Chinese Dramaland's Weird Practices + Some Random Facts

[@hortensialei5216]

Getting a red envelope is probably nice after filming an emotional death scene. Btw, I love these types of videos. It's probably nice for you to take a break from drama reviews :)

[@jesusrodrigo9827]

instablaster

[@drawnseeker]

Can you more videos like this? I love Chinese dramas and it's cool to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

[@iciajay6891]

Accurate.

[@Wann-zo7rn2qn4i]

My ancestors left China some generations ago. However, the Chinese community here still practise most of the old traditions and I suspect, sometimes even enhanced some aspects. We also still continue to pick auspicious dates for big events - moving house, weddings, starting a business etc. As long as they are not harmful, it is good to continue cos these are the things that give a cultural identity and roots to the new generations and add richness and color to our lives.. Some of these traditions have even influenced the non-chinese communities. Other communities also have started a tradition of giving good luck monies during their festivals, using other color envelopes, letting off fire crackers etc. Similarly, when they start construction projects , they will also have a "booting ceremony" in their own religion (sometimes in all the main religions) for the same reason - asking for blessings for the projects and that everything will go smoothly.

[@RoseNZieg]

in a interview xiao zhan talked about how he wore a wig so often doing costume dramas that he worried for his hairline.

[@The-bi5ry]

I absolutely LOVE the bit about the red envelope! In India, we place a lot of importance on auspicious dates too, to the point where when I was kid and we would have to go back from summer holidays from my grandparents house, my grandpa would search for an auspicious day with our calendar. Not every journey but ones where you stayed or left for more than a month I think.

[@kimberlywhite7895]

Cool to hear more about the culture of filming in c drama-land. I recall a bts feature for the Hobbit movies; they also did a ceremony to "bless" the sound-stage before principal shooting. Different methods, no table of offerings, but the same spirit for filming! ^_^

[@NikoleMcDonaldJonesSpooni]

HAAA thank you for this! This was so fun to watch! And yeah, sounds like some of the sets i've worked on actually. Don't touch that, don't sit on that, it's bad luck to cross this, don't talk to the leads before they've had coffee, nobody wear a black sweater on a certain day. I've also seen flowers given to whomever just died on screen also as a kind of living memorial sort of thing....smh. Behind the scenes is sometimes more fun than what ends up on camera.

[@pinintosarwendah1561]

It is interesting to know about the culture especially in getting a red envelope. Thank you for sharing.

[@batgrle4853]

Thank you SO much for sharing that wig info - of all things I've spent more time wondering about the people who are trying to keep those in place/touch them up all the time! I can definitely tell there's a lot of work put in, but it's not something you can easily find out online - in English anyway! Really appreciate this kind of production info. Also loved the camera case story too - would not have thought anyone would dare to sit on those anyway, just knowing how darn expensive they all are!

[@tubephite]

Some news I read, Ang Lee did that altar ritual thing when making life of pi

[@sushi7dramalover]

When you mentioned the hairnet glue, I just remembered 陈晓东 from 兰陵王， who played 宇文邕 probably had one of the worst allergic reactions I've seen. Just felt so bad for him cause it was so noticeable and was probably really painful

[@scheung5398]

I love these kinds of vlogs. It gives me a glimps of Chinese culture.

[@katiirabbi]

Really interesting bit about the net over the wig! But somehow I haven't seen those things in bts extras though? Usually the actors are just resting/chilling in their normal wig and costumes.

[@Kay-kg6ny]

I love your videos about broader Chinese entertainment culture! It's so interesting!

[@WizInsight108]

Thanks, for the information. come from South Asia and we also have a similar offering ceremony called mahurat at the start of the filming. In fact, if we are to step on a stage, we bow to the stage before we step.

[@maiyiayang6760]

Thai Entertainment industry practice prayer before filming too.

[@StudlyHunk]

I once interned as a pa for a celebrity agent and take part in a concert. Before the concert starts, all the people involved including the singer gathers together for a simple prayer. This is in Malaysia so the Chinese has similar ritual as describe by AvenueX and the Malay Muslim and Christian staff have their own short prayer too.

