Culture and Traditions

• Afghanistan

Culture 

People

Afghans are very proud of their land, religion and ancestry. They value their independence beyond life. This particular trait is the result of consistent foreign invasion. Their loyalty is first to their local leaders and their tribe, and their identification with an abstract Afghan nation has always been fragile. Afghanistan has never been inhabited by only one ethnic group, but various ethnic groups like the Pashtuns, Hazaras, Tajiks, Uzbeks and other Iranian and Altaic groups. While these ethnic groups differ in language and culture they do share some common characteristics. Religion is a common thread that binds all these people. Islam is followed by almost all Afghans and it dominates much of their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Their fierce loyalty towards their clan, tribe and courage is another common facet of almost all Afghanis. Hospitality and honor are two vital characteristics or rather defining characteristics for all Afghans. They will do their utmost, even give and take lives, to uphold their honor and extend hospitality towards their guest. This lends a touch of mystic romanticism to the Afghan people.

Architecture

Afghanistan has lost quite a few of its historic monuments in recent wars. Architectural remnants of all ages can be found across Afghanistan. Remnants of Greek civilization and Buddhist stupas (shrines or reliquaries) and monasteries, intricate Islamic minarets, arches and monuments have made this place rich in history and architectural significance. The 1000-year-old Great Arch of Qal'eh-ye Bost; the Chel Zina (Forty Steps) and rock inscriptions made by Mughal emperor Babur in Kandahar which also houses the prophet's cloak. Ghazni and Balkh are remnants of architectural extravagance and grandeur. The famous Minaret of Jam have been declared a 'heritage site' by UNESCO.

Sport

A lot has changed since the fall of the Taliban for Afghan sports and athletes. Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by cricket. Of late, the popularity of cricket has seen a surge with the national team making it to the international stage competitions. Basketball is also slowly gaining in popularity. During the Taliban regime sports was banned for men and women both. Since the fall of the Taliban many traditional and local sports have become popular again. Buzkashi is the national sport of Afghanistan and played mainly in the northern part of the country. It is a form of polo that is centered around claiming the carcass of a goat, placed in the center. Hound racing is another popular sport of the highlands. Now, more and more women are also taking up various types of sports, such as martial arts and boxing.

Poetry and Language

Persian poetry is a very important part of Afghan culture. Poetry is a major component in education. Mushaeras or poetry competitions are a common indulgence with the ordinary people. In fact, most homes have exclusive collections of poetry. They have given to the world, poets like Rabi'a Balkhi - the first poetess of Persian poetry, Farrukhi Sistani - the Ghaznavid royal poet, Jami of Herat and Ali Sher Nava'i. The language commonly spoken by the Afghans is the eastern Persian dialect called Dari. The name refers to the 'language of the royals'. Dari is the official language of more than one-third of the population. Pashto is spoken in eastern and southern Afghanistan, while Tajik is spoken prominently in the north. There are many other languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.

Afghan Customs and Traditions

The geographical location of the country has made it a perpetual battleground, for invading armies and conquerors for centuries. This recurring aspect has made the Afghan people quite unique in certain customs and traditions that they adhere to.

The people of Afghanistan are firm believers in the omnipresent God and follow the principles of Islam. They believe that Islamic law permits every 'believer' to maintain arms when directed by the ruler. This requirement mainly springs from the geographical location and difficult living conditions in the mountains.

Afghans are known to display a fierce loyalty to their respective clans and tribes and their identification with Afghanistan as a nation is fragile. They are very hospitable and loyal people, who value personal honor and responsibility as the fundamentals of social structure.

Afghans greet one another with the phrase Assalamu Alaikum, which means 'Peace be with you'. The response to the greeting is Wa Alaikum Assalaam, indicating unison in thought. A handshake is the most common form of greeting someone, another way is to place your hands over your hearts and nod slightly.

Women and men never shake hands or make eye contact in Afghan society. Unrestricted interaction between genders takes place only in families, and at a professional environment it is within acceptable social norms, i.e, without offending and dishonoring someone.

Dining in Afghanistan is a different experience and food is generally shared by everyone from the same dish. While eating it is customary to sit on the floor and eat with your hands. It is considered taboo to eat with your left hand and always leave something on your plate, else it will get filled up quickly.

• Armenia

• From ancient times, Armenians have cherished their artistic traditions, which reflect a unique culture and landscape. Aspects of everyday life are expressed in the most artistic fashion, in needlework, embellishments, carvings and design.
• Architecture is one of the most interesting art forms in Armenia, as, for example, churches bear artistic illustrations in frescoes and reliefs. Sculpting is everywhere - in nearly every city, town, and village in Armenia.
• Armenians love music, and they have been creating exquisite compositions for centuries. Sharakans are traditional Armenian liturgical songs, which are experiencing a revival today. Distinctive musical instruments are used to play Armenian folk songs. Sayat Nova, Komitas, and Aram Khachaturian are among Armenia's best-known musicians and composers. Contemporary music comes in the forms of jazz and pop. The Sayat Nova Conservatory helps polish future generations of Armenian musicians. Frequent concerts make for delightful evenings at the Philharmonic, Chamber Music Hall, Opera and Ballet House in Yerevan.
• Literature has always played a vital role in Armenia's cultural and national identity. Before the Armenian alphabet was developed in the 5th century, Armenian tales were passed down by oral tradition and written in foreign languages. Armenian manuscripts, beautifully illuminated with miniatures, combine Armenia's literary and illustrative traditions. Christian culture and the invention of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots, so thoroughly expressive of the language that it has withstood the centuries without any essential changes, gave new stimuli to the development of unique cultural traditions. There is no better place to view this literary and artistic history than Yerevan's unique Matenadaran (Institute of Ancient Manuscripts), which houses an extraordinary collection of 14,000 complete manuscripts, fragments and miniatures. The oldest parchments date back to the fifth and sixth centuries. The majority of manuscripts are research works of ancient scholars on theology, astronomy, astrology, alchemy, geography, history, medicine, poetry and music.
• Armenian painting blossomed in the 19th century. Artists from that period, such as the portrait painter Hakob Hovnatanian and the seascape artist Ivan Aivazovsky, continue to enjoy internationalreputation. In the 20th century, Martiros Saryan captured nature's essence in a new light, and Arshile Gorky greatly influenced a generation of young American artists in New York, while Carzou and Jansem found fame and fortune painting in France. A visit to Saryan Park will bring you in touch with today's Armenian artists.
• The Caucasus region and Armenia in particular have been cited by scholars as the place where rug and carpet weaving originated. Armenians continue this tradition, and one can find many shops specializing in fine new and old rugs and carpets. At the weekend flea market, rug sellers lay out their eye-catching merchandise filled with appealing colors and designs. At the same market, you will come across loads of charming handicrafts that will be hard to resist purchase. Visitors to Armenia find handmade crafts, Armenian gold, precious and semi-precious stones which inspire jewelers in many regions. Obsidian stone is used for jewelry, desk accessories, and decorative items. Carpet making is not only a fine art, but Kilim weaving, for example, is applied to clothing items, bags, and home furnishings. Wood carvings replicate the ancient stone crosses (khachkars) found throughout the country, and no two are exactly alike. Armenian crafts couple elegant utility and delightful whimsy in textiles, ceramics, metal and woodworking.
• Armenia is often referred to as an open air museum. Tourists find over 4,000 historical monuments throughout Armenia, covering various periods of the country's history from prehistoric to Hellenistic times, and from the early to medieval Christian era. The Armenians created their masterpieces during rare periods of peace and relative prosperity over the centuries. Within Yerevan alone there are more than 40 fine arts museums and galleries.

• It goes without saying that people united by national consciousness and culture try to leave their lives reverently worshiping the ways and customs of their ancestors. Armenia has managed to save its true spiritual riches - religion, culture and national centuries-old traditions which they strictly observe both in times of joy and in grief. Today such traditions as marriage stability, honoring of elders, strong ties among relatives, mutual readiness and help and of course hospitality have been preserved.

Wedding

• Armenian wedding is a very big holiday. The ceremony includes betrothal, engagement and wedding itself. The tradition of “seven days seven nights” celebration has become obsolete. The abundance of guests at Armenian wedding is a must. Read more...

Birth of Child

• Traditionally (especially in rural areas) Armenian families have a lot of children. A birth of a child, especially a boy, is a happy event which has always been welcome. Read more...

Hospitality

• The hospitality of Armenian people is known all over the world. Read more...

Funeral Customs

• National funeral customs ethics of honoring the memory of the deceased has been preserved I Armenia. The ceremonies are arranged on the day of funeral, the next day, on the 7th day, the 40th day and the anniversary of death. Read more...

National Holidays

• The holiday called “Trndez” is celebrated in the end of winter. This holiday came from pagan times of fire worshiping. Right in a church court yard they set a big bonfire and a newlyweds jump over it to get rid of evil, arrogance and misfortunes. This day in Armenia marks the beginning of spring... Read more...

Traditional Dwelling

• Traditional houses in Armenian settlements have a number of distinctive features. The dwelling is usually a square building with stone walls and dirt roof supported by wooden columns. A window or a smoke duct in the roof was the only source of light. Read more...

Traditional Clothes

• The traditional Armenian clothes are very colorful and various. The traditional man's suit consisted of silk or cotton color shirt with low collar and side fastener and wide trousers from dark wool or cotton. Over the shirt Armenians put on cotton or silk arkhaluk – outerwear with low collar fastened waist down with hooks or small buttons. Read more...

• Azerbaijan

• Following their ambigous geographic location, Azeri’s have their feet in both Islamic and European cultures, the latter mostly Russian and Turkish, struggling with deep divisions between the old and the new. About 90% of the population is ethnic Azeri, with a smattering of Dagestanis, Russians, Armenians, Jews and other groups. Most Azeri’s speak Azeri, a close cousin of Turkish, though many also speak Russian. The younger generation is now very keen to learn English. Even more than with Turkey, the 7 million Azeri’s living in the Republic of Azerbaijan feel closer to the 10 million (more Islamicized) Azeri’s living in Iran, in what is usually called "South Azerbaijan". Although at state level there is no conflict, there are important movements in civil society on both sides of the border, advocating a united Azerbaijan.  
• Azerbaijan is a country where national traditions are well preserved. In Azerbaijan where are a lot of traditions. The holidays on Moon calendar, "Gurban bayram" (the Feast of Sacrifice), "Ramazan" holiday (holiday after fasting) are marked as before. "Novruz" holiday (novruz is translated as "a new day") is the most ancient and cherished holiday of a New Year and spring. It is celebrated on the day of vernal equinox - March 21-22. Novruz is the symbol of nature renewal and fertility. Agrarian peoples of Middle East have been celebrating Novruz since ancient times. 
• Preparations for Novruz start long before the holiday. People do house cleaning, plant trees, make new dresses, paint eggs, make national pastries such as shakarbura, pakhlava and a great variety of national cuisine. Wheat is fried with kishmish (raisins) and nuts (govurga). It is essential for every house to have "semeni" - sprouts of wheat. As a tribute to fire-worshiping every Tuesday during four weeks before the holiday kids jump over small bonfires and candles are lit. On the holiday eve the graves of relatives are visited and tended. Novruz is a family holiday. In the evening before the holiday the whole family gathers around the holiday table laid with various dishes to make the New Year rich. The holiday goes on for several days and ends with festive public dancing and other entertainment of folk bands, contests of national sports. In rural areas crop holidays are marked. 

• Bahrain

• Located in the middle of the Persian Gulf, there sits a large archipelago of islands known as Bahrain. Bahrain, which means “two seas”, is made up of a total of thirty islands, and has the population of a medium to large sized city. Because it is mainly a Muslim country, Bahrain culture and traditions reflect the religion of Islam in many ways. As the years pass, however, the people of Bahrain continue to show more and more western influence.

People of Bahrain

• The country and its surrounding islands are made up of a wide variety of different people and cultures. Because of this, Bahrain is somewhat of a cultural melting pot. With over half the population being mostly native-born Bahrainis, the Arab customs and Bahrain culture reign supreme. However, western customs have penetrated the country and as a result, it is one of the more progressive Arab countries in the Middle East.

Religion of the People

• While the official religion in Bahrain is Islam, the overall Muslim population continues to decline as more and more non-Muslim immigrants come to the country looking for work. Most of the practicing Muslims follow shia, which is the second largest denomination of Islam. In addition, Bahrain has the largest Christian following in the Persian Gulf. It also is the only country in the Arabic Middle East to have an active Jewish community.

Kings Rule the Classes

• The governing body of Bahrain is a traditional monarchy with a King calling all of the shots. The king selects the prime minister and all the heads of the cabinet. Because it has become one of the wealthiest of the Gulf States, known primarily for its oil and pearls, there is a traditional class system that has taken shape. The wealthiest residents live near or directly in the city, and staff most of their positions with foreign workers.

Respect Will Get You Far

• Bahrain culture may seem old fashioned to the western world, as they are steeped in respect for each other, and their elders. As a result, people tend to shy away from conflict and uncomfortable feelings in public. In addition, friendships are essential to doing business. Each person takes ample amounts of time to get to know the other person so a deep trust can develop between them. If one party gets impatient and tries to rush the process, it is considered rude on their part and most business dealings will be put on hold.

Supercar Racing

• Located in Bahrain, the Bahrain International Circuit is a motor sports attraction that has helped put the tiny country on the map.  Supercar racing has become increasingly popular in this Middle East Kingdom, due mostly in part to this amazing complex. Hosting races such as the Desert 400 and the Grand Prix, as well as many other international competitions, the Bahrain International Circuit is a venue that promises to continue to bring the excitement of Formula One racing for years to come.
• Bahrain culture and its rich traditions are deeply rooted in the past, with one eye looking toward the future. It is such a wealthy country full of luxuries that many consider to be somewhat of a paradise. Because of this, the population continues to grow at a steady pace. If you’re looking for a place to see eastern cultures and traditions run into western practices, or maybe catch a supercar race

• Bangladesh

• Bangladesh has a long history of its culture and customs. The land, the rivers, and the daily life of the common people from different communities who live in harmony with greatly sympathetic neighbor to one another formed a rich heritage and customs in the regions. Beside the great Bengali poets Rabindranath Tagore (Noble Laurite) and Kazi Nazrul Islam (The National Poet of Bangladesh), a number of Bengali Saints, Baul, Authors, Researchers, Thinkers, Painters, Music personalities, Film-Makers and so on great soul have played a significant role in the development of Bangladeshi local culture during Bengal Renaissance in 19th and the first few decades in 20th centuries. Agriculture plays an important role to form culture and customs in Bangladesh when it is the main profession in the region. The culture of Bangladesh is composited over centuries has assimilated influences of local existing religion, socioeconomic condition, mass occupation, belief, movement and so on factors. The region has a long heritage of multifaceted folk, sculpture, weaving, pottery and terracotta, art and craft, festivals and celebrations, philosophy and religion, and also in a distinction of cuisine and culinary tradition. Folk theatre is common at the village level and usually takes place during harvest time or at Melas (village fairs). Traditional music involves mostly lyrics and little instrumental accompaniment reflects Sufism, lifestyle, nature, emotion, and socioeconomic condition. Major traditional musical instruments are the ektara, dotara, dhol, flute, table etc. Photography and Painting are also a great combination of traditions. Now a days, day, week or even month long painting or photography exhibition in different places shows the artists creativity. There is much to learn about the literature, entertainment and cuisine in Bangladesh. All of these form an integral part of the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. National occasions also mark Bangladeshi life, and these include Independence Day, Historic Language Martyr's Day (now observe as international mother language day), Victory Day etc.
• Festivals and celebrations in Bangladesh
• Festivals and celebrations are the part of parcel of the culture and customs of Bangladesh. Prominent and widely celebrated festivals in Bangladesh are described below in brief.

Pohela Boishakh Celebration in Bangladesh

• Pohela Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali New Year. Now it is celebrated on the 14th of April of the Gregorian calendar. Celebrations of Pahela Baishakh started from Akbar’s reign. The main event of the day was to open a Halkhata (new fresh book) of accounts. This was wholly a financial affair. In villages, towns and cities, traders and shopkeepers closed their old account book and opened new one. They used to invite their customers to share sweets and renew their business relationship. This tradition is still practiced among the jewelers, local store-businessman, retailers etc. Pohela Boishakh is a public holiday. On the occasion the home is thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned; people bathe early in the morning and dress in fine clothes depending on ability. Women particularly young girls dress up white saris with red borders and men clothed Punjabi, fatua with traditional art in Pahela Boishakh. They spend much time of the day visiting relatives, friends, and neighbors and going to fair. Fairs are arranged in different parts of the country where various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, toys, cosmetics, various kinds of foods and sweets etc. are sold. These fairs also provide entertainment, with singers, dancers and traditional plays and songs. Horse races, bull races, bullfights, cockfights, flying pigeons, boat racing etc. The most colorful New Year’s Day festival takes place in the Ramna Batamul, Dhaka. Large numbers of people of different ages gather early in the morning under the banyan tree where Chhayanat’s artists open the day with Rabindranath Tagore’s famous song, Esho, hey Boishakh, Esho Esho… (Come, hey Boishakh, Come, Come…).
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• People celebrate this cultural festive starting their day having breakfast with Panta-Ilisha (plain boiled rice soaked overnight in water and slightly fermented & Hilsa Fish fry) supplemented with different kind of Vortas (saluted or fried vegetable with green or fried chilly and other spices) pickles, lentils etc. It is the traditional dish for the Pohela Boishakh festival. The dishes are served in a plate made by clay. Is it not fantastic (!)?

Eid-ul-Fitr:

• Muslim festivals follow a lunar calendar. After a month long fasting in Ramadan,  the  Holy Festival Eid-ul-Fitr comes with great joy and the occasion of social gathering. Eid ul Fitr is the most important religious festival for the majority Muslims community. The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr has become a part of the culture of Bangladesh. People shop new dress and other necessary items much on the occasion. City dwellers who have families or parents in villages go to their country homes to meet relatives, friends & neighbors and celebrate the festival together. All outgoing public transports from the major cities become highly crowded and in many cases the fares rises up in spite of government restrictions.

Eid-ul-Azha: 

• There are many similarities between the celebration of Eid ul-Azha and Eid ul-Fitr in many ways. The only major difference is the Qurbani (sacrifice of domestic animals) on Eid ul-Azha. It is the second major Muslim festival and is celebrated with much meat. Beside the permanent market, numerous temporary marketplaces of different sizes called Haat operate in various places for sale of Qurbani animals (usually cows and goats). The cows are then paraded along the streets and each animal is decorated with paper flower garlands and glitter. Each family that has ability buys cow, bull or goat to slaughter on the name of holy Allah. It is believed that the slaughtering is not animal but the all evil motives of minds. In this occasion, people and relatives are given meats who don’t have ability to buy any animals. This is a tradition of sharing. The occasion is also known as Sacrifice Eid.

Shab-E-Barat: 

• At the full moon 14 days before the starting of Ramadan, Shab-e-Barat is a sacred night when sweetmeats are distributed to the poor, neighbors and relatives.
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Durga Puja: 

• Durga Puja is the biggest celebration of Hindu community. It is celebrated during October. On the occasion, the Debi Durga (Goddess) statues astride a lion, with her ten hands holding ten different weapons, are placed in not only regular Hindu temple but also enormous temporary stages. Hindu community shop new dress and so on knick-knack on the occasion. Almost all Puja stage, Village fair sits aside. It is now a day’s one of the most public gathering occasion. Puja stage and such fair is visited not only Hindu community but also all classes of people of Bangladesh.

Pahela Falgun/Bashanta Utshob: 

• The day is celebrated on February 13. A colorful festival held to welcome Bashanto (spring). Attired in reddish-yellow saris with red border and hairs decorated with flowers, young girls and boys wearing traditional pajama and Punjabi, carrying flowers, took part in the colorful march. A good number of kids also got their attractive faces painted with different motifs including birds, national flag, butterflies etc. 

Shakrail/ Ghuri Festival

•  it is another remarkable traditional festival.  Kite Festival is one of the ancient and popular traditions. People especially young boys fly different kinds and colorful kites on the occasion. It is still now celebrate widely in old Dhaka.

Nobanno 

• (Harvesting Month): In the rural area, the farmers’ community starts harvesting and with this joy they celebrate Nobanno. They made PAYESH (Sweet dish made with rice and boiled milk), various kind of traditional rice cakes to celebrate Nobanno. 

PAUSH PARBON 

• (Winter Season): In this season people celebrate Paush Parbon with Date Juice and various kinds of Pithas. Kuli pitha, Khajer pitha, Vapa pitha, chitai pitha and various date juice based pitha are remarkable. Grihasto (farmer) invites their married daughter and son of law on the occasion.

Adivasi festival: 

• In the eve of the festival, women from the indigenous community demonstrated the magic of weaving to the audience. On the occasion water throwing game is most popular and eye catching. The basic of the game, boys and girls from opposite side throw water to one another and that side can attack more is winner!

Lifestyle of Bangladesh

• Dress: Bangladeshi people have traditional dress preferences. Bangladeshi men wear Pajama-Punjabi or T-shirt on religious and cultural occasions and shirt pant on formal occasions. Lungi is the unique preference for Bangladeshi men. Almost all men at home wear Lungi.  Shari of different colors and patterns is the most common dress for Bangladeshi women. Salowar Kamij is also very popular, especially among the teen girls. Some girls in urban areas also wear pants, skirts and tops.
• Jewelry: Every Bangladeshi woman has an exceptional point of view about Jewelry. Almost all the Bangladeshi women are fond of Gold and Silver. High or high middle classes people show their blue blood wearing diamond or platinum jewelries. Costume Jewelries are also most popular not only among the low earning group people but also educated and cultured guys. Gold is so popular in Bangladesh that it is must in every weeding ceremony. Hindu married women are easily identified by her wrist accessories and their Shidur which is dark red chemicals use in their middle of upper forehead.
• Mehendi: It is another popular traditional art in Bangladesh. The design and color attract everybody. Mehendi made by pasting leaves of the plant Lawsonia Inermis. It is a decorative art that is applied as a part of daily life, festive occasions and weddings. The bridal mehendi designs are typically inspired by Mughal paintings mixed in with classical arts. Drawing hands of a bride and groom or the bridal procession are common as well.

