Fall Session 2008

• Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 m to 7:30 pm, Intermediate Mandarin (level 3).
• Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 m to 7:30 pm, Beginner Mandarin (level 1).
• Monday & Wednesday 6:00 m to 7:30 pm, Advanced Beginner Mandarin (level 2).

Fees for weekday fall sessions

(books and other materials are not included)

$350 per person for CCC members, $375 for non-CCC members.
All weekday Mandarin classes are small size, with maximum 10 students.

All transactions are final, no refunds, no exceptions.

Course textbooks & workbooks for adult Mandarin can be purchased on-line and pick up at the first class.
Fee payments are due in full before the first class.

Register Now

Please drop by the Chinese Culture Center’s administrative offices to complete the registration form and tuition payment.

OR

Registration Online

• Fall 2008
  Weekday Intermediate (Tuesday and Thursday) Adult Mandarin Class
• Fall 2008
  Weekday Beginner (Tuesday and Thursday) Adult Mandarin Class
• Fall 2008
  Weekday Advanced Beginner (Monday and Wednesday) Adult Mandarin Class

Textbook and other material purchase for Mandarin Class:

Click to purchase textbook, CD and DVD.

For more information please call (415) 986-1822 or e-mail Fengyuan (please type “Mandarin Class Registration” in the subject of your e-mail message)

ALL CLASSES ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

Fall Session 2008

• Saturday 10:00 am to 11:30 am, Intermediate Mandarin.
• Saturday 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, Advanced-beginner Mandarin.
• Saturday 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, Beginner Mandarin.

Fees for weekend fall sessions(books and other material are not included):

$150 per person for CCC members, $175 for non-CCC members.

All transactions are final, no refunds, no exceptions.

Course textbooks & workbooks for adult Mandarin can be purchased on-line and pick up at the first class.
Fee payments are due in full before the first class.
You may register for adult class only, children’s class only, or both.

Register Now

Please drop by the Chinese Culture Center’s administrative offices to complete the registration form and tuition payment.

OR

Registration Online

• Click to register for Fall 2008 Weekend Beginner Adult Mandarin Class
• Click to register for Fall 2008 Weekend Advanced Beginner Adult Mandarin Class
• Click to register for Fall 2008 Weekend Intermediate Adult Mandarin Class

Textbook and other material purchase for Mandarin Class:

Click to purchase textbook, CD and DVD.

For more information please call (415) 986-1822 or e-mail Fengyuan (please type “Mandarin Class Registration” in the subject of your e-mail message)

ALL CLASSES ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

This summer, CCC is happy to present a new weekend class on Traditional Chinese Paper Cut! CCC will offer four sessions per year of Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting Class. All sessions are 8 weeks. The 2008 Summer Session will be held on September 27 - November 22 (break on Columbus Day Weekend, October 11). Dates are subjected to changes without notice.

About Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting

Paper Cutting is one of the most popular folk arts in China. The Chinese make paper cuts for celebrations, festivals and home decoration, with the extensive use of red, which is the lucky color in China. It usually has a heavy emphasis on single or a few Chinese characters often symbolizing with the Chinese Zodiac animals.

Fall Schedule:
Classes start on Saturday, September 27, from 2 to 3:30pm. There will be classes until November 22, with a break on the weekend of Columbus Day (October 11). You can sign up for the entire session, or come on a class-by-class basis.

Schedule: Saturday 2:00am -3:30am
Cost:$250 CCF Members
$300 Non-members
You may also purchase tickets on a class-by-class basis. For one class, the tickets cost $40 per CCC member and $45 per non-CCC member. All classes are first come first serve.

Curriculum:
Lesson 1: single color and single image
Learn the basic skills of freehand paper cutting and design.
Lesson 2: single color and single image
Learn how to cut a “butterfly”, and design the outline.
Lesson 3: single color and single image
Learn how to cut a “butterfly”, and design the inner decorative pattern.
Lesson 4: single color and single image
Learn how to cut a “plum blossom”.
Lesson 5: single color and image
Learn how to cut a “chrysanthemum”.
Lesson 6: single color and image
Learn how to cut the stalk and leaves of “chrysanthemum”.
Lesson 7: single color and image
Learn how to cut the flowerpot for the “chrysanthemum”.
Lesson 8: single color and image
Learn how to cut “boy” and/or “girl” figures.

Register Now:
Click to register for Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting Class

This summer, the CCC is happy to present a new weekend class on Chinese culture! It will be taught in English, and will only be offered to adults. The Chinese Culture Center will offer four sessions per year of Chinese Culture Class. Spring, Fall and Winter sessions are 10 weeks, and summer session is 8 weeks. The 2008 Fall Session will be held on September 27 - November 22 (break on Columbus Day Weekend, October 11). Dates are subjected to changes without notice.

Summer Schedule:

We are hoping to provide a comprehensive view of Chinese culture, with each class in the 8-week session focusing on a different element. Classes start on Saturday, September 27, from 2 to 3:30pm. There will be classes until November 22, with a break on the weekend of Columbus Day (October 11). You can sign up for the entire session, or come on a class-by-class basis.

Schedule: Saturday 2:00pm -3:30pm
Cost:$250 CCF Members
$300 Non-members
You may also purchase tickets on a class-by-class basis. For one class, the tickets cost $40 per CCC member and $45 per non-CCC member. All classes are first come first serve.
Register Now:
Click to register for Chinese Culture Class

What will be taught this summer?
Week 1: Chinese Philosophy and History
Although it is obvious that Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are
philosophical and spiritual cornerstones of Chinese society, it is also
true that these beliefs have widespread influences all over the world.
In this class, you will learn how these beliefs play a part in history
and how they are still affecting people today.

Week 2: The Chinese Language Part I
For Chinese people, language is more than just a vehicle for communication. In fact, calligraphy was considered one of the highest and purest forms of art. It was one of the three perfections, along with poetry and painting. Learn about how the unique language came to be, and how it serves as an expression of personal identity in both its written and spoken forms.

Week 3: Chinese Language Part II (Literature)
Do you think everything is a knock off of the Bible or one of
Shakespeare’s works? In this continuation of the second class, you’ll
see that Chinese literature began way before those early classics.
You’ll also learn about the exciting new contemporary works coming
from Chinese writers.

Week 4: Chinese Aesthetics Part I
China is known for its pottery and porcelain. It also has a place in
art history with the ancient works of Gu Kaizhi, Li Sixun, and Zhu Da.
Learn about these famous figures, and more! Topics will range
from home décor to fashion, from ancient art to modern design.

Week 5: Chinese Aesthetics Part II (Architecture)
After getting a sense of Chinese aesthetics from the fourth class,
this continuation will focus on Chinese architecture. You’ll learn
about the engineering ingenuity and thoughtful symbolism behind
famous buildings. Then, you’ll see how its modern architecture
represents the new China.

Week 6: Chinese Customs
Some Chinese customs may seem curious, but instead of thinking
of them as just another mystery, come to this class and learn
to understand them. You will find that while some are a result of
ancient legends, others derive from a unique culture and history.
They can reflect centuries of power politics, or ancient philosophies.

Week 7: Chinese Food
There’s more to Chinese food than the cheap greasy kind you get
for take out. Come to this class and learn about delicious
delicacies from different regions! You’ll also find that in China,
the history of wine is longer than that of tea. Learn about famous
Chinese types of both wine and tea!

Week 8: Chinese Diversity
So far, we’ve been using the word “Chinese” fast and loose. This
last class will be the most politically charged lecture of all. We will
consider what it means to be Chinese and which people it includes.
You will be introduced to the issues facing minority groups in
mainland China, as well as those faced by Chinese people
in other nations and regions.

