Why is the Number 13 Lucky to the Chinese?

The number 13 is considered unlucky for many in the West.

Not so for Chinese!

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Just like Westerners, Chinese do share a love of lucky numbers and other superstitious beliefs, although in quite a different manner.

Why is the Number 13 Lucky to the Chinese?

It is part of the Chinese culture. You'll be surprised to see how they are willing to part with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, simply to obtain lucky telephone or car-plate numbers.

The telephone number 8888-8888 is said to have sold for nearly 0,000 in Chengdu, a southwest Chinese city. The Beijing Olympics 2008, on the other hand, opened on August 8, 2008 (08-08-08) at 8:08 p.m.

The obsession with numbers takes place not only in China, but also other cities like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Do not try competing for numbers such as 8 in any of these cities. Chances are that you will be out-beaten, if your pocket is not deep enough!

Chinese like to link numbers to pronunciations of the associated words. They first see how a number is sounded, then associate it to words that share similar pronunciation and interpret the number from there.

The number 8 is tremendously popular, because it is pronounced close to the sound 'fa', which is how words like prosperity and fortune are pronounced in the language. As a result, when they see the number 8, they will associate it with prosperity and fortune.

For the same token, the number 9 is a lucky number. It can mean enough or arrive. The number 6 is popular as well, as it implies happy and smooth.

The number 7 is popular for some, as it sounds like the word 'complete'. In Mandarin, it can also mean wife. So 517 can mean 'I want a wife'; as the number 5 sounds like 'I' and the number 1 sounds like 'want'. 514, on the other hand, would not be popular, as the number 4 sounds like the word 'death', and the number could imply 'I want to die'.

Not every number can be generalized. It depends on whether the person is interpreting it from Mandarin or one of the several Chinese dialects.

In addition to sound, numbers can also be interpreted from other angles.

For example, the number 18 is popular. This is because the number 1 -- when positioned in tens -- sounds like 'definite'. The number 18, which is pronounced as shiba in Mandarin, becomes 'definitely prosperous'. On the other hand, some may see 18 as '1 plus 8', which adds up to the lucky number 9. The number, therefore, is also in high demand.

Avoid the number 4 nevertheless. It is thought to be unlucky for many. This is because, as we mentioned earlier, it sounds like death in Mandarin and several dialects.

Why is the number 13 lucky then?

The digit 1 when positioned in tens sounds like the word 'definite' (shi) in Mandarin and dialects such as Cantonese; while the digit 3 sounds like life, living or birth.

As a result, the number 13, which is pronounced as shisan in Mandarin, can mean 'definitely vibrant' or 'assured growth'.

So how can 13 be an unlucky number?

Why is the Number 13 Lucky to the Chinese?

Tekson Teo, http://www.ChineseOnTheGo.com

Writer and speaker specializes in Chinese language and culture. He speaks broadcaster Mandarin and interprets Chinese philosophies like I Ching and Lao Tzu. Obtained his BSc Econ (Hon) from University of London and MBA and DIC from Imperial College London, he is also a much sought-after business consultant for Asia.

Traditional Chinese Food - Chow Mein

Noodles are very popular in China. Chow mein is one of famous Chinese food in the world. It is easy to cook and you can cook it in many methods. In this article, I would like to offer you two of them.

The first method is shown as below:

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Ingredients:

Traditional Chinese Food - Chow Mein

Chinese noodles, egg, shredded meat, baby bok choy, green onion sections, chives, MSG, dark soy sauce

Cooking procedure:

1: Put the noodles into the pot with boiling water and boil it for several minutes. Then remove and rinse under cold water; Tips: add a little salt and salad oil when boiling so that the noodles cannot stick with each other easily.

2: Heat the pot, pour some oil and spread it in the bottom of Pot. Add egg, then remove it from the pot when it is done.

3: Add green onion sections, baby bok choy, chives, shredded meat and stir fry them together. Then put into the boiled noodles and stir fry them together for a short time.

4: Then use the chopsticks (if possible) to separate the noodles. Add the cooked egg, onion, and stir fry them for a several minutes. It is done.

