Chinese Name Information

The Chinese Strawberry Tree (Chinese Mulberry Tree), Cudrania tricuspidata, has been extensively planted in American because of its huge potential for bearing unique red strawberries that, once picked from the tree, have the appearance of a giant raspberry. The Chinese Strawberry fruit is more rounded than a mulberry, which is usually elongated. The Chinese Strawberry Tree is sometimes called a Chinese mulberry, because in China, the strawberry tree leaf looks like a miniature version of a mulberry tree leaf. The strawberry tree leaves in China are used to feed silk worms for the Chinese silk trade, like the mulberry leaf has been used for many centuries for the same purpose. In China, the Chinese strawberry fruit is sold in grocery stores, where the berry has a shelf life comparable to the red raspberry. Having only been grown in American for less than 80 years, the Chinese strawberry tree is relatively unknown except for fruit explorers and research hybridizers.

Several cultivar strains of the Chinese strawberry tree are distributed in the United States: one that is monoecious (male and female on the same plant) and the other dicecious (distinct male plants and distinct female plants).

Only one internet plant nursery site offers Chinese strawberry trees that require only one tree for strawberry fruit formation, but other sites offer Chinese strawberry trees that require male and female trees to be planted to grow a crop of strawberries.

Young trees of Chinese strawberry trees grow numerous thorns on the branches, but amazingly, the thorns fall off the twigs and tree trunk as the dense bark hardens and expands with age.

The strawberry fruit resembles a large red raspberry and can grow as large as a half-dollar. Generally as the tree ages, the size of the red strawberries increases as well as the strawberry numbers in the giant clusters. The weight of the red strawberry fruit clusters is so great at harvest time that the branches become weeping in form, resulting in easy-to-pick strawberry fruit. The Chinese strawberry tree is extremely productive as it matures, and a 15 year old tree can grow 20 bushels of strawberry fruits on a 40 foot tree. The strawberry tree appears to be reliable in fruit production year after year. The strawberry crop is picked by hand on younger trees, and as the strawberry fruit grows higher in the upper limbs of the trees, the branches can be shook to harvest the berry crop on sheets or canvases placed underneath the tree.

The flower of the Chinese strawberry fruit is unique—a blend of tastes and aromas from ripe fig, mulberry, Japanese persimmon, and even cantelope. The fully ripe Chinese Strawberry will develop a deep red transparency with hints of blue or purple when it is at its sweetest taste. The strawberry fruit can be eaten ripe from the tree, or it can be made into cobblers, pies, shortcakes, jams, jellies, or fermented into a red wine.

The Chinese strawberry fruit develops from small white flowers in April and grows rapidly as it ripens within large clusters of 8-10 berries. The fruit within the cluster ripens unevenly, like the ground strawberry, and begins maturing in July, ready to be harvested from the tree as late as September.

The Chinese Strawberry Tree is very easy to plant and grow and is generally sold as a bare-root dormant tree in the fall and winter. The strawberry tree can be adaptable in practically any type of soil and is highly drought tolerant and resistant to cold weather, where it has survived temperatures of -20*F in Chicago, Illinois to fruit prolifically the following summer. The young trees often require several years of growing to produce strawberry fruit; a 6-8 foot strawberry tree can grow berries the first year of planting, if you buy a larger tree to plant. The strawberry tree is vigorous when watered and coached with liquid fertilizer.

Once established to grow vigorously, the leaf cover is dense and can completely block out street noise and the sight of neighbors. The canopy of the tree can extend 40 feet wide, and the tree can grow 40 feet tall. The root system spreads rapidly outwards from the trunk, the same 40 foot spread of the canopy. The Chinese strawberry tree, when dormant, can be easily transplanted from one location in the landscape garden to another, unlike most other fruit trees. A giant Chinese strawberry tree was growing across the street from the post office at Sea Island, Georgia, until new construction and expansion of the Cloister Hotel removed it in 2006. That tree grew literally tons of strawberry fruit every year since Sea Island was established in 1928. The tree was single trunked, measuring 2 feet in diameter at the ground and growing 40 feet tall with dense dormitory shade on the west side of the building that reduced air conditioning costs in the sultry afternoons.

