Core Values – Face, Family, Collectivism

• 1️⃣ Face (面子 miànzi)
• 💬 Reputation matters. Criticism is indirect.
  🎁 Compliments, polite words, and gifts protect “face.”
  📌 Example: In business, instead of directly saying “no,” you can say: “Interesting idea; let’s explore adjustments.”

• 2️⃣ Family & Filial Piety (孝 xiào)
• 👪 Family shapes decisions; caring for elders is a duty.
  🍂 Festivals like Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节 Zhōngqiū Jié) bring families together.
  📌 Example: A graduate may choose a job close to their parents, even if another job pays more.

• 3️⃣ Collectivism (集体主义 jítǐ zhǔyì)
• 🤝 Group harmony > individual desires. Humility is valued.
  📌 Example: Teams celebrate collective effort, and students thank teachers before praising themselves.

               ✅ Takeaway

• Face, family, and collectivism are core values guiding Chinese social life.
  👉 Understand them to connect, communicate, and collaborate more effectively in China!

1️⃣ Introduction

• The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节 Zhōngqiū Jié) is one of China’s most important traditional festivals.
  It celebrates family reunion, harvest, and the full moon, usually in September or early October.

• Mooncakes (月饼 Yuèbǐng)
  Traditional pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings.
  💡 Tip: Sharing mooncakes symbolizes family unity and good luck.
   
• Moon Gazing (赏月 Shǎngyuè)
  Families gather outdoors to admire the full moon, which represents wholeness and reunion.
   
• Lanterns (灯笼 Dēnglóng)
  Children carry colorful lanterns, and some families light floating lanterns to celebrate.
   
• Family Reunion Dinner (团圆饭 Tuányuán fàn)
  The festival emphasizes family togetherness. Everyone returns home for a feast.
   

• Family Values
  Mid-Autumn Festival highlights the importance of family in Chinese culture.
   
• Respect for Tradition
  Moon worship and storytelling (Chang’e flying to the moon) pass down cultural heritage.
   
• Symbolism
  The full moon represents completeness, harmony, and reunion.

               ✅ Takeaway

• The Mid-Autumn Festival teaches us that family reunion, respect for tradition, and shared joy are central to Chinese life.
  👉 Understanding festivals like this helps learners connect with Chinese culture and practice language in real contexts.