Mongolian Hot Pots – Chinese Regional Variations

火锅 – huǒ guō – Mongolian hot pot 

火锅 (“huoguo” or “hot pot” in English) is a kind of stew which is popular in China, Thailand, Singapore and some other Asian countries. It is believed to be invented about 1,000 years ago. 

火锅 – huǒ guō – Mongolian hot pot 

At the center of the dining table, there is a big pot with broth that is kept simmering. Those participating in the dinner can take fresh ingredients and place them into the broth (using chopsticks). So, all food is cooked at the table. It is a very relaxing and pleasant experience. 

In the vast majority of restaurants, the cooking pots are sunk into the table or, alternatively, hung above it. Gas and hot coals may be used as a fuel. Nowadays, inductor cookers are widely used.

The Analects of Confucius: Sayings about Learning

三人行，必有我师。 
sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī 

This well-known Chinese idiom is literally translated into English as "When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn" (James Legge). Nowadays, this wise saying is commonly interpreted as "You have something to learn from everyone". 

Talking About Wu Xing

Wu Xing is the five-element theory of Chinese philosophy. It is a conceptual scheme that was once used to explain a wide array of natural and social phenomena, including interaction between human body organs and the properties of traditional Chinese drugs. The "Five Elements" are commonly described as an endless loop that influences people's fate and many other things. 

四大美女 - sì dà měi nǚ

四大美女 - sì dà měi nǚ - Four Great Beauties - четыре красавицы Древнего Китая 

These are four ancient Chinese women lived in different times (during different Chinese dynasties), renowned for their beauty. 

• Xi Shi - 7-6 century BC
• Wang Zhaojun - 1 century BC
• Diaochan - 3 century
• Yang Guifei (719–756)

Qingming Festival | Праздник Цинмин

Today is Qingming Festival in China. Its traditions include: 

1. 扫墓 - sǎomù - to sweep tombs - посещать кладбище, подметать могилы 
2. 踏青 - tàqīng - to go for a walk in the countryside - выезжать на природу 
3. 插柳 - chāliǔ - to plant willows - сажать иву 
4. 吃清明果 - chī qīngmíng guǒ - to eat "dumplings" with the wrapper made of glutinous rice flour with various fillings - есть "вареники" из теста на рисовой муке с разными начинками 
5. In some Northern areas of China, there is a tradition of 碰鸡蛋 (pèng jīdàn) - "touching eggs" - стукаться вареными куриными яйцами при встрече.

PSA "Family = Father And Mother I Love You" with transcription and translation | Социальная реклама "Семья: папа и мама, я люблю вас" с транскрипцией и переводом

Transcription and translation of subtitles | Транскрипция и перевод титров: