Wu Lan

The author describes the difficult beginnings of publishing in new China, a country devastated in large part by the Japanese occupation and civil war. Publishing houses of all types were then scattered over a huge territory and very few. This was particularly the case for publishing children’s and youth literature. Despite this difficult situation, as early as the end of 1950, the first specialized publishing house for children and youth audiences was established in Shanghai. The author shows the difficult further way of building a large publishing movement and institutions cooperating with it, which specialized in work for children and youth audiences. It indicates the role of the publishing movement in expanding the education of children and young people in China. It signals the collapse of an excellent business in the gloomy period of the cultural revolution, and then shows a gradual rebirth, and then, again, the dynamic development of the industry in the early 1980s in connection with the implementation of the “reform and opening up” policy. An important stage in this dynamic development was the formation of a new media group aimed at children and youth audiences in 2000 – the Chinese youth and children’s information and publishing cooperative. This has led to the creation of similar media groups throughout China. Over 70 years of operation, new China has made tremendous progress in the field of children’s and youth literature and publishing. Interestingly, this process, especially in the initial period, was carried out in cooperation with its counterpart in Poland. Many Polish books for young Chinese readers have appeared on the Chinese market and this phenomenon continues to be beneficial for both sides.

Ancient peoples of China considered crimson, blue-green, yellow, white and back to be the five primary colours that gave rise to the universe and Earth. Then, according to the theory of Five Elements that make up the universe, i.e. Earth (

The ancient peoples of China considered crimson, blue-green, yellow, white and back to be the five primary colours that gave rise to the universe and Earth. Then, according to the theory of the Five Elements that make up the universe, i.e. Earth (土 – tu), Wood (木 – mu), Fire (火 – huo), Water (水 – shui) and Metal (金 – jin), five directions were set: East, South, West, North and Centre, to which specific colour combinations were assigned. The colours implied a number of diverse cultural concepts associated with, e.g. the role of power, philosophical theories, rituals and beliefs. Gradually a new colour system came into being and became an important value in traditional Chinese culture. This article looks at the meaning of white (白 – bai) and black (黑 – hei).

Ancient peoples of China considered crimson, blue-green, yellow, white and back to be the five primary colours that gave rise to the universe and Earth. Then, according to the theory of the Five Elements that make up the universe, i.e. Earth (土 – tu), Wood (木 – mu), Fire (火 – huo), Water (水 – shui) and Metal (金 – jin), five directions were set: East,  South, West, North and Centre, to which specific colour combinations were assigned. The colours implied a number of diverse cultural concepts associated with, e.g. the role of power, philosophical theories, rituals and beliefs. Gradually a new colour system came into being and became an important value in traditional Chinese culture. This article  looks at the meaning of blue (蓝 – lan), green (绿 – lu) and purple (紫色 – zise).

The article presents an overview of the history of the Polish cultural relations with China. It covers the period from XII/XIII century to the year 2013. In the distant past Polish missionaries travelled to China and acquired knowledge on this country and its rich cultural heritage. The most prominent person of that epoch was Michal Boym, a devoted and courageous Jesuit, one of the best European specialist on China in XVII century. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the New China on 1949, was a turning-point in Polish-Chinese relations. Its concerned also cultural cooperation. Ever since started process of better reciprocal knowledge, especially in sphere of literature where even were some interaction. At the last years important role in cultural relations played a big projects as Polish participation in EXPO 2010 in Shanghai and the Year of Chopin. Increasing role played also initiatives of Polish cultural institutions in China and presence and development of teaching Chinese language at Universities and by Institutes of Confucius. The development of political cooperation between both countries and new Chinese initiatives concerning: bilateral relations, relations China with 16 Central and Eastern European countries and relations the EU – China permit to have great expectation for a future of Polish-Chinese cooperation, cultural cooperation included.

The Author describes and analyzes the achievements and experiences of Edward Kajdański against changing political situation, first in Harbin, and then generally in China. The Author emphasizes the outstanding role that E. Kajdański played in bringing closer to the Poles the Chinese culture, history and medicine, as well as in mutual acquaintance and recognition of both nations.

The theme of the article is the tradition of drinking tea in China. The Author recalls the history of this tradition, from the Western Han Dynasty (206–23 BC). She describes the different types of teas, their use and properties, as well as the method of preparation – paying attention to the vessel in which it should be served, brewing temperature, the time of a day when specific type of tea has best properties. In addition, the Author notes the existence of China’s tea culture, which includes both obligatory tableware and favorite kinds of teas, as well as the procedure of brewing and pouring out, and the whole code accompanying this rule. She also describes different types of tea houses, which can be found in the Middle Kingdom: tsin, su jue and czuang.

The article is devoted to the importance of red in the lives of Chinese people. The history of red symbolism and the emotions that this color evokes are analyzed. Attention was paid to the political aspects associated with the spread of red in the life of Chinese society. In addition to the political aspect, it is also a popular custom. For the Chinese, red is the most important of all colors, accompanies the Chinese during important events and celebrations such as the wedding or the Spring Festival. Red comes in many different shades, but typical Chinese red is cinnabar.