Student: YiPeng Yu 餘奕鵬
Teacher: Mrs.Suan Tran 陳李玉心
School: Newcomer High School 新橋高中
Date: 11-15-2007

“請投我一票”記錄電影觀後感

民主從其字面上來看，代表這由人民管理統治，決策的權力直接由人民所行使，而不經過任何的媒介或代表。而投票是民主選舉最常用的手段，由自己選出心目中的候選人，然後聚集起來選出代表。

劇中的成成認為班房需要的是一個管理者，而不是統治者。如果是民主選舉而誕生出來的肯定是管理者，公共權力的出現是個人權力的實踐關係的必然結果，如果需要絕對服從，那就需要統治者了。在現代社會中，很明顯管理者略勝一籌。他承擔不單是領導的職能，而且不斷去改正錯誤，使得集體向更加完善，更加優異的方向進發。羅雷的父母確實是有著一個很好的手段去幫羅雷競選班長這一職位。物質豐厚的一方確實能讓人產生深厚的影響。每個活動，甚至每個國家，都會以物質底蘊為根基，這是一切民主選舉中最鋒利的刀刃。只因為是小小的利益而改變自己的意向，而否決自己的原本意願，難道說這不是間接性的收買嗎？他們不就是利用了童心無邪這一點，從而取得了最後的勝利嗎？ ，也就是說，利益與民主掛鉤了。

一個優秀的班長候選人，不單是在學業領域上有著優異的表現，而且擁有著出色的領導才能和傑出的才華，我們需要的是能引領人們走向進步的人，而不是埋頭於書堆的書呆子。如果我是班長的候選人，我既要充分調動各學科上的邏輯思維，去分析現階段的不足。也有學習他人的優點。取長補短，盡量發揮自己的潛能，將自己傑出的一面表現出來。顯示出自己是有能力，有信心去做好班長這一職位。而家長就是自己最重要的支撐點，他們是一切物質需求的源泉。他們能全面，細緻地出謀劃策，提醒自己的缺點，從而改善不足之處。

完善的選舉規則是民主的又一大表現。競選本身就是一個擁有民主精神的活動，人們可以根據自己的意願去選出代表。但是這是一項容易被操控的活動，規則和限制就是一把衡量這一公平的尺子，如果沒有了它，方和圓就不會規範了。所謂“無規不成方圓”公平競爭，以自身實力贏取班長的，才是最值得尊重的。如果讓我來投票，我會把我的一票投給成成，他做到他力所能及的事，把心思放在資料調查和辯論演講之上，細緻地詢問意見，一絲不苟地做好自己的本分，發揮自己的優點，從而避開了缺點。最重要的一點，他十分地勤奮，努力地去練習，這中精神是值得我們學習的。

中國正邁向世界化，教育水平也處於世界一流的。正在吸收外國文化的同時，也處於一種弊端，根據中國的國情，全盤吸收外來文化是否合適？教育並不單是個人的問題，而是影響國家發展的原動力。民主選舉只能是一步一步的推進，不能操之過急。無論如何，中華兒女以智慧和才幹。必然能在世界舞台上發出燦爛的光芒，作為中華民族的一分子，我也深深感受到這一條沉睡了幾百年的巨龍正在起飛，未來的日子必定會更加炫耀奪目。

Student: Weiquan Tan 譚偉權
Teacher: Mrs.Susan Tran 陳李玉心
School:Newcomer High School 新橋高中
Date:11-12-2007

“請投我一票”記錄電影觀後感

在一次偶然的機會，我觀賞了“請投我一票”這一部教育電影。這是一部在湖南武漢第一小學實地攝影的，在電影中，出現一種在中國少見的選舉班長方式——民主投票。電影開始的時候，老師說出一種讓同學們感到很新鮮的選舉班長方式，同時老師也對這種新鮮的方式做了詳細的解釋：民主投票—由大家一起決定，不再是老師或者學校說了算;投票—每人都有一次發表自己意見的權利，可以把票投給你自己心中那位班張，由票數最多的候選人成為班長。

在競選的演說中，候選人成成曾經提及到“統治者”和“管理者”，這兩者中有著一定的差別，管理者，名副其實是管理大家，處理各種東西的人，要時常在自己的崗位。然而，統治者不同，統治者，在某方面跟管理者一樣，是管理大家。只是他的權利更高，管理的更寬。而成成在電影中，他媽媽跟他提過“管理者”和“統治者”，電影中對統治者的解釋是全權管理一個班，而管理者就是要協助老師管理一個班，成成的勤力，成成的刻苦，相信他也有著最高的目標—統治者。

班長的候選人有三個，其中羅雷的家長給予羅雷的幫助最大，他們不惜花錢邀請同學們電車遊覽，而且送禮預祝大家中秋節快樂。這在一定程度上對投票的結果起到很大的影響，小孩子心裡還不成熟，一點點的小甜頭就足夠影響到他們心中的決定。

假如我也是其中一位班長候選人，我會儘自己最大的努力，去爭取票數，電影中的候選人都盡自己的努力，去學才藝，表演吹蕭，唱歌，跳舞等等。而我卻覺得，單是在娛樂方面突出是不夠的。還要跟同學“混”在一起，讓大家都看到你的優點，你的和善，才會從心裡同意你是班長，一時的表演，獲得的只是一陣的掌聲。

在這種民主投票中，其實我覺得應該禁止家長的幫助，靠自己的才能才是真本事，也能從中讓孩子慢慢的習慣在這競爭激烈的環境中成長。只有這種方式，才是最好的。

看完這電影後，我想到了不少的東西，其實以中國正邁向國際化的教育這問題最為深刻。中國邁向國際化這是一個值得欣慰的消息。中國，他邁向國際化證明了他的發展，中國已經弱了很久了，也是時候以新的面孔面對全世界了！東方的龍已經從沉睡中醒來了，它展翅的飛向一望無際的天空，等待著他的，只有更高的天空和更好的未來。

Student: Zhen, ShuJuan 甄淑娟
Teacher: Mrs. Susan Tran 陳李玉心
School: Newcomer High School 新橋高中
Date: 11-15-2007

“請投我一票”記錄電影觀後感

“民主”不是對個別的人而言的,也不是對老師而言的,它是對整個班級而言的,是對每一位學生而言的,坦白說,對於那些以自我利益為重的同學而言,民主是不是一個好東西,還是一個麻煩東西,甚至是一個壞東西.試想,民主不是說可以為所欲為，能解決一切的問題。民主是一種保障主權的制度。民主保證人們的基本人權，給人們提供平等的機會，它本身就是人類的基本價值，它是實現其他目標的工具，更契合人類自身固有的本性。投票，是一個公民權亦是一個公民責任，當我們要成為一個公民，我們就要投與社區，我們擁有投票權。

“統治者”是強逼，強理服從的性質。他是要以自我為中心，自作打算，勉強他人的作風，而“管理者”是通過計劃，組織，控制，激勵和老師的方面來協調大家的人裡，物力，行為，以其達到標準，但從一般意義上說，管理者不是指所有參與的全體人員，而是指作指揮，管理，計劃的人。

羅雷的“家長”幫助他先“邀請”同學們乘坐電車遊覽全程。風光後有“送禮”預祝大家中秋節快樂。這一幕，我認為這與選為班長沒有關係。而且這是不公正的，以“父母”的錢財來哄班上的同學，使同學見風駛駝，這又與“受贓”有何分別呢？公正是“價值的取向”，是單憑自己的力量來與對方比拼，是在相同的條件下，所有的局限都一致，都靠發揮自身的才能，但是有時，朋友及親戚的幫助有時過分破壞了競爭的真正意義，作為一個成功的競爭選手，理應是非分明，而對誘惑，理應抗拒，要知法守法，用自己的才能，盡情地拔撒，不要讓失敗的孩子困擾自己，要解脫，努力向前。

假如我是一位後選人，我會貫徹“百花齊發，百家爭鳴”的方針，倡導學術自由，把自己的本能盡情的發揮，形成自己的風格。與師生的關係和諧是決勝的關鍵。與同學要平等，互相尊重，民主，合作，本身的個人修養從德，智，體和實操的技能全方位下功夫。做到後勤為服務不脫節，嚴肅又要尊重侯勞勤。要注重協調好學科之間，教師之間和後勤服務之間的矛盾。從內容上看，它應該有三個層次。第一層次即是表層的是各種正式或非正式的文化活動，例如拉小提琴，演講會，攝影乃至寢室內的文娛活動等。第二層是由這些活動體現出來的同學之間共同具有的思維模式，情感模式和行為模式，但長期生活在某特定的校區內，就會有所感觸。第三層是本人的思想與心態的精神傾向。

假如明天再選班長的時候，老師應該要設立1學術成果不能只停留在專業的評定下，更重要的是把學術成果轉化為生產力，致力學生創新。 2校園文化是各位同學的主體，以課外文化活動為主要內容，以校園為主要空間，以校園精神為主要特徵的一種群文化。 3讓後選人組織上要制定適時而合理的班化政策。 4加強文化組織和文化隊伍建設。做好切實地組織班幹部。如果時間能倒流，我會投給羅雷，因為他的才能，思想都比其他參賽者優秀，而且很勇敢與發憤。

看完這部電影，我對中國教育更像國際化的路軌感到欣慰。而更令我明白到建立和諧班級的一項核心工程，這不僅是個人的問題，而是全班每個同學都要和諧的問題，同學之間又要互相和諧學習。只是和諧的班級才能培養和諧的人才，有了和諧的人才，建設和諧的班才有希望！

2007 Calendar of Events

Click here to sign up Center’s events.

January

Jan 6
Chinatown Photography Society Seminar
Location: CCC Auditorium
Time: 1:30pm
Admission: Free

Jan 20 - Jan 21
GOE Tournament, co-sponsored by Chinese Culture Center
View video clips here
Location: CCC Auditorium
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Admission: $40

Jan 20 - Mar 31
Winter Mandarin Class begin

Jan 31
Last day for Roots 2007 Internship Application

February

Dec 9, 2006 - Feb 17
International Modern Brush Painting Exhibit
Location: Gallery
Admission: Free

Feb 10

Chinese New Year Variety Show hosted by Huayi Performance Group
Location: CCC Auditorium
Time: Saturday at 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Admission: $20
Program includes: Karaoke , Children’s play, Comedy Skit, Soprano, Tenor, Duel Dancing, Dating game and Ballroom Dancing.

March

Mar 2 - May 19
Opening Reception: Present Tense Exhibit by Emerging American Chinese artists, jointly presented with Kearny Street Workshop
2006 Roots Program Exhibit
Location: Gallery
Admission: Free

Mar 1 - Mar 10
*3/1 - 3/10: Cinequest Film Festival Chinese Movies Screning:
Courthouse on the horseback, 馬背上的法庭，Camera 12
Curiosity Kills the Cat, 好奇害死貓 California Theatre
The Road, 芳香之路， California Theatre & Camera 12

March 3rd & 4th: Spring Festival Celebration

Annual Spring Festival
中華文化中心春節慶典

新年傳統文藝表演
手工藝術示範: 彩色泥塑-鄭建民/布藝娃娃公仔-崔葆鈴/流年運程-孫亦徵
展覽: 現在時美國畫藝青年藝術展/2006 尋根展
新年食品
New Year Traditional Performance
Arts & Crafts Demonstration: Color Clay Statue -Zheng, Jianmin/Fabric doll-Pauline Tsui/Fortune Telling -Y.C. Sun
Exhibition: Present Tense: Artworks by young American Chinese artists/In search of roots 2006
New Year Food Sampling

Free Admission

Mar 17
In Search of Roots 2006 Presentation
Time: 1PM to 5PM
Location: CCC Auditorium

3/16 - 3/18 Castro Theatre (SF), The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival is here! Chinese Culture Center is proud to be a co-presenting organization for this wonderful event. For more details of the festival, please log on here. All CCC members will receive coupons for tickets. Not a member yet? Click here to join!

Fri. 3/16, 10:00pm , Big Trouble in Little China
Sat. 3/17, 9:00pm, Flower Drum Song (sing-along)
Sun. 3/18, 12:30pm, Pavement Butterfly
Sun. 3/18, 6:00pm, Hollywood Chinese

Mar 31

Storytelling for children: The year of the pig
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Multi-purpose room
Click here to sign up!

The year 2007 is the Year of the Pig! Born on New Year’s Day, the piglet Patricia explores the farm with her parents and Farmer Wu. Growing up is a learning process, as Patty gets advice from her uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Mar 31
Concert: Gu Zheng (Chinese table harp) Performance
Time: 1PM to 5PM
Location: CCC Auditorium
Admission: $10

April

Apr 7
清茗玉露：茶的故事和藝術
Liquid Jade, Tea Art & History

Beatrice Hohenegger
Time: 2PM - 4PM
Location: CCC Auditorium
Click here to sign up!

Apr 8
李傳韻：和你在一起， 小提琴獨奏會
“Together” Violin Recital, Chuanyun Li

Proudly sponsored by Chinese Culture Center
Time: 3:30 PM
Herbst Theatre

Apr 14 - Jun 16
Adult Mandarin Class Spring Session begins
Children Learn & Play Class Spring Session begins
Children’s class ends on June 23rd (no class on June 16th)
Chinese Chess Youth & Children Class (Age 7-16) Beginning level.

Apr 26, 7:00 PM, William Poy Lee Lecture
Location: Chinese Historical Society of America
Admission: Free

May

May 1
Workshop: Special Hunyuan Tai Chi with the masters from China
Location: Multi-purpose room
Time: 5:30 PM
Admission: CCC Tai Chi Students only.

May 6
Seminar: Integrative Approaches of Chinese & Western Medicine
Location: Auditorium
Time: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Admission: General registration (no credit) -Free, Chinese medicine doctor registration (for credit) - $60
Special discount for CCC members, [general registration (no credit) - $10, Chinese medicine doctor registration (for credit) - $30], please show your membership card to obtain the discount.

May 26
Lecture: 5th Annual APA Authors Book Reading Series, co-hosted with Asian Week
Location: Auditorium
Time: (TBD)
Admission: (TBD)

June

June 1 - Aug 25

“Cheers to Muses” Exhibit, in partnership with Asian American Women Artists Association, opens in June through mid-August 2007 (exact date TBD). The exhibit will feature artwork by artitsts and a dedication to their muses, Asian women artists who came before them and inspired their voices. The exhibit will be presented in correspondence with the publication of AAWAA’s anthology of the same name and in association with Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center (APICC). Opens in June 1.
Opening reception: June 15, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Gallery

June 3, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema) opens:
Films:
Nostalgia (鄉愁）Reel China Grand Award
70 mins/2006; English subtitles
&
Guarding Shangri-la (守護香格里拉)
40 mins/2005; English subtitles

June 9, 2:00 PM

“Some Days” Photography Lecture by Wang Ningde
Location: Chinese Culture Center Auditorium
Admission: Free
Register here!

