Cultural habits often take root in the little things we do at home & stepping into a household from a different culture can feel like entering a new world. I recall visiting a Chinese friend’s house for the first time, and wondering why they didn’t let me in their door with my shoes on.
For a person who never really cared to wear shoes indoors, it was weird to be wearing slippers suddenly. However, the more I learned about their customs, the more I realized that such routines tend to be rooted in deep cultural values. For those of you who don’t know, here are 9 Chinese household habits Americans don’t have.
Featured Image Credit: Thành Đỗ /Pexels.com.
Boiling Water for Drinking
Many Chinese families boil water before using it, even if tap water is safe. It is part of a long-held bacteria-killing habit, but it is also culturally accepted. Even with advanced filtration systems, many Chinese still believe that boiled water is healthier. This is probably a frill for an American when cold water from the tap is already available.
Keeping Doors and Windows Open for Ventilation
Fresh air is valued in Chinese homes & many families keep windows & doors open for ventilation—even during winter. This practice comes from the belief that circulating air prevents illness & helps to get rid of stale air. Americans, who rely more on HVAC systems, might find this routine odd or uncomfortable.
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Storing Appliances on Counters
Rice cookers, kettles & woks tend to sit on the counter for convenience in most Chinese kitchens. This makes sense, as they usually use these kitchen appliances daily for everyday meals. However to Americans, who prioritize clear countertops for aesthetics, this can look overly-crowded.
Using Bamboo Mats or Hard Beds
Chinese beds are more firm & often contain bamboo mats or thin mattresses. They believe that firmer surfaces help with posture and health. Americans used to fluffy mattresses & soft beds might not be thrilled by these sleep patterns.
Hanging Laundry Indoors
Instead of using dryers, many Chinese families air-dry their laundry indoors or on balconies. This practice saves energy & extends the life of clothes. For Americans, who often rely on dryers for convenience, seeing clotheslines in living spaces might seem strange & outdated.
Eating Meals Together at a Round Table
In Chinese households, the round table symbolizes equality & harmony with all the members sharing meals around it. This style of shared eating is different from the plated meals common in American homes.
Saving and Reusing Plastic Bags
Chinese families often save plastic bags to reuse for trash or shopping. It’s a way of being thrifty & eco-friendly. However, this habit might seem too cheap & awkward for Americans who already have disposable bags at their fingertips.
No Shoes Inside the House
In Chinese homes, it’s customary to leave shoes at the door & switch to indoor slippers. This practice isn’t just about comfort; it’s rooted in keeping the house clean. They consider outdoor shoes as carriers of dirt, germs & bad energy. Americans, who often wear their shoes indoors, might find this rule strict & weird.
Using Separate Tools for Raw and Cooked Foods
In Chinese kitchens, there are different cutting boards, knives & plates for raw and cooked foods. This keeps germs from raw foods from contaminating prepared foods. It’s handy, but for Americans who have the same gadgets for everything, that sounds “too” cautious.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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