Next, I like to introduce you another method:

Ingredients:

Chinese noodles, onion, mushroom, hammer, bacon, cabbage, dry chilies, chilies sauce, soy sauce, egg, caraway

Cooking procedure:

1. Cut all the ingredients into small pieces, and finger-joint size is preferred.

2. Boil the noodles, then remove and rinse under cold water.

3. Pour some salad oil into the pot; add the onion pieces into it until they become golden. Add the mushrooms.

4. When the mushrooms begin to shrink, add hammer and bacon pieces. Stir fry them for a while, then add the cabbage.

5. When the water comes out of cabbage, stir them for several times. If you think that the oil is not sufficient; you can add some oil again to prevent everything from sticking on the pot.

6. Add the noodles and dry chilies or chili sauce into them.

7. Add salt, soy sauce, at the same time please always stir the noodles.

8. Pour the egg liquid into the pot and it will stick with noodles, and then stir them frequently. This dish is done. Pouring some diced chives onto them is preferred.

There are still many other methods to cook chow mein. Please note that you should always prevent the noodles from sticking with the pot.

For other details about how to cook traditional Chinese food such as Kung Pao chicken, spring roll, dumplings, please visit my website.

Traditional Chinese Food - Chow Mein

There are many Chinese food that is suitable for cooking at home, for more information, please visit [http://www.kung-pao-chicken.com/]

Paraguayan Food - Learn the Basics

Paraguay, a country situated in the very heart of South America, has no coasts, and has a large native population, mostly Guaranies. For that reason, the Guarani language is spoken by a 95% of the population. Spanish is also spoken and both are the official languages of the country.

Paraguayan food is slightly similar to that of the River Plate countries (Argentina and Uruguay), mostly due to the influence from the early colonizers from Spain. But in the case of Paraguay, with its very populous native Guarani inhabitants, the food of this country has received their influence too.

\"Chinese Food\"

The Guarani influence can be noticed in all the tropical ingredients used in the Paraguayan dishes. Grains are used in the preparation of most recipes, mostly corn, with which they make many delicious dishes.

Paraguayan Food - Learn the Basics

Stews are also a very popular part of the Paraguayan food, usually with rice or mandioc, or both. They also love lots of peppers, be they green or red, and onions. So their stews are very tasty! They also use to add different meats, such as chicken, or pork both of which they grow in their farms.

Paraguayans also love beef meat cooked at the barbecue (parrilla) and this food is usually made on the weekends or special occasions. Pork is mostly done on birthdays or holidays. And they serve their meat dishes with the mandioc (cassava or yucca) which is a root and should be always eaten after being properly cooked. Cassava is a very popular root, used in the homes of most Paraguayans, at many meals.

Another very special plant they grow is the yerba mate, which once the leaves are dried out and grounded, is used to make a beverage called mate. Mate is sipped with a stick called "bombilla": it is hollow inside and lets the liquid come up when it is being sipped.

They also include peanuts, sweet potatoes and different beans like lima beans, green beans and peas in their meals. Rice is also an important part of their nourishment, but maize (corn) and cassava are the most important ingredients.

Paraguayan Food - Learn the Basics

The food of South America is full of interesting flavors and recipes, learn more about them visiting http://www.foodofsouthamerica.com

Soul Food Candied Yams - Your Ultimate Holiday Comfort Food

Southern style candied yams is the ultimate comfort food, especially during the holidays. With the holidays on us, now it's time to reflect on mistletoe, stocking hangers and of course comfort food. You know the food we all grew up with, and remember when we were children. And one of the best memories I have is not just the turkey, the pies or the cakes. It's the side dishes such as the cornbread stuffing, the macaroni and cheese and the ultimate holiday side dish, southern style candied yams.

A recent poll recognized southern candied yams as one of the all time favorite holiday side dishes. It's easy to see why. With it's robust cinnamon flavor, backed by the sugary sweetness, and followed up by just the right hint of nutmeg and butter to top it off. It literally goes with any kind of meat. In addition, the bright orange color adds interest and variety to any holiday plate.

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After you finish a meal with southern candied yams, you're always rewarded with that satisfied feeling of comfort. Just be careful you don't overindulge. Surprisingly, more people are enjoying this popular side dish outside of the holiday season. No doubt, many long to bring the taste and comfort of this traditional holiday side dish with them outside the traditional holiday period. With yam imports coming from different parts of the world there's enough supply to meet the demand.

