Journal

The Kotoba Interactive journal.

Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.

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3 articles

China

Peinture chinoise de Chen Mei representant des jeunes femmes de cour celebrant la fete de Qixi dans un jardin, autour d'une table d'offrandes

Traditions9 min

Qixi: China's Valentine's Day and what it used to be

On 19 August 2026, China celebrates Qixi. Astronomical origin, the cowherd and weaver girl legend, needle contests: the story of a festival that was never romantic.

August 2, 2026Read

China

Massifs de chrysanthèmes multicolores en fleur lors d'une exposition florale d'automne, fleur emblématique de la fête chinoise du Chongyang.

Traditions12 min

Chongyang: The Double Ninth Festival and Chinese Autumn

On the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, China celebrates Chongyang: climbing the heights, chrysanthemum wine, Wang Wei's poem, and honoring the elderly.

July 11, 2026Read

China

Danse du lion lors des célébrations du Nouvel An chinois.

Traditions6 min

Chinese New Year: the Spring Festival, the world's largest celebration

Origins, legends and rituals of Chinese New Year: the Nian monster, the red envelopes, the reunion dinner, the lion dances and the Lantern Festival.

May 19, 2026Read