Thursday, July 23, 2015

Highly fortified Hakka Dwellings

"All clansmen living together" is an important residing tradition of Hakka people. On the basis of absorbing the advantages of Hakka and Cantonese residence, Hakka residence in Shenzhen is of large scale, strong fortification and cosy environment. The front side of the fortified residences is built with gate tower, Daozuo (the south hall facing north), as well as the front and back courtyards. Main part of the construction include halls, transverse rooms, defending towers on the four corners, and back with belvedere. The whole construction is like a strongly-fortified castle. A Surrounded residence is a mini society of a clan, a "History Book of Ramming". There are over 100 large and medium scale castle-like surrounded Hakka residences survived in Longgang District.

Hakka Folk Culture

Hakka immigration has begun since the late Song Dynasty, from the mountainous regions such as Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, while large scale migration happened only after the abolition of the Edit of the Coastal Evacuation in the early Qing Dynasty. Because of the greograpic proximity to their original place, immigration scale and time etc., Hakka people in Shenzhen still keep many traditions of the original dwelling regions of Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi especially those of Meizhou region in eastern Guangdong.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Preface : Shenzhen culture and history

In order to adapt to the environment, a set of conventional behaviour and cultural phenomena is formed in human beings' long process evolution, which is called folk culture. Folk culture is inclusive of tangible and intangible heritage. It is a mirror of history and social life. Deeply rooted in the grass roots, folk culture is handed down from generation to generation, but also changing and developing with the pulse of time. Traditional folk culture in Shenzhen, including Cantonese branch and Hakka branch is of remote source and great diversity. Besides, Shenzhen lies right at the Pearl River's influx into the sea, old-timers' subsistence of this area largely relies on the sea. Rich marine culture is thus formed during the long process of maritime activities.

A nation would fail to explore the future, if due attention hasn't paid to its history' and culture heritage. "It is fundamental to the inheritance and development of human civilization to respect, protect traditional folk culture and absorb nutrients from it. Presented here. Shenzhen Folk Culture Exhibition is composed of four parts, namely, Regional, Cantonese, Hakka and a Maritime Folk Culture, in which an all-round display of Shenzhen's local feature and tradition is unveiled. It is our sincere hope to get your interest and attention.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Birthday present - keychain with a story booklet

Got a thoughtful birthday present - a key ring with a little booklet and a story - "The world according to PETER":



The personality behind the name Peter
Published by History and Heraldry Ltd.
Rotherham S66 8HR U.K.

PETER meaning Rock/Stone

The biblica name Peter was formed from two Greek words. Petra meaning rock and Petros meaning stone.

Linked to the name PETER

Huw: ews
Frangrance: Amber
Plant: Juniper
Flower: Tulip
Tree: Oak
Animal: Ram
Metal: Lead
Gemstone: Garnet
Day of the month: 5
Number: 28

The mind of PETER

To others, he appear self-confident and assured, using his sense of humour and charm to cover any insecurities he may have.

The emotions of PETER

He make friends easily and are very generous and charming to be around.
It is important that he lave a sense of balance between time spent with loved ones and time spent on his own.

The social PETER

When he is on top form, bhe is the life and soul of the party and endear himself to others.
He has a tendency to be impulsive and is generally lucky which can be a winning combination.

Did PETER know?

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater is a children's rhyme.
Peter is the name of a cat who lived at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
The Pink Panther actor Peter Sellers was actually born Richard Henry Sellefs!
Peter Rabbit is one of Beatrix Potter's famous characters.
Peter Parker is also known as Spider Man.

The Intelligence of PETER

His intellect and imagination mean that he is extremely creative in many aspects of his life.
He like to talk through problems with others and trust his instincts when searching for solutions to problems

Famous people named PETER

Peter the Great b. 1672 ruled Russia.

Peter Andre b. 1973 English born, Australian raised single songwriter
Peter Jackson b. 1961 new Zealand film director and producer. Best known for his 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy.
Peter Cushing b. 1913 English actor best known for his appearance in Hammer Horror films.

Kindred spirits

Others with similar traits:
Cal
Derry
Fred
Freddy
Kirby
Pierce
Ralph
Ramsey
Travis
Windsor

The booklet opened to reveal 2 pages


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Monday, October 21, 2013

LEGO WeDo Hungry Alligator Challenge:





Source: Learn Quebec: Hungry Alligator Challenge

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Lewis Chew demonstrating LEGO WeDo robotic software

Lewis Chew modified the LEGO Education WeDo "Dancing Birds" model to "Ninjago Lasersaber swordfight" by replacing the dancing birds with Ninjago characters together with laser sounds: