passionate, sleek and sexy; but can be
jealous and possessive if their rock is
overturned on too many occasions.
HORSE
- These people are usually popular, mentally
alert, good workers, straight forward and
honest. They seek the challenge; strive for
success; in search for freedom. They can
gallop off in search of these things. They do
not tire easily, but can shy away if they feel
they are being put in their pen too often,
and then the open field is too tempting to
not run towards. When they find a partner
they are dedicated, and at times can loose
their heads in the way of romance; and
often make mistakes while finding the right
partner.
GOAT
- SHEEP (GOAT) The sheep (called the Goat at
times) go at their own pace. They do not like
being rushed or put on the spot. They are
charming yet hold back their emotions.
Lovers of nature and the arts. They
appreciate and need stability and prefer to
have people oriented professions. Well
mannered and a bit shy, but readily will lend
an ear to a friend. The Sheep can be easily
hurt and can become upset if deceived.
Dedicated to marriage and a friend!!
MONKEY
- MONKEY .. These people adapt well with
situations and are quick on their feet. They
have the “gift of gab”, are original and lively.
Many people feel that the Monkey is
intimidating and may shy away, but soon the
attraction is made. The Monkey has many
interests which makes them always fit in
somewhere. Not the nine to five type person
though; the Monkey needs freedom and a
partner that keeps them stimulated
ROOSTER
- People born in the Year of Rooster
according to Chinese zodiac have many
excellent characteristics, such as being
honest, bright, communicative and
ambitious. Most of them are born pretty or
handsome, and prefer to dress up. In daily
life, they seldom rely on others.
DOG
- DOG .The happy cheerful, dedicated and
honest. These people have a great sense of
justice and fair play. They are loyal and
always on alert. Being that they usually have
a watchful eye, many are prone to worry too
much. When hurt or deceived they tend to
gnaw at the details. But, eventually they pull
it together and move forward with a playful
gate. Dog people can have a bit of a temper,
but their bark is worse than their bite. They
are dedicated to companionship and and are
faithful for life.
PIG
- Pig people are honest, kind, generous and
funny. They have a great sense of humor
and love to wallop in the mud. They love
their homes and are quite content keeping
house. They are steady, patient, and great at
organizing both their jobs, money, and
family life.
RAT
- RAT Charming and sociable, but a cool
cookie. The Rat is comfortable within groups
of people, and work well with the public.
They are creative and quite smart. They
grasp situations quickly and pay attention to
details. They take advantage of opportunity,
and move towards their mark, but since they
cannot resist the chance to move quickly;
sometimes they can overstep their
boundaries and take on too much at one
time. They are passionate lovers; and their
feelings are true. They are dedicated to their
friends and give heartfelt advice and
comfort.
OX
- The Ox is study and plows the fields alone.
They are independent workers and
dedicated for the long haul. They can be
loners. Social gatherings are more dutiful
than needed. Family structure is important
to the ox. Values and morals are taught.
They cherish their private lives and
homestead.
 TIGER
- Tigers are passionate, strong, swift, and
courageous. They love their freedom and do
Water supports creativity. Water people
have a
- good deal of wisdom and the ability to sway
others. This
- is a very passionate element yet one with an
air of
- mystery. If you’re a water person you
probably do a lot of
- ruminating. Feng Shui recommends cool,
dim spaces
- when you’re feeling overwhelmed.not do
well when stripped of their independence.
They can be quite dominate, and need to
feel powerful.
RABBIT
- RABBIT The peaceful little bunny. Usually
keeping out of the fight, and at times
turning a blind eye to dispute. Diplomatic,
gentle, emotional and sentimental. They can
at times seem rather selfish as they enjoy
their own garden.
WOOD
Wood has a strong trunk, meaning once you decide
something you can stand firm. This element is active
with lots of initiative, compassion and imagination.
When wood hits an obstacle it becomes remorseful
and stressed out. When you succeed you share that
victory. Feng Shui recommends surrounding
yourself with living plants for positive energy
FIRE
The fire persona is very “in your face”. There is no
hemming and hawing with this type of person – just
speak your mind. Some of the characteristics you
can expect in a fire person include perception,
leadership, zeal, vigor and enthusiasm. People
regard you as being somewhat eclectic and
periodically jealous. Feng Shui recommends looking
to interesting collections that feed your spirit like
old coins and artwork
EARTH
If you are an Earth person your friends see you as
very practical, dependable, trustworthy and
thoughtful – in other words “salt of the earth” type
qualities. You’re very instinctive, but sometimes get
carried away with “things” rather than action. Feng
Shui recommends comfortable items that keep you
well-grounded in your native element.
WATER
Water supports creativity. Water people have a
good deal of wisdom and the ability to sway others.
This is a very passionate element yet one with an air
of mystery. If you’re a water person you probably do
a lot of ruminating. Feng Shui recommends cool,
dim spaces when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
CHINESE LUCKY COLORS/NUMBERS
The top three lucky colors in China
(I) Red — Happiness, Success and Good Fortune
Red represents fire and is the most popular color in
China. It is also the national color representing
happiness, beauty, vitality, good luck, success and
good fortune.
Red is famously popular in relation to anything
Chinese and is widely used during festivals and
important events like weddings.
Red lanterns adorn businesses and residences.
Double rows of red "Xi" (happiness) letters
are pasted on gates and doors. People wear red
during weddings, festivals and other celebratory
events. Red envelopes are stuffed with money and
given as gifts during Chinese New Year.
(II) Yellow — Royalty and Power of the Throne
Yellow — corresponding to earth — symbolizes
royalty and is reserved for the emperor.
The first Emperor of China was known as the
Yellow Emperor. China was often referred to as
'Yellow Earth', and its mother river is the Yellow
River. This is the most important color from an
ancient perspective.
Official seals were packaged in yellow fabric.
Overlooking the Forbidden City from Beijing Jing
Mountain, one can see a sea of yellow glazed tile
roofs. Gilded copper urns and animals adorn many
palaces.
In Chinese Buddhism, yellow is associated with
freedom from material needs and monks wear
yellow robes.
(III) Green — Money and wealth Unlucky Colors