Traditional Marriage Ceremony in Banglades

• Settle marriage is popular in Bangladesh. Once the guardians (only) of bride and grooms settled such relation and the bride and groom’s opinions had minor priority. Now a day the situations has been improved and given the priority of bride and bride groom likes. Muslim faith based Bangladeshi society accepts the newly culture and made own form with the traditional customs of old and new practices. The Bangladeshi particularly middle class bride and bride groom want to start the family life with joy. Bangladeshis are believed to be protective band forever and almost all bride and bride groom perform faith to each other in the next portion of life. They invite all friends, neighbors and relatives as much possible on the weeding festival. Bangladeshi weeding ceremony has its own tradition and customs for days long.

Cuisine and Culinary Tradition of Bangladesh

• The region is famous for its illusive culinary tradition, and delicious food, dessert and snacks. Plain rice is the staple food and it is served with a variety of vegetables either fried or curry or even Bharta (cereals of various vegetables or fishes dry or fresh with spices that are absolutely delicious), egg, thick lentil soups, and fish or meat preparations of beef, mutton or fowl. Fish is the main source of protein, cultivated in ponds and the network of inland rivers of the Ganges delta. Marine fishes are also available. As Dessert Misti Dhohi, flat Chana, Sweetened Yogurt, Sandesh, Rasgolla, Ras Malai, Kalojam, Pudding etc are unique and you will know what it means! Kheer is also a great tasty milk based dessert. Sweetmeat is served to a guest any time of the day or night. A messenger who would carry good news to a relative or a man also accompanies those sweetmeats. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the use of many specialized spices and flavours. Tradition drinks are tea, Lassi, Sugarcane Juice, Lime and Date juices, Green Coconut Water are mentionable. Alcoholic drinks are not widely available. It is available in star hotels and renowned restaurants only.

• Bhutan

While Bhutan is definitely one of the smallest countries in the world, yet the cultural diversity and its richness are profound. As such strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of its rich cultural diversity. It is believed that ensuring protection and preservation of our unique culture would assist in protecting the sovereignty of the nation.

Birth

• The birth of a new born baby is always welcomed heartily. Bhutanese value children as progenitors of future and therefore does not discriminate between a girl child and a boy child. Mothers are always looked after carefully and because of the strong belief, outsiders and guests are kept at bay for the first three days as it is believed that the house is polluted. On the third day after the child’s birth, a short purification ritual is performed after which the outsiders pay visits to the new born child and the mother. Gifts are offered ranging from dairy products to cloth and money.
• The child is not immediately named as naming a child is always the prerogative of a highly religious person. The mother and the child also visits a local temple to receive blessings from the local deity (natal deity) and the name associated with the deity is given. In some cases, the child is given the name of the day on which the child is born. Based on the Bhutanese calendar, a horoscope is written that details out the time and the date of the birth, various rituals to be performed at different time in the life of the child and to an extent predicting his future.

Marriage

• Arranged marriages were popular just a few decades back. Normally, people married among the relatives. Cross-cousin marriage is a popular tradition amongst the people of eastern Bhutan. This is now becoming unpopular among the literate mass and most of the marriages take place on their accord depending on their choice.
• Marriages are simple affairs and are kept low-key. However, elaborate rituals are performed for lasting unions amongst the bride and the bridegroom. As the religious ceremony comes to an end, parents, relatives and the friends present the newlyweds with traditional offerings of scarves along with gifts in the form of cash and goods.
• In the western part of Bhutan, the husband goes out to the wife’s house after marriage while the practice in eastern Bhutan is that the wife usually accompanies the husband. The newlyweds may also choose to live on their own. An accepted norm of the Bhutanese way of life is divorces that carry no ignominy or disgrace and in most instances they move on with a new life partner.

Funeral

• Death signifies re-birth or a mere passing on to a new life. In keeping with the traditions, elaborate rituals are performed to ensure a safe passage and a good rebirth.   Important days such as the 7th day, 14th day, 21st day and 49th days are earmarked where prayer flags in the name of the deceased are erected and rituals performed.
• The deceased are normally cremated while the southern Bhutanese bury and the Brokpas chop off and feed them to the vultures. Elaborate rituals are also conducted on the death anniversary with erection of prayer flags. The relatives and people of the locality come with alcohol, rice, or other sundry items to attend these rituals.

Bhutanese Dress

• A distinctive feature of the Bhutanese is their dress that has evolved over the years. The Gho or the dress worn by the Bhutanese men reaches just till their knees while Kira, the dress worn by women reaches till their ankles. The Gho is folded and tied at the waist by a traditional belt known as Kera and the pouch that is formed is used for carrying small articles such as wallet, mobiles and Doma, the beetle nut. Traditionally it was used for carrying bowls and a small dagger inserted in between as was the custom then.
• But the dress for the tribal and semi nomadic people like the Bramis and Brokpas of eastern Bhutan are generally different from the rest of the Bhutanese population. The Brokpas and the Bramis wear dresses woven either out of Yak or Sheep hair.
• In keeping with the tradition, it is mandatory for all Bhutanese to wear scarves while visiting Dzongs and other administrative centers. The scarf worn by men is known as Kabney while that of women is known as Rachu. The scarves worn are different in color and signify their status or rank. While the general Bhutanese men wear scarf that is white in color, the King and the Je Khenpo or the Head Abbot wear yellow scarves. The ministers wear orange scarves while the Judges wear green and the district administrators wear red scarves with a small white strip that runs through. The Rachu is hung over their shoulder and unlike scarves worn by men does not have any color attached to it. They are usually woven out of raw silk with rich patterns.

Eating habits

• Traditional Bhutanese eating habits are simple and generally eat with their hands. The family members eat sitting cross legged on the wooden floors with food being first served to the head of the household. It is usually women who serves food and in most cases the mother. Before eating, a short prayer is offered and a small morsel placed on the wooden floor as offerings to the spirits and deities. With modernization, eating habits have changed and in urban areas, people usually eat with spoons and make use of dining tables and chairs.
• Traditionally dishes were cooked in earthenware’s, but with the easy availability of imported pans and pots, the use of earthenware’s have been replaced. Usual meals consist of rice, a dish of chili and cheese known as Ema Datshi, pork or beef curry or lentils.

Festivals

• Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity and this richness is further enhanced by the variety of festivals that is being observed. Every village is known for their unique festivals though the most widely known is the Tshechu. As the Tshechu begins, the villagers and the general populace dressed in their finery congregate in the temples and monasteries to witness these festivals. Tshechus are usually occasions to mark the important events in the life of the second Buddha, the precious Indian Tantric master known as Guru Rinpoche or the Precious Gem. Various mask dances are performed together with songs and dances for three days. It provides the villagers with a respite from their hard day’s labor and to catch up with their family and friends. People share their food of Red rice, pork and Ema Datshi and drown themselves in the revelry of their traditional wine known as Ara.

• Brunei

The culture is predominantly Malay, with heavy influences from Hinduism and Islam, but is seen as more conservative than Malaysia. The borrowings and derivations of Brunei culture from these two religions are due mainly to the country's historical links with the Hindu empire in the neighbouring regions of modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia.

• The culture is also influenced by the demographics of the country: two-thirds of the population are Malay, and the remainder consists of Chinese, Indians and indigenous Malays such as Dayaks, Dusuns and Kedazans.
• If Malay traditions are Brunei’s cultural root, then Islam is its heart. The nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy is a uniquely Bruneian blend combining the best of Malay culture with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects.

Arts

• Brunei is richly endowed with a cultural heritage that the government and the people have worked tirelessly to maintain. The nation’s Arts and Handicraft Centre, for example, is a living testimony to the preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts for which Brunei was once renowned, including boat making, silversmithing, bronze tooling, weaving and basketry. Visitors will also find Malay weaponry, wood carvings, traditional games, traditional musical instruments, silat (the traditional art of self defence) and decorative items for women to be some of Brunei’s most unique cultural offerings.
• The introduction of Islam, of course, also dramatically changed Brunei’s cultural landscape, adding its own distinct artistic forms. The nation’s mosques and other Islamic sites of importance are all works of art in themselves, and many contain some of the most striking examples of Islamic arts that can be found outside the Arab world. Examples include gilded Holy Korans, ceremonial items and the intricate mosaics that adorn several monuments throughout the nation’s four districts.

Traditional Music

• There is a wide array of native folk music and dance. Adai-adai is a group work song sung by fisherpeople while they fished. Another folk dance is the Benari, or Joget Baju Putih, performed during numerous festivals. It is usually performed by three men and three women.

• Cambodia

Cambodian culture and tradition have had a rich varied history dating back many centuries. Over the years, the people of Cambodia developed a set of unique tradition from the syncretism of indigenous Buddhism and Hinduism.

• Cambodians have been raised to respect their culture and are very traditional in their way of life. Tourists will see the well mannered Cambodian expressing a friendly “Chumreap Suor” when they meet one.

Chumreap Suor

• Cambodians traditionally greet with a Sampeah, which involves pressing the palms together before the chest with a slight bow and greeting with a polite ‘Chumreap Suor’. Customarily, the higher the hands are held and the lower the bow, the more respect is conveyed. Except when meeting elderly people or government officials, between men, this custom has been partially replaced by the handshake. Women usually greet both men and women with the same traditional greeting. Although it may be considered acceptable for foreigners to shake hands with a Cambodian, it is more appropriate to respect the custom and respond with a ‘Chumreap Suor’.

  Traditional Dances

• There are many classical dance forms in Cambodia, of which a highly stylized art form was once confined mainly to the courts of the royal palace and performed mainly by females. Known formally in Khmer as Robam Apsara, the dancers of this classical form are often referred to as Apsara dancers.
• This dance form was first introduced to foreign countries and best known during the 1960s as the Khmer Royal Ballet. The first royal ballerina was Princess Norodom Bopha Devi, a daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk.
• The Apsara Dance is particularly inspired by the style from around more than a thousand Apsara carvings in the Angkor temple complex. As evidenced in part by these Apsaras (celestial dancers), dance has been part of the Khmer culture for more than a millennium.
• A visit to Cambodia is only complete when one has attended at least one such traditional dance performance.
•   Kbach Kun Khmer Boran ( Martial Art )
• Khmer martial arts date back more than a thousand years, as evidenced by carvings and bas-reliefs in the Angkor temples. The martial arts include Bokator, Pradal Serey, Baok Chambab, Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng, amongst others.

Bokator

• Bokator, known formally as Labokatao, is a Cambodian martial art form that involves close hand-to-hand combat, ground techniques and weapons.
• Bokator is one of the earliest Cambodian martial art and is said to be the close quarter combat system used by the armies during the Angkor era.
• Practitioners are trained to strike with knees, elbows, hands, feet and even the head. Short sticks are commonly used as weapon.

Baok Chambab

• Baok Chambab is Khmer wrestling; a sport in which two opponents try to pin (hold) each other’s back to the ground. A match consists of three rounds. Wrestlers perform pre-match ritual dancing. A wrestler wins a match by two out of three rounds. However, after each round, the loser is asked if he still wishes to continue with the match.
• A Baok Chambab match is traditional accompanied by drum beats; two drums known as Skor Nhy and Chhmol, (female drum and male drum).
• Traditional matches are held at the Cambodian National Olympic Stadium during the Khmer New Year and other Cambodian holidays.

Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng

• Kbach Kun Dambong Vèng literally refers to an ancient Cambodian martial art form involving the use of a long staff.
• It has traditionally been practiced to prepare against enemies bearing eventual malice towards their villages and their country.
• Now, it is particularly popular with youths in main sports clubs in Cambodia.

Pradal Serey

• Pradal Serey is traditional Khmer kick boxing. A match consists of five rounds and takes place in a boxing ring. There is a one or two-minute break in between each round. Before a match, boxers perform the praying rituals known as the Kun Krou. Traditional Cambodian music is played during a match. The instruments used are the Skor Yaul (a drum), the Sralai (a flute-like instrument) and the stringed Chhing. Boxers are required to wear leather gloves and shorts.
• Victory is instantaneously granted when a boxer delivers a knockout which is determined when the knocked down boxer is unable to continue the fight after a 10-second count by the referee. Victory is also determined at the end of the match when judges decide by a point system which fighter was more effective. If the fighters end up with the same score, a draw is called.

  Khmer Wedding

• Traditional Cambodian weddings are intricate affairs that consist of multiple ceremonies lasting three days and three nights. The wedding begins with the groom and his family traveling to the bride’s home bearing gifts to the bride’s family as dowry. Family members and friends are introduced, and wedding rings exchanged. Customarily, three traditional songs accompany this first segment; the first song announcing the arrival of the groom and the next is on the presentation of the dowry followed by a final song to invite the elders to chew Betel Nut, an age-old Khmer tradition. Then it is the Tea Ceremony, at which the bride and groom offer tea to the spirits of their ancestors.
• To prepare the bride and groom for their life as a married couple, their hair must then be symbolically cut to represent a fresh start to their new relationship together as husband and wife. The master of ceremony performs the first symbolic hair cut; the bride and groom’s parents, relatives, and friends then take turn to symbolically cut the bride and groom’s hair and give them blessing and good wishes.
• The finale is the most memorable segment of the wedding. Family members and friends take turns to tie the bride’s and groom’s left and right wrists with ‘blessing strings’. The praises and wishes of happiness, good health, success, prosperity, and long-lasting love are acknowledged and witnessed by the loud sound of the gong and joyful cheers. Then, they throw palm flowers over the new couple accompanied by a traditional song. After the couple is pronounced husband and wife, the groom holds the bride’s fabric into the bridal room accompanied by a traditional song.
• At the close of this wedding ceremony, all of the guests are invited to a wedding reception accompanied by an orchestral concert. The Khmer wedding is a rowdy and joyous event.
• Nowadays most families reduce the three-day and three-night ritual to a one-day affair.

Traditional Medicine

• The Khmer traditional medicine is a form of naturopathy using natural remedies, such as roots, barks, leaves and herbs to motivate the body’s vital ability to heal and maintain itself. It has been used to treat various diseases for many years. The ancient Khmer people first formulated this medical lore during the Angkor period. It offers a holistic approach avoiding the use of surgery and drugs. Practitioners of this therapy are known locally as Krou Khmer.
• Khmer traditional doctors are receiving recognition and training from the government at the National Center of Traditional Medicine. Medical books in Pali text have been gathered from all the pagodas throughout the country; collated and interpreted into the Khmer language at the center. The center welcomes traditional healers from across the kingdom to share knowledge and train healers to a uniform level and to assimilate their localized knowledge.

• China

China is an extremely large country, and the customs and traditions of its people vary by geography and ethnicity. 

More than 1 billion people live in China, according to the Asia Society, representing 56 ethnic minority groups. The largest group is the Han Chinese, with about 900 million people. Other groups include the Tibetans, the Mongols, the Manchus, the Naxi, and the Hezhen, which is smallest group, with fewer than 2,000 people.   

"Significantly, individuals within communities create their own culture," said Cristina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Culture includes religion, food, style, language, marriage, music, morals and many other things that make up how a group acts and interacts. Here is a brief overview of some elements of the Chinese culture.

Religion

• The Chinese Communist Party that rules the nation is officially atheist, though it is gradually becoming more tolerant of religions, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Currently, there are only five official religions. Any religion other than Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism are illegal, even though the Chinese constitution states that people are allowed freedom of religion. The gradual tolerance of religion has only started to progress in the past few decades.
• About a quarter of the people practice Taoism and Confucianism and other traditional religions. There are also small numbers of Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Although numerous Protestant and Catholic ministries have been active in the country since the early 19th century, they have made little progress in converting Chinese to these religions.

Language

• There are seven major groups of dialects of the Chinese language, which each have their own variations, according to Mount Holyoke College. Mandarin dialects are spoken by 71.5 percent of the population, followed by Wu (8.5 percent), Yue (also called Cantonese; 5 percent), Xiang (4.8 percent), Min (4.1 percent), Hakka (3.7 percent) and Gan (2.4 percent). 
• Chinese dialects are very different, according to Jerry Norman, a former professor of linguistics at the University of Washington and author of "Chinese (Cambridge Language Surveys)" (Cambridge University Press, 1988). "Chinese is rather more like a language family than a single language made up of a number of regional forms," he wrote. "The Chinese dialectal complex is in many ways analogous to the Romance language family in Europe. To take an extreme example, there is probably as much difference between the dialects of Peking [Beijing] and Chaozhou as there is between Italian and French." 
• The official national language of China is Pŭtōnghuà, a type of Mandarin spoken in the capital Beijing, according to the Order of the President of the People's Republic of China. Many Chinese are also fluent in English. 

Food

• Like other aspects of Chinese life, cuisine is heavily influenced by geography and ethnic diversity. Among the main styles of Chinese cooking are Cantonese, which features stir-fried dishes, and Szechuan, which relies heavily on use of peanuts, sesame paste and ginger and is known for its spiciness.
• Rice is not only a major food source in China; it is also a major element that helped grow their society, according to "Pathways to Asian Civilizations: Tracing the Origins and Spread of Rice and Rice Cultures," an 2011 article in the journal Rice by Dorian Q. Fuller. The Chinese word for rice is fan, which also means "meal," and it is a staple of their diet, as are bean sprouts, cabbage and scallions. Because they do not consume a lot of meat — occasionally pork or chicken — tofu is a main source of protein for the Chinese.

The Arts

• Chinese art is greatly influenced by the country’s rich spiritual and mystical history. Many sculptures and paintings depict spiritual figures of Buddhism, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Many musical instruments are integral to Chinese culture, including the flute-like xun and the guqin, which is in the zither family. 
• Eastern-style martial arts were also developed in China, and it is the birthplace of kung fu. This fighting technique is based on animal movements and was created in the mid-1600s, according to Black Belt Magazine.
• Ancient Chinese were avid writers and philosophers — especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties — and that is reflected in the country’s rich liturgical history.

Customs and celebrations

• The largest festival — also called the Spring Festival — marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It falls between mid-January and mid-February and is a time to honor ancestors. During the 15-day celebration, the Chinese do something every day to welcome the new year, such as eat rice congee and mustard greens to cleanse the body, according to the University of Victoria. The holiday is marked with fireworks and parades featuring dancers dressed as dragons.
• Many people make pilgrimages to Confucius' birthplace in Shandong Province on his birthday, Sept. 28. The birthday of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, is observed by visiting Taoist temples. It falls between late March and late April. Similar celebrations mark the birthday of Mazu, the goddess of the sea (also known as Tianhou), in May or June. The Moon Festival is celebrated in September or October with fireworks, paper lanterns and moon gazing.

• Cyprus

• Like everything else in Cyprus, religion is split along the Green Line. The northerners are mostly Sunni Muslim, the southerners Greek Orthodox. Food, too, reflects the divide: in the North you'll find mostly Turkish cuisine; in the Republic, Greek. But wherever you are in Cyprus , you'll come across kleftiko (oven-baked lamb) and mezedes (dips, salads and other appetizers). Cyprus is also famous for its fruit, which the government protects with a ban on imported products. You'll find strawberries, stone fruit, melons, prickly pear, citrus and grapes.
• Cypriots are very proud of their cultural heritage, which stretches back more than 9000 years. However, you'll probably find that Cyprus today is more concerned with the events of the last 20 years than those of a millennium ago. The north of the island is busy re-creating itself in the image of Turkey , changing names to Turkish and embracing the life and culture of its northern neighbour. The Republic is also trying to create an independent identity, and many places in the Republic have recently been renamed as well.
• The traditions and customs of a Cyprus culture can best be observed in ceremonies and on special occasions. Between the Turkish Cypriot communities, some of these are wedding ceremonies, feast days (Ramazan), birth, children starting school, etc. Another important characteristic of the Turkish Cypriots is their hospitality. In the past, the importance of the guest was relative to their social status and their age. Serving the guests usually started with coffee or sherbets, especially those of honey, rose and carob. Fruit paste serving was also of importance.
• Cyprus culture is also reflected in the rich folk art of the island. Age-old crafts, handed down from one generation to another, are faithfully carried on to this day by skilful hands and nimble fingers, fashioning handicrafts, both decorative and useful,
•  It is probably no surprise with a history so long, that Cyprus is remarkably rich in culture. Its importance has been honored by UNESCO which has included nine of the island's Byzantine mountain churches and the entire town of Kato Pafos in its World Cultural Heritage List. Wherever you go in Cyprus you are reminded of a strong Cyprus tradition that is kept alive from generation to generation through the many events which are celebrated.
• Many Cyprus folk traditions , such as the Carnival and Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) have overtones of ancient themes. Carnival Festivities take place 50 days before Greek Christian Orthodox Easter and is the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting before Easter. The centre of Carnival festivities is Lemesos, but some festivities take place in Larnaka and Pafos also.
• The biggest event takes place in Larnaka. At the heart of the festival is a joyful procession to the sea where people sprinkle each other with water. Whether this is in memory of Noah's survival of the flood, the coming ashore of resurrected St. Lazarus - or a celebration of the birth of Aphrodite - is sometimes debated, but in any event Kataklysmos is a spirited and uniquely Cypriot festival.
• On June 28 and 29, St. Paul 's Feast is feted in Pafos, where the Apostle journeyed after leaving Jerusalem .
• Every September the Wine Festival takes place in Lemesos, a tribute to the fruit of the vine as it grows and thrives in Cyprus . With ten days of free-flowing locally produced wines, Dionysus would surely approve.
• Cyprus also has rich musical and dance traditions quite distinctive from those of Greece. Instruments that typically accompany folk dances are the violin and laouto, a lute with four double strings played with the quill of an eagle or vulture. Many Cyprus dances are performed face-to-face and as a suite. Both men and women are very nimble-footed and the dances often allude to village courtship rituals - and are therefore most popular at wedding ceremonies in Cyprus.
• Hardly a week goes by in Cyprus without a celebration of some sort, whether it is a colourful festival or homage to a saint on one of the numerous 'name' days. The 'Panigiri', a traditional open-air fete, takes place mainly in the Cyprus villages on the occasion of a saint's name day. Easter, the most important Greek Orthodox religious event, is celebrated with solemnity, joy and hope.
• The Greek Orthodox Church has been the main stay of religion in Cyprus since the 1st century A.D., and in a society where the church continues to play an important role, old style values have been maintained and the family unit retains close-knit qualities that keep colourful Cyprus customs alive, and underline the warmhearted character of Cyprus .
• Carnival is one of the best known Cypriot celebrations, along with 'Anthestiria', the Spring Flower festival, and 'Kataklysmos' - the festival of the Flood - which coincides with Pentecost. Throughout the year there are also exhibitions, concerts, drama and folk festivals.
• Whatever the present-day situation may be, Cyprus is littered with reminders of the island's history. Relics from every era - Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th-century frescoes - influence the artists of today. Many Cyprus villages specialize in a particular art form, and as you travel around Cyprus you'll see pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara's famous lacework.

