China Lifestyle Journeys

OCT 19, 2023

Episode40: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.So, Mat, what’s your big question today?(Mat) Hello and welcome to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys. Today, we are exploring the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM.  Now, I don’t know much about TCM, but I do know that it has been practiced in China for thousands of years, but apart from that, I don’t really know anything else. So Jocelyn, where should we start with this topic?(Jocelyn) OK, so let’s start with the basics. TCM is an ancient traditional system of healthcare that considers the overall connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Instead of just treating individual symptoms or diseases, TCM focuses on promoting overall well-being and restoring balance in all aspects of life.  To better understand this, let’s take an example. Imagine someone experiencing frequent headaches. In standard Western medicine, the focus would be on finding a specific treatment for the headache, such as painkillers. However, in TCM, the doctor (or practitioner as they are sometimes called) would take a step back and look at the person as a whole. They would consider various factors like the person’s lifestyle, diet, emotions, and even the environment they are in.For instance, the headaches could be seen as a sign of an imbalance in the body’s energy flow, or Qi (气). The TCM practitioner may explore different techniques, like acupuncture or herbal remedies, to restore the flow of Qi and bring the body back into harmony. They might also suggest lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques or dietary adjustments, to address underlying factors that could be contributing to the headaches.(Mat) OK, I think I understand this, the TCM doctor is trying to improve my overall health, so that I won’t get any more headaches in the future. But what if I just want the headaches to be cured now, today? I don’t want to wait around for a long time, trying to improve my overall health. I just want... Can you get rid of this headache? Please help me. Can TCM help me in this situation?(Jocelyn) Of course, that’s the great thing about TCM. It can certainly help with immediate symptom relief, like your headache.  But the main focus is on long-term well-being, so a lot of TCM treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other modalities aim to help with immediate concerns while also considering the underlying imbalances for lasting results. So basically, in the future, you’ll get less headaches. In essence, TCM recognizes that our well-being is influenced by multiple factors and aims to address the root causes of imbalances rather than just alleviating symptoms. Some people describe this as a more holistic approach to healthcare.(Mat) OK, so now that I have a better understanding of TCM’s approach to helping with overall well-being. I’m quite interested and curious about the specific concepts and methods that form the foundations of TCM. What are these key principles that I’ve heard about orsome kind of beliefs that guide TCM practices? Or to put it in a really simple question, how does it work?(Jocelyn) That’s a great question! TCM is based on two important ideas: Qi and Yin-Yang. Qi is like a special energy that flows through our bodies and keeps us healthy. TCM treatments focus on making sure this energy flows smoothly to keep us balanced. Yin and Yang are like opposites that need to be in harmony. Yin is connected to things like darkness and rest, while Yang is connected to light and activity. TCM practitioners use these ideas to understand and treat imbalances in the body. Their goal is to bring everything back into balance and help us stay healthy.(Mat) Wow, it sounds a bit complicated now. I think I get the part about Qi and energy, because I think we’ve talked about that in another episode. But this Yin and Yang? Light and dark? I don’t really get what you’re talking about here. I think you’ll need to explain it with an example.(Jocelyn) OK, let me try to put it in a simple example. In TCM, Yin and Yang represent two opposite forces that need to be in balance within our bodies. Think of someone who has trouble sleeping, finding it hard to fall asleep and feeling restless at night. This imbalance is like having too much of the active and warm Yang energy. To restore some balance, TCM may suggest introducing more calming and cooling Yin elements. This can be achieved by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or drinking special herbal teas known for their soothing effects. The goal is to find a balance between Yin and Yang energies to promote better sleep and overall health.(Mat) OK, it’s starting to make more sense now. It actually sounds like quite a natural way of healing, combined with some good philosophy.You know what? I think I might try it next time I’ve gota headache.Well, that’s it for today. We hope you enjoyed this episode, thanks for listening. We hope to see you again next time. Until then, goodbye. Stay wise.

7 MIN

OCT 19, 2023

第40期：人命至重，有贵千金。一方济之，德逾于此。你了解中医吗?

中国古代科学内容丰富。随着时代的发展，其中大多数已经融入了现代科学体系。而目前仍然自成体系并且拥有强大生命力的，当属中医药学。中医药学是利用中国古代的阴阳五行体系，来说明人体的生理现象和病理变化，阐明其中的关系并进行诊疗的学科。中医的生理病理学以五脏六腑、经络气血为基础展开。中医的五脏六腑是人体脏器的总称。“五脏”包括肝、心、脾、肺、肾。肝的主要功能是疏泄和藏血。疏泄是指肝可以疏通全身之气，使身气和畅，情绪稳定。藏血是指肝可以贮藏血液和调节血量，防止出血。心主血脉和神明。心脏与血脉密切相连，调控着全身血液的运行。同时，心脏主管思维、感觉、记忆等与意识相关的活动。脾的主要功能是运化水谷和统血摄血。运化水谷指的是脾将食物消化吸收，转化为营养物质，以供养全身。统血摄血则是控制血液在脉中正常运行，防止出血。肺的主要功能是呼吸和治节。呼吸功能很好理解，指的是肺控制着呼吸的节奏和深度，进行外部氧气和机体产生的二氧化碳的交换。治节指的是肺调节全身的气机，与皮毛相应，使人体各部分的功能相互协调。肾主藏精和生长发育。藏精指的是肾贮藏精气，以供养全身。生长发育则是控制人体的生长、发育和生殖能力。人体的精气有两种，一种是先天之精，受之父母，是人体的根本；另一种是后天之精，主要是脾胃从人体摄入中转化的各种营养物质，是维持人体精力体力的重要基础。肾主水、主骨，生髓、生发，肾脏虚亏会导致精气神不足 。六腑包括胃、胆、小肠、大肠、膀胱、三焦。六腑的功能是受盛和传化水谷。“水谷”即饮用水和谷物，通俗地说，就是人体摄入各种水和食物，然后六腑接受、运输和转化这些营养能量。胃的主要功能是分解和消化食物。胆的主要功能是排泄胆汁，帮助消化和代谢。小肠的主要功能是消化和吸收食物中的营养物质 。大肠的主要功能是吸收经过小肠消化后的食物残渣，吸收多余水分，将身体的废弃物排出体外。膀胱的主要功能是贮存和排泄尿液。三焦分为上、中、下三焦。上焦是心肺，中焦是脾胃，下焦是肝、胆、肾、膀胱、大小肠等。三焦是人体运行的主要通道，三焦负责疏通全身气节，调节全身气、血、津液的运行，促进人体的新陈代谢。如果三焦不通，会出现气、水液代谢异常。五脏和六腑互为表里，密不可分。而串联起五脏六腑的桥梁就是经络。它们通过经络系统连成一体，共同完成各种生理活动。