Green is the color of wealth, fertility, regeneration,
hope, harmony and growth. Green also represents
pure and clean.
Buildings, banks and restaurants are often painted
in green. Packaging for milk or produce is often in
green to indicate that the product is contamination
free.
Other Colors of Significance
Successful real estate company Lianjia is branded in
green and yellow. Mixing colors in China, i.e.
combining a main color with bits of another
positive-meaning color, is common and can have
varied interpretations and meanings.
White
This is the color representing metal and is associated
with death and mourning. The Chinese wear white
at funerals.

In Chinese Five Elements Theory, a traditional White

philosophy about natural interactions used in
fengshui etc., red represents 'fire', yellow 'earth',
white 'metal', black 'water', and green (or blue)
'wood'.
Blue
Chinese Five Elements Theory Colors in Chinese Five
Elements Theory
Blue is usually seen in combination with green or
black. Blue can represent wood and symbolizes
spring and brings a positive meaning.
White, corresponding to metal, is the color of
mourning. In Chinese culture, white is associated
with death and is used in funerals, it is the color of
mourning.
Black
Black, corresponding to water, is another color
associated with mourning and death. Both white
and black are unlucky colors for Chinese New Year.
Lucky Chinese Zodiac Colors

Blue stands for healing, trust and long life. Shades of Rat —— black, blue
green/blue are used to decorate homes for
longevity and harmony. Ox —— yellow

Black Tiger —— red, green

Black corresponds to water and is considered to be Rabbit —— green

a neutral color in Chinese culture and is the color of
heaven, symbolizing the northern and western sky. Dragon —— yellow
This color represents immortality, knowledge,
stability and power. Snake —— purple

Because of this, government cars are all black. The Horse —— blue
police uniform is also black to project authority and
control. Goat —— blue, green

