Latest news with #Jellybean
South China Morning Post
23-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): ‘High-five cat' brings good vibes
Content provided by British Council [1] A domesticated cat at a temple in China has earned the nickname 'high-five cat' because of how it greets tourists visiting the site in hopes of finding good luck. The moggy, which wears a gold chain, greets tourists by raising its paw to meet the palm of people's hands. [2] Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou, eastern China, is a cultural landmark. It is known for its stunning gardens and traditional Han Buddhist architecture. It dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). With numerous stray cats roaming the grounds, the temple has been described as a 'cat petting paradise' by visitors. The entrance fee is just five yuan (HK$5.35) per person. [3] Tourists go to the temple just to interact with the cat, hoping for good luck. In Chinese folklore, cats are considered lucky symbols. The animals are often shown with raised paws to attract wealth. A tourist surnamed Zhang said that she has visited the cat for three days in a row. 'Sometimes you have to wait half an hour to high-five it, but it is totally worth it because it is so healing,' said Zhang. [4] Staff at Xiyuan Temple said the cat is not a stray, but a pet brought by a visitor. 'Since the cat is outside the temple, we cannot manage it,' the staff said. The cat's owner, surnamed Liu, introduced it as Jellybean, a lively four-year-old that loves going outside. Liu often takes Jellybean to sunbathe in the plaza outside the temple at the weekend, where a group of pet lovers gather to interact. He told the mainland media outlet Dahe News: 'Jellybean has ear mites, and after applying medication, its ears become wet and need to be dried by the sun.' [5] Critics suggested Liu might be overworking the animal for online traffic. However, Liu defended the level of love and care he shows the feline. He said the live streaming is meant to document Jellybean's growth, and is not for commercial gain. 'We always take good care of Jellybean. Sometimes its facial expressions may look like it is 'grumpy', but that is not the case,' he added. [6] Concerned about the crowds, Liu plans to stop taking Jellybean to the temple for a period, fearing the attention might harm the cat. Xiyuan Temple staff have also advised tourists not to buy cat treats from nearby shops, as many are unbranded and of low-quality. Last summer, several stray cats at the temple fell ill and died after being fed such poor-quality 'treats'. Source: South China Morning Post, March 9 Questions 1. In paragraph 1, the cat got its nickname because of … it greets visitors. A. where B. when C. why D. how 2. When was Xiyuan Temple built, according to paragraph 2? 3. According to paragraph 5, how are cats often shown in Chinese folklore and why? (2 marks) 4. According to paragraph 4, why does Jellybean need to be in the sun? 5. Liu said: 'Jellybean is well cared for. Sometimes its face looks like … in a bad mood, but it is not.' A. its B. it is C. it has D. its' 6. Circle the correct measures. (3 marks) Xiyuan Temple in China is popular with much / many tourists due to a special cat that gives 'high-fives'. The cat's owner brings it to the temple's outside area. However, because too many / much people are visiting, Liu will bring Jellybean there less / few often. Concerns are growing over the cat's welfare and commercial exploitation. Photo: Douyin Answers 1. D 2. during the Yuan dynasty 3. They are often shown with raised paws to attract wealth. 4. to dry its ears after medication is applied (accept all similar answers) 5. B 6. many; many; less
South China Morning Post
09-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
China temple ‘high-5 cat' raises paw to greet visitors, draws crowds seeking luck
A domesticated feline at a temple in China has been dubbed the 'high-five cat' because of the manner in which it greets tourists who are flocking to the site seeking good luck. Advertisement The moggy, which wears a gold chain, greets tourists by raising its paw to meet the palm of people's hands. Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou, eastern China, is a cultural Landmark known for its stunning gardens and traditional Han Buddhist architecture. It dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). With numerous stray cats roaming the grounds, the temple has been described as a 'cat petting paradise' by visitors. The entrance fee is just five yuan (70 US cents) per person. A recent video of a cat outside the temple entrance went viral on mainland social media, racking up more than 120,000 likes. Jellybean raises its paw to 'high five' visitors flocking to the temple for good luck. Photo: Douyin In the clip, a black and grey cat wearing a gold chain sits on a stone pillar, high-fiving every visitor as they pass by.