• Georgia

India

India’s culture is among the world's oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as "Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara" — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.

Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior.  Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.".

However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.

Language

India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country. 

Religion

India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.

About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”

Food

When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.

Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.

Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India's population is vegetarian.

Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.

Architecture and art

The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.

India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country's movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing. 

Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.

Clothing

Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.

Customs and celebrations

The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.

• Indonesia

Indonesia is culturally rich. Indonesian art and culture are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions from the time of early migrants with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or “gotong royong” and consultations or “musyawarah” to arrive at a consensus or “mufakat” Derived from rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life throughout the country.

Though the legal system is based on the old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage are founded on customary or “adat” law which differs from area to area. “Adat” law has a binding impact on Indonesian life and it may be concluded that this law has been instrumental in maintaining equal rights for women in the community. Religious influences on the community are variously evident from island to island.

Intertwined with religion and age-old traditions from the time of early migrants the art and culture of Indonesia is rich in itself with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists. The art and culture of Indonesia has been shaped around its hundreds of ethnic groups, each with cultural differences that have shifted over the centuries. Modern-day Indonesian culture is a fusion of cultural aspects from Arabic, Chinese, Malay and European sources. Indonesian art and culture has also been influenced from the ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East leading to many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam.

Language

The official language of Indonesia is ‘Indonesian’ or ‘Bahasa Indonesia’. It’s universally taught in schools and is spoken by nearly every Indonesian in business, politics, national media, education and academia. The Indonesians also speak several hundreds of local languages like ‘bahasa daerah’ as their first language. Javanese is also widely used besides other Papuan or Austronesian languages in a region of just 2.7 million people.

Religion

The government of Indonesia officially recognizes only six religions, viz Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Confucianism. The largest religious group in Indonesia is Islam with almost 86% of Indonesians being Muslims. Indonesia is also the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world.

Literature

Indonesia has created many internationally famous celebrated authors. There has also been a long tradition, particularly among ethnically Malay populations, of impromptu, interactive, verbal composition of poetry referred to as the ‘pantun’. Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a well-known author won the Magsaysay Award and was considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Chairil Anwar was also an important figure in the literature world and a member of the Generation 45 group of authors who were active in the Indonesian independence movement.

Music

Home to hundreds of forms of music, it plays an important role in Indonesia’s art and culture. Traces of its origin can be made to the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali. ‘Gamelan’ is the traditional music from Central- and East Java and Bali. Another very popular style of music is ‘Dangdut’ which is accompanied with free dance style. This style first came up in the 1970s and is quite useful in political campaigns. Other forms of music include the Keroncong with its roots in Portugal, the soft Sasando music from West Timor and Degung and Angklung from West Java, which is played with bamboo instruments.

Dance

The traditional dances depict episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata from India. Traditional Javanese and Balinese tinge is also seen in the dance forms of Indonesian art and culture. The highly stylized dances of the courts of Yogyakarta and Surakarta are some of the popular variations. Mythological events of Indonesia are also depicted.

Drama and Theatre

The Javanese and Balinese shadow puppet theatre shows ‘wayang kulit’ displaying several mythological events. A traditional folk theatre, Randai of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, is performed during ceremonies and festivals. Music, singing, dance, drama and the silat martial art are all incorporated together and are based on the stories of the legend.

Architecture

Indonesian culture, especially its architecture has been to a great extent dominated and influenced by the Indian, although European influences have also been particularly strong since the nineteenth century. Traditional buildings in Indonesia are built on stilts with oversized saddle roofs which have been the home of the Batak and the Toraja. The Torajan use the buffalo horns, stacked one above another in front of the house as an indication of status. Scenes from the Ramayana adorn the outer walls in different colors. However, Chinese, Arab, and European architectural influences have also been quite significant in Indonesian architecture.

Cuisine

Indonesians distinctive cuisine has been derived from centuries with the influence of the Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and the Indians. The staple food of most Indonesian dishes is rice served with meat and vegetables. Flavors of Vietnamese and Thai food can also be got from the cuisine of Indonesia. Spices, notably chili, and coconut milk are fundamental ingredients in most of the dishes, especially fish and chicken.

Material Art

The arts of Indonesia are many, especially Indonesian paintings which are unique works of art. The intricate and expressive Balinese paintings are quite famous and often express natural scenes and themes from the traditional dances. A long-standing tradition of sculpture can also be seen in the art and culture of Indonesia, some dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Examples of sculpture illustrating the story of the life of Buddha can be seen in the temples of the 8th and the 10th century. Indonesia’s art and culture is also famous for their unique batik, ikat and songket cloth which is even popular today.

Unlike some countries art forms in Indonesia are not only based on folklore, as many were developed in the courts of former kingdoms such as in Bali, where they are part of religious ceremonies. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics.

Highly stylized in movement and costume, dances and the “wayang” drama are accompanied by a full “gamelan” orchestra comprising xylophones, drums, gongs, and in some cases string instruments and flutes. Bamboo xylophones are used in North Sulawesi and the bamboo “angklung” instruments of West Java are well- known for their unique tinkling notes which can be adapted to any melody.

The “Wayang kulit” (leather puppets) of Java is performed with leather puppets held by the puppeteer, who narates the story of one of the famous episodes of the Hindu epics, the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. It is performed against a white screen while a lantern in the background casts the shadows of the characters on the screen, visible from the other side where the spectators are seated.

The “Wayang Golek” (wooden puppets) of West Java is based on the same concept. The crafts of Indonesia vary in both medium and art form. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and express themselves on canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone. The batik process of waxing and dyeing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern trends in both pattern and technology. There are several centres of Batik in Java, the major ones being Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pekalongan and Cirebon.

Batik is also being produced in some other areas as in Bali where local designs are incorporated. Other provinces produce hand-woven cloths of gold and silver threads, silks or cottons with intricate designs. Painting are numerous all over the country, both traditional and contemporary, woodcarvings for ornamentation and furniture, silverwork and engraving form Yogyakarta and Sumatra, filgree from South Sulawesi and Bali with different styles of clay, sandstone and wood sculptures. These are but a few of the handicrafts found in Indonesia.

• Iran

Iranian culture is Class based, traditional and patriarchal. Tradition for most is rooted in religion and class and patriarchy have been constant features of Iranian society since ancient times. Class in its simplest form is mainly based on income and financial status or family genealogy, though modernity and traditionalism might also be used to distinguish classes. In Iran different classes are bounded together through different processes and have different cultures. For example kinship is a primary source of security and financial support for low-income families. While with the affluent kinship is a source of emotional and psychological support and welfare. Division of labor could be a relatively simple division between the public (men’s work) and domestic (women’s work) for the poor and/or uneducated, or a technical division in sophisticated work environments for highly trained and educated professional males and females. Generally the lower and uneducated classes may regard females as inferior or different who are entitled to a lesser position in the society. On the other hand the modern classes normally strive to guarantee the equality of sexes and eliminate gender discrimination. 

Tradition is mostly based on religion particularly Islam and its’ prescribed codes of behavior, however it contains elements that are much older. For example the prominent position allocated to family as reflected in the Islamic sources and legal codes is a continuation of universal practices adopted by most Eastern societies since ancient times. What makes a difference with respect to Islam is the belief held by many Muslims that “Islam is a body of values, ideas and beliefs that should encompass all spheres of life, including personal and social relationships, economics and politics”. Consequently for the traditional practicing Muslim the only accepted relationship between the sexes may be through marriage or concubines. The two are the only forms legitimized by Shiite Islam. For such families there may be no question of males and females openly dating or socializing with such intentions before they are legally bounded through the prescribed unions (e.g. arranged marriages). In such cases what is usually classified as group behavior could also be identified with religious behavior. Separating the two might become a daunting task for outsiders not familiar with the intricacies of the traditional and or Muslim culture. 

• Iraq

Iraq has one of the world's oldest cultural histories. Unlike many Arab countries, it embraces and celebrates the achievements of its past in pre-Islamic times. What is now Iraq was once part of the 'cradle of civilisation' in ancient Mesopotamia and the culture of Sumer, from which the first known wheel was recovered, flourished there. In the 8th century and 9th century the Islamic Abbasid Caliphs presided over what was then the world's leading civilisation, rich in science, art and literature.

In the most recent millennium, what is now Iraq has been made up of five cultural areas: Kurdish in the north centred on Arbil, Sunni Islamic Arabs in the centre around Baghdad, Shi'a Islamic Arabs in the south centred on Basra, the Assyrians, a Christian people, living in various cities in the north, and the Marsh Arabs, a nomadic people, who live on the marshlands of the central river. There are also the Bedouin tribes primarily in southern and western Iraq, with smaller groups scattered throughout the country.

Music

• Iraq is known primarily for an instrument called the oud (similar to a lute) and a rebab (similar to a fiddle); its stars include Ahmed Mukhtar and the Assyrian Munir Bashir. Until the fall of Saddam Hussein, the most popular radio station was the Voice of Youth. It played a mix of western rock, hip hop and pop music, all of which had to be imported via Jordan due to international economic sanctions. Iraq has also produced a major pan-Arab pop star-in-exile in Kathem Al Saher, whose songs include Ladghat E-Hayya, which was banned for its racy lyrics.
• Across the Arab world, maqam refers to specific melodic modes. When a musician performs maqam performances, the performer improvises, based on rules. There are a number of different maqams, each with or self own mood and characteristics. There are between 50 and 70 maqams, many of which also have sub-styles and varian sex, is closely related to Syrian music, but is less melodious and more melismatic. Other characteristics of Iraqi music include a slow tempo, rhythmically free ornamentation or melodic lines, and predominantly minor modes. Instruments include qanun, riqq, santur, darbuka, naqqara, ney, djose and oud.
• Maqama texts are often derived from classical Arabic poetry, such as by Mohammad Mehdi Al-Jawahiri, al-Mutanabbi and Abu Nuwas, or Persian poets like Hafez and Omar Khayyám. Some performers used traditional sources translated into the dialect of Baghdad, and still others use Arabic, Turkish, Armenian, Hebrew, Turkmen, Aramaic or Persian language lyrics.
• The roots of modern Iraqi maqam can be traced as far back as the Abbassid era, when a large empire was controlled from Baghdad. The music has also gained influences from Persian music. The modern form, however, descends directly from the 19th century Turkmen composer Rahmat Allah Shiltegh (1798-1872).
• The pesteh, a kind of light song which concludes a maqam performance, has been popularised in the later 20th century, growing more prominent along with the rise of recorded music and broadcast radio. Among the most popular pesteh performers are the husband and wife Selima Murad and Nazim Al-Ghazali.

Cultural Heritage

• Iraq is a country of a wide and varied heritage, home to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Assyrians and Marsh Arabs, amongst countless others. As such, many have contributed to the wide spectrum of Iraqi culture.
• Tea houses are commonly scattered over Iraq, and in the afternoon it is a habit for shopkeepers to retreat into the back with a close circle of friends to sip tea over gossip.
• Rites of passage are mainly centred on children being schooled enough to correctly read the Quran, quite the challenging task. The Quran is perhaps one of the hardest texts to read, both because of depth of meaning and due to the difficult range of sounds Arabic demands from the human vocal cords. The child with least pronunciation errors is called the hafiz or 'memoriser'. There is usually a large celebration in the child's honour.

• Israel

Modern Israeli culture, while related linguistically and religiously to an ancient tradition, is a recent phenomenon. The State of Israel has existed only since 1948, but the origins of Israeli culture can be traced to the late 19th-century rise of Zionism, a movement that sought to revolutionize and modernize Jewish life in all its forms, including the cultural realm. Zionism was, among other things, a revolt against the Diasporic Jewish tradition, which from a Zionist perspective emphasized passivity in the face of political, social, and economic challenges as well as a detachment from mainstream European society. Zionist culture sought to upend those tendencies: Zionists wanted to create a modern Western culture that embraced science, technology, and other hallmarks of the modern experience, while promoting an ethos of pioneering and strength—the signs of an active and virile society ready to embrace national challenges. At the core of this cultural revolution stood the revival of Hebrew not as a language of religious study but as the vibrant national tongue Modern Hebrew, as well as cultural products that championed the new pioneering ideals. While the culture of secular Ashkenazi Jews dominated the Yishuv (the Jewish community of Palestine up to 1948) and the Israeli state during its first decades, over time Israeli culture came to reflect the country’s many other sub-ethnicities, including Jews from Arab and Muslim countries who came to Israel mainly in the 1950s, as well as local Arabs who remained in Israel after the 1948 war and became Israeli citizens. One of the main characteristics of Israeli culture is thus the tension between the Ashkenazi cultural canon and the other cultures that are part of the Israeli experience. Also, as Israel has shifted over the years from a collectivist, melting-pot ideology to a more market-driven society, more and more cultural products have entered the Israeli public marketplace. So while Israeli culture is young, it is highly dynamic and fertile. It has also been the object of a considerable amount of scholarly inquiry. In this bibliography culture is treated in a rather comprehensive manner to include both cultural products (various works of literature, visual art, and cinema) but also as a system that provides meaning to people’s collective experience through language, space, and shared myths and traditions.

• Japan

Japanese culture, particularly traditional Japanese culture has many roots in traditional Chinese culture, however Japanese culture, even historically differed from Chinese culture and due to the separation of the two land masses, plus the enforced periods of isolation from the outside world, further extended the differences between the two cultures.

It is with some irony then that in modern times that the younger Chinese generations have looked to modern Japanese culture as a source of inspiration, particularly in field of Japanese fashion culture, where the Chinese are inspired by Japanese fashion magazines.

Japanese Traditions 

• Japan is known for its unique culture and heritage, which has been preserved by the Japanese people since ancient times. The age-old Japanese traditions and customs which give a unique character to the lifestyle of the Japanese people have to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Some of the unique aspects of Japanese life are mentioned here as an introduction to the traditions of Japan. 
• Japanese Gardens: The original Japanese gardens were inspired by Buddhist and Chinese philosophy and later evolved to have their own distinct Japanese identity. The gardens found in Japanese temples and shrines are inspired by the Shinto religion and the belief in an ideal state of harmony. The Japanese attempt to recreate this idealized harmony in their beautifully designed gardens that include aspects such as water, rocks, gravel, moss and miniature plants or Bonsai. One of the most famous Zen Rock Gardens in Japan is the Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden in Kyoto. 

• Japanese Architecture: Traditional Japanese Architecture has a distinct style deeply influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism. Houses and temples made of wood, placed on stilts to raise them above the ground, and with sloping roofs made of thatch or tiles create a distinctive silhouette in traditional Japanese architecture. The use of lightweight wood and bamboo to create Fusuma (sliding doors) and straw or woven grass to create Tatami (mats) are other unique features of Japanese architectural design. People usually sat on the floor and furniture only came into widespread use after the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century. 

• Japanese Tea Ceremony: The Japanese ceremony of preparing and offering tea to revered guests is a formal and stylized ritual, almost like a meditative performance. The art or skill of preparing tea and all the elements of the tea ceremony have special and symbolic meaning. Deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, the Japanese tea ceremony has evolved into a cultural ritual which means much more than the mere sampling of powdered green tea, and is a unique part of Japanese traditions. 
• Japanese Cuisine: Japan is an island nation and seafood plays an important role in Japanese cuisine. Rice and fish along with vegetables are eaten by most Japanese. Tofu or soy bean curd is another popular and healthy dish often consumed by the Japanese people. Japanese food such as Sushi (rice flavored with vinegar and combined with seafood or seaweed and sometimes vegetables) and Sashimi (cut and sliced raw meat, usually seafood) are forms of Japanese cuisine that have become famous worldwide. Teppanyaki or food cooked on an iron griddle is another popular form of Japanese cuisine. Sake or Japanese rice wine is also drunk at traditional meals as a toast to the health and long life of one's dining companions. 

• Japanese Festivals: The Japanese people celebrate many festivals, most of which are of the Buddhist and Shinto religions. Different temples or shrines across Japan have their own specific Matsuri or festive holiday. Some festivals that began long ago are also celebrated today in a modern form. These include Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hadaka Matsuri Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festivals, which are an integral part of Japanese culture.
• Cherry Blossom Festivals: Every year in spring the Japanese people take time out to appreciate the beauty of nature as the Cherry trees burst into full bloom and their lovely pink flowers offer a wonderfully appealing sight. People picnic in the Cherry groves, drink tea and Sake and enjoy music in the delightful ambience of the blooming Cherry flowers. The Cherry Blossom festivals at Okinawa and at Matsuyama Castle in Ehime prefecture are the best-known among many flower festivals across Japan. The natural beauty of the Cherry blossom season is celebrated by the Japanese in their art and music, and even in the designs of their traditional clothing, the Kimono. 

• Japanese Kimono: The traditional Japanese costume, the Kimono, is a graceful full-length robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders to the ankles. The robe is tied around the middle with a sash called the Obi. Kimonos for special occasions were made of rich fabric such as silk, satin and brocade and feature designs inspired by nature such as Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, butterflies and pine trees. Kimonos are now worn mostly for ceremonial occasions and events such as festivals and marriages.

• Japanese Painting: Japan has a long tradition of painting and woodblock printing. Some of the famous Japanese painters are Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) who is famous for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock printing style of art. Another famous Japanese painter is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) who is famous for a series of woodblock prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best known among these is The Great Wave off Kanagawa. 

• Japanese Calligraphy: The Japanese script consists of characters which were traditionally painted using smooth brushstrokes on handmade paper. The fine art of calligraphy requires many years of practice and was considered essential learning for an accomplished person in Japanese society. 

• Ikebana: The Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement is a fine art that encompasses the ideas of aesthetics, spirituality, discipline and harmony with nature. It is believed to have evolved from the Buddhist practice of offering flowers in memory of those who have passed away. The emphasis on minimalism, attention to the line and form of the plants or flowers used in an arrangement and the harmony of the overall arrangement exemplify this Japanese tradition. 

There are many more fascinating aspects of traditional Japanese culture, such as viewing Mount Fuji, the Samurai Code, Sumo Wrestling and the role of the Geisha. You can find out more about these uniquely Japanese traditions when you visit this fascinating country.

• Jordan

Jordan’s culture is a pleasant jumble of old and new, and Amman( its capital) has rapidly become one of the most sophisticated cities in the Middle East.

Values & Traditions

• Jordan can be regarded for a typically Arab country for its people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. Jordanians are typically happy to forgive foreigners who break the rules of etiquette. However, visitors seen to be making an effort to observe local customs will undoubtedly win favour.
• Joining local people for a cup of tea or coffee can be a wonderful way to learn more about local culture. If you are invited yet are unable to attend, then it is perfectly acceptable to decline. Place your right hand over your heart and politely make your excuses.
• Many families, particularly in rural areas, are very traditional and, if you visit their house, you may well find it is divided between the men and women. Foreign women are often treated as “honorary” men.
• Local women in Jordan enjoy considerable freedom when compared with many other countries in the region. Women are entitled to a full education, they can vote, they can drive cars, and they often play significant roles in business and politics. Arranged marriages and dowries are still common.Jordan culture and traditions

Ethnicity

• Almost Jordan’s entire population is Arab. This is an ethnic term, but also marks a pan-national identity, largely because nation-states are relatively new: many people in Jordan feel a much stronger cultural affinity with Arabs from nearby countries than, say, Britons might feel with Belgians. The bedouin add a deeper layer of meaning by often regarding themselves to be the only true, original Arabs. Jordan has tiny ethnic minorities of Circassians and Chechens (who are Muslim), Armenians (Christian) and Kurds (Muslim) – all of whom are closely bound into Jordanian society – as well as Dom gypsies (also Muslim).Jordan culture and traditions

Religion

• Jordan is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its ethnically and religiously diverse population, consequently providing for the cultural rights of all its citizens. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation is one of the central elements contributing to the stable and peaceful cultural climate flourishing in Jordan. More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and approximately 6% are Christians. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations. Several small Shi’a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan.
• As Jordan is predominantly an Islamic country, one may explore the principles of Islam through direct interaction with the people of this monotheistic religion. As the capstone of a long tradition beginning with Judaism and Christianity, Muslims believe that Islam completes the revelation of God’s message to humankind. Islam – which in Arabic means “submission” – is an assertion of the unity, completeness, and sovereignty of God. Muslims believe that God, or Allah as He is known in Arabic, revealed his final message to humankind through the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur’an, which is the divine immutable word of God. Islam focuses heavily on the equality of all humans before the one true God, and therefore it is in many ways a return to the original doctrine of the pure monotheism that characterized the early Judeo-Christian tradition.
• Islamic tradition has crystallized five fundamental observances, or “pillars,” that are as important as faith in defining Islamic identity and strengthening the common bond that ties all Muslims together. They are Confession of Faith, Daily Prayer (five times per day facing the holy city of Mecca), Fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Almsgiving, and Pilgrimage to Mecca.Jordan culture and traditions

Nationality

• There persists a perceived difference between people whose origins lie in families long resident on the east bank of the River Jordan and people whose families originate on the west bank of the river. All are Jordanian citizens, yet Jordanians of Palestinian origin are estimated to number between half and three-quarters of the total population. Roughly seven percent of people in Jordan are expats, including guest workers – many of them Egyptian, Sri Lankan and Filipino – alongside a sizeable population of Iraqi refugees. Jordan culture and traditions

Daily life and social customs

• Jordan is an integral part of the Arab world and thus shares a cultural tradition common to the region. The family is of central importance to Jordanian life. Although their numbers have fallen as many have settled and adopted urban culture, the rural Bedouin population still follows a more traditional way of life, preserving customs passed down for generations. Village life revolves around the extended family, agriculture, and hospitality; modernity exists only in the form of a motorized vehicle for transportation. Urban-dwelling Jordanians, on the other hand, enjoy all aspects of modern, popular culture, from theatrical productions and musical concerts to operas and ballet performances. Most major towns have movie theatres that offer both Arab and foreign films.
• The country’s cuisine features dishes using beans, olive oil, yogurt, and garlic. Jordan’s most popular dishes is mansaf – lamb or mutton and rice with a yogurt sauce, which served on holidays and on special family occasions. Jordan culture and traditions
• Daily fare includes “khubz” (flatbread) with vegetable dips, grilled meats, and stews, served with sweet tea or coffee flavoured with cardamom.