Every grower of rare plants should have the Chinese strawberry tree growing in his fruit orchard or home garden. Great interest has been shown in the horticulture research developers to adapt this vegetatively propagated tree into financial ventures for distribution of the Chinese strawberry fruit to American grocery markets—a berry with a larger size and better shelf life than the red-raspberry. The gigantic fruiting potential of a Chinese strawberry planting could also offer food and shade for domestic animals and a source of inexpensive food for wildlife.

The Other Strawberry Tree from Europe—Arbutus unedo

The Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, originated in Europe where it grows wild in many countries. The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, was introduced last century into America as a curiosity plant to study for the use of human consumption. The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, grows into a small tree or large shrub with waxy, shiny, green leaves and white flowers. The strawberry fruit is red when mature, round, and has a tolerable taste to some growers and an unacceptable one to others. The fruit of the strawberry tree may be eaten fresh, cooked as pudding, jelly, or fermented into wine. The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, has been grown in some strates other than southern California, but it is not as cold hardy (Zone 8-11) as the Chinese strawberry tree, nor as productive in berry crops. The European strawberry fruit is loved by birds and some wildlife.

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Visit TyTy Nursery to purchase the trees mentioned in this article, or many others that you may be looking for!

I walked up to the customs agent’s counter in Beijing International airport, and mindlessly handed the customs agent my passport. He then mindlessly did his thing with my passport. It was supposed to be a quiet transaction, but he broke the silence when he looked up and asked if I still use my Chinese name in America. With a blank look on my face, I began to consider supplying him with an answer he might like to hear, but he didn’t give me enough time to think and he answered for me that that I must not use my Chinese name anymore. My passport was handed back to me with a smile. He then wished me a pleasant journey and pointed me to the three long security checkpoints reserved for US bound passengers. While standing in line, I thought about my long-lost Chinese name and how unattached I am to my Chinese name….

Born in 1969 in communist China, my parents promptly decided to name me after something that had something to do with Chairman Mao. Not that they thought of him as a great leader, but rather out of fear. They picked a little known poem by Mao, which allowed them to show enough dedication to Mao without being reminded too much of him. My name was the first character of the three character title of this poem. (They actually needed to have three children to qualify for Mao’s poem, but they stopped at two. My sister’s name was the second character of the title, but her character is better known.) They clearly went too far with their quest, not only did most people fail to associate my name properly with Chairman Mao, but most people simply don’t know the character that is my name.

As a young child in China, it always surprised me if someone could pronounce my name correctly without being told first. I regarded anyone who knew my name as certainly the most learned and intelligent. They would often ask anyway how I got such a little known character as a name and I would politely repeat the origin of my name, including that I only have one sibling and that I don’t actually know the poem itself, just the title. I also endured numerous longer and more colorful dialogs about my name between my mother and other curious people. Once in a while, my parents would apologetically explain that my name was selected to protect me, but I am certain that my name had not once protected me when I got myself in trouble.

I came to America just in time to start 8th grade, and by then my Chinese name had been loosely “translated” phonetically into English. Now it really sounds nothing like my name, even when I say it. On quite a few occasions, I was completely oblivious when someone was calling for me. One day, my grandmother suggested to me that since I live in America now, it would be easier to have an English name. I thought this was an excellent idea. The very first name she suggested was “Jenny,” and I said okay. Finally, I had a name that is simple, modest, and best of all, does not call attention to itself.

When I got married, since my husband isn’t Chinese, I realized that I would lose part of my ethnic identity if I changed my last name but I decided to change my last name anyway. The logic was simple: I wanted to have the same last name as my future children so that no one would mistake me for their nanny. I kept my maiden name as my middle name. I like my last name by birth. Most of the time a middle name is not required, so, on paper, my name does not suggest that I am Chinese American.

In real life, I am a Chinese American—a proud one, I might add. I am fluent in spoken and written Chinese. My favorite carb is rice, in fact, it is pretty much the only carb I like. I am also an avid green tea drinker, and rarely miss an opportunity to order stinky bean curd if my dining partner can tolerate if not share it. After I had children of my own, it became even more important to embrace being Chinese. I wanted to pass down the great Chinese heritage and values to my children. They are taught to be respectful and obedient to their teachers in school, and that being smart and getting good grades is a great source of pride, and yes! math and science is more important than liberal arts.