The Independent
06-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
9 ways to weave gorgeous green homewares into seasonal makeovers
When it comes to making a fresh start, the colour green offers more than a new direction for brightening interiors, bringing the outdoors in, and boosting your outlook. Especially with the switch in season: 'Spring is the perfect time to embrace green in the home,' says Alex Bridgman, CEO of Bridgman furniture. 'Mixing shades – from deep forest to soft sage – adds depth and warmth while evoking a sense of renewal – richer tones bring sophistication, while lighter greens feel fresh and uplifting.' Whether through dining chairs or an inviting armchair, Bridgman says these natural hues create a calming yet vibrant space. Perfectly placed with the trend for biophilic design, as Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder, YesColours, puts it: ' Greens have long been associated with a sense of calm, grounding us in the natural world. 'But in spring, green takes on an even deeper meaning – symbolising renewal, growth, and fresh energy. It's a colour that feels both rejuvenating and uplifting.' Soft, delicate shades like sage and mint bring a serene, restful feel, suggests Bestley, perfect for creating a peaceful retreat. 'Meanwhile, brighter spring greens and zesty tones add a refreshing vibrancy, injecting optimism and vitality into a space.' Beyond its wellness benefits, green is a wonderfully versatile colour that pairs effortlessly with a range of hues, highlights Bestley. Arguably a timeless choice, from soft furnishings to paint effects and seasonal scents, here's what's caught our eye and will add to any scheme…. 1. The White Company Verde Signature Candle, £24, The White Company With top notes of bergamot, shiso leaf (cited for its earthy depth and herbal nuances) and warm, exotic base of amber, this Verde scented candle channels all the right vibes. 2. George Green Floral Dinner Set 12-Piece, £22, Now that farmers' markets are flush with spring veggies, this sage green tableware is tailor-made for roasted broccoli and avocado salads. Includes four bowls, four side plates and four dinner plates. 3. YesColours Mellow Green Matt Emulsion, £28, 1 Litre, YesColours Give a feature wall the green light with this fertile, rich, pea green… generating personality in any space. 4. Jellybean Lime Rug, from £873 (120 x 100cm), Sonya Winner With a playful palette of mixed greens resembling jellybeans, this eye-catching rug will revive rustic flooring; while spicing up solid wood floors. 5. Rucomfy Velvet Pouffe – Emerald Green, £54.99, Rucomfy Beanbags Multifunctional furniture is a thing, and this velvet pouffe is right on point with its tactile emerald green velvet finish. A flexible find, think a footstool, side table or extra seating. 6. Voyage Maison Bracken Isla Roman Blind, from £28.55, Blinds 2go This botanical print with its bountiful leaves and pretty ferns makes a great foundation for a nature-inspired aesthetic. Style with sage green cushions and fresh ferns for a tropical indoor oasis. 7. Habitat x Scion Spring Meadow Cushion – Multicoloured, £14 (top centre); rest of items from a selection, Habitat If you're spurred on by thoughts of styling up an existing sofa or day bed, scatter cushions are your go-to styling tool. Moreover, a meadow-inspired print juxtaposed with a pop of sunshine yellow will keep your scheme in tune with mother nature. 8. Habitat Lorelei Bookshelf – Green, £60, Habitat – available from March 10 Stylish storage solutions are given a spring makeover with this contemporary shelving in vivid green. It is also a natural bedfellow with rattan and polished brass. 9. Victoria Armchair in Buddy Green Velvet, £1,299 (made to order), Bridgman A super-luxe accent chair to sink into, this generous, sculpted design is a keeper with its plush, buttoned, supportive back and seat; fashioned with slender legs, it's one for a cosy corner with the sun streaming in.