Tribe

• A tribe is an extended grouping of families who cultivate a distinctive tradition of history and folklore (mainly oral) and assert ownership of a particular territory. Not all tribes are desert-dwelling – there are many whose background is rural, and others who have become urbanized. Tribal territories, which predate nation-states, often extend across international borders. Some tribes are made up of clans and branches which have taken on tribe-like status; others have banded together in larger, often pan-national, tribal confederations. All these concepts are rather loose, but for a lot of Jordanians, tribal identity is at least as strong as religious or national identity.
• Within tribal identity, many people make a distinction between two broad social traditions. The bedouin originate in families who are current or former desert-dwellers: they may once have been nomadic, but are almost all now settled. Some still live in tents in or near the desert, following traditional lifestyles, but many do not: a police officer in Amman or a marketing executive in Aqaba might be as bedouin as a camel-guide in Wadi Rum. By contrast the fellahin originate from a settled, rural, farming tradition, often in the north and west of Jordan. They frequently have strong historic links – often of family or tribe – to rural communities across the borders in Syria and Palestine.

Art in Jordan

• Both private and governmental efforts have been made to foster the arts through various cultural centres, notably in Amman and Irbid, and through the establishment of art and cultural festivals throughout the country. Modernity has weakened the traditional Islamic injunction against the depiction of images of humans and animals; thus, in addition to traditional architecture, decorative design, and various handicrafts, it is possible to find non-utilitarian forms of both representational and abstract painting and sculpture. 
• Elaborate calligraphy and geometric designs often enhance manuscripts and mosques. As in the rest of the region, the oral tradition is prominent in literary expression. Jordan’s most famous poet, Mustafa Wahbi Al-Tal, ranks among the major Arab poets of the 20th century. After World War II a number of important poets and prose writers emerged, though few have achieved an international reputation.
• Traditional visual arts survive in works of tapestry, embroidery, leather, pottery, and ceramics, and in the manufacture of wool and goat-hair rugs with vari-coloured stripes; singing is also important, as is storytelling. Villagers have special songs for births, circumcisions, weddings, funerals, and harvesting. Several types of “dabkah” (group dances characterized by pounding feet on the floor to mark the rhythm) are danced on festive occasions, while the “sahjah” is a well-known Bedouin dance. The Circassian minority has a sword dance and several other Cossack dances. As part of its effort to preserve local performing arts, the government sponsors a national troupe that is regularly featured on state radio and television programs.
• Jordan has a small film industry, and sites within the country, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, have served as locations for major foreign productions, such as director David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

• Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, with a welcome just as wide. At over a million square miles, this country has it all! Mountains and glaciers, vast steppes and desert and over a hundred and twenty nationalities! Stunning landscapes and ancient architecture conjure images of nomads and warriors, falconry and poetry, silk-robed horsemen and exotic beauty. The word “Kazakh” itself translates to “free, independent nomad.”

Kazakhstan Hospitality

• The Kazakh people have a long tradition of peace, tolerance and co-existence. Children learn hospitality and respect from a very young age, and this is reflected in the wonderful hospitality offered to all guests and travelers. If you visit a Kazakh household - whether or not you are expected - those present will stand up in greeting as you enter the door. You will be seated on the tor - the special guest seat and offered a cup of either kumiss or tea. It is considered extremely poor manners to disturb the weary or hungry guest, so the host often remains silent until you are refreshed!

Kazakhstan Customs and Traditions

• The ancestors of modern-day Kazakhs were nomadic or semi-nomadic, and many of their customs reflect that lifestyle. Nowadays, people live mostly in cities and villages, although many still lead an agricultural life.Kazakhstan’s territory is immense, occupying an area about half the size of the United States. Most of the vast expanses are steppe; semi-arid land, desolate and frozen in the winter that turn to lush, green meadow beginning mid-spring. The steppes are invaluable pastureland for the sheep, horses, cattle, and camels that are essential to the Kazakh people.
• Not surprisingly, horses play a large part in their traditions. It is said that in the past, many Kazakh children learned to ride before they learned to walk, and the Kazakhs are still known for their superb horsemanship. They were the first to use stirrups, and perfected the technique of shooting arrows with superb accuracy while riding at a gallop. No traveler should miss an opportunity to watch such displays of riding skill.
• As a result of their nomadic lifestyle, the Kazakhs developed one of the most efficient and practical transportable dwellings - the yurt, which has many uses today. As you travel through Kazakhstan, you will see different types of these low, cylindrical felt and wood houses, still in use and beautifully decorated with tapestries, and multicolored embroidery. Overnight excursions to yurt camps are extremely popular with travelers.

Kazakhstan Weddings

• One such case is described in legend: Abilah Khan fell in love with a beautiful girl from a poor family, but she was already promised to another man - an ordinary warrior. In order to avoid hurting Abylai Khan\\\\\\\\'s feelings and angering him, she set a task for him. She promised to marry him if he could shoot an arrow higher than a certain mountain near a lake.According to Kazakh custom, a wedding lasts 40 days, beginning with the matchmaking. The fiance\\\\\\\\'s relatives act as matchmakers, bringing gifts to the bride\\\\\\\\'s parents and asking for their consent to the marriage. Sometimes it is the bride who chooses whether to accept the offer, using diplomacy and tact to avoid an unhappy situation.
• She sat on a rock in the middle of the lake to watch his efforts, and no matter how hard he tried to shoot the arrow into the sky it would not rise beyond the mountaintop. Her plan had been that, should Khan have been able to fulfill the task, she would jump from the rocky island to the stones below. This mountain is now known as Okzhetpes “Unachievable with an arrow”, and the lake is called Zhumbaktas Riddle-stone”.

Kazakhstan Festivals

• The first day of spring begins the Persian New Year. In Kazakhstan, this holiday is known as Nauryz, and it is said that the more you celebrate at this time, the greater will be your success throughout the year. In fact, the celebration goes on for nearly a month! It’s a time to visit and congratulate friends and neighbors, and also a time to forgive each other. Guests are met in beautifully decorated yurts where they enjoy a traditional dish of Nauryz koshe, which is made with seven different grains, representing the seven days of the week.
• Many Kazakh festivals feature horse racing or other games that are played on horseback. One endurance race features as many as two hundred participants, with riders going around a mile-long track for about thirty laps. Other games include Kokpar - a type of polo, Kumis Alu, where riders attempt to pick a handkerchief off the ground while galloping at full speed, or Kuuz Kuu – “catch the girl”, where the boys try to best the girls in a race.

Kazakhstan Cuisine

• Just as other aspects of Kazakh culture reflect its nomadic past, its cuisine retains many of these traditions. Of prime importance is hospitality to the guests, who receive a special welcome and are offered a place of honor. After the guest has enjoyed kumiss or another fermented milk drink like kefir, the meal is served.
• Also of historical importance are the main ingredients of the meal. Traditionally, Kazakh cuisine was based mostly on meat (including horse meat) and milk products. Thedastarkhan - feast table, is always laden with good things to eat. Kazakhstan is famous for its apples, for shashlik – a kind of shish-kebob, for plov – rice pilaf – found everywhere in Central Asia and for its tradtions of taking tea – many times a day! As in the rest of Central Asia, the chaikana or tea house is a relaxing meeting place for friends and conversation.
• As Kazakhstan has moved into the modern world, dishes and ingredients from other cuisines have also found their way to the table. Now you will find Uzbek, Russian, Tatar, and Korean dishes intermingled with Kazakh ones, and many introduced fruits, vegetables, and herbs and spices now available locally have also broadened the cuisine.

Kazakhstan National Dress

• The country's nomadic past is reflected in traditional clothing. Outerwear was historically made from leather, felt and fur. For indoor wear, beautiful satin gowns and trousers were richly decorated with embroidery that often included beads and precious stones.
• The wedding headdresses of Kazakh brides were especially striking, tall caps with intricate filigree work and a diadem set with semi-precious stones, as well as pendants hanging from the temple and chin adornments.
• As the population became more urbanized and more and more people began purchasing clothing, even the traditional costumes sewn at home were simpler and made of less opulent materials. Nowadays, the Kazakh national dress varies according to region.

Kazakhstan Music

• Ancient cave paintings found in Kazakhstan show people dancing and making music. From these roots, the musical and poetic tradition has continued to the present day. However, those cave paintings may be the last recorded image of Kazakhstan's music. Created and sung by nomadic tribes for thousands of years, these songs have been preserved only through oral tradition for most of their history. It wasn't until the early part of the 20th century that Kazakh music was recorded . Visitors to Kazakhstan will be captivated by incredible solo vocal and instrumental music reflecting the spirit of the landscapes and natural world.
• Kazakhs have a great love of the spoken word. The akyns -poets, are an important part of society, improvising at public competitions to the musical accompaniment of the stringeddombra or kobyz.

Kazakhstan Bazaars

• Every town and city has a bazaar in Central Asia. It’s the center of life and business. The Zelyony Bazaar in Almaty has hundreds of stalls offering everything imaginable, including the wonderful Alma-Ata apples that are local to the region and fantastic fresh spices. Here you can find handicrafts, clothes, and toys, and experience the sights and sounds of a traditional bustling bazaar. Near the bazaar, on the side streets, local residents from all walks of life bring items they may have for sale for a makeshift flea market. Here you may find some real bargains, including memorabilia from the Soviet era.

Kazakhstan Applied & Decorative Art

• During the middle ages, Kazakhstan was a center for the manufacture of enameled ceramics. Wood and leather were mostly used for vessels, and these are still made today. Steppe zergers – jewelers, favor white silver and the ornate Kazakh bracelets are irresistible.Carpet weaving and decoration in Kazakhstan is unique. Besides the traditional loomed rugs, Kazakh artisans are also known for their remarkable felt work. Several different techniques are used for various types of carpeting, such as the beautiful and complex applique work of tuskiiz, used on walls, or the intricate mosaic carpets made from fabric patches for guests to sit on.
• Everywhere you look, you will see a love of beauty, as even the most commonplace articles are lavishly decorated. Women's headdresses, articles of clothing, even saddle-cloths are exquisitely embroidered. Leather articles, such as harnesses, water flasks, and belts, as well as wooden cups, large bowls and ladles are all beautifully decorated with traditional designs.

• Kuwait

The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on Kuwait's architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle is obvious. The most distinctive characteristic of local Kuwaiti culture are diwaniya. Briefly, it involves large reception rooms used for male social gatherings attended mostly by family members and close friends.

Architecture

• Kuwait's architecture is largely inspired by Islamic architecture. The most prominent landmark in country, the Kuwait Towers, were designed by Swedish architect Sune Lindström and are a unique blend of traditional minaret and modern architectural designs. The National Assembly of Kuwait, another famous landmark building, was designed by the famous Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1982.

Visual Arts

• In Kuwait, as in many Islamic countries, the art of calligraphy is one of the most long-standing and thriving forms of expression. Arabic calligraphy is considered to be the ultimate expression of god's words. Because in traditional Islam sculptural and figurative forms of art were perceived as idolatry, calligraphy was considered an acceptable, alternative form of art and expression.

Music

• Kuwait's musical traditions were well-recorded until the Gulf War, when Iraq invaded the country and destroyed the archive. Nevertheless, Kuwait has retained a vital music industry, both long before the war and after. Kuwaiti music reflects the diverse influences of many peoples on the culture of Kuwait, including East African and Indian music.
• Kuwait is known as the centre, along with Bahrain for sawt, a bluesy style of music made popular in the 1970s by Shadi al Khaleej (the Bird Song of the Gulf). Nabil Shaeil and Abdullah El Rowaished are the most popular modern sawt performers, who include influences from techno and Europop in their music; Kuwaiti sawt musicians are well-known across the Gulf region. Other popular groups include the long-running Al-Budoor Band.

Clothing

• In Kuwait's urban centres, Western-style clothing is becoming popular, particularly with young people. However, many Kuwaitis still wear traditional Arab clothing. Most Kuwaiti men wear a dishdasha, a floor length robe with a centre front opening which is put on over the head. The headdress of the Kuwaiti male consists of three parts. The gutra is a square piece of cloth which is folded into a triangle and then placed centrally on the head so that the ends hang down equally over the shoulders. It is held in place by an ogal, a double circlet of twisted black cord, which is placed firmly over the head. Often a gahfiyah, a close-fitting skull cap, is worn under the gutra to stop it from slipping.
• Many Kuwaiti women dress in western clothes. However their traditional clothing, such as the thobe (a straight-sided long overdress), is still used on festive occasions. Women are veiled according to Islamic law. When in public many local women cover their chic western clothing with an abha, a head-to-toe silky black cloak. Bedouin women may also wear a burqa, a short black veil which leaves the eyes and forehead exposed, or occasionally a bushiya, a semi-transparent veil which covers the entire face. The hijab, or Islamic headscarf, which conceals the hair while leaving the face unveiled, is worn by many Kuwaiti and expatriate Muslim women.

• Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan culture takes its roots in antiquity. Its formation was largely influenced by Turkic tribes that migrated in the early Middle Ages from the territory of the Altay and East Turkestan. Before the 20th century there was the Kyrgyz tribal division. Some of the Kyrgyz still adhere to this tradition. This can be seen even in the division of the Kyrgyz into the southern and northern Kyrgyz. Customs and traditions of the southern Kyrgyz of the Ferghana Valley and the Eastern Pamirs differ from the traditions of the northern Kyrgyz living in areas of the Tien Shan, Issyk-kul lake region and areas of the Chu and Talas rivers. The nature of the prevailing economic structure - nomadic herding and the patriarchal family life left a deep imprint on the material culture of the Kyrgyz. Dwellings, traditional clothes, food - everything is dictated by the need of frequent nomadism.

Settlements

• Prior to joining the Russian Empire the main type of settlement were villages, and the Kyrgyz , because of their nomadic lifestyle, moved from place to place.
• But during the Soviet era Kyrgyz were gradually subside, experiencing a radical change in their lifestyle. Today most of the Kyrgyz are settled, moving to larger cities, but there are still traditional villages in the mountains and rural areas.

Clothing

• Traditional clothing of the Kyrgyz has undergone many changes during its development. As other aspects of material culture, the Kyrgyz clothes clearly show distinctive features that were peculiar to individual tribal and territorial groups, it is also distinguished by the unique attribute typical for the nomads. Clothing made of coarse woolen cloth of domestic manufacture, made from animal skins, felt, leather and wild animals was in common use.
• The traditional costume element is a Kyrgyz felt hat - Ak-kalpak (white cap), which is characteristic for both the men's suits and dresses for women. Another element of the native Kyrgyz clothing is top felted clothing with sleeves – kementay- and white felt boots. Married women wore a loin skirt - beldemchi,with flaps converging in front. Also a coat “chapan” with a high collar was very popular among the men and women. It should also be noted that completely embroidered shirt thread “zhaka” and the traditional conical hat that ladies wore on ceremonial occasions were among the elements of women's dress. Men wore trousers of tanned leather or suede, which had several names - chalbar, kandagay, zhalgak shim. The most common shoe among the Kyrgyz were boots with high tops and narrow, slightly turned-up noses.

Family and marriage

• Family and marriage among the Kyrgyz are closely related to the patriarchal way of life. It was usual for Kyrgyz culture to live together in a small patriarchal families that formed a so-called big clan with the whole family line living in the same area.
• Marriage was preceded by courtship. It was a custom in the past when young children were matched, sometimes even unborn yet babies were matched. Like in many other Eastern nations a dowry asked for the bride. And even today, modern Kyrgyz follow this custom.
• The birth of the baby is marked with mandatory treating - zhentek consisting of a national delicacy boorsok and bread (lepyoshka) with melted butter. A week later, the child is placed into the cradle (beshik). This event is marked with a small celebration - beshik - toy. There is another holiday arranged on the 40th day when the child wears a shirt, sewn out of 40 grafts collected from neighbors and bathed in 40 spoonfuls of water. All these rituals are intended to preserve and protect a child's life.

Spiritual Culture

• The spiritual culture of each nation is kept from generation to generation in the form of traditions and customs, as well as oral and written records. Due to the nomadic lifestyle the Kirghiz have not left behind so much written evidence, but from generation to generation, they passed their epics and legends.The Kyrgyz poem "Manas" is the largest piece of a heroic epic. It is a large volume trilogy, collected by many generations of storytellers – manas’chy. Until the 29th century, poem passed down orally, and even today many people come to Kyrgyzstan to listen to and enjoy the famous epic by talented storytellers. Storytellers may tell a poem during several days. The deeds of the hero Manas are main story line of the poem.
• Kyrgyz culture is rich and varied. It combines more elements of the nomadic culture, but some regions of Kyrgyzstan (south) are originally agricultural. Such co-existence is unique and indicative only for the Central Asian region.

• Laos

Laos is officially Buddhist, and the national symbol, the gilded stupa of Pha That Luang in Vientiane, has replaced the hammer and sickle even on the state seal. Still, there is a good deal of animism mixed in, particularly in the baci (also baasi ) ceremony conducted to bind the 32 guardian spirits to the participant's body before a long journey, after serious illness, the birth of a baby or other significant events that happen in the life of a Lao person.

Lao custom dictates that women must wear the distinctive phaa sin , a long, patterned skirt, although tribal groups often have their own clothing. The conical Vietnamese-style hat is also a common sight. These days men dress Western style and only don the phaa biang sash on ceremonial occasions. Nowadays women often wear western-style clothing, though the "phaa sin" is still the mandatory attire in government offices (not only for those who work there, but also for Lao women just visiting)

Eating rice culture in Laos: 

• 90% of the Lao people consume sticky rice. The basket which keeps the rice after steaming is called Tikao or kongkao and can be taken to every where. The arrangement of food is on the food big plate. The main food are Lap, Koy, Ping.

Housing culture and tradition in Laos: 

• Houses, especially the ones of the low land Lao (Lao Lum) are built on stilts and have free apace underneath that roofs a triangle wind plates on each side. These are 2 types of houses; single and a double roofed how many steps on the stairs depends on the height of the house, but traditionally they made uneven numbers such as: 3 steps, 5 steps, 7 steps and 9 steps.

Lao Ways of dressing: 

• Costumes depend on gender and age but regarding to the culture, Loa women dressed properly, because they are mothers of the nation in tradition, Lao women wear the silk skirts, blouses and scarves to attend important ceremonies. Design of Lao women skirts : 1. Design with upper and lower parts. 2. Not too short and too long. 3. The upper part over the waist. 4. Lower part of skirt suitable. 5. Not too sexy. Attending significant events, Lao women wear scarves and coiled hair styles. Lao men wear salong, big large pants or the peasant pants to attend the important ceremonies. Paekaoma is used for cleaning the body, covering the head and others. The costumes in the previous periods : Laos is one old nation in South East Asia . This place where was called Souvannaphoum and some Lao were settled in South of China called Anachak Ai-Lao. Due to the wars Lao migrated southward and established Monarchy Nanechao. The first king was named Sinoulo, governor of Nongsae as Chinese called Talifu town. It was capital city of Nanechao had peace for quite a long time. The first governor called Nanechao-ong. Main occupations were cultivation, animal husbandry and textile weavings. Hair style were coiled down to both sides down to the back and ear rings. Men and women dressed same styles of pants of shirts made by textile no colour and they did not have any decoration wares.

Occupation information on Laos: 

• Rice cultivation, animal husbandry, raising silk worms and handicrafts were main occupations additional Activities were trading, fishery, workers in the plants or officials.

Lao Culture & Society: 

• Smiles, Loves liberty, no quarrels, no oppression, respect the nation, reputation and honor with their lives. Commonly Lao people are fully of love and respect others. "To visit north or south, meal can be requested, but visitors, no need to study in the hotels or pay for food".

Sensation: 

• Friendship, love and peace are sit the hearts of Lao people. They hate oppressors. Our slogan said United we survive and separate, we die. We hate the conflicts and we can give excuse to others if the cases are reasonable. Lao territory is very wide. We like literature and arts, Many poets are stories were written by our great authors namely : Phousonelane, grand father teaches grand son, lanesonephu, grandson teaches grandfather, sonelork in thangane soneluk. Phravetsanedone. 
• Champasitonh, the 4 champa flower trees, kalaket, Tengone. Soulivong kunthung-kuntheuang and others were written in palm leaves these above poetry are our national heritage designed our ancestor hearts to give us the best loves to our nation.

• Lebanon

Jbeil (Byblos)

• Lebanon has both Islamic and Christian population. The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. The Arabic spoken in this country belongs to the group of dialects known as Levantine Arabic. French, Armenian, Greek and English are spoken too. In everyday life many people actually speak some combination of these languages. The most common combination is the Arabic-French one.
• Lebanon has rich history, numerous traditions and traditional products. One of them is the olive soap. It is made with olive oil. It is known for its quality and moisturising characteristics. The Lebanese believe that it is good for curing eczema, dandruff etc. Parts of Lebanon especially famous for olive soap are Hasbaiya, Saida, Chouf and Koura. Soaps are traditionally sold in small shops or souks.
• Villages of Assia and Rachaiya El-Foukhar are known for their beautiful handmade pottery. The Lebanese hammered brass and copper trays are made in various parts of the country. They vary in shape and size. Tableware from the village of Qalamoun is really beautiful.
• The town of Jezzine, located in the south of Lebanon, is known for its cutlery. The cutlery is made of gold, silver and other precious metals. Many have handles made of bone or ivory. Some have the shape of a firebird.
• Grass weaving is yet another ancient tradition that exists in Lebanon. People use palm leaves, agarwood (oud) and other materials to make furniture, hats, mats and baskets. Places famous for such objects are Aaakkar and Aamchit.
• Enfeh (Anfeh) is a small coastal town in the north of Lebanon. It has predominantly Greek Orthodox population. It is famous for its high quality salt harvested from the Mediterranean Sea.
• The salt is used in cuisine or as a bathing salt. Salt scented with various oils can be bought in sachets. Women in Lebanon often place them in wardrobes.
• Wedding engagements in Lebanon are usually organized in the bride's home. The groom brings lots of presents. There is a big party going on.
• Lebanese wedding can last for up to three consecutive days. The most impressive is the day of Zaffeh. Nowadays this term means wedding celebration in general. The wedding starts with two parties – one in groom's home and one in bride's home. With the arrival of groom to bride's home the third party starts.
• There is lot of food. Everybody's dancing. Classical Lebanese belly dancing is often performed at the wedding reception. It symbolizes transformation of the bride into a sensual woman. The couple serves ghoraibi cookies to the guests. These white butter cookies symbolize bride's purity. The party lasts till dawn.
• When the bride and groom are leaving the bride's home women gathered there give them blessings. The "Ah Weeeee-ha" and the "zalghouta" are the joyous sounds that can be heard at every wedding. As sign of joy people throw petals and rice on the bride and groom.
• After the wedding, the groom's family invites the bride's family for a big lunch or dinner. After that dinner, the bride's family invites them back. All in all more opportunities to have a good time.
• One more wedding related detail. If the bride steps on single girl's foot it is believed that it will bring her luck and that she is going to marry soon.
• Christians in Lebanon celebrate the Christmas. As Arabic and French are the two official languages of the country you can hear local people say in Arabic "I'D Miilad Said Oua Sana Saida" or in French "Joyeux Noël". Both expressions mean "Merry Christmas".
• Some two weeks before the Christmas people plant seeds (chickpeas, wheat, beans or lentils) on a piece of cotton. They water them every day. Until the Christmas the plants will grow to a height of about 15 cm. They will be used for the manger in the nativity scene. Traditionally nativity scenes are made of brown paper. Above the nativity scene people put a star. People in Lebanon often decorate their Christmas trees with orange peels cut into different shapes.
• On the Christmas Eve people attend the Midnight Mass. Santa Claus is presenting presents to kids in church or sometimes he makes personal visits at home. Kids usually get sweets or some clothes.
• On Christmas morning people visit friends and neighbours. They spend a lovely time drinking coffee or liqueurs and eating sugared almonds.
• The whole family gathers for the Christmas day lunch. The lunch is usually in the home of the grandparents or the oldest son of the family.