June 9, 2:00 PM

Irene Kwok Book Signing
Location: 3rd floor Mezzanine, Multi-purpose room
Admission: Free

June 15th, 6:00 PM
Opening reception: Cheers to Muses
Location: Gallery
Admission: Free

June 17, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Films:
White Tower (白塔)
85 mins/2003; English subtitles
&
Modern Fortress besieged (現代圍城)
45 mins/2006; English subtitles

June 30, 2:00-4:00 PM
Cheers to Muses: Literary Reading

June 30, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
High School Senior Year (Jury Award) 高三（評委會獎）
95 mins/2006; English subtitles

July

July 7, 4:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema) Special Screening:
Chinatown Files (唐人街檔案)
57 mins/2003; in English
Source of the film: Filmakers Library www.filmakers.com

July 21 2:00-4:00 PM
Cheers to Muses: Artists panel discussion

Jul 21 - Sep 8
Adult Mandarin Class Summer Session begins

July 29, 2:00 PM
Bei Dao Poetry Reading 北島詩誦會

August

August 4, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
Beautiful Men (AKA Peach Blossom Face) (人面桃花)
98 mins/2005; English Subtitles

August 11, 2:00 PM
Chinese in a digital age: jointly presented with Chinatown Photographic Society

August 12, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
Pai Gu (排骨)
108 mins/2005; English Subtitles

August 16 7:00 PM
C4 Special Screening: American Fusion

August 17 6:00-8:00 PM
Cheers to Muses: Book launch

September

September 7, 2007~January 4, 2008
Nostalgia-photography, video, and installation
鄉愁-攝影,錄像, 裝置展.
Relevant event:
09.7.07 7 PM- Opening Reception 開幕酒會
09.22.07 2PM - Presentation by Norma Quintana and her students 雛燕歸巢

September 23, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
Mei Mei (美美)
82 mins/2005; English Subtitles

09.29.07 3PM - Presentation and panel discussion with the artists 鄉愁 藝術家論壇

September 29, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
Floating Life (New Filmmaker Award) 飄(新人獎)
93 mins/2005; English Subtitles

Sep 29 - Dec 8 (break on Veterans Day Weekend, Nov 10)
Adult Mandarin Class Fall Session begins
Children Learn & Play Class Fall Session begins
Brush Painting Class Fall Session begins
Calligraphy Class Fall Session begins

October

October 14, 1:00 PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
Please vote for me 請投我一票
55 mins; 2006; English subtitles

November

November 3, 6:00PM
Harmony & Bliss 2007 - an Evening of Fine Dining & Wine Pairing 和諧與祝福

November 4, 1:00PM
C4 (Chinese Culture Center Cinema)
Film:
紅顏
Mandarin with English subtitles; 93 minutes.

November 4, 1:00PM
Art Workshop: Calligraphy with Lampo Leung

November 10, 2:00PM
Book Launch for Judy Yung, The Adventures of Eddie Fung. 《Eddie Fung歷險記》 Co-presented with CHSA
Chinese Culture Center

November 14, 7:00PM
Book Launch for Ruthanne Lum McCunn at Manilatown Heritage Foundation. Co-presented with Manilatown Heritage Foundation, Kearny Street Workshop, and CHSA.

November 11
Seminar: Integrative Approaches of Chinese & Western Medicine
Location: Auditorium
Time: TBD

December

• December, 2007
  • December 8, 2:00PM
    Chinese Culture Center Annual Membership Meeting
    Location: Multi-Purpose Area on 3rd Floor Mezzanine
    Time: 2:00PM
    Admission: CCC Members Only
  • December 12, 6:00PM
    Community Meeting: Central Subway Public Art
    Location: Multi-Purpose Area on 3rd Floor Mezzanine
    Time: 6:00PM
    Admission: Open to the Public
  • December 15, 1:00 pm
    Book Launch: China Men’s American Dream: Stories and Poem
    Location: 3rd Floor Ballroom
    Time: 1:00PM
    Admission: Open to the Public

Previous Calendars

• 2008 Calendar
• 2006 Calendar
• 2005 Calendar
• 2004 Calendar
• 2003 Calendar
• 2002 Calendar
• 2001 Calendar

Chinese Culture Center Cinema 2008. Curated by CCC Program Director Abby Chen.

Since China adopted the open-door policy in the early 1980s, the country has experienced tremendous changes in all aspects of life. In the 1990s, China became one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and its entry into the World Trade Organization has further intensified its interaction with the global community. China’s economic success has, however, often overshadowed the political, social and cultural changes that have been taking place in the past two decades. Many people in the West who have limited experience of, or knowledge about, contemporary China continue to view it as part of the mysterious Orient or the country with a stereotyped culture.

For those with little knowledge of contemporary China, C-4 films offer broadened and nuanced perspectives to replace static, one-dimensional views. For viewers who are more familiar with the subject, C-4 aims to provide a closer look and fresh perspectives on various topics affecting Chinese and Chinese Americans. Finally, for the benefit of all viewers, C-4 is a celebration of the great diversity of Chinese Culture, both within China and abroad. In an effort to live up to all its goals, the 2008 Chinese Culture Center Cinema program highlights films that embody the following themes:

*Reflections of the social and cultural complexity of the Greater China region
*Reflections of the socially and culturally complex lives of Chinese and Chinese Americans in the U.S.
-or-
*Reflections of how Chinese people and culture are perceived by non-Chinese filmmakers

It is the time for this most populous nation on earth to be understood: its people, its culture, and its history.

For a list of 2007’s screenings, click here.

All screenings:
Chinese Culture Center
Hilton Hotel (3rd Floor)
750 Kearny Street
San Francisco, 94108
Admission: $5 public; $3 member (Admission for Sept. 13th event is FREE)

The following schedule is tentative. Check back frequently for updates.
All films are unrated. Films with explicit adult content will be noted.

*JUNE*

Saturday, June 7th: 2:30 pm
Opening Night! Triple feature & panel discussion.

Red Thread 红线 (2008) 19 Minutes/ English/ No Subtitles
Jim Choi’s Red Thread chronicles the installation of artist Beili Liu’s “Lure” exhibit, currently on display at the Chinese Culture Center gallery. Born in China, and currently living and working in America, Beili Liu creates work colored by diverse cultural influences, and Red Thread examines the way in which these cultural dynamics embedded in the exhibit speak to viewers from a variety of backgrounds.

Have Food Will Travel 民以食为根 (2008) 12 Minutes/ English / No Subtitles
Leonard Shek, an intern from the Chinese Culture Center’s In Search of Roots program, shows how the everyday act of eating can easily transform into an assertion, or exploration, of one’s cultural identity. Throughout the film, the consumption of food represents an opportunity to reassert connections: to one’s family, to one’s community, and to one’s own identity.

Documentary by Felicia Lowe (2008); 10 minutes

Special Event: After the screenings, the Culture Center will be hosting a panel discussion of the films. Panel members include filmmakers Jim Choi and Leonard Shek, Chinese Culture Center Program Director Abby Chen, and moderated by renowned TV host Jay Stone Shih.

Friday, June 20th: 6:00 pm
Film Screening.

Summer Palace 頤和園 (2006) 140 Minutes/ Mandarin & German/ English Subtitles
Banned by the Chinese government, this powerful drama follows rebellious young Yu Hong as she leaves her small village and her family behind to attend Beijing University in the late 1980s. As her tumultuous relationships with two different men reflects the turmoil gripping her country, she begins to become overwhelmed by chaos.
Warning: explicit sexual content. For mature audiences only!

*JULY*

Saturday, July 12th: 12:00pm
Film Screening

The Gate of Heavenly Peace 天安门 (1995) 189 Minutes English
This documentary about the 1989 protest movement reflects the drama, tension, humor, absurdity, heroism, and many tragedies of the six weeks from April to June in 1989. The film reveals how the hard-liners within the government marginalized moderates among the protesters (including students, workers and intellectuals), while the actions of radical protesters undermined moderates in the government. Moderate voices were gradually cowed and then silenced by extremism and emotionalism on both sides. By giving these ignored voices their proper place in history, The Gate of Heavenly Peace reveals an ongoing debate in China concerning the importance of personal responsibility and moral integrity.

*AUGUST*

Friday, August 29th: 6:00pm
Film Screening.

In Search of Lin Zhao’s Soul 寻找林昭的灵魂 (2004) 100 Minutes/ Mandarin/ English Subtitles
Lin Zhao, an outstanding student from Peking University, was labeled a rightist when she criticized the Anti-Rightist Campaign, and was imprisoned twice. As prisoners were not allowed to have pens and paper, she wrote with her hairpin dipped in her own blood. Year after year, she wrote on, composing articles, poems and open letters, as many as 200,000 Chinese characters altogether. Hu Jie’s documentary In Search of Lin Zhao’s Soul reflects the unrivaled vigor and depth of Lin’s criticism and her excellent literary talent.

Co-presenters: WACSF, AAWAA, IMOW, OACC, CCS in UC Berkeley.

*SEPTEMBER*

Friday, September 5th: 6:00pm
Film Screening.

Colonel Jin Xing: A Unique Destiny 上尉金星 (2001) 52 Minutes/ English
Shanghai’s principal dancer, 33-year-old Jin Xing, is a big star. She is the first choreographer to have received recognition in over half a century of national communism. But the most amazing thing about Jin Xing is that, up until 1995, this beautiful young woman was a man, a colonel in the People’s Liberation Army. Despite Jin Xing’s transcendence in the dance world, however, she is still up against the Chinese bureaucracy which refuses to give her permission to perform on the stages of the Western world.

Saturday, September 13th: 1:00pm
Workshop & film screening. FREE admission!

Farming the Seas 渔之大海 (2004) 55 Minutes/ English/ No Subtitles
Aquaculture was intended to take the pressure off ocean fish stocks and help avert a global food shortage, but many experts now believe that some forms of “fish farming” are actually creating more problems than they’re solving… and time is running out. This film journeys around the world documenting the most important stories as they unfold. From the indigenous tribes of British Columbia to the large-scale operations of multinational corporations, from Mediterranean fishermen to Thai shrimp farmers, Farming the Seas gathers perspectives from around the globe as it examines the problems and the promises of this emerging industry.

Special Event: Sustainable Seafood and Chinese Culture workshop. The workshop includes screening of Farming the Seas, a panel discussion of youth and teachers regarding the issues facing seafood resources and their relevance to the Chinese American community, and tips on how to make conscious consumption choices as an individual.

Friday, September 19th: 6:00pm
Film Screening.

Brave Father 父亲(2007) 55 Minutes
In 2002, Han Peiyin’s son Shengli is accepted into a university, and arrives to the city of Xi’an from his rural home. To pay for Shengli’s living expense and tuition, Han sells off all valuable things in his home and comes to work in Xi’an to make money. Though a lifetime peasant, Han firmly believed knowledge had the power to change destinies, and expects his son to be successful. Even so, Shengli’s job prospects are dim.

*OCTOBER*

Friday, October 3rd: 6:00pm
Film Screening.

Morning Sun 八九点钟的太阳 (2003) 117 Minutes/English
This film attempts to create an inner history of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (c.1964-1976). It provides a multi-perspective view of a tumultuous period as seen through the eyes – and reflected in the hearts and minds – of members of the high-school generation that was born around the time of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and that came of age in the 1960s. The film essays a psychological history, attempting a cinematic account of experiences and emotions represented by the people, events and ardor of the period.

Friday, October 17th: 6:00pm
Film Screening in conjunction with gallery exhibition.

Forbidden City, U.S.A. 美国紫禁城 (2002) 76 Minutes/ English/ No Subtitles
San Francisco’s internationally renowned Forbidden City was the nation’s premiere all-Chinese nightclub in the swinging 1930s and the big band era of the ’40s. This revealing documentary looks at the history of Charlie Low’s nightclub and some of the most accomplished and spirited musicians and dancers of their time, and shows a generation of Asian American pioneers who fought cultural barriers and racism to pursue their love of American song and dance.

To submit a film or screening proposal to C4 2009 & beyond, please email info at c-c-c.org with subject “Submit film to C4″ to receive submission guideline.

中華文化中心影劇院 (C4) 放映時間表

*六月*

6 月 7 日 星期六

紅線 (2008) 19 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

本片記錄了於舊金山中華文化中心展出的大型裝置藝術展 – “惑” 的裝置過程。其創作人劉北立女士是一名來自中國大陸的移民藝術家，她的作品體現了多重文化對她的影響。透過此片，觀眾可以感受到文化碰撞後的活力。

民以食為根 (2008) 12 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

石樹勳，是舊金山中華文化中心尋根項目的一名實習生，他以此片向觀眾展示了一個的美國華裔青年人的視角。他通過日常生活飲食習慣來解讀文化的含義。影片中，美食成為了主角與大使，將他與家人、社區聯繫起來。

“中國對聯”, “華埠”, “靜默銘壁” 合集 (2008) 10 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

由 Felicia Lowe 導演及制作的影的合集。

特備節目: 在放映完畢後，會有由文化中心舉辦的電影討論會。列席者有 Felica Lowe，Chihiro, 石樹勳，中心活動主任陳暢。由著名電視制作人史東主持。

6 月 20 日 星期五

頤和園 (2006) 140 分鐘/ 國語及德語/ 英文字幕

講述兩個文藝青年跨越十多年的感情糾葛，穿插「六四」天安門事件、柏林圍牆倒塌、東歐各國瓦解和香港回歸等歷史鏡頭，對照時代的變遷，個人命運的沉浮 …… 郭曉冬飾演的周偉有時猶豫不決，有時又很果斷，他性格很矛盾。郝蕾扮演的余虹 既感性又衝動，認為愛情來得快走得也快。

*七月*

7 月 12 日 星期六

天安門 (1996) 189 分鐘/ 國語 / 英文字幕

天安門是一部關於1989年六四事件的紀錄片。影片「通過採訪當年經歷過這場運動的學生、工人、知識分子、和政府官員，再現了這五十天內發生的爭端、憤怒、無畏、亢奮、荒誕、以及種種悲劇，並對運動中人們所習慣的思維觀念和話語體系提出了批評和質疑」。

*八月*

8 月 29 日 星期五

尋找林昭的靈魂 (2004) 100 分鐘/ 國語/ 英文字幕

林昭，北京大學學生，在1957年的反右運動中因公開支持北京大學學生張元勛的大字報「是時候了」而被劃為右派，後因「陰謀推翻人民民主專政罪，反革命罪」在1960年起被長期關押於上海提籃橋監獄，在獄中她堅持自己的信仰，並書寫了二十萬字的血書與日記，表達自己追求人權，博愛，自由和平等的信念和追求。本片反映出她無比的毅力、對她不公平的批判和她文學上的天賦。在最近華盛頓郵報中國首席記者潘公凱所著的 “Out of the Mao’s Shadow (走出毛澤東的影子 [暫譯])”一書中，作者以兩個章節的篇幅來描述林昭及這部紀錄片的誕生。

特備節目: 在放映完畢後, 會有由文化中心舉辦的電影討論會。*詳細資料容後公佈。

*九月*

9 月 5 日 星期五

上尉金星 (2001) 52 分鐘/ 英文/ *字幕

本片記述當代舞蹈藝術家金星的故事。她是中國「上海金星現代舞蹈團」的團長。九歲起加入中國人民解放軍學習舞蹈，28歲接受變性手術。本片收錄了金星進行手術前後的珍貴片段，並邀請觀眾一同進入她精彩與堅毅的內心世界。

9 月 13 日 星期六

漁之大海 (2004) 55 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

水產養殖法看似是解決過度捕魚和全球糧食危險的有效方法。然而，很多專家指出的水產養殖會帶來更多的問題。從地中海到中國漁民 ，從英國的小漁戶到跨國企業，此片記錄了一個重要而不為人知的真實 ─ 水產養殖法所帶來的憂慮與弊端。

註: 在放映完畢後, 將會有由文化中心舉辦的討論會和工作坊。屆時將由學生與老師一同探討過量食用海產帶來的問題、其問題怎樣影響美國華人社區的和享用海產時需留意的事項。其後的工作坊將介紹既可以保護生態又保持傳統風味的中國美食。

9 月 19 日 星期五

父親 (2007) 55 分鐘/ 國語/ 英文字幕

二零零二年，一位農民的兒子被大學取錄，他離開農村來到了西安。為了支付兒子的起居和學費，學生的父親將所有家財變賣，然後也到了西安找尋工作機會。儘管父親一直相信知識可以改變個人命運，並相信他的兒子會取得成功。然而，兒子畢業後的工作前景暗淡，雖然得到了受教育的機會，但最後賺取的可能比作為民工的父親還少。

