Did you know?
What is celebrated in Japan annually on 15 November? How much do you know about Chinese characters? Can cake icing be used to make art? Our Did You Know section will bring you frequent interesting snippets on traditional and contemporary Asian culture.
Latest 'Did you know' additions:
 | Dangerous animals in AsiaSome of the world's scariest animals live in Asia |
 | Commonwealth Games 2010The games will be held in New Delhi |
 | Asian soccer teams in the FIFA 2010 World CupThree teams are competing |
 | The 2010 world expo in Shanghai opened on 1 May |
 | Nestlé’s use of palm oil threatens orangutans in Indonesia Greenpeace has launched an emotive international campaign to stop Nestlé from sourcing palm oil from unethical suppliers. Read more |
| A closer look at Hinduism A few facts to find out about the beliefs and traditions surrounding Hinduism. Read more |
| Learn about Holi Millions of Hindus across India and the wider world have recently celebrated Holi, a Hindu festival that welcomes the spring season. Read more |
 | The Taj Mahal – A Monument of love Did you know that the Taj Mahal was built for love? The construction of this famous mausoleum was ordered by Emperor Shah Jahan following the death of his beloved wife. Read more |
 | The Pacific Ring of Fire The devastating earthquake that struck Chile on 27 February 2010 is testimony to the intense seismic and volcanic activity that can be found in many countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Read more |
 | Tiger population under threat 14 February 2010 not only marks the start of the Year of the Tiger but it also signals the beginning of a year long campaign by the WWF to save tigers from extinction. Read more |
 | Chinese New Year: Year of the Tiger The tiger is recognised as a courageous and strong fighter who keeps fire, thieves and ghosts away from households. Read more |
| Cambodian students learn about the Khmer Rouge government |
 | Muslim faith to become most popular world religion this century The Muslim or Islam religion is in a period of rapid growth. Estimates of the total number of Muslims range from 0.7 to 1.2 billion people worldwide or 21 percent of the earth’s population. Read more |
More 'Did you know' stories by country:
Bangladesh | China | India | Indonesia | Japan | South Korea | Malaysia | The Philippines | Sri Lanka
General
Such facts of geographical closeness, genetic ancestry and thwarted exploration make today’s strengthening links with the region understandable, perhaps even inevitable.
Without Asia, there could be no New Zealand kiwifruit industry - the vast enterprise started with the chance gift of monkey peach seeds to a New Zealand missionary at Ichang in China.
Hungry Ghost Festival is a popular occasion that is celebrated mainly in China, Singapore and Malaysia on the 7th month of the lunar New Year.
Suggestions on learning a few phrases of five Asian languages for each day of the week between 16 and 22 August 2009
How much do you know about recent events in Asia? Take this quiz to find out.
Leading expert believes half of all Australians need to become competent in an Asian language in next 30 years
Some facts about Asian languages
An important Buddhist festivalcelebrated on the first full moon in May
Bangladesh
Find out about the daily life of Al Amin, a young boy from Bangladesh, and how you can help others like him.
China
The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the mid-autumn Festival, is one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. It is celebated in 2009 on 3 October.
A devastating earthquake struck this province in Southwest China in 2008.
The lucky fate of one of the rarest dogs in the world
What do the characters for 'China' depict? How is your name written using Chinese characters?
Chinese people have been using bird’s nests as medicinal food for centuries.
India
Diwali, perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals, is celebrated throughout India as well as in Indian communities around the world.
Technological advances are wreaking havoc in some parts of India.
The world's largest democratic vote is underway - here are some interesting facts and figures.
The Indian Festival of Colours, Holi, is celebrated in March each year
A southern Indian harvest festival celebrated in mid-January each year.
Indonesia
Indonesia is experiencing one of the highest rates of tropical forest loss in the world.
Indonesia is renowned for its highly developed art form of batik.
Japan
Obon is one of the most important traditions for Japanese people. It is a Buddhist event and marks the period where people pray for the souls of their ancestors.
A Japanese national holiday that celebrates children
Dolls Festival celebrated every year in Japan
An unusual and highly popular Japanese festival celebrated on 15 November every year.
Japanese artist uses icing sugar as medium
South Korea
Hangul Day is a Korean national commemorative day that celebrates the invention of hangul, the native alphabet of the Korean language.
Malaysia
New Zealand has recently signed a trade agreement with Malaysia that will boost our export industry.
The Philippines
Test your knowledge of this Southeast Asian nation with our multichoice quiz!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's biggest and most colourful festival is coming up in July
Facts about South Asia's longest civil war
Is there an Asia-related topic you want to share or know more about?
Email Janine at jchin@asianz.org.nz