例如，肝与胆相表里，肝的疏泄可以促进胆的排泄胆汁，所以成语中才有“肝胆相照”的说法；脾与胃相表里，相辅相成，互相制约和依存，因此我们在日常生活中往往将“脾胃”连起来说；肾与膀胱相表里，肾的气化作用可以促进膀胱的贮尿和排尿。中医的诊疗主要包括诊断和辩证两个方面，望闻问切是中医诊断疾病的最基本方法。望诊就是尽可能详细地观察病人的面色、舌苔、表情神情、体态姿态等外部特征，获取有用的身体信息和病情状况，为后续的诊疗提供依据。闻诊包括两个方面，一是听声音，包括听病人的呼吸声、咳嗽声、喘息声等；二是闻味道。闻病人口腔的气味、身体的体味以及腋下的味道等。通过听和嗅取得的病情信息可以和望诊了解的信息相结合，以便医者进一步判断。问诊，顾名思义就是问询。医者会详细地询问病人身体感觉、症状、既往病史、家族病史、遗传病等情况获取病情资料。通过询问，医者可以初步确定用药方案和禁忌。切诊的“切”就是通过亲自接触病人身体来判断症状。最基本的切诊方法就是切脉，观察病人的脉象是否平稳。更进一步的切诊方法是用手接触病人感到不适的身体部位，比如腹部疼痛的病人，可以轻轻按压腹部，找到他具体疼痛的位置，判断患处有没有硬块等等。切诊相比其他三种诊断方法，更偏向内部，主要用来了解病人的气血运行状况和内部器官的状况。对病人病情有了基本的了解之后，医者就可以对患者的证候作出初步判断了，这个过程就是辩证。中医将病人的证候分为阴阳、表里、寒热、虚实四组八类，统称“八纲”。慢性、抑制性的疾病属于阴证。病情较急、代谢旺盛的属于阳证。同时存在发热、恶寒症状，且脉象浮弱、舌苔无明显变化的属于表证。出现单一的发热或恶寒症状，且脉象较沉、舌苔改变明显的属于里证。寒证则分为外寒和内寒。外寒指的是寒邪侵袭引起的恶寒、发热、脉象浮紧等证状；内寒指的是阳气虚衰导致脏腑功能减弱，主要表现为面色苍白、肢体寒冷等。外感热邪或阴虚阳盛所表现出的生理亢奋、热躁，属于热证。人体正气衰弱，五脏功能减退表现出的证候，如气短、心悸等，属于虚证。患者因疾病出现的痰多、气喘、腹痛等属于实证。通过望、闻、问、切四诊初步了解患者病情之后，医者再根据疾病性质、疾病发生部位及深浅等情况综合分析和辨别疾病的证候，并根据患者表现的证候进行对证治疗。中医，不仅是治疗疾病、维护身心健康的重要宝库，更是世界各国人民认识和了解中华文化的重要窗口。展望未来，中医将继续发挥其独特的价值，为人类的健康和幸福作出更大的贡献。

9 MIN

OCT 12, 2023

Episode39: Tai Chi

Tai ChiWelcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.So, Mat, what’s your big question today?(Mat) Hello and welcome to another episode of our show. Today, we’ll be looking at the mysterious world of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art1 that has becomevery popular all around the world. Now, I have to admit, I don’t know much about Tai Chi, actually before I came to China, I had seen people doing it in my hometown in London in the mornings. Sometimes you see old people doing it in parks in London really early in the morning. Then I came to China, I saw lots of old people doing Tai Chi in parks inChina in the morning. So you can probably guess my first question, before we look at the history in the details. What’s the thing with parks? Why do people always seem tobe doing Tai Chi in parks?(Jocelyn) Ok, I guess that’s a good question to begin with, so Tai Chi and parks, what’s the connection? Tai Chi is often practiced in public parks in China (and in other countries) because it provides a peaceful and natural environment that helps people relaxed. Relaxation andmeditation2 are important features of Tai Chi (and we’ll talk more about this later). Also, the peaceful and natural surroundings of parks provide an ideal setting for Tai Chi practice, as they create a sense of connection with nature (another important aspect of Tai Chi). And of course, in most cities, it’s easy to find a local park and they're usually free to use. That’s why Tai Chi is commonly practiced in parks.(Mat) OK, that makes sense, so it sounds like Tai Chi is more than just a physical exercise. You just mentioned relaxation, meditation and a connection with nature. Can you tell me more about these aspects of Tai Chi?(Jocelyn)  Absolutely, Mat. Tai Chi is more than just a physical experience; it’s also a way of promoting3 mental and spiritual well-being. And the practice involves slow, flowing movements that are coordinated with4 deep breathing and focused attention. And this combination of movement, breathing, and mindfulness can help us to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental clarity and focus, and enhance overall feelings of calm and relaxation. Tai Chi is also sometimes described as a moving meditation, because the focus is on being present andletting go of5 distracting thoughts. And as for the connection with nature, many of the movements in Tai Chi are inspired by animals or natural elements, such as trees or water. Practicing Tai Chi in a natural setting can help to deepen this connection and enhance the overall experience.(Mat)  That's quite fascinating. So, if someone wanted to start practicing Tai Chi, wherewould they start? Is there any special equipment or clothing they need?(Jocelyn) Ok, so if someone is interested in starting to practice Tai Chi, I would recommend finding a local Tai Chi class or teacher. Tai Chi is best learned through practice and guidance from an experienced instructor6. And you can ask around in your local community or search online for Tai Chi classes near you. When you find a class, just wear comfortable clothing (like something you’d wear for jogging) and comfortable shoes and of course, bring an open mind. Tai Chi is accessible to7 people of all ages and fitness levels8, so don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. Just be patient with yourself and enjoy the experience of learning something new.(Mat) Now there's one thing I really don't understand. Sometimes Tai Chi is described as a martial art, a traditional form of fighting, like Kung Fu or Chinese boxing9. But when I see those people in the park, doing their slow relaxing movements, as you said earlier, inspired by animals or natural elements, such as trees or water – it doesn’t really look like fighting to me.(Jocelyn) I understand your confusion, Mat. Tai Chi is indeed a martial art, but it’s a unique form of martial art that focuses on defence rather than attack. The slow movements that you see in the park are just one aspect of Tai Chi, which are used to cultivate internal strength and balance10, but Tai Chi also includes more dynamic movements and self-defence techniques that are used in combat11 situations (but you don’t usually see these being practiced in parks). But for most people, it’s all about fitness and well-being, relaxation and meditation.(Mat) Now, I think I've heard the expression ‘Tai Chi Master12’ before, ‘He’s a Tai Chi Master.’ – now I know that in some martial arts, like Japanesekarate13, there are different coloured belts, and black belt means Master. So what about Tai Chi? How do you become a Tai Chi Master? Is there some kind ofgrading system14?(Jocelyn) Actually, there isn’t a standard grading system for Tai Chi, like in some martial arts. In Tai Chi, the mastery15 of the art is often judged by one’s experience, skill and understanding of the principles of Tai Chi. Usually, someone is considered a Tai Chi Master after many years of dedicated practice and experience. It’s a title that’s earned through hard work, dedication and deep understanding of the art.Well, that’s it for today. We hope you enjoyed this episode, thanks for listening. We hope to see you again next time. Until then, goodbye. Stay wise.Key words and expressions:1. Chinese martial art 中国武术Chinese martial art, often called Kung Fu, is a traditional fighting system from China that combines physical techniques like kicks, punches, and forms with mental and spiritual aspects for self-defence and personal development.e.g. He had been practicing Chinese martial art for years, mastering various forms and techniques to become a skilled fighter.他已经练习了多年的中国武术，掌握了各种招式和技巧，成为了一名熟练的武者。2.  meditation n. [C or U] /ˌmedɪˈteɪʃən/ 默念，冥想the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxede.g. prayer and meditation          祈祷与冥想3. promote v. /prəˈməʊt/促进, 推广to encourage people to like, buy, use, do, or support somethinge.g. The government is actively working to promote Chinese culture around the world through initiatives like cultural exchange programs. 政府正在积极通过文化交流计划等举措来推广中国文化，使其传播到世界各地。4. coordinate with…  相配，协调to match or look attractive togethere.g. The bed linen coordinates with the bedroom curtains.床单和卧室的窗帘很相配。5.let go of 放开，放手to stop holding something or someonee.g. He let go ofher hand and ran across the street. 他放开了她的手，跑过马路。6.  instructor n. /ɪnˈstrʌktər/ 教练a person whose job is to teach people a practical skille.g. a driving / ski / swimming instructor 驾驶／滑雪／游泳教练7.  be accessible to 可进入的，可接近的；可得到的able to be reached or easily gote.g. The internet has made it possible for people all over the world to be accessible to Chinese culture through online courses, cultural forums, and virtual museum tours.互联网使得全世界的人们通过在线课程、文化论坛和虚拟博物馆参观变得更加容易，从而能够接触到中国的文化。8. fitness levels 体能水平“Fitness levels” is the term used to describe a person's physical health and capability.e.g. His fitness levels improved significantly after months of regular exercise and a balanced diet.在经过几个月的定期锻炼和均衡饮食后，他的健康水平显著提高了。9. Chinese boxing中国拳法“Chinese boxing” is a term that refers to traditional Chinese martial arts or combat systems, which include various styles and techniques such as Tai Chi. These martial arts emphasize physical control, technique, and often incorporate principles of internal energy.e.g. Chinese boxing, also known as Kung Fu, is a traditional martial art practiced for self-defense and physical fitness. 中国拳法，又称功夫，是一种传统的武术，用于自卫和身体健康的练习。10.  internal strength and balance 内在力量和平衡“Internal strength and balance” refers to the physical and mental qualities that promote stability, poise, and resilience from within a person’s body and mind.e.g. Practicing yoga regularly can help improve one’s internal strength and balance, both physically and mentally. 定期练习瑜伽无论是在身体上还是在精神上都可以帮助提高一个人的内在力量和平衡。11. combat n. [C or U] /ˈkɒmbæt/ 战斗，搏斗a fight, especially during a ware.g. There was <a style="color:#4990E2;text-decoration:none;">fierce</a> combat between the two <a style="color:#4990E2;text-decoration:none;">sides</a>. 双方展开了激烈的战斗。12. Tai Chi Master 太极宗师，太极大师A Tai Chi Master is an expert in the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi, known for its flowing movements and holistic health benefits. These Masters are respected for their deep knowledge and skill in promoting physical and mental well-being through Tai Chi practice.e.g. The Tai Chi Master gracefully demonstrated the art's fluid movements, leaving the audience in awe of his skill and poise.太极大师优雅地展示了这门艺术的流畅动作，令观众对他的技巧和风度赞叹不已。13. karate n. [U] /kəˈrɑːti/ 空手道a sport, originally from Japan, in which people fight using their arms, legs, hands, and feet. The level of skill a person has is shown by what colour belt they wear.e.g. She has been practicing karate for five years and recently earned her black belt. 她已经练习空手道五年，最近获得了黑带。14. grading system评级制度A grading system is a way to assess and score individuals' performance, commonly in education, using letters, numbers, or symbols to indicate their level of achievement.e.g. The university uses a letter-based grading system, with A being the highest grade for excellent performance and F indicating failure.该大学采用字母评分制度，其中A代表卓越的表现，是最高分，而F表示不及格15.mastery  n. [U] /ˈmɑːstəri/ 完全的控制complete control of somethinge.g. her mastery of the violin她对局势的牢牢掌控