[@nombreapellido7223]

I think it's really cool that they have these traditions. I think the booting Ceremony is pretty awesome. I was looking for legend of fei booting ceremony but apparently it was very small and I read that neither of the main leads showed up.

[@lunacarmin]

Those are super cool traditions!! Specially the red envelope 😆 how hardcore, specially after filming something as emotional as a death scene.

[@lyricoan9646]

I only know the first one. I heard on another YT channel also called these ceremonies as booting ceremonies. I often see roasted piglet as offerings with Hong Kong productions.

[@UsiUsiUsi]

About the wigs: Don't understand why actors don't grow out their hair too? Especially the ones who shot more than one period Drama in a year. I have seen very few doing that and it looks so much better on screen. Some of them look unnatural with wigs despite very good post-production. There are so many actresses who cut their hair for Dramas but why not males? Growing out is far easier than cut something you took care of for probably years.

[@shelleydee6217]

Probably men are not good at growing their hair long for a longer period and keeping their hair short is more comfy and natural.

[@UsiUsiUsi]

@@shelleydee6217 But it is part of their job and when it makes the life of all easier and the movie/drama way better looking it is an win-win situation. Probably I'm too logical.

[@RoseNZieg]

Usi for men, they most likely will end up in that widow's peak hairline. straight hairline is not the standard in costume dramaland.

[@UsiUsiUsi]

@@buzz06 But why it works for all women and those actors wo did? When the actors/actresses lack fullness of hair they get extensions and you can keep them for long. Since AvenueX said the wigs are hell expensive and hard to maintain, money can't be the true reason. Cutting time surely is a factor but I'm sure that can't be the only one.

[@annasun4285]

Its because despite the lengthy production time on a period drama, the actors almost definitely will have other commitments like ads, magazine shoots, variety shows etc. They have to appear in public, and if they have long hair, I suspect its frowned upon by censorship in China. Generally guys with long hair are seen as "rebellious" for going against the norm, so it's a public image thing. A lot of young actors want to portray the "healthy" boy next door vibe.

[@redpanda6125]

Nice exciting video, I love this type of content too. Dramas reviews are quite great but I also love to understand better chinese culture and production's anecdotes

[@veryqun]

You too, live long and happy drama watching :)

[@alicea5]

It happens in my culture too if they are filming horror or a film based off a mythical story; or put in roles that required the person to lay in a coffin or actor in taboo roles. We were always taught the spirit has ears and eyes. There has been cases of actors going crazy, dying, getting sick, or other issue after filming and playing particular characters.

[@jessyca9833]

That was an awesome video, I'd love to have more about the entertainment industry culture! Thanks!

[@sarahnaomikamiruddin1113]

I think it's a nice change !! More information about thing that I love to watch Wow I never knew that it's taboo for women to sit on the camera box that a new thing for me and the hair net wow really Tq tq so much for all of your hard work and dedication to making this video 💖💗🥰

[@julioduan7130]

sarah naomi kamiruddin In Chinese construction company women are not allowed to go into a tunnel which is still under excavation. Because they think women will bring bad luck and the tunnel may collapse in the future.

[@haganesan]

this was really interesting and informative, I feel you might wanna do more of this in the future ^_^

[@Hherehere]

I love listening to you hahah so please make more videos like this :))

[@jivvyjack7723]

Yes, more of this kind of interesting content videos. Very informative.

[@crochet-and-coffee]

I was smiling all the way hearing this . Same in India too

[@melissatwocrow1598]

This was so fun and interesting! Thank you for sharing this information!

[@karlotty]

You're my very personal chinese drama guide. Thank you for everything yhat you do 🎶

[@vilena5308]

Thank you, that was interesting. ... I keep expecting 'Live long and prosper.'.

