孤云独去闲12 Warmth and Hospitality Expressed by Food
In the eyes of Chinese, what is important about eating, especially at festivals, is to eat in a warm atmosphere. Often the young and old still sit in order of seniority, and the elders select food for the young while the young make toasts to the elders. Chinese people like to create a lively, warm, and harmonious atmosphere during meals.
12食物传达的温馨和盛情
在中国人看来，吃最重要的，尤其在过节时，莫过于是吃饭时的温馨气氛。吃饭时，年长的和年少的按照年龄大小依次坐好，在欢乐祥和的气氛中，说说笑笑。席间，长辈为晚辈夹菜，晚辈给长辈敬酒，营造出一派欢乐、温馨、和谐的气氛。
13 A hostess or host in China will apportion the best parts of the dishes to guests. Using a pair of serving chopsticks, she or he places the best part of a steamed fish or the most tender piece of meat on the plate of the most important guest. Such a custom is still popular, especially among the elder generation, as a way of expressing respect, concern and hospitality.
13在中国，主人会把最好的莱分给客人。他们用公筷把清蒸鱼最好的部分或最嫩的肉夹给最重要的来宾。这种习俗用来表达尊敬、关怀和好客之意，至今在老一辈的中国人中还是很流行。
14 Such culinary customs have had a certain influence on the character of the Chinese people. In a. sense, it has strengthened the collective spirit of the nation. At a party or a banquet, everyone first takes into consideration the needs of the group; with the eating process also being a time to show humility and concern for others.
14这种饮食习俗对中国人的性格也有几分影响。从某种意义上说，它增强了人们的集体主义精神。无论在聚会还是在宴席上，人们首先考虑大家的需求，把吃饭当成是谦卑有礼和关怀他人的场合。