*十月*

10 月 3 日 星期五

八九點鐘的太陽 (2003) 115 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

影片以兩小時篇幅展示文化大革命的起因和歷史。它以共產黨建國時出生的中國人的經歷為主要線索，探討建國後不斷激進的革命教育與革命文化對這代人的影響，講述當時處於不同地位的人的不同經歷與感受，以及他們或主動或被迫捲入政治運動的複雜動機，從而力圖再現一代人由熱衷烏托邦理想轉變為面對現實獨立思考的心路歷程。

10 月 17 日 星期五

美國紫禁城 (2002) 76 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

美國紫禁城是 40 年代時期在美國舊金山的一間夜總會。本片反映出二次大戰後在夜總會表演的亞裔的苦與樂，記敍該時期亞裔音樂人與舞者的成就，和他們怎樣在文化的鴻溝與種族偏見中去追求自己的理想。

更多:

流浪北京 (1990) 90 分鐘/ 國語/ 英文字幕

本片是中國紀錄片的開山之作。本片記了五位藝術工作者在北京的生活。他們分別從事攝影、寫作、國畫、油畫和先鋒戲劇導演 等藝術活動，基本上是處於社會體制之外自由地創作。這批藝術工作者體現了九十年代初期中國獨立藝術家的掙扎和困惑。透過手提攝錄機，我們隨著制作人吳文光探尋和了解這些處於社會邊緣藝術工作者的真實經歷。

四海為家 (1995) 90 分鐘/ 國語/ 英文字幕

本片的主要人物全部來自《流浪北京》。曾經《流浪北京》的藝術家，五年之後在《四海為家》裡，各自有了新的生活狀態：理想的、無奈的、不安的、麻木 的 …… 片中小標題裡，寫有他們定居國的國名，如：家在中國；家在法國；家在意大利；家在奧地利；家在美國 —— 四海為家。

紅綫 (2005) 25 分鐘/ 英文/ 無字幕

這是一部為數不多的記載領養華裔兒童的紀錄片；記述了中國女嬰被父母所遺棄，然後被未婚的美國女士收養的故事 ─ 四名美國母親與其來自中國大陸的養女的相識經過和生活點滴。 這是一部將不同的文化、傳承和傳統交織在一起的紀錄片。

放映時間隨時更改。請以 www.c-c-c.org 上的更新為準。

以上影片由電影制作人或其代理公司提供。片中言論並不代表舊金山中華文化中心之立場。

6.7.08 - 独立纪录断片：红线／民以食为根／美国华人4部曲
　　论坛：史东主持－草根纪录片及其对华人当代文化的影响
　　
　　6.20.08 - 颐和园 （娄烨）
　　
　　7.12.08 - 天安门 （卡玛）
　　
　　8.29.08 - 寻找林昭的灵魂
　　
　　9.5.08 - 上尉金星
　　
　　9.13.08 - 渔之大海 + 华人海鲜文化及可持续发展渔业工作坊
　　
　　9.19.08 - 父亲 (CNEX)
　　
　　10.3.08 - 8.9点钟的太阳 － Morning Sun （卡玛）
　　
　　10.17.08 - 美国紫禁城 (Arthur Dong)
　　
　　Upcoming Titles 其他未排期电影：
　　Ruby Yang: A moment in time
　　Red String
We are the … of communism 我们是共产主义省略号
Autumn Gem 秋瑾 （新版）

The C4 program is funded by the San Francisco Arts Comission

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Calendar

2008 Calendar of Events

January

1/5-1/6
Goe Tournament
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3rd Floor
Admission: TBA

1/18-3/15
Roots Exhibition
Location: Chinese Culture Center Gallery, 3rd Floor
Admission: Free

1/18 Roots Exhibition opening reception
Location: Chinese Culture Center Gallery, 3rd Floor
Admission: Free

1/19-3/29
Winter class beings
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3M
Admission: TBA

1/19
Book signing
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Chinese Culture Center
Admission: TBA

February

2/7 Lunar New Year - Year of the Rat

2/16
Youth story telling with Oliver Chin
Location: TBA
Admission: TBA

2/22~23
Chinese Spring Festival celebration
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3rd Floor and 3M
Admission: Free

March

3/28-4-26
Watch Tower
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3M

3/28
Watch Tower opening reception
Location: Chinese Culture Center Gallery, 3M
Admission: Free

April

4/12-6/14
Spring class begins
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3M
Admission: TBA

May

5/9-7/5
Beili Liu-Red Thread
Location: Chinese Culture Center Gallery, 3rd Floor
Admission: Free

5/9
Beili Liu-Red Thread opening reception
Location: Chinese Culture Center Gallery, 3rd Floor
Admission: Free

June

July

7/19-9/6
Summer class begins
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3M
Admission: TBA

7/22-10-11
Puzzle competition
Location: TBA
Admission: TBA

August

8/8-8/24
Olympic begins

September

9/13 Moon Festival

9/27-12/20
Fall class begins
Location: Chinese Culture Center, 3M
Admission: TBA

October

10/7 Chonyang Festival

10/24-1/03/09
Poster competition

November

December

Instructor: To be announced soon.
Time: Tuesday 4:45-5:45 & 5:45-6:45
Location:3rd floor Mezzanine, Chinese Culture Center
Tuition: $200 per person for CCC members (members must contact Julie for discounted rate) and $250 per person for non-CCC members
Registration: call 415-986-1822 Class has been canceled!

Have you ever thought about learning an exotic instrument? If so, this opportunity at the Chinese Culture Center is perfect. This 10-week program is designed to introduce beginner students to this unique style of music. Steeped in history and beauty, the ancient technique of the Guzheng will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced during class periods.

What is the Chinese Table Harp?

The Guzheng, one of the numerous instruments believed to be indigenous to China, emerged during the Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th to 3rd centuries BCE). By the 8th century CE, it had 12 or 13 strings of silk, increasing to 16 (ultimately of copper or steel wire) and, from the mid-20th century, to 18 or 21. It’s a popular multi-stringed zither, with pitch-defining movable bridge under each of its strings. The strings are tuned to a pentatonic scale without half-steps (usually so, la, do, re, mi) over a 3-plus octave range.

Wei-chi 圍棋 (a board game called Goe in Japan and Baduk in Korea), was invented in China more than 4,000 years ago. Wei-chi is considered by many game experts as the world’s greatest strategic skill game, surpassing Chess in complexity and scope.

Wei-chi is not merely a game of strategy, it is also a mental discipline and philosophy that provides several benefits to youth and adults. It can increase concentration, awareness, and patience. More importantly, however, it teaches courtesy, respect, discipline, and self-control. Wei-chi is played with white and black stones, its fundamental principle is the concept of balance and harmony:

The CCC currently offers beginning levels of Wei-chi:

For absolute beginners, or those with very limited Wei-chi background.

Age: 12 Years-old & above

Wei-chi class is scheduled as follows:

Summer Session 2007, from July 19th to September 20th.

Thursdays from
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm

Class taught by Ernest Brown, Ph.D., the President of the American Ing Goe, who have extensive experience in playing and teaching Wei-chi.

Class will be taught in English.

Register for class online.

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don’t make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. They don’t talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Rooster people¡¦s emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn’t be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

People born in the Year of Ram are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac’s other years. But ram year people are often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Sometimes clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in. Ram people never have to worry about having the best in life for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Ram people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. The are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snake people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people’s judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. Snake people are usually good-looking and sometimes have marital problems because they are fickle. They are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

Web Page designed by students in the
Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

Web Page designed by students in the Chinese Culture Center’s Children Web Class

Celebration of Tomb Sweeping Day (Qing Ming Jie)

Celebrated two weeks after the vernal equinox, Tomb Sweeping Day is one of the few traditional Chinese holidays that follows the solar calendar– typically falling on April 4, 5, or 6. Its Chinese name “Qing Ming” literally means “Clear Brightness,” hinting at its importance as a celebration of Spring. Similar to the spring festivals of other cultures, Tomb Sweeping Day celebrates the rebirth of nature, while marking the beginning of the planting season and other outdoor activities.

