Long before internet, movies and news apps., stories were an oral tradition that communicated news, politics and ethics throughout China.
The art of storytelling was so popular that it became a recognised profession 2500 years ago.
The original purpose was to pass on stories, histories and legends. It later became a fun and accessible way of discussing issues in the country. Storytelling here has more than 400 different forms. These include comedy monologues and shadow puppetry.
Did you know? Forms of story telling are still a central feature of the Lunar New Year’s Eve annual televised gala which is watched by over 700million people!
Our September 2021 boxes feature 肉桂茶 [ròu guì] cassia tea. This is a smaller amount than often featured in our standard boxes but is a higher quality tea. It has a sweet flavor and can be brewed up to 7 times!
Add approximately 1 teaspoon of tea leaves to your re-usable tea infusing bag [included in the box] and add boiling water. The first brewing will need 2-3 minutes. Subsequent brews will need to be left a minute or so longer each time.
For more detail on how to brew different types of Chinese tea, see our simple guide:
Traditional Shadow Puppet Pair
In your Storytellers box is a set of beautiful full color shadow puppets and a shadow screen [frame not included].
Attach the sticks to the shadow puppet figures, hang the shadow from a box with the front and back cut out – the outer box of this Homeland Ties delivery might be a good option! – and place a lamp behind.
An example shadow puppet show that features the 2 characters in your set is shown in this video to give you an idea of what this traditional art form looks like!
DIY colour-and-create puppets
This man and horse puppet are easy and fun to put together. Color in the pieces, press them out and use split pins to fasten the pieces together.
Tricky Tales book
This beautifully compiled book has lots of traditional Chinese stories that are fairly universally known here in China.
Discovering these stories as a family doesn’t only weave more traditional Chinese culture into your family, but also gives you some great stories to act out with your shadow puppets and color-and-create puppets!
We think your family will love discovering and practicing the storytelling tradition that’s so valued in Chinese culture! We wish we could see the creative stories your own storytellers come up with!