Tabbouleh

• Typical holiday dishes are turkey, roast duck, "Tabbouleh" (in Levantine Arabic "little spicy"), chicken with rice, boiled wheat ("bulgur") mixed with meat, "Baklava" (a cake made with honey and nuts) and "Bûche de Noël" (Christmas cake shaped like a log). Tabbouleh is a delicious salad made with finely chopped parsley, bulgur, spring onion, olive oil, black pepper, lemon juice and different spices.

Baklava

• In Beirut people traditionally celebrate the start of new year by shooting tracer bullets over the Mediterranean Sea. After midnight many stroll in their cars along the coast. This custom of strolling is done during other holidays too.
• When the child is born, the family prepares Meghli. Meghli is a traditional rice pudding. The ingredients needed for preparing this delicacy are pounded rice, sugar, caraway seed, anise seed, powdered ginger and water. Meghli is usually decorated with some blanched almonds, walnuts, pistachios etc.
• The "man'oushé" or "man'oushe bi za'tar" is the most popular breakfast food of the Lebanese. It is the traditional Lebanese bread. The word man'oushé comes from "na'sh" which is term used by local bakers.

Man'oushé

• Bakers put a special mixture of thyme, sesame seeds and olive oil (za’tar) on the bread. The man'oushé can have cheese topping too. Salty white ‘akkawi cheese is used for this purpose.
• When describing traditional Lebanese cuisine term "mouné" (in Arabic "mana" means storing) should not be missed. Mouné (preserves) are made from both fruits (jams, marmelads, syrups) and vegetables (pickling, making paste, with olive oil).
• Very popular form of meal in Lebanon is "mezze". The word mezze is derived from Turkish "meze" and Persian "maze" which means taste or snack. The mezze is a group of appetizers or small dishes which is usually accompanied with beverage like arak, ouzo, raki or wine. Typical mezze includes different salads, dips, patties and stuffed grape leaves.
• Mezze also has a social importance. It is a time when people gather and discuss different topics. The Lebanese especially love two types of bread. The first one is „khub“ which is pita type of bread. The second one is paper-thin bread known as „marqouq“
• The pita bread that has gone stale is used for making a salad called fattoush (fattouche, fattush). Apart from toasted or fried bread this delicacy includes tomatoes, lettuce, radish, cucumber, onion, purslane, sumac, mint, olive oil, salt and some lemon juice.
• People in Lebanon drink lot of coffee ("ahweh"). Some locals say that those who do not drink coffee are going to loose nationality. Coffee drank in Lebanon is mainly Arabic (Turkish) style. It is strong and often flavoured with cardamom. Some people also add few drops of orange blossom water. The Lebanese prefer their coffee very sweet.
• People prepare their coffee in a long-handled coffee pot called "rakwe". The coffee is poured straight from the rakwe to "demitasse". A demitasse is a small cup (from French "half cup"). Such a cup has capacity of 60-90 ml (2–3 fl oz).
• There is also a “white coffee”. For the Lebanese it is actually a herbal tea prepared with orange blossom water. White coffee is originally from Beirut. It is usually served after meal with some candied roses petals.
• In Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East people often drink a beverage called "Jallab". Jallab is made from dates, grape molasses and rose water. It is often served with crushed ice, pine nuts and raisins which float on its surface.
• Let's now visit a Lebanese vineyard. The most popular grape varieties in Lebanon are of French origin like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Rhone varietals. Some indigenous grapes like for example Musar white exist too.
• All the biggest Lebanese vineyards are located in the south of Beqaa Valley. Three most important wine producers in Lebanon are Chateau Ksara, Chateau Kefraya and Chateau Musar. Chateau Ksara started producing wine in 1857. Today it produces 70% of all wine in Lebanon.
• Imagine now that it is mid-September. It is time of grapes picking. People of Lebanon use grapes to make Arak (Araq), wine, vinegar or grape molasses.
• Arak is an alcoholic beverage made through distillation and is flavoured with anise seeds. Arak in its pure form is colourless. But it is rarely drank as such, straight. People drink it mixed with water - about 1/3 arak and 2/3 water. Some ice is also added.

Glass of Arak

• When mixed Arak gets milky-white colour. Why? Well, it is because anise in Arak includes an essential oil called anethole which is soluble in alcohol but not in water.
• The grapes picking season is the most beautiful time of year for every vineyard owner. Parties are organized. Everyone is so happy.
• Lebanese women prepare all kind of delicacies like for example Tabbouleh, Hummus, Babaghanough, stuffed vine leaves etc. "Hummus" (Houmous) is a dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, "tahini" (a paste of ground sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. The world largest plate of hummus was prepared by 300 Lebanese chefs in the village of Al-Fanar (about 8 km east of Beirut) on the 8th May 2010. It weighted 10.5 tons. "Babaghanough" is kind of salad made of tahini with baked and after that minced eggplant, garlic and parsley.

Hummus

• Festive clothes is worn. Women wear flowing skirts, shirts, long vests, veils, beautiful headdresses decorated with beads. Men wear "sherwals" (baggy shaped pants) and "labbadeh" (felt hats), colourful vests, shirts and boots.

Derbake drum

• Traditional music is performed. Musicians use musical instruments like "derbake" (a small drum made of clay with goat skin on its top), "nay" (long bamboo flute) and "mijwiz" (short double barreled flute). They perform traditional "daloonah" tune. Daloonah also includes improvised singing.
• Some men and women hold hands and start to dance. Their traditional dance is called "dabke" (dabkeh). Other people present join them by clapping their hands.
• The party continues. People sing. A woman with a jug on her head appears. Others join her in kind of competition. The next of stage are the men with swords perfroming traditional swords dance.
• The old man announces that the grapes juice is ready. The atmosphere reaches even higher level. There is lot of ululation. The ululation is a process of creating long, wavering, high-pitched sound by fast movement of the tongue and the uvula to show thrill, happiness. In the Middle East it is commonly performed by women.
• There is a legend about how the dabke was created. In the past flat roofs of Lebanese house were covered with branches and mud. In time the top mud layer started to crack. The owner of the house put a new layer. But he needed a help to finish the job. So, he invited his neighbours to come on the roof. There they formed a line and start stomping their feet while walking. The mud layer was fixead and new dance was created. First it was known as "Al Awneh". Later it changed its name into "Daloonah" or a form of improvised singing and dancing the dabke dance.
• The most famous Lebanese singer is Fairuz (1935-). Her real name is Nouhad Wadi Haddad. She is known as an "Ambassador to the Stars" and a "Neighbor to the Moon". The Lebanese especially love her songs "Behhbak Ya Lebnan" ("I love you Lebanon") and "Ya Hawa Beirut".
• Lebanon has something what is called Al Zajal. Al Zajal is a form of improvised poetry. Special Al Zajal parties are organized. Zajal is usually performed by a singer who makes up the songs right at the party. They are professionals. In the past people used to invite them to sing at weddings.
• Lebanese literature represents an interesting combination of French and Arab influences. The most famous Lebanese writers are Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), Emily Nasrallah (1931-) and Karim El-Koussa (1971-).
• The Lebanese people love proverbs. Here is one example - "A clear conscience shines not only in the eyes".
• One of folk sports of Lebanon is "kbeich". Kbeich is two men arm-wrestling. The winner becomes quite famous in local community for his strength. Popular fictional character that appears in many Lebanese jokes is Abu Abed (his full name is Abu Abed El Beyrouty). He is usually described as a guy with big moustache wearing red fez (felt hat) on his head. His best friend is Abu Steif. They spend most of their days in the Kahwat El Ejeez which is a famous coffee shop in Beirut.
• Let's finish with the Sahsouh. What is it? It is rather strange tradition. It is performed on the head of the man which has just visited his hairdresser. Other people kick back side of his head with the palm of a hand. While doing this they shout "Naeeman". Before the strike sometimes people present a special Sahsouh tune or jingle. Everyone knows it and that way has enough time to get ready for the Sahsouh.

• Malaysia

Malaysia is a mosaic of three major races; the Malay, Chinese and Indian. In addition, the country is home to many ethnic communities.

Malays form more than half of the population.Tea Set They profess Islam as their religion and speak Bahasa Malaysia, the national language. A large number of homestay villages in Peninsular Malaysia are operated by the Malays. Known for their gentle mannerisms and cultural refinement, many rural Malay folk engage in artistic endeavors.

The state of Sabah and Sarawak are home to a diversity of ethnic groups. From resplendently dress Bajau horseman to the legendary Iban warriors, Sabah and Sarawak offer a gamut of exotic cultures and vibrant traditions.

Traditional Homes

• The type of house that visitors will live in during the homestay programme is most likely a traditional Malay house, which is made of timber and raised in stilts. Some houses display intricate carvings or crafts. The windows open out to the lush greenery that surrounds the homes, offering plenty of fresh air and a sense of calm. In Sabah and Sarawak, visitors will be able to live in a Malay village or other traditional dwellings such as a longhouse (a communal home). In Sarawak visitors can experience life in a Melanau tall house, which can reach up to 40 feet above ground level.

Festivals

• The largest celebration for the Muslim community is Eid ul Fitr, or locally known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It marks the end of the fasting month, Ramadan and the beginning of Syawal. Another major festival is the Hari Raya Aidiladha, which marks the completion of the Haji pilgrimage in Makkah.
• The Kadazandusun and Murut communities in Sabah celebrate Tadau Kaamatan or Harvest Festival in May. In Sarawak, Gawai Dayak (celebrated in June) is centuries-old celebration that marks the end of the paddy planting season ant the start of a new season.

Mock Wedding

• One of the best ways to understand traditional Malay culture is to participate in a Malay wedding, which is fascinating and steeped in age-old traditions. A Malay wedding begins with an akad nikah ceremony. The groom signs the marriage contract and agrees to provide the bride with a mas kahwin or dowry. The bride and groom wil undergo many rituals such as the berinai besarceremony where the fingers are painted with henna. On the day of the wedding, the groom arrives with his entourage of relatives and friends. He is accompanied by musicians beating the kompang (a percussion instrument) and follwers carrying the bunga manggar or palm blossoms. As they arrive at the bride’s home, the entourage will be greeted with the sprinkling of yellow rice and scented water. Sometimes, performances such as pencak silat (the Malay martial arts) are held. Elderly representatives of the bride and groom engage in a custom called berbalas pantun, where poems made up of amusing verses are exchanged between the two parties. To add gaiety to the joyful affair, the groom and his party are sometimes required to overcome humorous obstacles before being allowed in.
• The highlight of a Malay wedding is usually the bersanding ceremony, where the bridal couple will be seated on a dais while family members, friends and well-wishers come forward to sprinkle the couple with yellow rice and scented water as a sign of blessing. Departing guests will receive a token of appreciation, usually in the form of decorated egg called bunga telur.
• After bersanding ceremony, the couple and their guests will attend a celebratory feast called makan beradab. This requires the bride and groom to feed each other. Filled with interesting rituals, the Malay wedding ceremony will make for an eventful day. In most villages, a mock wedding is arranged to give guests a chance to experience this merry occasion.

Cultural Performances

• Rural folk are proud custodians of culture and the fine arts. In most homestay villages, visitors will be able to watch the pencak silat, a fascinating Malay martial art. Silat features elaborate movements, precision timing and highly-skilled manoeuvres.
• The traditional shadow play theatre or wayang kulit is another interesting performance. This show is performed by casting animated puppet shadows on a white cloth screen.
• The puppet characters and stories are usually adapted from ancient epics. The master storyteller, called tok dalang, conducts the whole show from behind the screen as he recites the tale with appropriate sounds and movements. Both silat and wayang kulit are accompanied by traditional music.

• Maldives

The customs and social behavior of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian Ocean. The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various other cultural elements.

Though Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions, Maldivians have built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.

Accordingly the Maldivians converse using a language of their own; In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to Islam and the religion has transformed and introduced new fundamentals to the Maldivian culture.

Folklore

• Maldivians inherited a treasure trunk of ancient mythology and folklore that was passed orally through generations. These myths cover fascinating stories on various aspects of island life.
• Since the islands are surrounded by sea, most folktales depict fearful sea demons and spirits that haunt the islanders.

Life in Islands

• Traditionally the island communities were very close-knit. This togetherness is still prevailing in the small island societies.
• Accordingly men will be mainly engaged in fishery, carpentry and toddy tapping. Women were mainly engaged in household duties and raising families.
• Certain rituals and practices were followed in the islands on special occasions like weddings. Some of these rituals survive to this day.
• The advent of tourism in the 1970's accelerated the modernisation process of the country. Today an increasing number of women hold crucial positions within the public and private sector. As a result of economic growth, dramatic lifestyle changes were introduced.

Music and Dance

• The Maldives boasts of a rich culture of music and dance. Some of the cultural music and dances can trace their roots to distant continents. Resort islands organize cultural performances to entertain their guests regularly during which you can observe islanders performing traditional music and dance items.
• One of the most famous Maldivian cultural displays which involve singing and dancing is called the "Bodu Beru". The Bodu Beru performers, numbering around 20 will be wearing traditional garb of sarongs and white sleeved shirts. Bodu Beru performance is guaranteed to make you sway along with the drumbeats.
• Other traditional music and dance items include; Dhandi Jehun, Langiri, Thaara and Gaa Odi Lava. Most of these items involve rhythmic music and dances using various cultural props. 
• There are some cultural routines exclusively performed by Maldivian women. Bandiyaa jehun, Maafathi Neshun and Bolimalaafath Neshun. Some of these acts were designed to perform in the royal courts.
• Indian and Western music have also greatly influenced the musicians of the country. Frequently resorts host performances of local bands to enliven their guests.

Craftsmanship

• Maldivians are known for being avid craftsmen. The intricate stone carvings found in the Friday Mosque in Male' is a living example of Maldivian craftsmanship. 
• The mastery and inventiveness of Maldivians can be seen in lacquer works, mat weaving, coir rope making and calligraphy. Traditional dresses and ornaments profess the artistry and creativeness of Maldivian artisans. Such exceptional works can be acquired by visitors as souvenirs.

• Mongolia

Mongolian ethnic groups and Mongolian people

• Most people probably think of Mongolia as being inhabited by a single ethnic group in view of the small population size of 2.9 million people with 1.6 people per square kilometer - the Mongols - this is wrong. The rich cultural and social fabric of Mongolia is made up of 20 different ethnic groups one of which is a non-Mongol group - the Kazakhs. 
• More than 90% of the country"s population are Mongolian ethnic groups. The core Mongolian ethnic group, Khalkha, is distributed all over the country, making up 90 % of the population. The Mongolian group stemmed from the ancient Mongolian people and Mongolian tribes being parts of the Mongol Empire founded in 1206 by Chinggis Khaan. The other major ethnic groups, the Kazakhs, make up about 3% of the population and live in western Mongolia, mainly in Bayan-Ulgii Aimag come followed by Durbet, Bayad, Barga, Buriad, Zakhchin, Urianhai, Torguud, Darkhad, Myangad, and Tsaatan reindeer herders.
• As for the linguistic reference of the Mongolian population, it relates to the Mongolian group of the Altaic family except for Kazakhs. This group is composed of Khalkh, Dorvod, Buryad, Bayad, Uriankhai, Zakhchin, Darkhad, Torguud, Uuld, Myangad, Barga and Uzemchin dialects.

Mongolian Traditional Attire, Mongolian National Costumes

• Mongols do like to wear nice, richly decorated clothes which compensate the simple, ascetic nomadic lifestyle. A harsh climate and uneasy life demand attention to smallest details of clothes.  The nomads" wardrobe is compact but has many variations able to serve for different purposes. "It is amazing how this nation invented clothes that can fit all seasons and needs, well thought off and used in many different ways," wrote Medieval travelers from Europe. 
• In general, Mongolian clothes follow the principle "What I have, do bear along." Sudden changes of weather with temperatures fluctuating up to 20 degrees, sudden snow or sand storms make nomads to be always ready in any situation. When a nomadic herder takes his sheep flock to pastures, he carries along everything needed to survive. Mongolian dress has changed little since the days of the empire, because it is supremely well-adapted to the conditions of life on the steppe and the daily activities of pastoral nomads. The deel is the Mongolian traditional garment worn on both workdays and special days. It is a long, loose gown cut in one piece with the sleeves; it has a high collar and widely overlaps at the front. Each ethnic group living in Mongolia has its own deel design distinguished by cut, color and trimming. 

Mongolian Hats and Mongolian Boots - Gutal

• There were over 100 types of hats, different in shape and purpose - for young and old, men and woman, fashionable and everyday hats, for summer and winter, holiday and ceremonies. The Mongolian shoes are long boots made of cow hide with lifted toes and intricate designs and seams. The lifted toes have both a religious and practical meaning. From the Buddhist viewpoint, the lifted toes allow the person to see where he is stepping in order not to harm all forms of life including the insects. From a practical standpoint, the boots with lifted toes allows the rider to have a good hold of stirrups.

Mongolian Traditional Crafts

• mongolian women, mongolia embroidery, mongolian crafts, mongolian artsMongolian nomads" homes, clothes, weapons and living conditions are impossible to imagine without crafts and embroidery. Unique arts have developed from common things used in everyday life of nomads over thousands of years. The beginning of decorative arts was cave painting. 
• Fortune telling sets of animal figures and animal body parts characterized the art of the Hun and Bronze Age people. They also had the ability to make embroidery, applique and stitched felt art. As Hun goldsmith technology developed rapidly, they also developed ceramic art; especially creating vases by the returning method with lock up mechanism or by hand. 
• The 19th - 20th centuries made up an energetic period of development of craft and decoration. Painting, sculpture, embroidery, felt art, books and Buddha printing from plates, bone, wood, and fossil amber craftwork flourished. In the 20th century craft art almost became separated from herding life style and became an independent section of Mongolian art. 

Traditional Mongolian dwelling Ger

• mongolian ger, yurts, mongolian nomads, erecting a ger, mongolian cultureA ger or “house, home” is referred as the White Pearl of the Steppe. It is not only practical in daily use but holds many meanings for Mongolians. The ger perfected to meet the demands of a nomad’s life, is a circular felt covered dwelling with lattice walls that can be erected and dismantled within an hour. The materials of the ger are lightweight that makes it easy for herders to transport the gers either on the back of a camel or on a horse-pulled cart. 
• The gers are decorated with beautiful carved doors and pillars as well as handmade (woven and knitted) fabrics. The two pillars that hold the toono (roof in a shape of a round opening) symbolize the man and the woman of the household, and walking between them is not approved of. 
• A herder can easily tell you what time of the day it is according to how the light comes through roof. The frame consists of one or more lattice wall-sections, a door-frame, roof poles and a crown. The wood frame is covered with pieces of felt. Depending on availability, the felt is additionally covered with canvas and/or sun-covers. The frame is held together with one or more ropes or ribbons. The structure is kept under compression by the weight of the covers, sometimes supplemented by a heavy weight hung from the center of the roof. 

Mongolian Cuisine

• The Mongolian cuisine is primarily based on meat and dairy products, with some regional variations. The most common meat is mutton, supplemented in the desert south by camel meat, in the northern mountains by beef (including yak). Dairy products are made from mare"s milk (Airag), from cattle, yaks, and camels (e.g. clotted cream). Popular dishes include buuz (meat dumpling), khuushuur (meat pastry), khorkhog (a meat stew, usually a special meal for guests), and boortsog (a sweet biscuit). Starting in the second half of the 20 century, vegetables are increasingly becoming a part of the Mongol diet as well. In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, there is a wide range of imported food available.
• Traditional Mongolian staple is simple yet filling with hearty soups, cooked or broiled meat (beef, mutton), pasta and plenty of dairy products.  During summer it is customary to eat more of dairy products, pastries, and drink tea and airag. Herders tend to eat less meat in order to cleanse their body after long winter months. Mongolian tea is made of crushed tea leaves, salt, and milk and is a good thirst quencher especially in hot summer months. Airag, a fermented mare’s milk, is thoroughly enjoyed during summer.
• Nowadays, Mongolian diet has come very close to international, with plenty of vegetables and salads. A variety of international dishes and cuisines can be enjoyed in Mongolia but mostly in Ulaanbaatar and other major settlements. The international cuisine spans from Thai, Japanese, Brazilian, Russian, French, Indian and Italian to German just to name a few. Traveling in Mongolia will give you a sense of travel in time but you will always be back for dinner to the 21st century.

Mongolian Traditional Music

• Morin khuur, a two-stringed fiddle figures prominently in the nomadic culture of Mongolia. String instruments adorned with horse heads are referred to by written sources dating back from the Mongol empire. The fiddle’s significance extends beyond its function as a musical instrument, for it was traditionally an integral part of the rituals and everyday activities of the Mongolian nomads.
• The Urtiin duu or “long song” is one of the two major forms of Mongolian singing. The other one is called Bogino duu or “short song”. Urtiin duu as a ritual form of expression associated with important celebrations and festivities holds a special place in the Mongolian society. It is performed at weddings, house warming, celebration of a child’s birth, branding of foals and other social events woven into the life of a herder. Urtiin duu can also be heard at the Naadam, annual celebration of the independence of Mongolia where the “Three manly sports” featuring wrestling, archery and horseracing take place.
• Mongolian khoomei or throat singing has 4 ranges. During singing two simultaneous tones, a high and a low one are produced with the vocal cords. It is a rare skill that requires special ways of breathing. Khoomei is considered as an art form and not exactly a singing but using one’s throat as an instrument.

