The latest issue of “Chinese Heritage” magazine has short-listed 100 Chinese characters or words to represent China, among them the word “He” or “harmony” came in top. “He” can also mean peace (和平) and get along well（和睦相处）besides harmony (和谐).
A character or word can also represent a culture. This is especially true for Chinese, because every Chinese character has its meaning when it was created in ancient time. The shape of the character displays its meaning.
“He” as a representative of Chinese culture is also reflected and used in big ceremony. No wonder in the 2008 Beijing Olympic opening ceremony, thousands of students were forming “He” character.
This is a significant Chinese word that the Chinese government wanted to inform and present to the world. “He” displays and shows the world that Chinese people are a peaceful race and they are willing to co-exist and progress together with the rest of the world.
“He” occupies an important and special cultural and historical meaning in China. Some Chinese scholars claim that “He” represents a unique feature of China’s history and culture. A typical Chinese saying is “以和为贵” - “He” is precious. Because of “He”, there is less conflict and more peace. Everyone treasures “He” so that all can live in harmony. This is why businessmen are stressing “和气生财” (peaceful environment leads to money making). If businessmen are in cut throat price war, at the end, all will surfer.
However, some may consider or even criticise “He” as a weak characteristic. “He” can be a compromise, a “let go”, a “give way” or even surrender to avoid conflict. Nevertheless, Daoism always stress weak is strong, small can win over big, to withdraw mean to attack.
“He” is also in alignment with Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism thinking.
Daoism sees “He” moving along Yin and Yang and seeking a balance (“He”).
Confucianism stresses gentlemen are in peace but different in thinking, however, bad guys are the same but not in peace (He).
Buddhism in China believes that body in peace so can stay together, mouth in peace so there is no dispute, agreement in peace so human beings become happy.
These 3 Chinese philosophies also consider “He” as a transporter that makes things understand and smooth. “He” is a compromise, a selection of the best, a mixture, and going through everything. It is continuity as well as innovation of new thing/idea.
Chinese culture has also influenced Japan, especially Confucianism that Japanese has a deep understanding, appreciation and application. Japan business culture is different from the West even though its capitalism is modeled after the West. Japan business practice (as well as Korean) stress a lot on group activities, teamwork and they seek harmony”以和为贵” in decision making. Japanese kimono is called ”和服” – dress of He, and furthermore, Japanese has called themselves ”大和民族” – the race of great He.
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