I also made great efforts to teach my children to be fluent in Mandarin Chinese in our predominately English speaking household. We were fortunate to afford the neat trick of hiring a full time Chinese speaking nanny for our children for 6 years. I read Chinese children books to my children almost religiously every night. Both of my kids were given Chinese names (ones that I like) in addition to English ones and we use their Chinese names at home. We celebrate each major Chinese holiday, and for Chinese New Year, I even stage a celebration that can sort of rival Christmas. They get all dressed up in their beautiful silk Chinese outfits on New Year’s day, I arrange nice display of treats on our table for the kids to enjoy, and instead of the more traditional treats, I disguise mine with gold-wrapped Chocolate coins, and snacks that they like. After all, one has to enjoy the treats to appreciate the holiday. And of course, the red envelops, which they grow to appreciate more and more each year. One day, I think they might like it better than the presents during Christmas. I just have to be very generous with their red envelops. But the most festive part of our Chinese New Year celebration is our annul pilgrimage to my parent’s house. Where they learn that Chinese New Year is a great family celebration mixed with a lot of eating, and more red envelops for the children. I tell them that they are lucky to have more holiday celebrations than most of their friends, because they are Chinese.

And I am lucky to be an Chinese American too. Because I fully embrace the benefits from two great cultures. Even without a Chinese name.

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This article is printed with permission from http://www.asianparent.com — Offering a large selection of Chinese children’s Books and DVDs for 0-12 year olds.

In this world full of innovations as well as new things created out of inspiration from old designs and symbols, it is not unusual for us to see Che Guevarra on bags and shirts, swastika on bags and cups, as well as other ancient and historical designs. Even Chinese beliefs and ancient symbols are in the market today and are becoming bases for some of the most purchased fashion accessories.

I am talking about different kinds of jewelries inspired by Chinese symbols and beliefs. For instance, there is a silver bangle with a number 8 design on it; this number 8 design was inspired by the Chinese belief. According to tradition, 8 means good luck. Aside from a bangle, there is also a silver ring that has a number 8 design on it, which was also inspired by the same Chinese belief. Furthermore, a silver 18″ necklace chain, which is now available, also entices good luck; it has an enameled sterling silver pendant called the ‘Chinese Knot.’ Another good luck charm is the sterling silver ring that has an “Imperial Seal” design, which was inspired by the seal of the Qing’s emperor.

All of the aforementioned Chinese-inspired jewelries are made out of pure silver and have free and adjustable sizes, but for quite expensive prices. These accessories are also greatly influenced by Chinese beliefs, specifically feng shui. I have always been intrigued and curious about the Chinese feng shui. The popularity of feng shui made it a common household name. Well, I have decided to get straight to this matter in the heart of the feng shui land — China. Beginning with the right pronunciation of Feng Shui (’fung shway’) is a good start. On the other hand, knowing its literal meaning brings some more awareness on this topic: feng means wind, while shui means water.

The application of feng shui comes in the balance of the above-mentioned elements. The Chinese believe that feng shui creates prosperity, abundance, and harmony in personal, business, and financial aspects. This traditional Chinese practice used to be the secret of the Chinese royal families in bringing health and wealth to their clans. Even the Forbidden City of Beijing was constructed in accordance to the feng shui principles. Well, I guess the Chinese really took this belief seriously.

Now, I know why even Hollywood stars wear Chinese accessories such as beads and the like. With enough knowledge on jewelry beliefs and feng shui, I could try on accessories and be more wary of surroundings so that I have more luck, which I would be more than willing to accept.

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If you need more information on Chinese Beliefs and Chinese Accessories, you can check out the provider’s website by clicking here http://www.exploring-china.com

If you want to learn the Chinese Language, some Learning Chinese Software can help you. Some integrated learning Chinese softwares with words, sounds, pictures, animations and music. These Learning Chinese Softwares are user friendly designed, content rich, comprehensive tutorial program. These interactive learning Chinese programs will make you enthusiastic about learning Chinese.

Chinese Practice 3.0.2, This program helps you learn Chinese. It offers text-to-speech synthesis or recorded voice, multimedia features, merging and editing lessons, skinning support, vocabulary organizing, a Brain Flash feature, talking Chinese-English-pinyin dictionary and Chinese text reader.

ABCconcept ABC Chinese Learning Tools 1.0, animated Chinese Characters, Radicals - stroke by stroke; Mandarin pronunciations (Pinyin); Cantonese pronunciations (Jyutping); More than 20,000 characters; Chinese-English, English-Chinese dictionaries.