• Myanmar (Burma)

NOVITIATION CEREMONY

• Novitiation ceremony is the unique characteristic in Myanmar. This ceremony usually celebrates during the school holidays, mostly in summer holidays at March & April before the water festival. In the Myanmar tradition the boys are compulsory to enter the Buddhist order for a week or more.
• In the Myanmar Buddhist tradition it is compulsory that every boys over eight years old to twenty have to enter the Buddhist Order for a week or more as a novice and over twenty they have to enter the Order again as Ordained Monk. At least twice in his life he becomes a member of the Order and sometimes even more. They stay at a monastery is not considered a hardship because it is a blessing for the whole family as well as for the boys themselves. Monks or novices can stay as long as they wish. 
• A formal Novitiation ceremony involves a parade around the pagodas on the first day with the boys all dressed up as princes. In the afternoon their heads will be shaven and they will enter the Order. On the same day or the next there will be a feast for monks and invited guests. If sisters of the Novices have their ears pierced at the same time, they also are the important participants in the celebrations.
• At the ceremony the line of a dozen cars drive orderly with musical troop follow an a roofless truck car playing music and songs loudly for dancer who take place on the roof top with funny dance to amuse people. To pay homage to the Buddha they go to a famous pagoda at their town, parade clockwise to the pagoda, the parents take place at the front, the fathers carry the Alms bowl and fan and the mothers carry the casket contain robes. Next to them are Monks-to-be and Novices-to-be with their attended holding Gold umbrella over them and a group of girls carry decorated offertories follow them in line. Musical troop and their merry making dancer make all the funs and tease the girls. After the pagoda they have to visit a nat (sprit) shrine for homage. Then finally go to the monastery shave the hair and ask permission from the Abbot to be novice. As a novice he has to observe eight precepts and learn the Buddha teachings from his preceptor. 
• Novitiation is the obligation for every parent, rich or poor, since it is believe to be a great meritorious deed which could prevent them to be at the evil realm.

PUPPET SHOW

• Puppetry is the most popular show in Myanmar arts and culture. The puppets are backed by expert manipulators who conversed, joked and relative humorous stories through their puppets to the delight of the audience. At least four manipulators took charge of a character using handling rods and strings at the back of the curtain and give voice to the puppets. Puppets are beautifully dressed in lavish embellishment with gilded materials and semi precious gems, depends on their characters.
• Puppet shows usually take place at pagoda festivals, which are like country fairs. Marionette theatre is now mostly confined to tourist venues in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.

THANAKA

• One of the first thing that the first time visitors notice sooner or later is the faces of the women of all ages and children coating with yellowish white substance.
• Then they ask the guide: What is that white stuff on their faces? What is that for?
• The guide explain them proudly about the "Thanaka" which is the beauty secret of Myanmar women. In the bedroom of a Myanmar woman on the floor besides the dressing table there has an 8" long Thanaka wood cutting, a flat circular surfaced whetstone or grind stone and a small water bottle with a pore on the lid. After a bath she sits at the whetstone put several drops of water on it and rub the Thanaka cutting on the whetstone continuously at a circular motion with body pressure. Because of the friction of water soaked whetstone and the Thanaka wood bark the paste forms on the whetstone. When the enough paste of Thanaka deposited on the whetstone, it has collected by forefinger and apply on the face and body.
• Thanaka is truly an organic medication for a skin condition and multipurpose. Since mildly astringent and emits a fragrant aroma it is good to use as a combination of skin conditions, perfume and cosmetic.
• It cools the skin; control oiliness by tightens pores and thus prevents pimples, as well as being a most effective sun block. Its use originated with the women when transplanting rice seedlings in the paddy fields on the month of July, August under the tropical sun exposure. To protect from excruciating hot rays of the sun, the women wear thick layer of Thanaka on their arms and faces. For the city girls Thanaka is applied for beauty as natural make-up and for fragrant aroma. 
• It should say Thanaka is the gift of the Saint to Myanmar women. Because Thanaka trees are very hardly thrive well on non-fertile soil of Upper Myanmar arid region where there has a little rainfall. Thanaka trees are perennials and the age must be 35 years old to be mature enough to yield good quality cuttings.

THINGYAN WATER FESTIVAL

• Thinngyan, the Water Festival is the most unique and colourful with the merriest occasion in Myanmar. During Thinngyan days the people throwing water each other since the Myanmar believe that Thinngyan water has the power to cleanse the evil and sins of the old year. The water festival called "Thinngyan" falls on the last four days before Myanmar New Year day, which is in the second week of April roughly on the twelfth or thirteenth, according to the Gregorian calendar. Thinngyan water festival time is the merriest time for Myanmar young and old. Almost the whole populations are in the most joyous mood; roam around the city in cars or on foot to throwing and splashing water each other. 
• Elaborately decorated pavilions and pandals called Mandats are built beside of almost every street in front of government offices and private business establishments. Special Thingyan songs play all the time. Some pavilions have raised platform for traditional dance performance. It is really eye-catching, beautiful Myanmar damsels sporting springs of yellow Padauk blossoms in their hair and a round patch of traditional Thanakha on their cheeks. All the people, mostly young boys and girls, some not-so-young, sometimes parents and kids ride on the open top jeeps, and pick-up trucks come to the pavilions to play water and to see the dance. 
• The Myanmar believes that Thinngyan water has the power to cleanse the evil and sins of the old year. There is an interesting legend attached to this festival. It is believed that the king of celestial beings - Thagyarminn - descends to the earth on the first day of Thinngyan to take note of how mortals behave. He records good deeds on a gold parchment and bad on a parchment made from dog skin. The time the celestial king descends marks the beginning of the 'change' (Thinngyan comes from a Sanskrit word which means change). 
• While Thinngyan is a time for fun, it is also a time for religious reflection. People go to temples to do merit and offer food to monks, pay homage to elders and bathe Buddha images. Food is prepared and offered to one and all. Young people pay respects to their elders by washing their hair, cutting their nails and offering them gifts.

NAT PWE (NAT-FESTIVAL)

•  Myanmar has its won special breed of spirits or nat, as well as these more common ancestral and ephemeral types. With their roots in Hindu as well as prehistoric animistic cultures, Myanmar's multitudinous unofficial 'outside' nats can be found at every gate-post, village entrance and temple, standing guard in their nat shrine (nat houses) over a dazzling array of territories. 
• Nat-Pwe illuminates the still active cult of the thirty-seven nats in the forgotten land of Burma. Difficult to define, nats are the beings between a spirit and a god. They are powerful beings, hard to placate and easily upset, that can be bestowed both good fortune and bad luck on their followers. The cult has numerous devotees, shrines and annual festivals of particular nats.

KO GYI KYAW SPIRIT FESTIVAL

• Ko Gyi Kyaw is a happy spirit who loves to drink and gamble and see his worshippers sing, dance and be merry He is the patron of gamblers. This annual festival in his honor is celebrated in his home town, Pakhan in Yayza Gyo Township for eight days.

TAUNG PYONE SPIRIT FESTIVAL

• Taung Pyone Spirit Festival is a popular festival usually held in August at Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in peoples' lives. The two Nat Brothers honored during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats.
• The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the Kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed.
• The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress.

YADANA GU SPIRIT FESTIVAL

• This festival honours the mother of the two Taung Pyone spirit brothers. She is the Goddess of Popa and her main shrine is on Popa Crest, near Bagan. She too is a powerful spirit and protector of women.

KASONE FESTIVAL

• Kasone Festival is the one of ritual event of pouring water to Bodhi tree (Bo Tree / Ficus Religiosa). The festival takes place on the full moon day of Kasone; this day is also known as the Buddha’s day. Pilgrims pour water on the Bodhi trees in pagoda compounds to keep them fresh in the summer heat of May. 
• The processions of men and women of all ages can be seen on the platform of local pagoda with their fine attire. Young women and men dressed their finery and carrying earthen pots in their hands or their heads and go to pour the sacred Bodhi tree at the Pagoda platform. Food is also served after the ceremony occasionally. People perform the others charitable acts on this day.

THTA-MANÉ FESTIVAL

• This country - wide traditional festival celebrates on or around full-moon day of Tabaung in Myanmar calendar among the Myanmar community. The celebration on a good harvesting, although the name actually comes from the food made of glutinous rice cooked with groundnuts, coconut shreds, sesame oil, ginger and garlic traditional eaten at this time or year. It is cooked in water and then in oil in large, concave iron cooking pots.

HTAMANE'

• Htamane' is one of the famous Myanmar traditional edibles made from sticky rice. Stick rice is the major ingredient and others such as cooking oil, peanut, sesame, coconut flakes, garlic, onion and water are to cook in a huge pan/wok on a big stove using fire-wood. Since the diameter of the pan/wok is over 3ft in diameter (4) strong men are required to operate a pan to cook. While cooking the continuous stirring is required for evenly cooked. Then (4) strong men have to stir with (4) big long wooden spoons like oars to cook evenly. When cooking end you can try the delicious and nutritious "Htamane". Then taking some for offering Buddha and monks and all the rest are made into packets and sharing the neighbor.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

• Myanmar has lighting festivals in October and November as Thadingyut Lights Festival and Tazaungmone Lights Festival.

THADINGYUT LIGHTS FESTIVAL

• Thadingyut Lights Festival is held on the full moon day of Thadingyut in October marks the end of the Budditst Lent. It lasts for three days during which houses and streets in cities and towns are brilliantly illuminated. Pagodas are also crowded with people doing meritorious deeds. It is not only a time of joy but also of thanks giving and paying homage to teachers, parents and elders. 
• After three months of quiet, Myanmar takes on a festive mood again. The three-day Festival of Lights during Thadingyut symbolizes the return of the Buddha from heaven and angels lighting the path of his descent to earth.

TAZAUNGDAING LIGHTS FESTIVAL

• Tazaungdaing Lights Festival is held on the full moon day of Tazaungmon according to the Myanmar Calendar (mid-November). Houses and public buildings are colorfully illuminated everywhere. Kathina robes and other requisites are offered to the Holy Order at Kahtein festival (ceremony of offering robes to monks). The offering of Mathothigan is held on the eve of the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon. Mathothingan is a robe that is woven in a day. Today, teams of weavers compete with one another to complete weaving robes overnight. The woven robes are then offered to the great images of Buddha. 

• Nepal

 Religous Traditions and Festivals

•  Nepal is a multicultural,multilingual and multiethinic country.Similarly, Nepal has the people of different religious tolerance among the people.However,the people who follow Hindu religion are in great number.Besides this,Buddhism is another popular religion of Nepal.The founder of Buddhism is Gautam Buddha.Who was born in Lumbini,Nepal.He is famous as the Light of Asia.There are many followers of Islam,Christianity,Shikhism,Jainism and Kirat religion.Every religion has its own values and norms.People of every religion can celebrate their festivals according to their culture and traditions.Some important festivals are as follow.

  Some festival which is celebrated by different religious communities of Nepal.And This festival is also known as national festivals

 Dashain:

• The Hindus all over the world celebrate Dashain.It is also known as Bada Dashain,Durga Puja,Dusshera and Kalipuja.It falls in autumn in the months of either September or October every year.It is celebrated for fifteen days from the day of Ashwin Shukla Pratipada i.e., Ghatasthapana till Purnima,Goddess Durga is worshipped on the occasion.She is regarded as the Goddess of Power.
• The elder members in the family put Tika and Jamara and bestow blessings to the younger members on the tenth day to mark this occasion .The tenth day is remembered as the Day of Victory i.e,Vijaya Dashami.The other major days of Dashain are Phulpati of Saptami,kalaratri or Mahasthami and Mahanawami,which fall on the seventh,eighth and the ninth day respectively.
• It is a festival of union in the family,of great joy and extreme delight.People put on new clothes and eat delicious food.They go to Dashain fair and exchange greetings and good wishes.People,rich or poor,enjoy alike.
• It is believed that this festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over Maisasur,a demon,and Lord Rama over Ravana,the demon King of Lanka.This festival,therefor,symbolises the victory of good over evil and truth over falsehood.

Tihar:

• It is another great festival of the Hindus.People celebrate it with great pomp and show.It comes about fifteen days after Dashain.This festival is also called Diwali or Deepawali i.e.,the festival of lights.It is observed for five days from Kartik Krishna Dwadashi up to Kartik Pratipada.The first two days of this festival are dedicated to Kag i.e.,the crow,and Kukur,i.e.,the dog.The third day is called Gai Tihar or Laxmi Puja.Cows are worshipped on this day in the morning and Goddess Laxmi in the evening.She is regarded as the Goddess of Wealth.People clean their houses,decorate and illumine them all night by putting candles,small oil lamps or colourful electric bulbs.And they pray that Goddess Laxmi dwell in their house.People,particularly girls and women play Bhailo in groups on the night of Laxmi Puja.The Gobardhan Puja is observed on the fouth fay and oxen are worshipped.People play Dheusi during the night and the next day.
• The final day is called the Bhaitika.On this day,sisters worship their brothers and wish for their long and healthy life.They put tika and garland them.They serve different varieties of sweets,fruits and delicacies to their brothers.The brothers,in turn, give them cash and gifts.
• It is believed that this festival is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to his Kingdom in Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile.

Chhat

• Chhat is a great festival of the Hindus of central Terai.especially the Maithili people.It is a festival of the Sun-God.It is celebrated on the fifth day of Kartik Shukla,six days after the Laxmi Puja.Both men and women celebrate this festival.However,only women observe fast during the day for three days,worship the setting sun in the evening and then only eat.On the sixth day,they all gather around richly decorated platforms near a local pond or a nearby river early in the morning.They take bath and workship the rising sun with flowers and lamps for the long life and good health of their husbands.After finishing the worship,all the family members sit together and eat variety of sweet.It brings happiness and joy in the family and community. 

 Lhosar:

• Lhosar is a Buddhist festival.Lho means year and Sar means new.Lhosar thus basically is a New Year festival.It is celebrated mainly in the Himalayan region by the Gurungs,Tamangs and the Sherpas.They celebrate Lhosar according their own community and customs.Some celebrate it on 15^th of Poush,some on Magh Shukla Pratipada and others on Falgun Shukla Pratipada.The Gurungs have Tamu Lhosar,the Tamangs celebrate Sonam Lhosar and the Sherpas observe Gyalpo Lhosar.
• Lhosar is a festival of feast,joy and dance.people draw swastiks,symbol of peace and good fortune ,in their homes.They also decorate their homes with paintings of natural elements like the Himalayas,the sun,and the Moon.They wear new clothes and eat sumptuous meals.They generally gather at public places and play games,engage in fun,sing and dance.They alos visit their elders and seek their blessings for a healthy and prosperous New year.They exchange greetings and gifts with each other. 

Christmas:

• The most important festival for the Christians is Christmas.It is also known as X-Mas.The letter X represents the holy sign Cross for the Christians.It falls on 25 December every year.It marks the birth anniversity of Jesus Christ,the founder of Christianity.It is generally celebrated for three days from 24 to 26 December.
• Christmas eve is celebrated on 24 December.On Christmas eve,they decorate a pine tree called Christmas Tree with candles,colourful papers,balloons and flowers.They keep  the presents and cards given by their friends and relatives under this tree.They open them later to know who owns the most and best of them.They have great fun.
• The Christmas father is Santa Claus.It is believed that he comes during the night and leave presents for the children in their socks.During the day,they go to church and pray together.They put on special caps and new clothes.
• 26 December is known as Boxing Day.Rich people give boxes full of gifts or money or food and clothes ot the poor people.They visit their friends and relatives on the occasion and have a lot of fun,is celebrated as the New Year Day.The christian era started from this date from the time of jesus Christ.They exchange New Year greetings and wish each other good health and prosperity in life.

Eid:

• Eid is a New Year festival of the Muslim community according to the Hijri or Hijaratera.The Hijriera began from the time of Prophet Mohammad who is the messanger of their Allah.All the Muslims follow the Hijri calender.It is believed that some people threatened to kill Prophet Mohammad while he was preaching his ideas.He along with his followers,therefore,left Mecca for Medina.This journey is called Hijara which means migration.Mecca and Medina are thus the two most holy places of the Muslims.
• The Muslims observe a month long fast called Roza during the month of Ramjan.They do not eat anything,not even drink water during daytime.All the family members sit together and eat after sun set.They believe that this will purge and discipline them.They celebrate the last day of Ramjan as Eid-ul-Fitr.They congratulate,embrace and greet each other Eid Mubark which means Happy New Year.They put on new clothes,eat variety of sweets and visit their friends and relatives.They go to the mosques and read Namaz.They also give alms called Zakat to the poor,disabled and needy people.
• All these religious festivals carry the message of love and peace.They help to foster friendship,brotherhood and peace in society.Hence,they promote national unity and integration.

Maghe Sangkranti

• Maghe Sangkranti has a great importance in the Nepalese society.Most of the Nepalese festivals are based on lunar calender.Yet there are some festivals which are based on solar calender.Nawabarsha(New Year),15^th Asar,Saune Sangkranti along with the Maghe Sagrakanti are the festivals based on solar calender.
• Sangkranti means the first day of the month .Therefore,Maghe  Sangkranti is observed on the first day of the month –Magh.This festival is observed to mark the end of winter season.During December 22^nd the sun comes gradually to norhern hemisphere,and the palces at the nothern hemisphere start to get warmer.
• Maghe Sangkranti is a social festival.It is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country.In hilly regions people gather at the riverside and take bath early in the morning and eat Til ko Laddu(a kind of sweet made of sesame),boiled roots(yam,sweet potato,potato,etc.)and Khichadi (dish made with rice and lentil together ).It is believed that all the food that we eat on this day shall have been cooked at the previous day(end of the Poush month)except Khichadi.In terai,especially in Tharu community,this day is celebrated as ‘Maghi’.This day marks the New year in their community.Many of the fairs are organized at different parts of the country.The fun and excitement of these fairs are remembered throughout the year.
• This is the one of the days of celebration of social value.such celebrations construct our culture and traditions.It is our duty to conserve these festivals which are celebrated by different communities of the country.

Ram Nawami

• Ram Nawami is one of the important festivals of all the Hindu people of Nepal.It falls on the 9^th day of the full moon fortnight of Chaitra.It is believed that the Lord Ram was born on this day.Lord Ram was one of the most influential incarnations of Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trinity.Lord vishnu is the God who takes care of all the living beings after being created by Brahma.It is believed Lord Mahesh (Shiva)takes the life later on.
• Ram was an ideal person.He was obedient to his parents and the caretaker of responsibilities.We gain Knowledge of obedience,brotherhood,peace,endurance,tolerance,apology,justice and above all the truthfulness by studying his life.
• Many people observe this day with fasting .Early in the morning people visit the temples of Lord Ram.A grand fair takes places at Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur. 

Religous Traditions and Festivals

• Nepal is a multicultural,multilingual and multiethinic country.Similarly Nepal has the people of different religious tolerance among the people.However,the people who follow Hindu religion are in great number.Besides this,Buddhism is another popular religion of Nepal.The founder of Buddhism is Gautam Buddha.Who was born in Lumbini,Nepal.He is famous as the Light of Asia.There are many followers of Islam,Christianity,Shikhism,Jainism and Kirat religion.Every religion has its own values and norms.People of every religion can celebrate their festivals according to their culture and traditions.Some important festivals are as follow.

Janai Purnima

• Janai Purnima is the common name of the festival Rishi Tarpani or Raksha Bandhan.This festival falls on Shrawan Shukla Purnima (The full moon day of Shrawan).This day is one of the most important days for the Hindu community because it has highly religious value.People take bath early in the morning and the male members of Brahman and Chetri change Janai for the year.Janai is the sacred thread,which they start to wear after the Bratabandha or Upanayan ceremony.On the same day all the people receive another sacred thread yagyopavit(Raksha Bandan).It is believed that this tread prevents them from on every kind of misfortunes.In the terai sisters tie Rakhi on the brothers’ wrists,secure their brothers making from any kind of mishaps.On this day all the people of Newar community prepare a special Kind of soup,Kwanti which is made by mixing nine different kinds of seeds.

Teej

• This festival is celebrated by the women of Hindu society.This festival falls on Bhadra Shukla Tritiya (the third day of the full moon of Bhadra).This festival is also known as Haritalika.On this day all the women observe fasting for the whole day.It is believed that in the Vedic period,Parvati observed fasting on this day hoping to marry with Lord Shiva.And just after that she got married with him.So,the married women celebrate this festival for better status and long lives of their husbands,and the unmarried girls wish for good husbands.On the eve of Teej(The evening before the fasting day)all the women eat ‘Dar’ with the family members.Dar is a special meal,prepared for that special day of Teej.

Shree Panchami

• The festival which is celebrated on the fifth day of Magh Shukla Panchami (the fifth day of the full moon day of Magh)is famous as Shree Pancchami.This is also called as Basanta Panchanmi as spring season begins from this day.Saraswati is worshipped on this occasion Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom.Most of the people of Hindu community go to the near by Saraswati temple and worship her.This is the special day for the students.People believe that this students.People believe  that day is the best day for their children to start formal learning because they believe that goddess Saraswati gives them a divine blessing on this day.
• In Buddhist community,this day is called as Manju Panchami.Manjushree is the god of learning for the Buddhists.

Udhauli/Ubhauli

• This is the main festival of the Rai c ommunity.This festival is celebrated  on two days of the year.The first is the Udhauli and other is the Ubhauli.Udhauli falls at Kartik/Mangsir and Ubhauli in Baishakh/Jestha.This festival is celebrated differently at different places.Some people celebrate it with chandi Nach,some with Sakela or Sakewa or some with Sakela or Sakewa or some other with Baishake or Badanmet.It is because Rai community has different cultures at different places.At this festival Nakchhong(the priest)recites Mundhum at different religious places like Chandithan,Margathan or Mangkhim.At every household people celebrate this festival worshipping ancestors and dance playing with Dholjhyamta.They eat different delicious foods and enjoy together.

• North Korea

North Korea is enriched with various cultural issues and events. The lifestyle of North Korean People is full of festivities and holidays. The colorful events make North Korea an interesting land for the outskirt travelers to visit and explore in excitement. 

The cultural fests of Northern Korea are both traditional (celebrated according to Lunar calendars) and regional. For the prolong engagement in war-fronts North Korea culture was shattered due to the loss of lives and barren-ness in cultural productivity and celebrations. 

