Chinese, general in Portugal

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most countries. The Chinese languages are united by a writing system that people who speak any of them can understand. It’s very different with spoken Chinese; few dialects are intelligible to each other. The largest Chinese language is Mandarin. We have specific profiles for Han Chinese people who speak various languages, but some don’t fit into any linguistic category. For these, we use the generic term “Chinese.” Such people are in 53 countries, including Portugal.

The Han Chinese began fleeing to other countries in 1276 after the Mongol invasion. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Sometimes they migrated as refugees, but they are more likely to settle elsewhere for business purposes.

The first Chinese came to Portugal as slaves in the 1500s. After WWII, some came either from Mozambique or Macau.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Middle class Chinese people come to Portugal as investors and businessmen. Some come there for advanced education. Most appreciate a slower pace of life in this Mediterranean country.

The Chinese value getting along with others. Typically, they will avoid conflict. When conflict arises, it can be very dangerous for both parties.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Some Chinese in Portugal adhere to the traditional Chinese religion. They consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors are said to roam the earth, and if treated with respect, they are benevolent and bring good fortune. They believe ghosts exist as the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived especially virtuous lives. These deities have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. That motivates them to worship these deities.

It's also common for the Chinese to be secular. Spirituality sometimes seems meaningless to those who are working hard and trying to keep a family business afloat. Those who came from the PRC have been given a secular education, which reinforces this belief.

There is also a strong church among the Chinese that can be a blessing to those who lack a relationship with the only Savior.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism is a harsh taskmaster. It’s easy for Mandarin Chinese people who work long hours to keep their businesses alive to forget the one who empowers them to make money. Many turn to ancient Chinese religion for “luck,” which distances them from the King of kings.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord's blessing on the Chinese diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power. May they understand that God is the source of both physical and spiritual blessing.
Pray for the Chinese in Portugal to have the spiritual hunger to find Jesus Christ and experience the abundant life only he can offer.
Pray for Chinese Christians in Portugal to allow the Holy Spirit to move powerfully through them for God’s Kingdom.
Pray for vibrant Chinese Christians in Portugal to reach those who have little or no chance to hear about the only Savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project