Every culture has its own taboos, and it is important to remain aware of them when traveling or encountering another culture to ensure you don't commit a social faux-pas. In Chinese culture, some of the most common taboos involve gift-giving, birthdays, and weddings.
The biggest taboo in Chinese culture would be to say any word that sounds similar to 死 (sei2) “death” or 凶 (hung1) "evil; unlucky," especially on happy occasions such as New Year, birthday, or wedding.
Historically, cannibalism is the ultimate taboo – the line that can't be crossed. What distinguishes it from other types of on-screen nastiness is that it disgusts us in two separate ways – in other words, the prospect of being eaten is nightmarish, but the prospect of doing the eating is almost as bad.
It is widely known that Chinese people love red because it is perceived to symbolise luck, blessings and happiness. In contrast, blue is considered a 'taboo' colour. This belief is found in regional folktales and is especially strong in several parts of southern China, notably Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
A taboo, also spelled tabu, is a social group's ban, prohibition, or avoidance of something (usually an utterance or behavior) based on the group's sense that it is excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred, or allowed only for certain people. Such prohibitions are present in virtually all societies.
Do Not Boast Or Act Haughty. While Australia is an international hub for business, tourism and wealth, it is not polite to be boastful or act haughtily. No one likes someone who blows their own trumpet and acts obnoxious and Australia is a society that values modesty, hard work and humility.
Recently restaurants have made greater use of indigenous foods, for example kangaroos and emus are farmed commercially for their meat, which is low in fat and high in fibre. Organ meat is considered a taboo because many people are squeamish about it. Blood sausage is considered repulse in all parts of Australia.
Red is a popular color in China because it is believed to symbolize good fortune. If you plan on going to any Chinese festivals during your time studying abroad in China, wear something red. Bright colors are also commonly worn at festivals or ceremonies in China.
Red is a popular color in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, joy, and happiness. It also represents celebration, vitality, and fertility in traditional Chinese color symbolism. Red is the traditional color worn by Chinese brides, as it is believed to ward off evil.
In Chinese, “hong” is a word used when one feels embarrassed or gets angry. The color “red” can easily catch our attention, so it is used as a signal of danger or emergency.
There are 3 Types of Taboos: cultural, religious, and food. Cultural Taboos – A cultural taboo is something that is considered inappropriate to do or discuss within a specific cultural or sub-cultural group.
Taboo hopes that through his activism and work his children can learn more about their multicultural heritage. The Black Eyed Peas singer — whose given name is Jaime Luis Gomez — is of Mexican and Native American descent, while his wife, Jaymie Gomez, is Filipino.
Breaking a taboo may serious consequences, ranging from imprisonment to social ostracism. The idea of a universal taboo is questionable, but some taboos, such as cannibalism, incest, and genocide, occur in the majority of societies. Taboos often remain in effect after the original reason behind them has expired.
The Chinese dislike being touched by strangers. Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact. Clicking fingers or whistling is considered very rude. Never put your feet on a desk or a chair.
The PRC bans certain content regarding independence movements in Tibet and Taiwan, the religious movement Falun Gong, democracy, the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, Maoism, corruption, police brutality, anarchism, gossip, disparity of wealth, and food safety scandals.
Can I wear shorts in China? Yes, you can.
Dress Code and Body Language
Women should avoid low necklines or clothes that are too revealing as such garments are frowned upon by the Chinese. Subtle and neutral colors are the norm. Be very aware and conscious of your body language and movements. Retain an attentive and formal posture when in a business meeting.
Regions of China
In the south, summer is very hot and humid. So what to wear really depends on where and when you are visiting. Bejing, Xian and Shanghai are very fashionable and have adopted Western fashion, but leave shorts and revealing tops at home. In the countryside dress is far more reserved so do keep covered.
In modern China, black is used in clothing, especially in professional contexts. Black has less association with mourning than white in traditional Chinese culture but formal black jackets and slacks have become associated with international professionalism.
Pink In Chinese. Pink is considered to be a shade of red. Thus holds all the same meanings of good fortune and joy.
In China, red is auspicious—associated with life-generating energy (the sun, blood, and fire)—and is the color of celebrations and prosperity.
Chewing open-mouthed (including chewing gum), slurping loudly, burping and talking with a full mouth are considered very rude. If you do any of these things accidentally, say "pardon me" or "excuse me." It is considered bad manners to pick one's teeth with the fingers or a toothpick in public.
Australia has strict biosecurity controls to help minimise the risk of pests and diseases entering the country.