7 MIN

OCT 12, 2023

第39期：太极生两仪，两仪生四象。你了解太极吗?

太极太极是中国文化史上的一个重要概念。关于太极的含义，历来众说纷纭。其中最具影响力的是“混沌说”。中国古代哲学观念认为，宇宙之初，阴阳未分，秩序尚未建立，这种状态被称为混沌。后来，宇宙有了阴阳的区分，形成了初步的秩序，但组成世界的各部分尚未独立，这种宇宙最原始的秩序状态被称为太极。太极是易学的基本概念，《易经》中就有记载，“易有太极，始生两仪，两仪生四象，四象生八卦。”两仪也就是阴、阳两种状态。四象则指是天空中的四大区域。古代天文学将天空分成东、北、西、南四个区域，称东方为苍龙象，北方为玄武象，西方为白虎象，南方为朱雀象，合称“四象”。而八卦则指的是乾卦、坤卦、巽卦、震卦，坎卦、离卦、艮卦、兑卦。八卦分别代表了八个方位和八种事物。这八种事物是古代哲学中构成现实世界的基本元素，它们分别是：乾代表天，坤代表地，巽代表风，震代表雷，坎代表水，离代表火，兑表泽。在《道德经》中，“道”被描述为是“太极”的初始形态，它是生命和宇宙的源泉。无论是《易经》还是《道德经》，“太极”实际上是古人最朴素的世界观，是他们对宇宙诞生最初形态的一种想象。根据“太极”的哲学理念，历代哲学家们绘制了许多太极图来展示其理念，比如周敦颐太极图、先天太极图、古太极八卦图等等。其中，最知名且运用最广泛的，是先天太极图。先天太极图，图案结构简单，由一个圆圈、两个圆点、两个黑白鱼图形组成，因此又被称为阴阳鱼图。我们现在则俗称它为“太极八卦图”。太极八卦图看似简单，实则蕴含着深刻的哲理。首先，太极八卦图是以“圆”为基础元素。中国人偏爱“圆”，因为“圆”代表了“圆满”“团圆”。中国文化中有诸多“圆”，文人墨客赏月要等“圆月”，春节吃的年夜饭要称为“团圆饭”。在中国传统建筑中，也有“圆”的美学。苏州园林中的洞和窗多为圆形，园中亭子也有不少为圆亭，在回环的曲线中感受江南烟雨的情致。福建客家土楼也是圆形，将民族风情融于建筑之中。完美展现古代工匠技艺的拱桥也是圆形的，并且历经千年不坏。圆没有棱角，仿佛将万物都承纳进去了，这是一种包容的哲学思想。这种思想也可以扩展为我们日常生活的处世原则——圆融。圆融不是圆滑，它是一种包容、理解和接纳的态度。金庸在《书剑恩仇录》里提到，“情深不寿，强极必辱，谦谦君子，温润如玉”。这便是对“圆融”的最好解释了。太极图中的第二个元素是阴阳的对立统一。太极图中的黑鱼和白鱼分别代表阴和阳。事物都有两面性，很多时候我们往往只看到了其中一面，而忽视了它的另一面。比如，面对挑战，如果我们只看到其中难以解决的困难，却忽略背后的机遇，那我们便会畏缩不前，失去拥抱新生活的可能性。所以，挑战既意味着困难，也蕴含着新生。在一定情况下，坏事可能转变为好事，否（pǐ）极泰来；如果我们不珍惜福气和运气，好事也有可能变为坏事，乐极生悲。“塞翁失马”的故事便是事物对立统一的最好体现。《淮南子》记载，传说在地势险要的边界地带，住着一位善于占卜、能够预测吉凶的老人。有一次，他家的马竟然越过边界，跑到胡人那里去了。遇到这样的不幸，人们都前来安慰他。这位老人却说：“谁知道这会不会是一件好事呢？”过了几个月之后，这匹马竟然带着一匹胡人的骏马回来了。邻居都认为这是喜事。可是这位老人却说：“这为什么就不能算是一件坏事呢？”老人的儿子喜欢骑马，由于家里添了新马，老人的儿子骑马的时间更多了。有一次，老人的儿子骑马的时候不小心从马上摔了下来，摔断了腿。人们感慨他家的不幸，又前来安慰。这位老人却又说：“说不定这是一件好事呢？”过了一年，胡人大举进攻边境，青壮年男性都要作战。因为战事惨烈，很多人都战死了。老人的儿子因为腿瘸了，免于征战，父子双双幸存下来。在塞翁失马的故事里，马的出现、消失引发了一系列连锁反应。马对塞翁一家的影响也在好与坏之间转换着，这便是“太极阴阳转化”思想的集中体现。正如老子说的：福兮祸之所倚，祸兮福之所伏。我们要保持一颗平常心，去面对人生的每一个难题。除了以“圆”为基础元素，太极八卦图中黑白两鱼的鱼眼也是图中一个很重要的元素，可以分别看作黑鱼和白鱼的核心。一个事物有很多种元素组成，但不同部分的作用和意义不同。我们学习知识和技能，就是透过现象看本质，找到它的核心部分。通过核心问题的拆解，便能将事物的脉络梳理清楚，进而真正地理解。太极哲学是中国古人了理解宇宙、自然、社会乃至自身的重要思维方式。太极圆融统一的哲学思想让中国文化具有强大的生命力和包容性，让中国人懂得“居安思危，未雨绸缪”，也让中国人在绝境中坚信“山穷水复疑无路，柳暗花明又一村”。