Gold Monkey —— gray, purple

Gold is a color of richness and nobility — similar to Rooster —— blue, white

how its perceived in the West.
Dog —— black, white
Combinations of gold and red are seen on special
occasions and is a winning color combination for Pig —— brown
packaging consumer goods.
The Luckiest Number in China: 8
'8' is the most favored number in modern China due
to its association with wealth and luck. The Chinese
love this number both in trivial matters and in big
moments. 8 is given the highest priority when
buying a number plate or buying a house.
The number 2 The Chinese strongly believe in
harmony and balance, hence even numbers
naturally gain preference over odd numbers. The
number 0 is a whole number as well as an even one,
especially for money, and is thus considered a lucky
digit.
2 (两), pronounced er or liang, is considered to be
lucky as the Chinese believe that all good things
come in pairs. This is observed in repeated
characters in some brand names or gifts.
The number 3
3 pronounced san , is considered lucky due to its
similarity in sound to the word that means birth
The number 5
5 (五), pronounced wu, is associated with the five
elements - earth, water, fire, wood, metal - which is
regarded as the basis of the world in ancient
Chinese culture and was associated with the Chinese
emperor. This number has more of a historic
significance.
An instance is the Tiananmen Gate which is the main
entry to the Forbidden City. This gate contains 5
arches. In Chinese history, the number 5 is used in
many classifications, such as five flavors (pungent,
sweet, sour, salty, bitter), five sacred mountains
(Huashan, Hengshan in Hunan, Hengshan in Shanxi,
Songshan and Taishan) and so on.
The number 6
6 (六), pronounced liu, is considered lucky as it
sounds like the word that means 'to flow', and can
indicate smooth progress in life. It also means
well-off. Similar to 8, 6 is preferred in number plates
and phone numbers. When a couple gets engaged,
the man customarily offers a gift to the girl's
family which is usually money (RMB 6,666 and such)
and this gift signifies a harmonious life for the
couple. If a person is to celebrate their 66th
birthday, that is a grand occasion. In business, 6 is
considered lucky. New ventures or contracts are
signed on dates that have 6 in them.
The number 7
7 (七), pronounced qi/ chi, is a number that
symbolizes togetherness and harmony as its is
considered to be the union of yin, yang and the five
elements (described above) in Confucianism.
The number 9
9 (久), pronounced jiu, is a popular number, much
like 6 and 8. It is similar to the word that means
everlasting. It is common to gift your beloved 99
roses on Valentine's Day in China. 9 is the highest
single digit number and hence represents
completeness.
This made it very popular with Emperors who used it
in many aspects of their administration, right from
dividing the empire into 9 continents, wearing nine-
dragon imperial robes, nine-rank system for officials,
etc. In Chinese mythology, it is said that the Dragon
has 9 children.
Unlucky Numbers in China
Unlucky 4
While only a few numbers are considered unlucky in
China, the number 4 is the most unlucky as it rhymes
with the word that means death.
Interestingly, you will notice this in building
elevators which usually omit this number.
Unlucky 3
The number 3 can be unlucky as well depending on
the situation and use. For example, gifting to friends
or to couples seldom contains the number 3 in any
form of association. Three is pronounced 'san'
which is similar to the word that means 'to part
ways'.
7 七, QĪ- LUCKY/UNLUCKY
Like 5, 7 has both positive and negative
connotations in Chinese culture. For the positive
side, 七 sounds like both 起 (qǐ), which means
“start” or “rise”, and also 气 (qì), which means
“vital energy”. Seven is also seen as a lucky
number for relationships. The Qixi Festival (七夕節),
also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on
the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar.
The 7th month is also known as the “ghost month”
in China, where ghosts and spirits are believed to
rise from hell to visit earth. While ghosts may be
seen as omens, the ghost festival in the 7th month is
widely celebrated. 7 may also be considered unlucky
because 七 sounds like 欺 , meaning “cheat”.