Learn Chinese and Speak Mandarin 2.6, users guide themselves through over one hundred lessons. Each lesson contains a real world conversation between two native speakers. Conversations are broken down into individual sentences, pronunciation, meaning, pinyin, characters and the literal translations of the words that make up the sentences.

Learn Chinese 6.0, It includes pronunciation for all sentences, characters, words and phrases in real natural audio. Text-To-Speech is not used, so you can hear the changes in intonation. All Chinese characters, words and phrases are shown with tone marks, Pinyin, for reference. There are 66 lessons and 95 sense dialogues which cover normal situations such as daily life, working, study, traveling and hospitalization. There’s an English-Chinese double language dictionary which includes over 12,000 Chinese words and phrases. You can search the new words with Englishor Chinese as well as strokes of the Chinese character or Pinyin. There is a Chinese characters writing demo, featuring over 3,500 of the most common words. There is a Chinese phonetic alphabet whichincludes the 1,300 Chinese Pinyin. There is an Examination Module. You can test your understandingof Chinese and Pinyin. Speech Chinese can help you to read texts on Web sites or your clipboard in English, simplified and traditional Chinese. You can convert texts to WAV or MP3 files.

EzChinese Road 1.0, This is an oral textbook for short-term training programs focusing on daily communication. It’s adapted to the latest choice textbook Road: Chinese Conversation For Foreigners, which is published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press. Each Chinese character, word and sentence in this software is recorded by professional announcer. It covers more than 30 communicative functions, approximately 900 new words, as well as more than 100 basic key points of language and explanations of daily words and phrases.

One good Chinese Software is a good start for Chinese learners. These multimedia programs are fully interactive, using the most contemporary language learning technique. From teaching modern Chinese PinYin phonetic system to writing Chinese character stroke by stroke, learn Chinese interactively.

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Acupuncture Chinese moxibustion technique? What’s that?

To start from the beginning, there are two operative parts to acupuncture – one is operations with needles and the other is with fire. Both are important and can work hand in hand in curing illnesses.

Needless to say, acupuncture Chinese moxibustion refers to curing with fire. And it pretty much refers to the Jiu in Zhen Jiu (the Chinese name for acupuncture).

Acupuncture and moxibustion are significant inventions of the Chinese. In literature of the past, there were many legends about the origin of acupuncture and moxibustion such as Fu Xi’s creation of the therapeutic techniques with stone needles, and Huang Di’s invention of acupuncture and moxibustion.

The origin of acupuncture Chinese moxibustion can be dated back to the Eolithic age.
It was said that a housewife found relief from her ache while she was standing near the fire at the stove while cooking. Over time, this has improved and medical herbs were added to “smoke” the body and improve health.

The methods in common use are moxibustion with moxa cone and cupping. The fundamental principle is to use a glass jar to cover a part of the body and allow it to “suck” the body by putting fire in the jar. This heating forces the air out of the jar and causes a “suction vortex” so that the jar sticks to the skin. This causes blood to be stimulated and stimulate the internal organs of the patient. The moxa cone can also be used for the same effect.

However, acupuncture Chinese moxibustion must be done such that it targets the relevant acupuncture points or meridians of the body. This is so that the targeted illness can be cured. Medicinal herbs as well as ginger and mashed garlic are sometimes added for the treatment. Generally, the jar is allowed to “cup” body for about 15-20 minutes, and treatment has to be done over a period of time.

Besides these traditional methods of acupuncture Chinese moxibustion, people have now made improvements on the methods. Nowadays, possible equipment used include the microwave needle moxibustion, electronic needle moxibustion, acupoint injection, acupoint magnetotherapy, and so on.

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For even more FREE acupuncture information, go to Acupuncture Manual. For more information on acupuncture, be sure to visit 321 Acupuncture.

Chinese dragon

The Chinese dragon is the symbol of protection and success. It is regarded as the Supreme Being among all creatures, temples and shrines have been built to honor Chinese dragons.

There are nine dragons , the earth dragon, the wind dragon, the sea dragon, the water dragon, the sky dragon, the fire dragon, the golden dragon, the mountain dragon and the heavenly dragon.

Chinese Dragons control rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. Being the divine mythical animal, the dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all.

The dragon is traditionally associated with East direction and it is believed that placing an image of a dragon on the East side of your home or office will protect you from negative energy and will bring great fortune.