Qing Ming Jie in Ancient Times

In ancient times, people celebrated Qing Ming Jie with dancing, singing, picnics, and kite flying. Colored boiled eggs would be broken to symbolize the opening of life. In the capital, the Emperor would plant trees on the palace grounds to celebrate the renewing nature of spring. In the villages, young men and women would court each other.

The Tomb Sweeping Day as Celebrated Today

With the passing of time, this celebration of life became a day to the honor past ancestors. Following folk religion, the Chinese believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors looked after the family. Sacrifices of food and spirit money could keep them happy, and the family would prosper through good harvests and more children.

Today, Chinese visit their family graves to tend to any underbrush that has grown. Weeds are pulled, and dirt swept away, and the family will set out offerings of food and spirit money. Unlike the sacrifices at a family’s home altar, the offerings at the tomb usually consist of dry, bland food. One theory is that since any number of ghosts rome around a grave area, the less appealing food will be consumed by the ancestors, and not be plundered by strangers.

Honoring Ancestors

Honoring ancestors begins with proper positioning of a gravesite and coffin. Experts in feng shui, or geomancy, determine the quality of land by the surrounding aspects of streams, rivers, trees, hills, and so forth. An area that faces south, with groves of pine trees creates the best flow of cosmic energy required to keep ancestors happy. Unfortunately, nowadays, with China’s burgeoning population, public cemetaries have quickly surplanted private gravesites. Family elders will visit the gravesite at least once a year to tend to the tombs.

While bland food is placed by the tombs on Qing Ming Jie, the Chinese regularly provide scrumptious offerings to their ancestors at altar tables in their homes. The food usually consists of chicken, eggs, or other dishes a deceased ancestor was fond of. Accompanied by rice, the dishes and eating utensils are carefully arranged so as to bring good luck. Sometimes, a family will put burning incense with the offering so as to expedite the transfer of nutritious elements to the ancestors. In some parts of China, the food is then eaten by the entire family.

Kites

Besides the traditions of honoring the dead, people also often fly kits on Tomb Sweeping Day. Kites can come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. Designs could include frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, crabs, bats, and storks.

Copyright © 2000 by The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.

Celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Also known as the “Full Moon Festival,” the Mid-Autumn festival falls on the fifteen day of the eighth lunar month. At this time, the moon’s orbit is at its lowest angle to the horizon, making the moon appear brighter and larger than any other time of the year. In the Western tradition, it is also called the Hunter’s Moon or Harvest Moon. According to the lunar calendar, it is also the exact middle of autumn (which begins in the seventh month and ends in the ninth).

To the Chinese, this festival is similar to the American Thanksgiving holiday, celebrating a bountiful harvest. Compared to many Chinese festivals that are inundated with vibrant colors and sounds, the Mid-Autumn festival remains more subdued. Traditionally celebrated outdoors under the moonlight, people eat moon cakes and gaze at the moon. In modern times, barbecues with families and friends are also common.

Legendary Origins

Like most Chinese holidays, the mid-autumn festival is rich in oral history and legend. According to stories, Hou Yi was a tyrannical ruler who won the elixir of immortality by shooting 9 suns out of the sky with his bow. But his wife, knowing that the people’s lives would remain miserable for all eternity if Hou Yi lived forever, drank the potion. The fluids made her lighter, and she floated up into the moon. Even today, Chinese like to think of the moon as home of Chang E.

A Historical Anecdote

The Mongol Hordes of Ghengis Khan subjugated the Chinese, and established the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th Century. However, many Chinese resented the fact that they were ruled by a foreign regime. In the 14th Century, Liu Bouwen helped plot the overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty by organizing resistance. Secret messages were passed along in mooncakes.

Mooncakes

The ubiquitous fare at any Chinese celebration of the Full Moon festival, mooncakes are a flaked pastry stuffed with a wide variety of fillings. Egg Yolk, lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and coconut are common, but walnuts, dates, and other fillings can be found as well. Most have characters for longevity or harmony inscribed on the top. Special cakes can reach almost one foot in diameter.

Copyright © 2000 by The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.

Celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival

Mandarin Training Center Dragon Boat Team on Bitan Lake Officially on falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Dragon Boat Festival is also known as Double Fifth Day. While many stories regarding its origin abound, the most popular and widely accepted version regards Qu Yuan, a minister during the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC)

Legend of the Dragon Boat Festival’s Origin

MTC Dragon Boat Team at Danshui River At the end of the Zhou Dynasty, the area we now know as China had fallen into a state of fragmentation and conflict. While the Zhou dynasty had ruled for several centuries, several other states, originally feudal domains, tried to carve out their own kingdoms. The state of Qin would eventually emerge the victor and unify all of China under one rule for the first time in history.

Qu Yuan served as minister to the Zhou Emperor. A wise and articulate man, he was loved by the common people. He did much to fight against the rampant corruption that plagued the court– thereby earning the envy and fear of other officials. Therefore, when he urged the emperor to avoid conflict with the Qin Kingdom, the officials pressured the Emperor to have him removed from service. In exile, he traveled, taught and wrote for several years. Hearing that the Zhou had been defeated by the Qin, he fell into despair and threw himself into the Milou River. His last poem reads:

Many a heavy sigh I have in my despair,
Grieving that I was born in such an unlucky time.
I yoked a team of jade dragons to a phoenix chariot,
And waited for the wind to come,
to sour up on my journey

As he was so loved by the people, fishermen rushed out in long boats, beating drums to scare the fish away, and throwing zong zi into the water to feed braver fish so that they would not eat Qu Yuan’s body.

The Modern Dragon Boat Festival

Starting from that time to this day, people commemorate Qu Yuan through Dragon Boat Races, eating zong zi, and several other activities, on the anniversary of his death: the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Dragon Boat races are the most exciting part of the festival, drawing crowds of spectators. Dragon Boats are generally brightly painted and decorated canoes. Ranging anywhere from 40 to 100 feet in length, their heads are shaped like open-mouthed dragons, while the sterns end with a scaly tail. Depending on the length, up to 80 rowers can power the boat. A drummer and flag-catcher stand at the front of the boat. Before a dragon boat enters competition, it must be “brought to life” by painting the eyes in a sacred ceremony. Races can have any number of boats competing, with the winner being the first team to grab a flag at the end of the course. Annual races take place all over China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other overseas Chinese communities.

Zong Zi

The traditional food for the Dragon Boat Festival, Zong zi is a glutinous rice ball, with a filling, wrapped in corn leaves. The fillings can be egg, beans, dates, fruits, sweet potato, walnuts, mushrooms, meat, or a combination of them. They are generally steamed.

Talisman and Charms

Another aspect of the Double Fifth Day is the timing: at the beginning of summer, when diseases are likely to strike, people also wear talisman to fend off evil spirits. They may hang the picture of Zhong Kui, guardian against evil spirits, on the door of their homes, as well. Adults may drink Xiong Huang Wine, and children carry fragrant silk pouches, all of which can prevent evil. It is said that if you can balance a raw egg on its end at exactly noon on Double Fifth Day, the rest of the year will be lucky.

Copyright © 2000 by The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.

Photos courtesy of Lynn Lee and the National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center Dragon Boat Team.

2006 Calendar of Events

January

Jan 14
Application Deadline “Celebrating Chinese New Year” Youth Painting Competition

Jan 21
Winter Session Mandarin for Adults and Children

Jan 29
Chinese New Years Day

Jan. 31
Application Deadline: 2006 “In Search of Roots” Program

February

Feb. 9
Member’s Night Reception

Feb. 11& 12
Annual Spring Festival

“Celebrating Chinese New Year” Youth Painting Exhibition on View till March 18.