7 MIN

SEP 28, 2023

Episode38: Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.So, Mat, what’s your big question today?(Mat) Hello and welcome again to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys. As usual, in today’s episode we will be looking at one unique and interesting aspect of Chinese culture. Now as you can tell from the episode title,today we’re talking about Mid-Autumn festival. Now, personally, I’ve got to admit that I don’t know much about this festival, except that it’s in the autumn (in the middle ofautumn I think – because of the name) – and on this festival – I know that people eat mooncakes. So I guess thatwill be the best place to start with the origins. So Jocelyn, tell me something about the origins of this festival.(Jocelyn) Sure, Mat. The Mid-Autumn Festival has its originsrooted in1 ancient Chinese traditions and beliefs. It dates back over 2,000 years and is closely tied to agricultural practices and the lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is believed to beat its fullest and brightest2. It was originally a time for people to give thanks for a successful harvest3, and to pray for the good fortune. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of family reunion and the appreciation of the moon’s beauty. The festival has deep cultural significance and holds a special place in Chinese folklore and traditions.(Mat) OK, so it’s linked to the lunar calendar, but you just made a point about“the appreciation of the moon’s beauty” – isn’t the moon like the same at any time of year? Is the moon more beautiful during this festival? And you know what’s the significance of the moon in this particular Mid-Autumn Festival?(Jocelyn) OK, let me explain. While the moon itself may not physically change in its beauty throughout the year, its symbolism and significance during the Mid-Autumn Festival are what make it special. The full moon during this festival is seen as a symbol of unity, completeness, and family reunion. It represents harmony and serves as areminder4 of loved ones who may be far away. The moon’s round shape also signifies prosperity and good luck. During the festival, families and friends gather to admire the moon together, appreciating itsserene5 beauty and using it asa focal point6for storytelling, poetry, and heartfelt wishes7. The moon holds deep cultural and emotional significance, fostering8 a sense of connection and warmth among people.(Mat) Oh right, I see. Actually you’ve just reminded me. I think I remember a story about the moon, something about a moon goddess, some beautiful goddess who lived in the moon. Does that story have any connection with this festival?(Jocelyn) Well remembered, Mat. You’re actually right. You’re talking about the popular Chinese legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. According tothe ancient legend, Chang’e was a beautiful woman who consumed a specialelixir9, to make her immortal (to live forever), she drank the special elixir and floated up to the moon, where she still lives to this day. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people pay tribute to10 Chang’e by offering her fruits,incense11, and mooncakes. The story of Chang’e adds a touch of12 magical charm andmythology13 to the festival, deepening its cultural significance. It’s a great story that has been passed down through generations and continues to be cherished during the Mid-Autumn Festival.  (Mat) Ah, mooncakes, finally we get to mooncakes. This is going to be my favourite part of the episode, because we are talking about cakes. Now I’ve had mooncakes on many occasions, and I always think they are quite varied, there are so many differentfillings14. Some I think are delicious, others… not really for me. So before we talk about the fillings, what’s the story behind mooncakes?(Jocelyn) I think there are many different stories behind mooncakes. Most of these are very old legends. There are some old stories which say that army generals used mooncakes to hide secret messages, they could communicate important military information by sending mooncakes. Other stories tell us of how important people used to send mooncakes to each other with greetings or blessings carved into the top of the cake.