Chinese calligraphy is an art of intense concentration, and it is a practice that encompasses the mind and body. Legend has it that the art form increases an individual's longevity. The practice began in China thousands of years ago as a form of recording history but has since become integral parts of Chinese, Korean and Japanese cultures. Before paper, ancient calligraphers wrote on cloth, bamboo and wood first by using bones and rock, then eventually brush and ink techniques. Traditional Chinese families display calligraphy in their homes as part of their New Year celebrations.
People also enjoy having symbols that represent their motto or philosophy of life.
Everyone can practice the art. But not everyone is a master. Huang said that modern Chinese writing is very different from calligraphy. With people's busy lives and computers, people rarely put time into their writing. But calligraphy is the beautiful stuff.