[@Damonistique]

This was really funny and interesting! Thank you. Glue is a really useful thing! Didn't happen to use it, but heard from some cosplayers and coverdancers. Less panic about a wig is great :D

[@yourikosan2897]

That was fascinating. Thanks I would like to know more❤☺🤔

[@florinaarano8000]

Always wondered about the male wigs because there's no way they have that natural hairline.

[@RoseNZieg]

Florina Araño lol no the widow's peak hairline is not natural.

[@sandrajones2926]

I always wondered about those wig hairlines in the costume dramas!

[@akaNaz1]

Love the content and your sweater

[@phl1rxd]

I loved this video. I often wondered about the wigs needed in period dramas and how they were applied and what it felt like to have to wear one. I also like that they do a ceremony prior to filming and who does not like getting a red envelope? Thank you AvenueX.

[@nadiasimon3446]

Thank you for sharing these facts. So interesting and very funny too.

[@c.kainoabugado7935]

Very informative! Ty so much.

[@lilyTlily]

Thanks! I am aware of the booting ceremony but not the rest of the weird practises. So when armies dies in the show do each of them also gets a red packet too? That will be a lot of packets to give out for some shows! What happens to those shows when their dead characters get resurrected when the family thought them dead and have funerals arranged for them and those who need to lie down in coffins? Do they get red packets too? Thanks for sharing this information. Very interesting indeed!!!

[@rebeccayuan789]

Lily T I have the same question about armies dying (Joy of Life, Love and Destiny, Nirvana in Fire... that’s a lot of bodies).

[@sempaijuly]

Thank you for the video. All rituals (except for women and camera boxes) are cool. Or maybe I am too much used to japanese culture. When I saw photos from the Guardian ceremony I immediately realised what it was all about. Making films and diramas is certainly not safe, last year Zhu Yi Long showed up at a fan meeting with burnt hands. Not even taking about the Untamed incident :(

[@bookiecousin]

Question for the red packet when you die tradition, what about when the character gets revived or reborn? Like in Untamed when WWX dies, then comes back in a different body? Plus we see him die twice on screen, so when would he receive the envelope. (I'm not trying to pick bones from an egg just purely curious)

[@lilyTlily]

Lucy Yang i had same question!🤗

[@kazuha77]

I immediately thought about Xiao Zhan in The Untamed wondering if he also got an enveloppe. I'm really curious!

[@adrianabarsante]

My toughts exactly 😂 i would lika an answer too

[@coldcole]

even if his character revives, he would still need to receive a red package

[@bloodredrosez]

I would love to see a "first impression" video for Miss Truth or to hear your thoughts on the drama/novel! So far it's been my favorite find of 2020.

[@Helghast73]

So I knew of the offerings before production begins but the lucky money 🧧 given after your character has been killed off and the no sitting on my storage boxes I didn’t. The no sitting on the storage boxes is odd. Was that Chris Evens looking bemused by his lack of cultural practices knowledge 😏 if so, I’m not surprised. Thanks for sharing, you learn something new everyday and 🤔 the jumper suits you, colours look great 👍

[@claudeusgothicus6453]

Yes, it was Chris Evens and I agree the stronger colours really suite her better. She looks better in darker colours instead of pastels or washed out colours.

[@kathyking9176]

Interesting, thanks for sharing

[@kechoify]

Avenue X, you may laugh to hear this but I think it is really good to have culture, weird or otherwise than be like Western world, we got rid of our cultures, including religion and everything became tasteless, valueless..... Even if it doesn't make much sense to others, I am sure it is something to unify people and give them sense of belonging.

[@kflowers8276]

I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt in that you aren't speaking for ALL of the "Western world." Culture and superstition can exist together without the intention of being mean or disrespectful. It's simply a fact. What bothers me more is the refusal to interrogate traditions. Understanding them and where they come from doesn't imply a lack of respect, only a need for understanding. I find it kind of sad that some commenters feel the need to try and "defend" culture as if it's being attacked. She's pointing out some unique (or uncommon to others) things about C-drama making. She never called any of those things stupid or unnecessary. Just saying here they are, aren't they interesting, people from other cultures may find it weird (and who doesn't find the culture of others remarkable in some way), but here it is. And what she believes about those specific things doesn't mean she's against the WHOLE culture itself. I want to say chill out, but I can't and shouldn't never try and tell you how to feel. But I hope you do try and understand what she's doing. Have a good day.