In Search of Roots Exhibition Opens till March 18.

Feb. 25

5：00 pm
2005 In Search of Roots Public Presentation

Feb. 26
Sunday 2：00 pm -4:00pm
Free Concert of Qing and Se
Co-sponsored with San Francisco Guzheng Music Society

March

Mar. 19
Castro Theater Movie: Letters from an Unknown Woman
Co-present with SF international Asian American Film Festival

Mar. 18 & 20
Kabuki Theater Movie: Eve and the Fire Horse
Co-present with SF international Asian American Film Festival

March 24, Friday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m..
Lecture Series by Dr. William Hu: “Chinese Martial Arts and its Relationship to Cantonese Opera”
Free admission.
Chinese Performing Arts Foundation – 724 Commercial Street, San Francisco.

Mar. 25
Chinese Chess Tournament

Adult Mandarin Class Winter Session Ends

April
April 1
Children Mandarin Class Winter Session Ends

April 2, 1-4p.m.
Book Party for “Chinese American Voices”

April 8, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lecture Series by Dr. William Hu: “Symbolism in Chinese Lion Dance and Its Relationship to Cantonese Opera”
$5 registration.
Chinese Culture Center – 750 Kearny Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco.

April 9, Sunday, 2 pm.
Co-sponsor with Chinese Historical Society: Story Telling “CHINATOWN IS BURNING!”
HUGH LIANG: EYEWITNESS TO THE 1906 EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE

April 15, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Lecture Series by Dr. William Hu: “Chinese Opera and the 1906 Earthquake in San Francisco”
Free admission.
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Chinese Historical Society of America – 965 Clay Street, San Francisco.

April 22 - July 1
Mandarin for Adult and Children Spring Session Starts

April 25 through September 9, 2006
Exhibition: Duk Duk Chaang: Clamor and Glamour of Chinese Opera

April 23 1:00 –3:00 pm (Members and Invited Guest) 3:00 -5:00 p.m. (Public)
CCC Grand Re-opening celebration and opening reception for exhibition: Exhibition: Duk Duk Chaang: Clamor and Glamour of Chinese Opera

April 29th
Calligraphy and Brush Painting Class Start

April 29, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Lecture Series by Dr. William Hu: “Chinese Opera – from Ritualistic Shamanism To A Developed Theater” includes a walk through of the Exhibition “Duk Duk Chaang: The Clamor and Glamour of Chinese Opera” Free admission.
Chinese Culture Center – 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco.

May

Opera Premier: The Grand Seducers: Giovanni Meets Xi-men Qing”
A Brand New East/ West Opera, music by Gang Situ, Sung
In English with Subtitles in English/Chinese

Premiere: May 18, 2006. 8:00 pm
May 19, 2006 8:00 pm
May 20, 2006 Matinee 2:00 pm
May 20, 2006 8:00 pm

$25.00 AND $50.00(Sponsor) With discount for Senior, students (with ID) and group of 10 and more
Chinese Culture Center Auditorium, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco

June
June 22
Chinese Opera Exhibit, Gallery Talk by CCC Guest Curator Mrs. Sally Yu Leung
6:00pm - 8:00pm (in English)

June 24
Chinese Opera Exhibit, Gallery Talk by CCC Guest Curator Mrs. Sally Yu Leung
2:00pm - 4:00pm (in Chinese)

July
July 1
Spring Mandarin Session ends

July 4
Chinese Culture Center will be CLOSED for Independence Day

July 8 - August 26
Summer Adult Mandarin Session begins (8 weeks session)

August

August 15
Lecture: Tradition & Faith - Life in a Northern Chinese Village
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Chinese Culture Center - Grand Ballroom

August 19
CYC Summer Program Graduation Ceremony
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Chinese Culture Center - Grand Ballroom

August 19 & 26
Free Chinese Chess Workshop for Children & Adults
Chinese Culture Center - Classrooms (3rd floor Mezzanine)
Presented by Anna Yin

September
September 2 - November 18
Fall Children’s Mandarin Class begins

September 9 - November 18
Fall Adult Mandarin Class begins

October
Oct. 6 - Nov. 18
Exhibition: Ceramic Works by Dottie Low

November
Nov. 4
Harmony & Bliss 2006 - 8th annual Fundraiser

December
Dec. 9
2:00pm
CCC Annual Meeting

Dec. 9 - Feb. 17, 2007
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Exhibition: International Modern Brush Painting

Dec. 26
Chinese Culture Center Closed to observe Christmas. The Center will reopen on Wednesday. Dec. 27, 2006.

• 2006 Calendar
• 2005 Calendar
• 2004 Calendar
• 2003 Calendar
• 2002 Calendar
• 2001 Calendar

Videos

• In Search of Roots (KTVU)
• Chinese Roots (California Connected)
• Tracing Your Roots (ABC’s Good Morning America / YouTube)

Articles in Chinese

• 傳薪火　舊金山中華文化中心開展”尋根之旅”17年(chinaqw.com.cn)
• 郑国和：越洋寻根引路者 (chinaqw.com.cn)
• 郑国和:寻根路上探寻汉语的奥秘 (gd.xinhuanet.com)
• 郑国和：14载寻根引路不言倦 (culture.people.com.cn)
• 摘自：南方网 发表日期：2004年07月12日 (gnete.com)
• 美华裔青年广东寻根 (news.sohu.com)

Articles in English

• Geneaology Trips Transport You to the Past (ABC News)
• IN SEARCH OF CHINESE ROOTS (SFGate.com)
• Finding Roots in China’s Soil (Overseas Chinese Affairs of Guangdong)
• Finding Roots in China’s Soil (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Root Searching in Guangdong (gocn.southcn.com)
• Rediscovering China (Asian Week)
• Discovering One’s Roots (Asian Week)
• Asian Pacific American Heritage - 2005 Local Heroes (KQED)
• Asian Pacific American Heritage - 2006 Local Heroes (KQED)

Other Related Links

• HIM MARK LAI COLLECTION (berkeley.edu)
• Becoming American - The Chinese Experience (PBS documentary)
• Chinese Historical Society of America - Events (CHSA.org)
• Discover Your Ancestors (CET)
• Moving Back In (Asian Week)

A newly established Stanley M. and Virginia T. Toy Memorial Fund will offer scholarships to qualified interns from low-income families to help cover tuition and certain traveling expenses.

Founded in 1991, the “In Search of Roots” Program involves a yearlong commitment on researching one’s Chinese American family history and genealogy. After studying their Chinese roots in America, participants will explore their roots in China through visiting their maternal or paternal ancestral villages in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province. The program culminates in a Chinese New Year exhibition of the interns’ research at the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, where participants share what they have learned with family, friends, and community.

Applicants interested in applying for the Stanley M. and Virginia T. Toy Memorial scholarship are requested to submit the following materials:

• The Complete In Search of Roots Application Procedure
• Statement of financial need
• A copy of the applicant’s tax return (if applicant is filed as a dependent, please provide a copy of the claimer’s tax return)

Please mail the application materials to:

Attn: Albert Cheng (Roots Scholarship)
Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco
750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108

The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Chinese Historical Society of America and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office in Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China are sponsors of the In Search of Roots program. Mr. Him Mark Lai and Mr. Albert Cheng coordinate this Program.

For more information, please call 415-986-1822 or visit Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco’s website: http://www.c-c-c.org

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Interns wait with other participants in front of the Great People’s Hall in Tianamen Square, Beijing

Interns in Forbidden City, Beijing

Great Wall, Beijing

Dim sum heaven in Hong Kong!

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Lotus flowers and leaves

Giant bronze Guanyin in Xiqiaoshan, Nanhai

Interns pose with members of the lion dance team of Wong Fei Hung Martial Arts Academy in Nanhai

Interns take a martial arts lesson

Interns and their host families in Guangzhou

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Village children