Italian Decoration

The Chinese are often clueless when it comes to religion. The Communists discourage it, and only a minority of Chinese attend Church, Temple or Mosque. But most Chinese, having been brought in an a-religious culture, have no idea what religion is about. Consequently, it's difficult for them to understand much of Western literature and many world tensions and events.

The crucifix pictured above hangs on the wall of a Beijing coffee shop, next to a featured bottle of Italian wine. Its presence has little connection with Christ; it is there for mood value and association with Italian culture.