[@kechoify]

This is how this internet argument starts, isn't it? 😁 You mentioned so many things that has nothing to do with my comment but I just wanted to say one thing, that I am entitled to my opinion my dear!

[@kflowers8276]

@@kechoify I believe the last thing I said was that you are very much entitled to your opinion. And the tone of your comment seemed to be that Avenuex was being disrespectful of the culture. I only suggested that it's possible to discuss cultural superstitions without being disrespectful. No intent of starting an argument. But I'm glad you got something out of it.

[@kflowers8276]

@@kechoify And it was a lot. ☺

[@karenoshea8214]

You can't get rid of culture. Culture is everything we do. It changes but it still exists.

[@precious888]

I think most asian countries have this 'prayer before filming' thing... not only filming.. moving into a new house.. building a house, construction etc... I am surprised that the western countries don't do this 😳 Anyway.. maybe on next video talk about bizzare/weird things that happen during filming?

[@thaliasnow4399]

thanks for sharing! so interesting

[@noname-why]

Great topic to discuss!

[@buxtonandrew8111]

What about Qing dynasty male hair. Do they all have to shave?

[@andrewmeri4211]

I understand the reasoning behind the red pockets.

[@StudlyHunk]

Hi, can you also give explanation on how does China fandom industry work? Like Weibo's 打榜 and how fan support their idol, and also if it's different with other country. Thanks!

[@msaja]

China fandom is crazy - just look at what's happening to XiaoZhan as an extreme example.

[@misssunny6489]

A question about red packets, I can’t remember which drama’s behind the scenes I was watching but the two main leads were handing out red packets to other crew members during New Years - so my question is, who is expected to give red packets during New Years and do they give them out during Lunar New Year as well? How much would they be expected to give each person?

[@e7evenJAZ23]

Red envelopes are given during the Chinese New Year and some occasions for auspicious meanings. The are given by people who is senior to you, so within a family that would be those older or a senior to you through kinship (cause there are niece/nephew/in-laws that could be younger than you). Since I have no experience in a work place in China, I'm not going into this part. Also, in Guangdong, where I'm from, you start to give red envelopes to juniors during Chinese New Year after you get married. Besides Chines New Year, seniors in the family may also give you red envelopes when 1) it is your birthday, 2) you're leaving for a trip, 3) when you get married, 4) you're starting a chapter in your life, say when you start college, etc. In any case, it's meant to wish you all the best.

[@Wann-zo7rn2qn4i]

In addition to JAZ23 comment, in many Chinese companies, bosses will also give red envelopes to their employees during Chinese New Year (probably that's what happened when you saw crew members getting red envelopes). And children will give red envelopes to their parents after they start working . As is mentioned in the video, the amount of money inside is not important. It is the red envelope (in ancient days, they used red paper) that is important (red is an auspicious color) and it is meant to wish you good luck , good fortune and drive away bad luck.

[@susanodonovan4379]

That was really fun!

[@susanodonovan4379]

No views and 4 likes? That makes perfect sense!

[@meijiOrO]

What's up with getting a bouquet of flowers at the end of filming or at awards?

[@appleish5043]

Giving red envelopes to the person whose character die, because red (good luck) dispel black (bad luck) Regarding about girls can’t sit on the camera case, it has to more to do with girls are always looked down in Asia (China,Vietnamese, etc). That’s why it’s not just girl can’t sit on the case, but also girls can’t be the first person to step into someone’s house during Lunar new year (these days, the Vietnamese don’t care about girls or boys as long it’s the right zodiac).

[@Rouzmary]

#1 I've seen photos/videos of it for some dramas I knew were gonna be filmed and thus followed whatever new content there may be and came upon these ceremonies - figured it was something like that, just didn't realise that's a must for every drama. Kinda cool. Makes for a more official/festive opening/start I guess. #2 Didn't know of this one. Interesting and nice, hehe. Wishing good luck can never be too much. #3 ... *slowly breathes in, slowly breathes out* phew, not that mad anymore. I sure hope this has changed regarding gender. It'd make more sense if MEN aka those who are usually bigger & heavier, wouldn't be allowed to sit. #4 ahahaha, that's hilarious (thou makes sense), how come I haven't seen the net in bloopers/bts? Gotta hunt it down now XD #5 have seen bad & good wigs and I'd almost feel bad for them...but beauty requires sacrifice XD This was really interesting, would love to see more videos of similar content :)

[@evdv2011]

chris evans’ face at the filming ceremony, hahaha

[@iainmondblatt3207]

Wow, what get a person who plays a dead person like a zombie or the ghost General in Untamed? 😮

[@msaja]

the men's wig really look like wigs. hope someone can create hairpieces that looks natural and doesn't require toxic glue; otherwise we'll be seeing a lot of young actors with comb-overs in the near future.

[@TheFrancesrose1]

Something in that that praying to the Gods, that is OK. Red packet is nice, wigs for the men dramas it must be terrible for them. I still throw salt over my left shoulder if I have some salt of over. Thank you it's nice change to do something different.

[@fifthseas0n]

Totally unrelated but you’re so beautiful 🌸✨❄️

[@snmanasi]

Hi, with all respect, the ceremony or rituals that's conducted when they start a project, I wouldn't call it weird. It's part of a culture which makes it unique. I wouldnt laugh at it saying its superstitious. It has its own meaning, beauty and belonging. They are not harming anybody.

[@amararajput2102]

The video was about some weird practices and some random facts, I personally put the booting ceremonys in the random fact pile and the 'women can't sit on the camera cases' on the weird pile. It won't be wrong to call these practices superstitious. Just because a drama had a booting ceremony doesn't mean things won't go wrong. During filming many things can go wrong and it's not because of the booting ceremony. Personally when filming a drama/movies, production companies should care more about the working hours of all the crew, it would better ensure that things don't go wrong.

[@bowchatinee]

My country has worship for God of arts before they start shooting new movies and dramas too. And also we used to believe that if any scene in any movie and drama have coffin or funeral. It is bad luck.

[@shafiaqureshi1319]

I want a review on Miss truth ❤❤❤

[@jenlolo8902]

I dont know if you talk about it before but I'm curious about dubbing, i like to know exactly why they do it, I heard because of dialects or to save money, there's more reasons?

[@AvenueX123]

I did a video on it before, scroll and you shall find it

[@shelleydee6217]

This is so interesting, could you please tell more? TIA

[@RoseNZieg]

if you could answer, i always wanted to know: what's with the chinese obsession with widow's peak for costume filming...

[@stephanieli2669]

so funny!!!! and interesting facts I didn't know.

[@0mekyam0]

fascinating!

[@stevebaumann8879]

What about the spitting of blood? Usually it's a sign of impending death.

[@xihangyang]

wu jing got a lot of red evelop

[@LadyMusashi]

What if a woman is part of camera crew? Can she sit on their precious cases?

[@godfreychikatara3791]

no cant sit on it that what she said

[@Qydnic]

Nope, this "superstition" stems from the fact that back in old days females were considered "unlucky" . Their logic was that they didn't want any bad luck on top of their camera/filming gear, didn't want any chance of anything going wrong during filming. Hope that makes sense.

[@RoseNZieg]

while filming "handsome siblings" hu yi tian supposedly had to shave his hairline so his wig would fit better.

[@mohsenaakterruna6551]

Only knew about the opening ceremony thing, it's okay to just offering foods but it's actually funny and weird for foriegn actor actresses to kneel and bow down.. 🙄🙄 Didn't knew about the other customs. It's good to ocassionally change the normal video topics.