Soul Food Candied Yams - Your Ultimate Holiday Comfort Food

In addition, with more efficient yam storage techniques, the cost of yams during the off season is held stable. The growing demand for yams and sweet potatoes is expected to grow. Candied yams is predicted to expand it's influence as the king of not only of holiday side dishes - but soul food recipe side dishes for many years to come.

Soul Food Candied Yams - Your Ultimate Holiday Comfort Food

See the top 20 soul food recipes chosen by readers this month, plus watch soul food experts cook the most popular southern dishes and watch the recipes come alive before your eyes... Go to Free Soul Food Recipes

How to Cook the Best Pasta the Real Italian Way

Most people think cooking pasta is really easy. Just throw some noodles in boiling water and drain it when it is soft enough, right?

Sorry to say, that is wrong. What is hopefully true is that the secrets I am going to reveal to you will make pasta one of your favourite dish to prepare and enjoy by yourself or with your dear ones.

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First of all, allow me a short digression. To a serious pasta lover the name "noodles" is plain simply dreadful. Noodles is a very good name for Chinese pasta, or Japanese, or Thai, or any other nationality pasta, but not for Italian pasta. Calling Italian pasta "noodles" would be like calling American baseball or English cricket something like "Stickball". That is just sad.

How to Cook the Best Pasta the Real Italian Way

Yes, pasta is easy to cook, *if* you have the right ingredients, *if* you know the right way of preparing it, and, above all, if you have the right attitude. "What is this?" - I hear some of you gasp - "I now have to be like a zen archer or a samurai warrior just to prepare a bowl of noodles?" Let's proceed in order, one secret to the next (by the way, didn't we agree never to call pasta noodles again?)

PASTA SECRET #1: ATTITUDE

Let's start with the most important aspect: attitude.

If you feel your guest swooning in delight over your steaming pasta is a good thing, you have to take cooking seriously. Cooking, and especially cooking pasta, is an act of love and self-sacrifice. It requires your personal energy, your prana, your inner and outer purity, and your uninterrupted concentration. Without these elements, cooking is not cooking anymore, but just cold, mechanical, heartless food preparation. Would you feed such food to your dog?

Before even start preparing your utensils, stand in your kitchen, facing the stove and get inwardly ready to cook. Silence around you and inside you is needed. A short meditation would be even better. Soulfulness is essential.

Feel inside you and visualise in front of your mind's eye the final pasta dish you want to prepare. Feel the aroma of the pasta, the looks, the sound the moist pasta strands do when stirred together, even before they are cradled by the sauce. Imagine the joy on the face of the friends that soon will be enjoying it.

Then, act with determination and precision but never with hurry.

How to Cook the Best Pasta the Real Italian Way

Priyadarshan Bontempi is a meditation student of Sri Chinmoy. Priyadarshan comes from Italy where he learnt the art of cooking pasta and preparing coffee.

Skin Rash - Fast Relief Tips For that Itching Rash

If you skin gets riled up every now and then, there is every chance that your skin is either allergic to certain substances, or you have possibly been infected with a skin disease called atopic eczema.

Atopic eczema affects more than 35 millions of Americans at any one time. It is non life threatening but the intense itching that arise from this skin ailment can means little peace of mind even when you get to bed.

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Before you scratch your skin even further and make your skin worse, we offer you a few quick relief methods you can take to stop that sudden rash.

Skin Rash - Fast Relief Tips For that Itching Rash

Oatmeal bath

Learn how to make use of oatmeal to help your skin rash rather than just have them as part of early morning breakfast cereals. What you need to to do is to soak a cup of oatmeal into your bath. Add a bath product Aveeno and get yourself into the bath. It's pretty refreshing and great for calming your skin.

Calamine lotion

You can purchase this lotion over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Calamine can help to cool down skin rashes and lessen itching. A cheap and easy way to counteract those itch.

Avoid Benzocaine

Some anti-itch products contain ingredients like Benzocaine. Steer clear of such strong allergens as you may risk worsening your skin rash.

