Homosexuality has been increasingly accepted across different cultures and countries around the world. However, with different languages, come different terms and expressions. So, what is the equivalent term for ‘homos’ in Chinese? In China, there are many terms that refer to homosexuality. However, the most commonly used term is “tongxinglian” (同性戀).
The Meaning of Tongxinglian
Tongxinglian literally translates to “same-sex love”. It is a combination of three words: tong (同) meaning “same”, xing (性) meaning “sex” or “gender”, and lian (戀) meaning “love”. The use of the term “tongxinglian” in Chinese culture dates back to ancient times. In classical literature, there are references to the love and relationships between individuals of the same sex.
The History of Homosexuality in China
Homosexual relationships in China have a long history, dating back to ancient times. For example, there are references to same-sex relationships between emperors and their male courtiers, as well as between scholars and their students. In ancient China, homosexuality was not considered immoral or sinful, nor was it something that was hidden from society. The traditional Chinese concept of love and sexuality was much broader than that of contemporary Western culture.
However, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Western values began to influence Chinese society. The Qing rulers and Western missionaries introduced their own beliefs about love, marriage, and sexuality. As a result, homosexuality began to be seen as a deviant behavior and was criminalized. It was not until the 1990s that homosexuality was decriminalized in China.
Current Attitudes towards Homosexuality in China
Today, China’s attitudes towards homosexuality vary widely. Some Chinese people are still deeply conservative and hold traditional views that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural. In some families, coming out of the closet can be met with strong criticism and rejection.
However, attitudes towards homosexuality are changing rapidly in China’s urban centers. The younger generation is more accepting of homosexuality and is more likely to have gay and lesbian friends. Many young people also express support for LGBT rights. In 2001, a famous Chinese sexologist, Li Yinhe, called for the legalization of same-sex marriages in China.
The Future of Homosexuality in China
As China becomes more globalized, the acceptance of homosexuality may increase. However, there are still many barriers that the LGBT community in China faces. While homosexuality is no longer illegal, there is still no legal recognition of same-sex couples or legal protection from discrimination. Chinese society is still heavily influenced by traditional family values, and many parents expect their children to marry and have children of their own. The concept of being gay or lesbian is still widely misunderstood, and the LGBT community in China often faces stigmatization and discrimination.
In conclusion, the term for “homos” in Chinese culture is “tongxinglian”, which literally translates to “same-sex love”. Homosexuality in Chinese culture has a long history and was once accepted and celebrated. However, after Western influence, it became criminalized and stigmatized, and attitudes towards homosexuality are still widely divided in China today. As China continues to develop and evolve, it is possible that acceptance of homosexuality and LGBT rights may become more widespread.
FAQ
What does intercouse mean in Chinese?
Intercourse is a term used to describe the act of having sexual relations, but what does it mean in Chinese? In the Chinese language, intercourse is called “性交” or “交媾”. Both of these terms refer to the act of sexual intercourse between two individuals.
The term “性交” may be broken down into two characters. “性” means sex or gender and “交” means to join or to meet. When combined, these characters refer to the physical joining or meeting of two individuals for sexual purposes.
The term “交媾” consists of two characters as well. “交” means to exchange, while “媾” means to copulate or mate. The combination of these two characters also refers to the physical act of sexual intercourse.
It is important to note that the use of these terms may be considered explicit or vulgar in some contexts. In such cases, more polite or euphemistic terms may be used instead.
Whether it is described as “性交” or “交媾”, intercourse refers to the physical act of sexual relations between individuals in the Chinese language.
Who is the Chinese rabbit god?
In Chinese mythology, the deity known as Tu’er Shen or Tu Shen is considered as the Rabbit God. Many people are often surprised to hear that there is a deity associated with rabbits, and the Rabbit God plays a unique role in Chinese folklore.
The Rabbit God has been worshipped in China for centuries, and his worship is particularly prevalent among the LGBTQ+ community. This deity is believed to manage love and sex between men and is considered to be a patron of gay relationships. Tu Shen is often depicted as a very attractive young man with rabbit-like features and is often shown wearing a red coat and carrying a lantern.
Although the Rabbit God is widely worshipped in China, his origins remain somewhat unclear. There are many different stories and interpretations of the deity’s history and significance. Some scholars believe that the concept of the Rabbit God originated during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD), while others think that the deity has much older roots dating back to the time of the Ancient Chinese. Today, however, the Rabbit God is most commonly associated with the gay community in China.
In contemporary Chinese society, the Rabbit God has garnered a significant following within the LGBTQ+ community. Many people find comfort in the idea of a deity who specifically watches over and blesses gay relationships. Some even visit shrines dedicated to the Rabbit God to pray for good luck and success in their love lives.
In addition to his associations with gay relationships, the Rabbit God is also believed to bring good luck, especially concerning fertility. It is said that couples seeking to have children can worship at the Rabbit God’s shrines to improve their chances of conception.
Although the Rabbit God may not be as well-known as some other deities in Chinese mythology, he is an essential figure in Chinese folklore, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. He represents love, fertility, and good fortune, and for many people in China, worshipping the Rabbit God is an essential part of their spiritual and cultural identity.
What does the phrase rabbit mean?
The phrase “rabbit” is often used as a superstitious phrase for good luck or to ward off bad luck. While the exact origins of the phrase are unclear, it is believed to come from a British tradition that dates back at least to 1909. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, a British periodical featured a girl who would say “Rabbits!” on the first day of every month to ensure good luck for the remainder of the month. This practice eventually caught on, and many people began to adopt it as a way to bring good luck into their lives.
Over time, the phrase “rabbit” has taken on a variety of different meanings and connotations. In some circles, “rabbit” is used to describe someone who is anxious or easily frightened. Similarly, “rabbiting” can refer to the act of running away from something or avoiding confrontation. In other contexts, “rabbit” can be used as a term of endearment, especially between couples or close friends. Additionally, some people use the phrase “rabbit, rabbit” instead of just “rabbit” as a way to double down on the good luck associated with the phrase.
The use of “rabbit” as a phrase for good luck has also spread beyond the borders of the UK. In the United States, for example, it is said that President Franklin D. Roosevelt would say “rabbit, rabbit” every first day of the month for good luck. Roosevelt’s practice was widely reported in the media at the time, leading many Americans to adopt the same tradition.
“Rabbit” is a phrase that has a long and varied history. Whether you use it to bring good luck, describe someone who is anxious, or as a term of endearment, the phrase has become a widely recognized cultural touchstone with roots in both British and American traditions.
