I have been taking Chinese since I was in seventh grade. I have always thought it was a beautiful language with such an interesting history. China itself has always been extremely interesting. It has such a rich history that is just so different than everything I have ever learned about. This class was so good for me because I was able to learn about the rich histories and mythology that China has.
I think it was so interesting to learn about the relationship that ancient China had with the dead. Humans have always seemed to have a kind of respect for the dead, but China’s was interesting. In most cultures there was an underworld of sorts and the dead did not interact with the living. In China, however, offerings were made in order to appease spirits and maybe even ask them for help. Spirits were just an accepted part of life.
Religion in China has always been something that I love learning about. China, while it has spiritual beliefs, seems to be more interested in Philosophy rather than religion itself. The two major religions that were founded in China, Daoism and Confucianism, can both either be practiced religiously of philosophically. Most people simply use them as a way to live life rather than something to worship.
This class was so good for me to take because I got to learn about things that I have been interested in since middle school. I have a fascination with religion and mythology. This class allowed me to learn about both.
