Traditional Elder Wisdom on Raising Children Still Resonates in Modern Hong Kong
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Feng Shui master Li Juiming (李居明) recently published insights on traditional elder wisdom in SingTao, revisiting the classic six-character maxim "raise sons with hardship, raise daughters with enrichment." The article examines why this centuries-old principle remains valuable for modern parents, while also discussing practical health taboos and traditional customs passed down through generations. Additionally, the master predicts encouraging cultural developments for Hong Kong as the city moves beyond its most challenging period.
Key Points
- The phrase "raise sons with hardship, raise daughters with enrichment" is a six-character proverb from elder wisdom that modern parents should consider
- "Raising sons with hardship" means not spoiling boys with material wealth, even if the family is affluent, to build their resilience and sense of responsibility
- "Raising daughters with enrichment" aims to broaden their horizons, self-respect, and judgment skills so they can choose worthy life partners
- A health taboo states: "do not wash hair when full, do not bathe when hungry" — when full, blood concentrates in the stomach, and hot water on the head causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to discomfort
- Traditional custom advises against visiting the sick on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, as these are days for worship and ancestor offerings
- Elders caution that eating with only one hand while using the other for phones leads to lifelong poverty — the verdict on this claim awaits 20 years
- Hong Kong has successfully passed the most challenging "red horse and red sheep" period, and a series of cultural activities will be announced soon
Why It Matters
The resurgence of interest in traditional elder wisdom reflects Hong Kong families' ongoing search for meaningful values in a rapidly changing society. As cultural activities resume and the city looks toward recovery, these time-honored principles offer a bridge between generations and a framework for raising resilient, discerning children in an increasingly materialistic world .
The resurgence of interest in traditional elder wisdom reflects Hong Kong families' ongoing search for meaningful values in a rapidly changing society. As cultural activities resume and the city looks toward recovery, these time-honored principles offer a bridge between generations and a framework for raising resilient, discerning children in an increasingly materialistic world .