Culture and religions

• are well-coined terms. Long time back, before twenty six hundred years North Korea derived Buddhist religion from some part in India, and has switched into Buddhism. Till now the birth of Buddha and other Buddhist celebrations are celebrated by the people of North Korea with huge affections. During this time people here exchanges cultural beliefs among each other thus a unity is seen among diversity in the country between the non-Buddhist and followers of Buddhism. 

North Korea Culture 

• is also reflected in the rural and urban lifestyle of the country. Farming, forestry, art and craft are all parts of North Korea culture that highlights on their way of life and simultaneously gives a clear view of their society to foreign people.
• Handicrafts, culture of dry wine, traditional fests, local sports, cuisine of various types including rice-cake, are all part of North Korea Culture that makes this country distinguished in Asia. 

CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS

-Male Dominated Society

• Koreans believe in family, community and society. The father is the head of the family. Women aren't supposed to get involved in decision making, but that is changing over time as women start to emerge as leaders, business executives and teachers. 

-Confucius and His Teachings in North Korea

• Confucius and his teachings have a deep impact on Koreans and that's why they believe in:duty, loyalty, honor, sincerity, reciprocating and following protocols while meeting, eating, praying and even celebrating. The father must take care of the health, shelter, food and marriage of his family members.Bowing is just like the handshake in Korean culture. The younger generations have blended the western culture with their native culture by shaking hands after bowing to each other.

-Gifts to Family and Friends

• Koreans like to stay in touch with their friends and family. Gifts have remained an important part of their culture. The quantity or numbers also add value to your gifts; seven is considered as a lucky number so anything in multiples of seven will be accepted heartily. However, they avoid giving anything that falls in the multiple value of four because Koreans consider four as an unlucky number. Red, yellow and pink colors represent happiness and prosperity in the Korean culture. The use of white, black or green colors for wrapping is offensive and must be avoided. 

-Dining Rules

• Dining and eating means following a strict protocol. No indoor farewells, the removal of shoes before entering the house or dining room, and most importantly, only male hosts will serve the drinks.

-Buddhism

• Buddhism is the main religion in Korea and its teachings reflect in Korean lifestyle, culture and arts. Numerous Buddhist statues, monuments and temples have been included in the National Treasure and Monument list by the government.

-Pottery and Ceramics 

• Korean culture is incomplete without pottery and ceramics. Pottery is Korea's cultural emblem and it started hundreds of years ago. Today, celadon, a Korean blue-glazed pottery, is famous all over the world. This pottery style was passed on to the Japanese by the Koreans.

-Marriage

• A Korean marriage does not mean the union of two individuals only, but also the unification of two families and two different lifestyles. Matchmaking with the help of matchmakers, wedding parade on a pony, bowing to the members of family, couple drinking from the same cup and bridal procession are major rituals of a traditional Korean marriage.

-Clothing

• Traditional clothes are the pride of the Korean people. Hanbok is the name given to traditional Korean attire. It is worn in marriage ceremonies, family functions and traditional festivals. It is also the official government and national dress in Korea. People of all ages wear it with pride because it is one of the emblems of their cultural identity.

• Oman

The Omani culture is steeped in the religion of Islam. Oman has developed its own type of Islam, known as Ibadhism. There are also Sunni and Shia Muslims in Oman. With this in mind the Islam month of fasting, Ramadan and other Islamic festivities are very important events in Omani culture. A very important part of Omani culture is hospitality. If invited into an Omani house, a visitor is likely to be greeted with a bowl of dates, another of halwa, kawa (coffee with cardamon), tea with cardamon and ginger, fruit, and small sweet pastries.

The government provides some limited assistance for the arts through subsidies to such organisations as the Omani Arts Society. Most artists, however, either hold full-time jobs or come from well-to-do families.

Architecture

• Yemeni houses are built using local materials and always blend harmoniously with their natural setting. Reeds, mud and brick are used in the valleys and the plains, while stone-building is common in mountainous dwelling areas. Decorations on the house façades tend to vary from region to region.
• The tower is the most popular type of architecture in the highlands; the tower is made of stone or brick and it usually reaches a height of 4-6 storeys to accommodate an extended family. The ground floor of a tower house is used for storage and housing domestic animals. The first floor rooms store household items and the second floor usually contains a reception room for guests. Bedrooms and the kitchen are located on the top two or three floors, with the kitchen usually being equipped with a well, which passes through the lower storeys and into the ground. The top floor contains a large room called the mafrai, where the owner of the house meets his friends in the afternoons, to talk and chew qat.
• In the Tihamah region, the dwellings are low. Houses in the countryside are usually one-room huts built of reeds, with a sharply pointed roof. Town houses in this region are of one or two storeys and are built of brick, often with intricate decorations on the outer walls.

Literature

• In the past, literature was confined to religious treatises and histories. Like other Arabs, Omanis gave great importance to oral traditions, including poetry and an emphasis on genealogical roots. The Ministry of Information has sought to revive these traditions through folk programs on radio and television. In the last decades of the 20th century, a small number of authors published works of fiction and poetry.

Visual Arts

• Traditional Omani handicrafts are in decline although periodic attempts are made to encourage their production. Notable handmade products include silver and gold jewellery, woven baskets, goat- and camel-hair rugs, swords and khanjars (curved daggers), and large pottery water jugs. 
• Drawing, painting, and photography have become popular forms of expression in educated circles, although artists still tend to avoid representation of the human form as per Islamic convention.

• Pakistan

Pakistan is vey rich and vast in culture and traditions. Culture, customs and traditions of Pakistan comprises a lot of cultures and groups. Being a historical country which dates back to thousand of years Pakistan has adopted many cultures and traditions from time to time.

even many tribe can be seen in tribal areas where life is same like hundred year before. But in cities people are going with modern age and technology.

Pakistan has 4 major provinces Punjab, Sindh, North west frontier Province and Balochistan. Culture, traditions, and way of life is greatly differ in all regions and provinces. Eating habits, marriage customs, way of life, following stricly Islam Religion, social priorities and many things differ in each province and region there are many shades of life.

If I honestly tell. The culture and traditions of Pakistan and india always surprises me. I have never been to india but I know a lot about India through media, news and websites and I know that it is same like my country as we have been living together for many years and we have many same culture and tradition .

I wish one day I will be able to

visit multicultural india. Both countries are very rich in culture and

traditions. Different cultures and traditions can be seen after every

kilometer, every corner.

Culture and traditions change place to place. Basically pakistan

is muslim country and islam is mostly followed religion through out

the country.

Wearing of jeans by girls, boy and girls friendship, hugging, parties,

hanging out with friends, girls jobs and  drinking is may preferable in rich

families in big cities.

On the other hand the same things can be considered very

bad and radiculas in middle class families.

Food

• Pakisatanis are big friend of oil and chilies in their food. Eating habits and way of making dishes differ from region to region. The daily meal of a Pakistani is Chapati or Roti made from flour which is served with any vegitable or meat. Lassi is usual drink made from yogurt by mixing water or milk. It is favourite amonge local as breakfast. It is usually likable act to eat desert after the dinner, that can be kheer (made by mixing and boiling rice and milk), sweet rice, Dates, or any sweet. Rice is favourite dish by ladies through out the country however it is also liked by men. Mithai (Made by corn flour, sugar and milk) is very famous among locals and widely used to give each other as gift on festivals, marriages and other occasions.
• Junk and fast food is very popular in cities. People like to go in McDolnalds, KFC, Pizza Huts, and in restaurents.
• In north people like to eat meat as barbecu and with out pepper and chilie. in south people like chicken and beaf but with a lot of oil and chilies.
• However people also like traditional foods like samosay, Pakoray, Kachori, halva porhi that’s all food items are too much spicy and oily. Tea with milk is very famous among the locals. In other word essential twice or many times in a day.

Dress

• Dresses of  country show the culture, traditions, aspiration, religion.
• Pakistani dress is mainly consisit of Shalwar and kameez for both men and women but in case of  women add a dupatta(A long cloth for covering head and body). Shalwar(A loose trouser) and Kameez(long shirt) is widely used in Pakistan may be because of extreme hot weather during summer. However in cities Pant shirt, paint coat and many western stylish brands are used by locals. In offices paint shirt is prefered and jeans is famous among youngster.
• Dress is varies region to region. It is depend on weather, area, city or village. Dhoti (A soft long piece of a cloth) bind around the waist till the ankles. It is widely used in villages of punjab and Dhoti is used by women in sindh province.
• Following the Islamic religion women cover their head and Upper body over the dress by wearing Dupatta/Chaddar (A long piece of cloth). Its keep save them from cool weather. Similarly men also use Chaddar to protect them from cold weather in winter. Particularly Chaddar is widely used in North west province.
• Pakistani dress is colorful especially on weddings, ceremonies where women wears matching ornaments with dresses. Kalash people save their unique tradition and dresses from hundred year. A tribe in chitral near Afghanistan border. They are famous through out the country for their unique colour full dresses, dresses and ornaments.
• In rural areas the turban is sign of respect. Big turbans on men head can be seen during special events, marriages and on social meetings.
• Now world has become global village. In Pakistan there is great influence of western culture. Now a days girls wears jeans and t-shirts in cities and youngster like to see as westerners.

Language

• Urdu and Punjabi language is widely spoken. in big cities there are a lot of English speakers. English language preferred officially but don't expect every one can understand English language even in a big cities you can caught in trouble while talking with Rickshaw, Van, Bus drivers or a while shopping with a sales man.  

Religion

• Islam is main religion in Pakistan. however a very little number of person also exist in Pakistan who followed other religions.

Marriage traditions

• In Pakistan marriages celebrated with very zeal and happiness. it is considered very important occasion by whole family members. It would be more correct to say that marriages are not between couples but a long relation of two families.
• Normally marriages are arranged by parents and elders. They choose life partners for their children for whole life. It is tradition and most of people happy by their parents and elders decision even they did not ever meet each other. In most cases couples meet for the first time on their wedding day. Some people like love marriages and choose their life partner which is allowed. Divorse rate is very low here. 
• Pakistani wedding consist of normally 3 days ceremony but this period, customs and traditions vary place to place.

1. Mehandi (Hina Party)
2. Barat (Nikah Nama)
3. Walima

Mehandi (Hina Party)

• It is first ceremony of wedding which is very coulorful. Hina is applaid on the hand of bride and groom by friends and relatives. It is custom to wear yellow clothes. Women wear specially yellow suits with beautiful ornaments. The friends and family member dance at Dhool (Drum) and on local music.

Walima ceremony

• It is 3^rd day ceremony. A dinner or lunch is arranged by groom family. It is called Walima ceremony. Basically it is arranged to introduce the bride to groom family and friends. 

Music and Dance

• People of Pakistan like to enjoy music and dance. Every province, region has its unique taste of music. Elders like to hear Qawwali and Naats(Traditional style) and old indian songs. Bollywood songs and hollywood songs are popular among the new generation.
• Dances are very popular through out the country in different shapes. But that dances are not like we see in Bollywood or english songs. Pakistanies show their hapiness in different ways for example Hey Jamalo (A triditional dance) in Sindh province,
• Luddi and Bhangra at the Beat of Dhool(Drum) in Punjab, Khatak Dance popular in North west frontier province,

Social system/ Family Structure

• Old people and elders are given honour and respect in Pakistani culture. In a family elders have right to take any decision for childrens. Mostly people follow islamic traditions. Hugging or hand shaking with girls is not considered good particularly with a stranger.
• Most families lives together whole life in one house even after the marriage of son. When parents reach old age and don’t able to work or beer their expences it is the top responsibility of children to  take care of parents as obligatory in Islamic religion. 

Sports

• National sport of Pakistan is Hockey but cricket is most popular sport throughout the country.
• Kabbadi and Kushti(Wrestling type game), horse riding. Polo and swimming are also widely played all over Pakistan.

• Palestine

The major aspects of the Palestine Society and Culture include the customs, religion, languages, literature, art, costumes and music of the land and its inhabitants. The culture of Palestine is still alive in the countries of Israel and Diaspora, although they are separate from the territory of Palestine. 

Cuisine

• The favorite food of Palestine Society and Culture include the bread, pasta, cheese, rice, sauces, soups and desserts. Herbs and spices are also popular with the Culture and Society of Palestine. Along with the mouth watering dishes, beverages, including liquor, wine, coffee, tea and other such drinks are increasingly becoming an essential part of the Palestine cuisine.

Languages Spoken in Palestine

• The languages that are mostly spoken in the country are those of the Arabic along with some Hebrew speaking people. The Armenian language is also used in Palestine Culture and Society, along with other languages like Samaritan Aramaic. There are also people belonging to some Samaritan Hebrew linguistic minorities' community in the society of Palestine.

Religions

• The major religions practiced by the culture and society of Palestine are those of Islam with a major section of the Sunni community, Druzism, Christianity, Samaritanism and Judaism.
• Religions followed in Palestine mainly include a large section of Sunni Muslims and a considerable section of the Christians and Jews. The Jewish community in Palestine accounts for 0.6% of the total population in the Gaza strip. There is also Jewish community in the West Bank area. About 17% of the population in West Bank is Jew.
• There are about 0.7% of Christians in Palestine in the Gaza strip while the percentage of Christian community in the West Bank is 8%. People from various religion of Palestine are an integral part of the land of Palestine. The Sunni Muslims accounts for 86% of the Palestinian population. There are about a meager 2% of Shi'is Muslims in Palestine. Thus it holds that the Islam community accounts for 88% of the population in Palestine.
• The Christian community also includes Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Protestants and Armenian Orthodox. There are about 1.2% of Greek Orthodox, 0.6% of Roman Catholics, 0.6% of Protestants and 0.03% of Armenian Orthodox in Palestine.
• Besides the above, there are people from other religious communities in Palestine. These include the Bahai and the Samaritans. There are about 0.1% of Bahai in Palestine. The Samaritans also account for 0.1% of the population in Palestine.

Palestinian Culture and Customs

• Palestine customs and conventions are closely related to those of its neighboring countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the Arabian world. The literature, art, religions, costumes, cuisines and music are all manifestations of the Palestine customs. The Palestinian customs and values are in fact also followed in the surrounding countries of like Israel and Diaspora, which are completely separate territories
• The Palestine customs are rooted in the very soil of the land and are hence inseparable from the lives of the people belonging to Palestine. The customs of Palestine not only get reflected on the society of the land and the people but also in the famous works of art and literature of the country. Most of the movies in Palestine are made with the help of the funds coming from Europe and Israel. Although the Palestine cinema is not so much advanced as compared to the Arabian cinema, yet it is definitely a true-to-life depiction of the Palestine customs and values
• One of the famous books written on the Palestine customs providing a whole range of insight on this issue is the one entitle, the "Culture and Customs Of The Palestinians", which is written by Samih K. Farsoun.

Palestinian Festivals

• Palestinian festivals bring a whole lot of joy and happiness to the people of Palestine. There are a number of festivals in Palestine. They are celebrated with extreme pomp and grandeur. Some of the Palestinian festivals are:
• Palestine Mozart Festival: This festival is carried out to pay reverence to the musical maestro Mozart. A large number of musicians from all over the world gather at Palestine during this festival. Workshops and seminars on music are also organized to understand music in depth. This takes place in the cities of Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Nablus. Music instrumentalists come over from Europe to be a part of this festival.
• Palestinian International Poetry Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place in the city of Jerusalem. It continues for 4 days and is sponsored by Mishkenot Sha'ananim which is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. Seminars and workshops on poetries are held. The first of this festival took place in 1990.
• Ramallah Festival for Contemporary Dance: this dance festival is one of the major festivals at Palestine. Dancing troupes from different corners of the world actively participate in it to uphold their respective cultures.

• Philippines

The Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. Many of these are in connection with their family life such as DATING, MARRIAGE and BURIAL, RELIGIOUS and many more........

About Dating

• Women during the Spanish regime were generally shy, refined and inhibited. Their behavior was strictly monitored by the family to maintain their good reputation. A girl was not seen alone with a man; he did not touch them, not even her hands when talking to each other they were always an arm's length apart. A man got to know a woman only by being a friend of the woman's trusted friend who would help in case he wanted to have the opportunity to see the girl of his dreams. He did not directly approach the woman; that was impolite. On the other hand, the woman did not face a man alone; to exchange glances with the man was unbecoming.
• A man who had the courage to ask for a date had to pass several tests. First, he got the permission of the girl's parents to visit their daughter. Once he was permitted, his formal visit was in full attendance of the older members of the family who also participated in the conversation. The hardest test was how to convince the girl to say yes because the woman played hard to get. She kept putting off her answer. When the man finally succeeded, the girl was strictly chaperoned during their date so that he was not even able to whisper romantic words.

About Marriage

• MARRIAGE is a sacred to the Filipinos. One becomes the butt of jokes if he or she remains single. A bachelorette is considered a potential competitor for the attention of a husband.
• Parents train their sons and daughters in the proper choice of a mate. Both are reminded that if they marry, they had to get along well not just with one another but with their in-laws as well.
• Before marriage, the boy's parents seek the approval of the girl's parents for MARRIAGE with their daughter. This called pamanhikan. The man's parents often take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls parents. This was especially when they fear that the girl's parents would say no. The grandparents of the man also join the pamanhikan. They first engage into discussions regarding the latest happenings and when the proper climate is established, the man's father states the purpose of their visit, which is to ask for the girl's hand in marriage. The girl's parents are not expected to agree immediately. They will first talk about the shortcomings of their daughter. If the future in-laws persist the parents of the bride give their consent. The details of their marriage are discussed and agreed upon during the next visit of the future parents-in-law.
• The wedding reception is held in the bride's home. Members of the community volunteer to help bridegroom in one way or another by either contributing some money or by offering their services in the preparation of the wedding feats.

About the Art

• Filipinos are lovers of art. Their art is reflected in the things they do and way they believe in daily life. Our ancestors passed their time singing awaits, corridos, and reading stories about the bravery of legendary heroes. For stage dramas they performed the Zarzuela and the moro-moro, forms of art which depicted the life of the people.
• The best examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth century are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the Filipinos. They are structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved arches, altars and images of saints.
• Filipinos love music in any form. This is evident in the presence of various string and wind musical instruments in almost all communities even before the coming of the Spaniards, the skill of the Filipinos in playing musical instruments can gauged when one listens to a number played by a rondalla. A rondalla is composed of musicians that play stringed musical instruments such as the guitar and the ukulele.
• The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter part of Spanish rule in the Philippines when the guitar was introduced. Added to the guitar was other string instruments that pre-Spanish Filipinos played and nine other instrument that were added much later. All together these instruments formed the nucleus of the rondalla. The rondalla was popular entertainer in almost all sorts of gatherings like baptisms, wedding, fiesta, and funerals. It also rendered accompaniment to vocals, violins and other instruments, solos, and choral ensembles. The rodalla thus became an essentials part of social gatherings.
• The Filipinos also love to sing and dance. Their songs range from folk to pop; classic kundiman to modern operas. They sing to their souls content. The Philippines has contributed its share of the world famous opera singers such as Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello Estanislao.
• Dancing is the moving spirit among many Filipinos. Their skill on the dance floor is superb. Early indigenous dances represented nature. Other Filipino dances reflected Malay, Muslim, Spanish, and American influences.
• Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary-musical program of Filipino songs, dances, dramas, and poems. Now, with school programs consisting of modern dances and plays, pop and jazz music, how can we expect our youth to be proud of the Filipino culture? What can be done before it is too late.

About the Games

• Children of yesterdays played games that no longer familiar to the children of today. Their games were played either indoors or outdoors in involving little active participation.
• Some games were imitations of what the elders did. The bahay-bahayan, lutu-lutuan were imitations of mother's household activities which the girls enjoyed playing. Other games were replicas of daily happening in the rural areas.
• A typical example was the game Pusa at Aso. In a circle, sticks, slippers, and wooden shoes were placed to symbolized the bones of the dog' which was IT. The CATS who were the other players tried to get into the circle to steal the bones without being caught became the dog. This was repeated as many times for as long as the players are not tired of the game.
• A more exciting game called Juego de anillo involved knights on bicycles trying their best to hook a ring dangling from a ribbon. Hulugang panyo reminded one of the days when ladies dropped their hankies to call the attention of the gentlemen.
• A game popular to boys and adults is playing with the trumpo or top. The trumpo is a conical-shaped wood made from guava branches with a pointed nail at the tail of the cone. The trumpo spins on the iron-nail. In an outdoor game called podigo, one players would try to split another boy's trumpo placed in the middle of a drawn circle after spinning, he becomes the next taya or it.
• Luksong tinik and Piko are moderately active games which are usually played by girls. Piko involves hopping on one or two legs through a series of rectangle drawn on the ground. Luksong tinik is played by two player who are seated facing each other and stretching their bare feet are in contact.
• Touching the toes are their fingers, one above the other is spike form. The other players jump over the feet; then over the feet and one hand, and so on until all the hands are spread over the feet. A player may continue playing as long as he does not touch any of the formal spikes; the moment he touches them, he becomes the it.
• Quite games at siesta time can either be the siklot or sungka. Siklot uses sigay shells, sampaloc seeds, or pebbles. The player gently tosses the shells and catches them back with her hand. The forefinger hits the shells that fall to the floor one by one. When the player succeeds in catching and hitting everything, he gets a prize. The game continues until all the shells have been captured.
• Sungka like siklot, also needs shells sigay or tamarind seeds. The game hole carved in it. Each hole to begin should contain seven shells. One player drops one shell onto each hole. He picks the other shells in the hole where he drops his last shell, then continues dropping a shell in each hole. He continues playing as long as he has shells to drop. Should he drop his last shell into an empty hole, then his chance to play ends. It is now the other player turn.

