1.Introduction

2.Differences Between Chinese and Foreign Use of Hot Water Bottles

3.How Hot Water Bottles are so Popular in China

4.Conclusion

Introduction

One by one, we will explain that the small warm tool of Chinese home, the hot water bottle, is more preferable to the western counterpart. By having hot water bottles, the citizens of China are able to endure the rigorous North winters as well as relatively warmer Southerners winters. It is not only an object for warming, but also is an effective way of body treatment and reducing pain. Furthermore, such an item as hot water bottles is used by foreigners much less. The purpose and provenance of hot water bottles are quite distinct. The present blog aims to compare the use of hot water bottles in China and overseas and further to identify the extent to which hot water bottles are present in the Chinese culture.

Differences Between Chinese and Foreign Use of Hot Water Bottles

1.Different Living Habits

China is a large country, which occupies a large area of Asia – it’s climatic conditions also differ significantly between the north and south. When it comes to winter, the North is especially severe, so that a warm gingerbread house is a daily necessity. South is not extremely cold however due to high humidity winter there feels quite clammy.

Under such meteorological conditions, hot water bottles have become an inseparable part of Chinese citizens during winter. They are not only utilized for heat but also are popular in eradicating physical pain like having backache due to cold or stomach ache. Especially for the female subject, the hot water bottles apply to alleviate the monthly complaints. However, in the countries of the West, especially America and European countries, people too experience severe winters but majority of inhabitants do not require the extra force to warm up by using secondary heaters because indoor heating systems are utilized. Heating and air conditioning provide opportunities to regulate indoor climate according to needs. Consequently, the application of hot-water bottles is not very often. In case temporary heat is required, the people in the west will prefer the use electric blankets, heater among other modern heating appliances than hot water bottles. The energy crisis in recent years has led to the widespread use of hot water bottles.

2.Physical Differences

In China, traditional Chinese medicine centre of attention in the social construction of the body focuses on the cold and dampness syndrome. This is especially felt say during winter when cold air is so devastating, getting into the body will make you uncomfortable. Hot water bottles aid by producing heat to warm the body and therefore enhancing blood circulation. It also helps in the prevention of cold and dampness. Many female patients use hot water bottles to alleviate their pains such as the cold abdomen and menstrual cramps. Many female patients have the culture of using hot water bottles by placing it on their abdomen during their menstrual period in order to warm themselves and ease the pain.

In addition, getting a healthy lifestyle is considered by Chinese people to be of immense value known as “Yang Sheng”. For them it is bulbously understood that right amount of heat in the cold seasons is good for health and especially for those with weak health. Traditional Chinese medicine advocates external warmers to “warm yang”, bringing the body into harmony. Most Chinese families would consider hot water bottle as an essential health resource.

On the contrary, western countries do not care much about “body constitution”. The current medical system is much more inclined to identifying and curing sickness than stopping them. Hence, hot water bottles widely used in foreign countries are mostly used for relaxation of muscles or pain killer rather than as a daily health maintenance tool.

3.Cultural Differences

In China, not only the hot water bottles have functional meaning but also they equally agent symbolic connotations. Hot water bottles are used by the Chinese in conveying word of comfort to fellow family members and friends especially during winter season. For instance, when people go to bed, most of the family members for elderly or children to use hot water bottles. Hot water bags are usually used as gifts in the festival such as the Spring Festival. They are symbols of warmth and good health.

Compared to western countries people in UK do not seem to have the same amount of emotional dependency on object such as hot water bottle. They are more likely to be considered as short-term, whenever one gets uncomfortable. In the U.S. and Europe, heat is provided, for example, through electric blankets, space heaters which are more convenient in providing warmth than a fire in the hearth. The use of hot water bottles appears to have been replaced gradually by these new fangled gadgets.

How Hot Water Bottles are so Popular in China

Hot water bottles are almost hereditarily used in China since they are so popular. These are not only useful in the northern areas but are also active in the south as well. Individually rooms will have hot water bottles in the districts where there is no central heating. Most of the times in the rural contexts where modern heating is out of reach, they are the cheapest and most efficient means of heating.

Today most families use central heating in their apartments, but many people use hot water bottles at night in winter or at least put it in bed for sleep. It is also easy to use and cheap thus preferred by most families to cater for their child’s warm water bottle needs. In some regions, they are employed in rudimentary fashion, more frequently for arthritis or chilly stomach complaints.

With the emerging features, hot water bottle designs and contents have been evolving in the market since then. Modern hot water bottles not only have safer and efficient heating means but also come with better appearances that can be suitable for youths and families. The current use and operations of hot water bottles place them firmly in Chinese winter tradition and culture.

Conclusion

All in all, it remains true that there are many differences as to how Chinese and foreigners make use of hot water bottles. Chinese people prefer hot water bottles for warming and enhancing their health, but foreigners use it for relieve pain. Living habits, climate, and personal attitudes towards treatment also makes a difference about how frequently hot water bottles use in China and in the West. In China, use of the heaters was not only part of the everyday life but it was also part of Chinese health and warmth standard and family care.