- March 03, 2017
- Margret Ressang
The Beginning of Chinese Civilisation: A Bowl Full of Rice
Rice has been known to man for more than 10 000 years, but in no other country than China has this grain made such an impact on culture and growth of civilisation! Almost four thousand years ago a great and terrible flood swept from the Yellow River over China. Chinese mythology tells us that this terrible event lasted for...
- February 23, 2017
- Margret Ressang
A Short (But Important) History on Opium Dens
"Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, now faint, as the burning poison waxed...
- February 07, 2017
- Margret Ressang
Repurposing in Interior Decoration: Lamps and Candleholders
In every interior you can find something that has no more use to its owner, apart from maybe some emotional value. Often, we throw these items away, hoard them or we find a new purpose for these old things. Take, for example, a broken bike. If you are really creative, you can make a one-of-a-kind clock out of its wheel....
- January 25, 2017
- Margret Ressang
Feng Shui Tips 2017: How do your surroundings influence you?
In our previous post, we talked about the Chinese New Year and its traditions. Did you already prepared a bit for the upcoming Year of the Rooster by, for example, cleaning your house to let good luck and prosperity flow in? In this post we will talk about another Chinese tradition that can help you and your house attract auspiciousness:...
- January 20, 2017
- Shirin Ressang
Loud Fireworks and Dancing Lions: Chinese New Year celebrations
The Year of the Monkey is coming to an end when on January 28 we will celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster! Contrary to Western New Year's celebrations that last only one night, Chinese New Year rituals and festivities can last up to two weeks! Let's talk a bit about how to celebrate Chinese New Year, how...