Chinese Religious Traditions

What is divination in Chinese folk religion?

• The practice of interpreting dreams to gain insight into the future.

• The attempt to ascertain hidden knowledge or foretell future events by the interpretation of omens or through supernatural means.

• A method of healing that involves the use of herbs and rituals.

• The study of ancient texts to understand historical events.

What does the saying 'Chinese people are Confucian in public, Taoist in private, and Buddhist concerning death' mean?

• It demonstrates that the Chinese have a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices woven tightly into their culture.

• It suggests that Chinese people are secretive about their true beliefs.

• It indicates that Chinese culture is solely based on Confucianism.

• It implies that Chinese people do not value spirituality.

Describe the Chinese New Year celebration.

• The Chinese celebrate for over fifteen days, cleaning homes, saying prayers, and exchanging gifts.

• The Chinese celebrate for a week with fireworks and parades only.

• The Chinese celebrate by fasting and reflecting on the past year.

• The Chinese celebrate with a single day of feasting and no traditions.

Why does this chapter cover Chinese religious traditions in the plural?

• Because Chinese religious traditions are a commingling of several religious traditions.

• Because there is only one dominant religion in China.

• Because Chinese religious traditions are all based on Confucianism.

• Because Chinese religious traditions have no historical significance.

What are some of the various Chinese religious traditions that have blended together over the years?

• Chinese folk religion, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

• Hinduism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, and Jainism.

• Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism.

• Buddhism, Atheism, Agnosticism, and Scientology.

What is another complication in studying Chinese religions?

• It is sometimes difficult to determine whether each is a religion, a philosophy, or merely an intellectual exercise.

• Chinese religions are often practiced in isolation from one another.

• There is a lack of historical texts documenting Chinese religious practices.

• Chinese religions are universally accepted and understood.

Why is the birth of a boy preferred over the birth of a girl in Chinese culture?

• A boy carries on the family name and takes care of parents in old age.

• Boys are considered more intelligent than girls.

• Girls are expected to marry and leave their families.

• Boys are believed to bring more wealth to the family.

Name and describe the six stages of a typical Chinese marriage.

• (1) Proposal, (2) Engagement, (3) Dowry, (4) Procession, (5) Wedding, (6) Morning After

• (1) Proposal, (2) Engagement, (3) Ceremony, (4) Reception, (5) Honeymoon, (6) Return

• (1) Introduction, (2) Engagement, (3) Dowry, (4) Procession, (5) Wedding, (6) Celebration

• (1) Proposal, (2) Engagement, (3) Dowry, (4) Procession, (5) Reception, (6) Morning After

Why can it be said that people who practice Chinese religious traditions do not worship their ancestors?

• They venerate but do not worship their ancestors, believing they are the 'living dead'.

• They completely ignore their ancestors in their practices.

• They only worship deities and not their ancestors.

• They believe their ancestors are in a different realm and cannot be reached.

What are the five crucial male relationships in Confucianism?

• (1) emperor to subject; (2) father to son; (3) husband to wife; (4) elder brother to younger brother; (5) male friend to male friend.

• (1) teacher to student; (2) father to daughter; (3) husband to wife; (4) elder brother to younger brother; (5) male friend to female friend.

• (1) emperor to subject; (2) father to son; (3) brother to sister; (4) elder brother to younger brother; (5) male friend to male friend.

• (1) emperor to subject; (2) father to son; (3) husband to wife; (4) elder brother to younger brother; (5) teacher to student.