Ginger Juice

Used in most Chinese food recipes, ginger can soothe any itchiness in any parts of your body. To apply, just slice a small part of the ginger and rub the juice directly to your problem area. Works fasts if your itch is mild.

Moisturizer

Use a oil-rich moisturizer to prevent skin cracking and irritants from invading those cracks. May not be effective against severe itch but it helps to soothe the skin for you.

Ice Treatment

Suppress the itching area with a plastic bags full of crushed ice. One of the best method to resist any urge to scratch. The freezing temperature will cool off the skin and definitely one of the quickest way to stop a itch.

Antihistamines

This is a drug used to make rash symptoms better. It is pretty useful against histamine, an element within us that cause the itchiness to happen. Be careful when you use antihistamines though, as it may cause drowsiness.

Skin Rash - Fast Relief Tips For that Itching Rash

Jerrick has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Find dry skin remedies, recipes, and relief skin itching tips at http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com

Chinese Desserts

Chinese Desserts are not the same as the American or European desserts which are served separately after a meal. They consist of sweet dishes which are eaten with tea as a snack or are served along with a meal. Owing to the long history of China and presence of numerous cultures, a wide variety of Chinese Desserts can be found in China.

A wide variety of ingredients that are used in the East Asian cuisine such as glutinous rice and sweet bean pastes are used in preparing these desserts. Candies or sweets which are called "tang" in Chinese are popular desserts which are usually prepared with honey, malt sugar and cane sugar. A famous Dessert from the Chinese cuisine is rice cake which is referred to as "guo" or "gao" in Chinese. Rice cakes are generally chewy and soft rice balls which are sweet in flavor. Rice cakes are sweet rice balls which are chewy and soft. Jellies collectively known as "ices" in Chinese are also eaten as desserts. Chinese jellies are generally fruit flavored gelatin products. Another popular Chinese Dessert is "tongsui" or "tiantang", as called in Cantonese, which are basically hot soups with a sweet flavor.

\"Chinese Dessert\"

Wheat flour baked confections which are prepared by baking and are called "bing" in Chinese are also served as desserts in the Chinese cuisine. Though desserts forms an integral part of the Chinese cuisine, still Chinese cuisine is known for its spicy main course dishes rather than its desserts all over the world.

Chinese Desserts

Chinese Desserts

For added information on Chinese recipes and other global cuisines please look at the ifood community at Chinese Recipes. Those interested in Chinese Dessert food can take a look at Chinese Dessert Food

How To Use Chopsticks Step By Step

Despite the fact it may look complicated to eat using chopsticks, the basis of it is quite simple. It is just a matter of time and practice before you can easily pick up and eat food using a pair of chopsticks. After reading this article you will know how to use chopsticks step by step and be well on your way to improving the way you eat using chopsticks.

Although there are a few variants in chopstick styles and the material of which they are made from, they are all used practically in the same way. To begin with, here are a few basic facts that should be remembered when trying to eat with chopsticks.

\"Chinese Food\"

• The lower (base) chopstick should always remain fixed.
• To pick up food only move the upper chopstick; using the middle and index fingers.
• Both chopsticks must be the same length at the eating end. (i.e. One should not protrude over the other).

How To Use Chopsticks Step By Step

Positioning

The first (base) chopstick should be held stationary between your thumb and middle finger.

The second chopstick needs to be placed between the tip of your thumb and the under side of the index finger.

Now, moving only the index finger on the upper stick, bring the tip of the upper chopstick into contact with the lower chopstick. If you are struggling to do this properly with just the index finger you could use the middle finger for extra support.

Once you think you have mastered the movement just practice picking up small objects that would resemble the pieces of food. Remember, chopsticks are not designed for cutting, so when using chopsticks to eat food, make sure that it is already cut into bite-sized portions.

Tip: When using chopsticks to eat rice, bring the rice bowl closer to your mouth and use the chopsticks in more of a scooping action.

How To Use Chopsticks Step By Step

If you have difficulty learning how to eat with chopsticks there are various chopstick training sets and chopstick learning aids that can help you learn how to use them correctly. These are especially effective in making sure you adopt the correct hold and improve upon your technique.