[@bapyongukgukguk2352]

lool at Chris Evans

[@sushi7dramalover]

Also feel bad for the historical drama males as they always complain about their receding hairline because their hair always has to be pulled back tight for the hairnet lol

[@laihonn1733]

Not sure why you said these things as weird. There’s nothing wrong with practicing your cultural tradition, such as lighting up incenses for the “booting ceremony” and/or giving out red envelops. I still go to Buddhist temple to get a red envelop not because I’m religious or superstitious but what the red envelop represent. There are few more traditions that we still practice such as wash your face and hands before getting into the house after attending a funeral. I prayed and/ or offered incenses whenever I see a gods or goddess statue if I’m at a temple or just prayed at a church. I do this as a form of respect for the place that I’m at.

[@antiawarenessawarenessclub]

If I were a male actor I'd just leave my hair long to avoid wigs

[@charitosumayao1384]

China has influenced my country in so many things... We believe in Feng Shui

[@IllusionQueen4Eva]

What if you die off-screen? Do you still get the red packet? 😛

[@maygriffin8705]

Suits u w/ yr hair up👍

[@ms.chuisin7727]

It would be clashing real bad if there's a cast that is Muslim or any other religion that doesn't allow these?. Would they be required to do the ceremonial part too? And most certainly will be blamed if they didn't and then something bad happened 🤔

[@carmennave329]

I've been really wanting to see a "modern" gods drama... one that has the heavens as something more urban and the gods interacting with modern people if they go to the "mortal" world... now I really want to see one that includes some upstarts or old gods with new power that the drama crews are praying too! :D (Also, I *love* the red packet after a death scene. Does that include all the cannon fodder actors in battle scenes?!? It sort of reminds me of my mother in law, who always puts money in a purse if she gives it as a gift... the amount doesn't matter, but there has to be money as a good luck thing)

[@RoseNZieg]

Carmen Navein the later half of "king of blaze" the setting is modern. live action drama of "raising white fox in my home" takes place in modern world as well. there are more but i can only recall these two.

[@carmennave329]

@@RoseNZieg I was thinking like a 10 miles of Peach Blossoms type drama where it's set in the heavens, but the heavens reflect a more modern world

[@RoseNZieg]

Carmen Nave not in cdramaland but i have seen it once or twice in other places.

[@kflowers8276]

@@RoseNZieg Yeah, I was thinking American Gods or Ragnorak, the tv series.

[@disappearintothesea]

this is all stuff asians do at one time or another lol

[@chelciarnold4250]

I love people with sexy brains. I love you, haha

[@princekrazie]

我真不知道现在人民共和国拍剧还有这种迷信😨. 我以为文革已经领导人民离开封建迷信了。

[@ladym7547]

Ha.first one here👋

[@BrightestStar1023]

The superstition about woman should not sit on top of something like the camera case or riding a board I think it has something to do with woman's best friend which is "monthly period". Woman's period is/was seen as something that is "dirty". When I was a kid I remember I was told that women should not to go to a temple when they have their periods. Nowadays people seem more relaxed though.

[@PChan-yt4uf]

Same too for the islam culture. There are things a woman cannot do during that time. In the old days too, in Europe, a woman cannot go to church if she was having a period. In some countries, they say she can't touch or make food or else it will go bad. In some cultures, she has to stay at home. I think many young people no longer know the origins of these practices but just continue them as part of the environment they grew up in.

[@julioduan7130]

You are on the point. Chinese construction companies don’t allow women to go into a tunnel which is under excavation. Because they think the tunnel may collapse in the future.

[@UsiUsiUsi]

That comes from a time where hygenic standarts were a LOT different than today. Period blood - other than urine of healthy people- has germs. Of course you will not die or get infected by just touching it but people then believed that. People who still believe that today are just misogynistic and need to be outcasted or just called out.

[@judithwilkin7744]

What's up with the guys' hair in period dramas? They look so fake and all the same. Apparently men in ancient China never grew bald.