Chinese dragon & Phoenix - for happy marriage

Chinese dragon and Phoenix are the perfect couple which symbolize Yang (dragon )and Yin (phoenix ) in feng shui. The Phoenix alone projects yang character but when the phoenix is shown together with dragon or placed beside a dragon, it becomes yin.

Dragon and phoenix couple symbolize emperor and empress and they represent a happy marriage blessed with success and prosperity.

The Dragon and Phoenix couple not only strengthens relationships, it can even relight the fires of a kindling relationship with the fiery energy of the Phoenix.

It is the perfect Chinese symbol as well for people who are single looking for true love, best if the image is placed in Southwest corner of your home .

Turtle dragon ( Dragon head tortoise ) - for wealth , career & business success, long life, protection

This unique creature, turtle dragon symbolizes awesome powers of the turtle and dragon plus four spiritually endowed symbols of lucky Chinese feng shui.

The creature has the head of a dragon, the body of a turtle, and is sitting on coins and gold ingots. And there is a baby turtle on the back.

Turtle symbolizes longevity . It is believed that the mythical turtle ( tortoise ) will be able to live 3,000 years without food and air.

Chinese Dragon symbolizes success , power, courage and determination.

Gold ingots symbolize wealth and prosperity.

Chinese ancient coins symbolize increasing income.

Baby turtle symbolizes wonderful luck for all descendents.

Great place to display this powerful image is the North corner of your home, best material is made of metal.

Dragon head sailing ship - For all success

Sailing ship is described as “smooth sailing success and riches which bring wealth and prosperity from wind and water:”.
It is among the most popular symbols of business & career success in Chinese culture.

Sailing ships are usually displayed near the entrance of store or office at lower position than your coffee table and with many coins or gold jewelry on the ship.

A long time ago, many old-style Chinese entrepreneurs used the sailing ship as their logo since it symbolized the winds bringing more business, more trade and therefore more revenue. Next to the dragon, the sailing ship is the most popular symbol that is used by Chinese businessmen.

Dragon head sailing ship is a combination of two success symbols , that become more powerful and expand yang energy around the area. It is said to bring favorable luck for all your goals even personal accomplishment.

Position of the sailing ship has to be coming in, not going away and no higher than coffee table .

Dragon dance

In Chinese new year , Dragon dance is held for celebration to welcome new year and is an important occasion for openings. Dragon dance is believed to create positive Qi energy.

Similar dance is taken in wedding ceremonies in China.

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Keiko Entwistle is an asian astrologer using her original taoism methods that she learned in Japan. She runs feng shui and good luck Chinese symbol charms website http://www.mercurytreasures.com

here are twelve Chinese year signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Unlike in our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to depart the earth he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve turned up so, to show his appreciation of their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of one of the animals.

Chinese astrology is based on the Lunar Calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary by as much as 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January/early February it is necessary to consult the charts to determine the correct sign.

You will find a chart of the dates and signs below. Each sign repeats every 12 years, so 2006/7 will be the year of the Dog. For exact dates visit our website. Following the chart you will find the characteristics of people born during the Chinese Year of The Rooster.

9 February 2005 - 28 January 2006: Rooster
22 January 2004 - 8 February 2005: Monkey
1 February 2003 - 21 January 2004: Goat
12 February 2002 - 31 January 2003: Horse
24 January 2001 - 11 February 2002: Snake
5 February 2000 - 23 January 2001: Dragon
6 February 1999 - 4 February 2000: Rabbit
28 January 1998 - 5 February 1999: Tiger
8 February 1997 - 27 January 1998: Ox
19 February 1996 - 7 February 1997: Rat
31 January 1995 - 18 February 1996: Pig
10 February 1994 - 30 January 1995: Dog

The Chinese Year Of The Rooster..

If you or your child was born in the Chinese year sign of the rooster you have far to go. Roosters are full of confidence, fearless and brave. They will take on an adversary far superior to themselves if they believe they are in the right.

If they can control their impulsive streak they are usually successful in business. Intelligent and ambitious, Roosters work hard and like to be in control, often successfully running their own businesses.

People born under this sign are extroverts and enjoy the company of others. They do not like to be criticised and their self-esteem can crumble if they are ridiculed.

Roosters hate to be bored and can be deliberately provocative if life is too dull.

Other signs either love or hate Roosters. Fortunately for the Rooster, most people love them.

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Tony Luck runs a site about babies. If you wish to learn the characteristics of other Chinese Year signs, visit our website http://www.baby-talk.co.uk