(Mat) OK, so that’s the history. Now let’s talk about mooncakes today. If someone wants to try mooncakes, what do they need to know?(Jocelyn) Well, if someone wants to try mooncakes, they can expect a delightful variety of flavours, fillings, and textures15. Traditional mooncakes often feature flavours like lotus seed paste16, red bean paste, or mixed nuts. Some mooncakes may also use salted egg yolks17 fora savoury twist18. Modern variations have flavours like green tea, black sesame19, or even fruit-based fillings. There are even chocolate, coffee and ice cream versions. So it’s all about finding the flavour that suits your taste. Again, the texture of mooncakes can vary from soft and smooth to dense and chewy, depending on the type and filling. So it’s probably a good idea to try as many different types as you can, to discover your own personal favourite.   (Mat) I think that’s an excellent piece of advice. Try as many different cakes as you can. I think that’s a great idea!  Well, that’s it for today. We hope you enjoyed this episode, thanks for listening. We hope to see you again next time. Until then, goodbye. Stay wise.Key words and expressions1. be rooted in sth 根植于…to be based on something or caused by something  e.g. Most prejudices are rooted in ignorance. 大多数偏见源于无知。2. at its fullest and brightest 在最饱满和最明亮时It refers to the peak or maximum point of something, often used to describe the maximum illumination of light or the highest degree of a particular state or condition.e.g. The sun was at its fullest and brightest, casting a brilliant golden glow across the landscape. 太阳达到了它最饱满和最明亮的状态，照亮了整个风景。3. harvest n. [C or U] /ˈhɑːvɪst/ 收获; 收成the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of cutting and collecting them, or the crops that are cut and collectede.g. We had a good harvest this year. 今年我们收成不错。4. reminder n. [C] /rɪˈmaɪndər/ 提醒（的话），提示a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do somethinge.g. If he forgot to pay his rent, his landlady would send him a reminder.如果他忘了付房租，女房东就会去信提醒他。5. serene adj./səˈriːn/ 宁静的peaceful and calm; worried by nothinge.g. She has a lovely serene face. 她有一张可爱娴静的脸庞。6. a focal point 焦点，中心点the main center of attention or interest in a particular contexte.g. The bright red sculpture in the middle of the art gallery serves as a focal point, drawing visitors’ attention as soon as they enter. 艺术馆中央的鲜红色雕塑充当着焦点，吸引着游客们一进门就注意到它。7. heartfelt wishes 衷心的祝愿sincere desires or blessings expressed from the hearte.g. I send you my heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.我送上衷心的祝愿，希望你能尽快康复。8. foster v./ˈfɒstər/ 培养to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelingse.g. Good teachers strive to foster a love of learning in their students. 优秀的教师努力培养学生对学习的热爱。9. elixir n. [C] /iˈlɪksər/  灵丹妙药，长生不老药a substance, usually a liquid, with a magical power to cure, improve, or preserve somethinge.g. It’s yet another health product claiming to be the elixir of life.这又是一种号称灵丹妙药的保健产品，据说有延年益寿之奇效。10. pay tribute to 赞扬，称赞to praise someone or somethinge.g. The minister paid tribute to the men who had fought the blaze.部长高度赞扬了奋力扑灭大火的勇士们。11. incense n. [U] /ˈɪn.sens/ 香a substance that is burnt to produce a sweet smell, especially as part of a religious ceremonye.g. an incense burner/stick 香炉／香烛12. add a touch of添加一丝、一点的成分、特性或品质to include or introduce a small amount or a slight hint of something, often for the purpose of enhancing or improving ite.g. She added a touch of cinnamon to the apple pie for extra flavour.她在苹果派中加了一点肉桂以增添额外的味道。13. mythology n. [U] /mɪˈθɒlədʒi/ 神话myths in generale.g. She’s fascinated by the stories of classical mythology. 她被古典神话故事迷住了。14. filling n. [C or U] /ˈfɪlɪŋ/ （三明治、蛋糕等的）馅the layer of food inside a sandwich, cake, etc.e.g. pies with sweet or savoury fillings 甜味或咸味的馅饼15. texture n. [C or U] /ˈtekstʃər/ 质地;质感the quality of something that can be decided by touch; the degree to which something is rough or smooth, or soft or harde.g. a smooth/rough/coarse texture 光滑／不平／粗糙的质地16. lotus seed paste 莲蓉馅儿17. salted egg yolks 咸蛋黄18. a savoury twist 咸口儿introducing a salty or savoury element to enhance or change the flavour of something拓展：a sweet twist甜口儿19. black sesame 黑芝麻

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