THE FILIPINO RELIGION

• Before the introduction of Christianity, the Filipinos were mostly pagans. They worshipped spirits which they believed dwell in objects like trees, mountains, rivers, ect. They worshipped nature, the sun the moon, and the stars. They also believed in a supreme God or deity. Because of their belief in a deity and in animate or living things their religion was called animo-delsm.
• It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos become Christians. Today, majoruty of the Filipinos are Catholics. But a group of Filipino Catholics headed by Mr. Gregorio Aglipay founded the Philippines Independent church. This splinter, nationalistic group does not recognize the Pope as the head of the Catholic church. But their beliefs and doctrines are the same as of the catholic. This group are called Aglipayan after their founde.
• Another Filipino church and one of the true Filipino church that has originated in the Philippines is the IGLISIA NI CRISTO which has a fast growing membership throughout the Philippines and the world.
• According to Encyclopedia Britanica Macropaedia page #246 Volume 6 IGLISIA NI KRISTO is the largest entirety indigenous Christian church in the Philippines. Its members assert that the early church was restored in GOD'S chosen nation, the Filipinos when Brother FELIX Y. Manalo launched this church in 1914. Rapid growth after 1945 produced some 600,000 members by the late 20th century, imposing chapels throughout the nation, and wealthy centralized organization under Bishop ERANO G. MANALO, the son of FELIX. Strong discipline from the leaders dictates a literal interpretation of the BIBLE and suggest individual contribuitions and the casting of votes, making the church a substantial political power. Unitarian in theology and Philippines in its language, liturgy, and music it represents a popular anti-Western movement for spiritual independence.

THE CATHOLICS CELEBRATIONS AND PRACTICES

• In spite of the diverse religious groups in the Philippines each with its particular practices; the Filipinos believe in only one God who is almighty and omnipotent. Religious practices show concern and love for one's neighbors. Among the Catholics, the Ten Commandment's set the standard of behavior. They keep images of their saints at home and every church has a patron saint.

THE FIESTA CELEBRATIONS

• Fiestas are held on the birthday of the patron saint celebrated with the holding of a novena, a nine-day devotion of masses followed by special prayers of praise to the patron saint. The plaza around t5he church is decorated with colorful buntings. On the ninth day which is the feast day of the saint, a high mass is celebrated by one or several priests. Suddenly the plaza is transformed into a mini-market where ready-made clothes, toys, fruits, and native delicacies are sold. A brass band plays after the mass and then makes a round of the immediate vivinity playing popular Filipino songs, marches and kundimans. This sets a happy, festive mood in the community with residents going on splurge entertaining relatives and friends from other towns.
• The town fiesta is an event that the residents look forward to. Three or four months before the fiesta the family takes good care of a piglet and chickens earmarked for the fiesta. Of course, the fiesta is an occasion when friends and relatives can be together, enjoy each other's account of the past year's experiences and partake of the palatable dishes prepared for a day. Children living out-of-town make a special effort to come home and be with their parents, relatives, and friends for the fiesta.
• The fiesta is a Filipino heritage that has been handed down from generation. It has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. Must we continue pertrating it as it is? Can it be perpetuated with certain modifications?

THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

• As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25. Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains, Christmas decorations and multicolored lights.Lanterns of different Christmas tree and a Belen are placed in the living rooms of the most homes.
• The nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the cock starts to crow begin on December. These masses are well-attended in spite of the fact that those who attend wake up as early as three o'clock in the morning. As one walks to the church, one will notice the streets lined with small stores selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong.
• The climax of the Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas eve, December 24. The family makes an effort to go this mass. On Christmas day children dressed in their best attires visit ninongs, ninangs, relatives and friends. They kiss the hands of the elders as a sign of respect. In return the elders give them money gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is for everyone and at no other time of the year is the family more complete. Even married children who are abroad make a special effort to be home in the Philippines for Christmas.

THE HOLY WEEK (CATHOLIC) CELEBRATION

• The Lente season is as significant to the Filipinos as Christmas. Christian Filipinos commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ with as much sincerity and seriousness as His birth.
• On Ash Wednesday, the faithful go to church were a sign of the cross is imprinted with ashes on the forehead of every season. Chanting of the Pasyon (Christ's suffering before His death) in the native tongue of the region begins on Holy Week and is held at certain hours of the night. On Holy Thursday, the chanting goes on the whole day and night until the following morning. By Good Friday, the whole town is deep in meditation on the passion and death of Christ on the Cross. In Church one can observe individuals as well as families praying the Stations of the Cross.
• Good Friday is a day of fasting and penance to atone for one's sins. A penance quite common in the barrios is for a penitent to cover his face with a black cloth and walk down the streets beating his back with thin bamboo sticks until blood oozes out of his wounds. In afternoon the devotees flock to church for sermon on the Seven Last Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross.
• Easter Sunday is a memorable day. The faithful wake up early for the salubong, a re-enactment of the Risen Lord's meeting with His Mother at dawn.
• There are many more religious celebrations and festivities observed by the Catholics in the Philippines which vary from community to community and all of which give honor and glory to Jesus Christ this is according to all Catholics believers.
• Other Religions like the INC, the Baptist, Jehovas Witness, Born Christians and some Biblical in teaching do not celebrate the so called celebration.

ABOUT THE BURIAL.........

• The loss of a member of the a family was an occasion for bayanihan. Friends, relatives and neighbors came to condole with the bereaved family. Flowers, and food and money were offered as tokens of sympathy.
• Before the burial, there was a lamayan a vigil attended by all who wished to come. People at the wake participated in some activities such as gambling, telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them awake through the night.
• For as long as the deceased was in state, sweeping the floor and taking a bath in the house were forbidden. The bereaved were also cautioned to keep their tears from dropping in the coffin.
• The general practice was for the bereaved family to bury the deceased member within 24 hours after his death. Close relatives and friends accompany the corpse to church for the religious rites then the funeral procession headed by the band of musicians proceeds to the cemetery.

ABOUT THE ALL SAINTS DAY (PANGANGALULUWA) (practice by the catholic religion)

• November 1 is a day for remembering the dead. According to the catholic belief though it is not biblical. Tradition has it that the immediate members of all the deceased go to cemetery a few days before All Saints Day to clean and white-wash the tombs of their dead. On the day itself, the family attends a mass before going to the cemetery bringing with them flowers, drinking water and food to last till midnight. The cemetery becomes a busy and crowded place. Candles are lighted during the day and all through the night to the wee hours of the next day.
• Another custom during ALL SAINTS DAY called pangangaluwa, is based on the belief that the suffering of souls in purgatory would be lessened if the living would pray for them and material help is given to the living, this is according to the catholic believers.
• At about 10:00 in the night until the early morning hours, men and woman went singing from one house to another representing the souls in purgatory and asked for alms. Later, however, barrio folk did not entertain these souls anymore because instead of aski8ng for alms, the mangangaluluwa stole things underneath the houses and picked fruits on trees in the yards. They would then least on all these stolen goods.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO FOODS.....

• The food of the Filipino is simple. Rice is the chief food. Together with rice, fish or meat and vegetables are eaten. The Filipino is fond of eating pork, chicken, corn, fruits, and vegetables. One of the more popular foods of the Filipino on special occasions is lechon, a whole pig roasted over charcoal fire. Adobo is another popular dish which almost every Filipino can cook. Eating is done with the hands and for outdoor meals, the banana leaves serve as plates. The Filipino cooks his food in clay pots over a clay stove (kalan) using wood to build a fire.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO CLOTHES....

• Our ancestors, both men and woman wore two-piece clothes; a collarless, short-sleeved jacket and strip of cloth wrapped around the waist and in between the legs. The women wore the baro, a wide-sleeved jacket and a skirt of cotton cloth wrapped about the waist. The Filipina wardrobe was later modified. The says, the tapis and the enagua comprised the ladies wear. Do you know how these looked like?
• They says is a long skirt which touches the floor. It has a kola or train which mean the woman holds to keep it clean she moves. Printed satin is the usual material used for the says; brocade for gala use.
• Over this says, a tapis with tassels on the edges is worn. Beneath the saya and tapis is the enagua, a slip with lace edging.
• The elegant clothes of the Filipino women are properly taken cared of. Women give special attention to their clothes especially those made of fibers such as fina or sinamay.

ABOUT THEIR MANNER OF DRESSING

• The washerwoman would sort out the white from the colored ones. the plain from the printed, the cotton and satin from those made of fibers. Dirt was removed using a wooden palu-palo or by trampling upon the clothes laid out on smooth rocks. Round sabon intsik or Chinese soap and blue tina were essential washing materials.
• After washing, some clothes were starched. The starch used was made from rice lugaw pressed with a wooden sandok or ladle form a cheesecloth duyan (hammock) tied tto the clothes line at four points. below this was a wooden batya or basin to catch the starch. This was then gently patted on the barong tagalog and butterfly sleeves of the women's baro. The starched clothes were later stretched into shape and dried on the flat galvanized iron sheets.
• Stains are removed from the clothes by dropping calamansi juice on the stained spots after which the clothes are bleached in the sunlight.
• Starched clothes were sprinkled with water before pressing with a flat iron filled with glowing charcoal.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO HOUSES

• The houses vary in the same style depending on their location and social status and taste of the family. Houses of the Filipinos are usually made of wood and nipa. Later galvanized iron replaced nipa for roofing.
• In some towns, barrios, and cities, houses made of nipa and bamboo are still to be found. Some have sawali walls and cogon roofings. Most of the houses especially the older ones are situated high above the ground for better ventilation and reduced humidity. In the past, building a houses was fast and inexpensive. Houses were built then through the help of friends and neighbors.
• Today there are only few bamboo houses. Most houses are already built of strong materials like hollow blocks, wood, galvanized iron and glass windows.
• Modernity has not entirely changed the architecture of the Filipino houses. The batalan is stall a part of the houses in Luzon and is used as an open bathroom, a place for water jars or tapayan and a place for washing. The modern batalan is made of concrete and is still adjacent to the kitchen.
• The banguerahan, a storage shelf and drainer before the dish rack was introduced, is still a part of a few modern houses. The modern banguerahan is no longer enclosed with bamboo spikes but is screened.
• The old house of before were not painted. The present ones are painted in varied colors and built styles. The old houses were built high on the ground and the space below calle4d silong was fenced with bamboo to keep pigs, dogs, and chickens out.
• Chairs, tables, beds and other furniture are found in most hours. Many Filipinos, particularly t6he Tagalogs, still prefer to sleep on bamboo or wooden floors instead of on beds.
• Some years ago kerosene lamps were used in most houses. Now electricity has found its way in almost all houses. The old kalan or native stove has been replaced by electric ranges; the palayok or native pot by aluminum pots and pans. Firewood and charcoal are still used by some Filipino housewives especially now that gas and electricity have become very expensive.
• The verandah or porch is still a part of today's houses. Pots of ferns and flowering plants surrounded the wall kept verandah. The artistic touch of the Filipino is still evident in his house. In a one-room house, you can see curtains hanging on the walls and windows, and a family picture and a saint prominently displayed in one corner of the room.
• The Filipinos also displays neatness and cleanliness in keeping their houses. The Filipinos housewife uses different kinds of brooms for cleaning. There is the salary or soft broom for sweeping the floor; a smaller one for dusting wall carvings and picture frames; the walis-tingting or stiff broom for cleaning and stone floors; and the plumero, a broom made from chicken feathers for dusting. Buckets, wooden scrub brushes with thick bristles, bunot or coconut husk, dustpans, bar soap, gugo or native shampoo, is-is leaves, banana leaves, kerosene and coconut oil are also used for cleaning the houses.
• Floor wax was prepared by homemakers from candles, atsuete and kerosene melted from glowing embers. In some homes, hardwood floors were swept from scrubbed with is-is before wax was applied. When the sticky wax was dry, the floor was scrubbed again until it became very shiny. The furniture, window sills, staircases and walls were also scrubbed with is-is leaves or polished with wax. Kitchen tables were cleaned with is-is leaves, water, sand and ash. Those made of zinc were wiped with kerosene.

• Qatar

In the past, some tribes were nomadic, living in tents that could easily be packed up and moved. Today, a few people still live semi-nomadic lives in the desert, but most people have settled in cities and towns and have jobs in industry or with government. Most families live in individual houses. The government provides housing for all citizens who need it. Private companies or government agencies that hire foreign workers also provide them with housing.

Hospitality is an important feature of Qatari life. Most Qataris receive male guests at home in a majlis (reception area). Traditionally, according to Bedouin custom, guests were seated on the floor on large cushions (as shown above). Nowadays, however, the majlis usually has sofas and chairs. Men and women rarely socialize together. Women receive their friends in a separate part of the house

Most Qatari women, especially older ones, wear the thoub, a long black coat, which covers the entire body, and a hejab, a black headcovering through which only the eyes, nose and mouth are visible. Underneath the thoub, women often wear Western-style clothes. Despite these restrictions, Qatari women are permitted to drive cars. They are also eager to become more educated and compete with men in different professions. Today, There are considerably more female than male students attending Qatar University.

Festivals in Qatar

• Culture of Qatar showcases the essence of the country. Since Qatar is a gulf country therefore its culture is Arabic. But with changing times the culture of Qatar has also changed. Over the past few years many people have migrated to this region and with them they have brought their cultures and traditions and now the culture of Qatar exhibits the cultural traditions of many other religions too.
• The culture of Qatar can be seen almost everywhere the county uses Wahhabi law as which is a version of Islam which takes a literature of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Several cultural centres have also come up in the region in order to promote and conserve the culture of Qatar. At many cultural centres you can see the famous music and dances of the region.The main religion of Qatar is Islam hence Islamic festivals in Qatar are celebrated with great pomp and pride. The main celebrated festivals in Qatar are Eid Al-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Fitr is also known as Eid, it marks the end of Ramadan. This festivals in Qatar celebrates of the moral victory. It is a day when people forgive and peace prevails as foes become friends. People meet at statdium in large gatherings and they greet each other with hugs which symbolize their love. The Eid is the festivals in Qatar celebrate brotherhood and unity.

• Russia

Russian culture has a long and rich cultural history, steeped in literature, ballet, painting and classical music. While outsiders may see the country as drab, Russia has a very visual cultural past, from its colorful folk costumes to its ornate religious symbols. Here is a brief overview of Russian customs and traditions.

Homeland

• Russian culture places a high value on the homeland and on family, according to Talia Wagner, a marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles. "The Soviet rule left its impression on the culture, creating a fundamental fear and mistrust of those outside the family, extended family and other close familial connections," she told Live Science. The Communist Party ruled Russia and neighboring territories for more than 70 years, uniting them into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The Soviet Union broke up in 1991. 
• "The challenges families faced under communism left individuals highly dependent on family support, which oftentimes required the combining of resources to survive," Wagner continued. "This created a culture that highly values extended family and maintaining close friendships." 

Population and ethnic makeup

• Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of territory, with a total area of 6,601,668 square miles (17,098,242 square kilometers). By comparison, the United States comprises 3,794,100 square miles (9,826,675 square km).
• According to 2014 data by The World Bank, the population of Russia is 141,049,000, a decline since its peak of 148,689,000 in 1992.
• Russia is home to at least 190 ethnic groups, according to the BBC. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that 77.7 percent of Russians are of Russian descent. The rest of the population consists of 3.7 percent Tatar, 1.4 percent Ukrainian, 1.1 percent Bashkir, 1 percent Chuvash, 1 percent Chechen and 10.2 percent other, while 3.9 percent are unspecified.

Languages

• While Russian is the official language, many Russians also speak English as a second language. More than 100 minority languages are spoken in Russia today, according to the BBC. The most popular is Dolgang, spoken by more than 5.3 percent of the country's population, according to the CIA. Other minority languages include Tartar, Ukrainian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin and Chechen. Although these minority populations account for a small percentage of the overall Russian population, these languages are prominent in regional areas.

Religions

• "Religion has always been a primary component of Russian life, even during times of oppression," Wagner said.
• There are nearly 5,000 registered religious associations in Russia. More than half follow the Russian Orthodox Church, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Islam is the second largest religion; about 10 percent to 15 percent of Russians practice Islam, according to the CIA World Factbook. 
• "The third most popular religion in Russia after Christianity and Islam is Tengrism, a form of pagan, animistic and shamanic religion," said Christina de Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Tengrism originates from the Turk and Mongol populations of Central Asia and has enjoyed a revival in parts of Russia as it is seen as part of a certain Central Asian ethnic identity by some regional independence movements.  

Arts, literature and architecture

• Ballet is a popular notable art form coming out of Russia. Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi Ballet is a classical ballet company based at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and known throughout the world. The Mariinsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg is another famous ballet company in Russia.
• Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a 19th-century Russian composer, is world renowned for "Swan Lake" and the "1812 Overture," among other pieces. There are several museums, including his childhood home, showcasing his personal belongings and musical artifacts.
• Russian literature has also had a worldwide impact, with writers such as Leon Tolstoy ("Anna Karenina" and "War and Peace") and Fyodor Dostoevsky ("Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov") still being read around the world.
• Russian nesting dolls are well-known symbols of the country. These sets of dolls, known as matrioshka dolls, consist of a wooden figure that can be pulled apart to reveal another smaller version of the same image inside, and so on, often with six or more dolls nested inside one another. The painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate, usually symbolizes a Russian peasant girl in traditional costume.
• Colorfully painted onion domes first appeared during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, according to Lonely Planet. They are commonplace in Russian architecture and are predominant atop church structures. It has been speculated that they represent burning candles or vaults to heaven and often appear in groups of three representing the Holy Trinity. 

Russian food and drink

• One of the most well-known traditional Russian foods that may seem strange to an outsider is borshch, also spelled borscht. This is a beet soup that is full of vegetables and meat and is typically served with a dollop of sour cream, a staple of many Russian dishes.
• Pirozhkis are small baked buns that can be filled with potatoes, meat, cabbage or cheese. (They should not be confused with pierogis, which are Polish dumplings, boiled and then fried and stuffed with meat, cheese, potatoes or sauerkraut.)
• Caviar, or ikra, traditionally made from the eggs of sturgeon found in the Black Sea or Caspian Sea, is often served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, which are similar to pancakes or crepes. Blini are also served rolled up with a variety of fillings, ranging from jam to cheese and onions, or even chocolate syrup.
• Vodka is a popular alcoholic drink traditionally made from the distillation of fermented potatoes. Beer and tea are also widely consumed.

Folklore & holidays

• Russia has a rich tradition of folk tales that derive from a number of Slavic myths and traditions, according to de Rossi. Russian folk characters are very colorful, and they also betray ancient pagan roots: for example, the Baba Yaga is a witch-like old woman who lives in the forest in a house that rests on chicken legs and is surrounded by skulls and bones. Another tale tells of the Fire Bird, an enchanted creature with fiery plumage that is very difficult to catch, therefore its capture or that of one of its feathers is often the challenge facing the hero.
• Both the Baba Yaga and the Fire Bird can either be good or bad, terrifying or benevolent, and they can bestow favorable or hostile enchantments, de Rossi said. Above all, they must never be antagonized! 
• Some Russians observe Christmas on Jan. 7 as a public holiday, according to the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church, while others celebrate on Dec. 25. 
• Russia Day is celebrated on June 12. This marks the day in 1990 that the Russian parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the USSR, according to the School of Russian and Asian Studies. Initially, it was named Russian Independence Day, but was renamed to Russia Day, a name offered by Boris Yeltsin, in 2002.

• Saudi Arabia

The culture of Saudi Arabia is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade centre, and its Bedouin traditions. The Saudi society has evolved over the years, their values and traditions from customs, hospitality to their style of dressing, are adapting with modernization. The cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia is represented in the following:

• Depth of its civilization that dates back to more than one million years, which is confirmed by the archaeological evidence and the heritage prevalent in this country.
• It was the land of many kingdoms and states that prevailed in the evolution of human civilization.
• Its distinguished geographical location made it a point of intersection of international trade routes through all the ages.
• Being the cradle of Arabism and Islam and the country of The Two Holy Mosques.
• Being a crossroads of cultures and a bridge for cultural communication.

Saudi National Heritage & Cultural Development Campaign

Saudi Arabia was a conclusion of a deep-rooted cultural heritage, as well as an inherent of a series of civilizations that were crowned by Islam religion. Hence, the campaign seeks to highlight the cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia which integrates with its Islamic, political and economic aspects. The campaign’s programs and projects aim at highlighting the cultural importance of the national heritage. The Saudi government gives emphasis to the importance of preservation and care of the national archeological and heritage treasures, highlighting them and being proud of them. Therefore, a number of resolutions were issued in this respect including:

• The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ patronage of the exhibition of “Saudi Archeological Masterpieces through the Ages”.
• Issuance of the Royal Approval regarding listing and preserving Islamic antiquities in the holy cities Makkah and Al Madina.
• Directives of late Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz regarding prohibition the removal of heritage buildings.
• Directives of HRH Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz Crown Prince and Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior prohibiting excavation works adjacent to heritage buildings or archeological sites.

Saudi Archaeological Expo

• Saudi Arabia enjoys great culture and heritage, affirming the depth of its civilization as well as its historic presence through the ages upon which the country stands today. The idea of this traveling exhibition, through a number of renowned museums in Europe and the United States, will acquaint the world with the Saudi culture, and will highlight the particular importance of the antiquities of Saudi Arabia to understand the chain of human history and the current progress witnessed in Saudi Arabia. The exhibition showcases over 320 archeological masterpieces which cover many historic periods starting from the ancient Stone Age (One million years BC) till the Saudi Renaissance time.

Cultural Institutions

• A variety of institutions have been established throughout the country to preserve Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. One of the largest is the Department of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Information, which sponsors a wide range of cultural programs, including literary and drama clubs, folklore classes, library events, arts and crafts as well as science projects. These clubs cover a range of cultural activities. At the drama clubs, for example, participants engage in writing competitions and performances as part of a team. Other clubs offer Saudis the opportunity to develop various artistic talents.
• The Department of Culture regularly sponsors exhibitions, literary readings and symposia at its regional offices as well as its Riyadh headquarters. It also sponsors Saudis to participate in international art and cultural events, including poetry and essay competitions as well as exhibits of calligraphy and artwork. The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, founded in 1972, sponsors Saudi artists and provides ways for new talents to develop and display their art.
• The society has established a library and information center, as well as the Saudi’s first cultural center, located in Riyadh. Other institutions that promote culture include the King Fahd Library in Riyadh, which offers one of the largest collections of rare manuscripts on Arabic and Islamic literature, and is a premier research facility in the Middle East; and the King Faisal Foundation, which offers annual King Faisal International Prizes, including one for Arabic literature. Many King Faisal Prize laureates have gone on to receive other international awards, including the Nobel Prize. The Department of Museums and Antiquities was established in 1974. Today, there are major museums in each of the Kingdom’s 13 provinces, as well many small privately owned ones throughout the country.
• Saudi Arabia’s largest museum is the National Museum in Riyadh, which was established in 1999 to celebrate the centennial of the taking of the Masmak Fortress by the young Abdulaziz, an event that led to the founding of the modern Saudi state. There are also private museums, such as the Humane Heritage Museum in Jeddah.

Language

• Arabic is one of the oldest groups of languages in the world. The inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula were the first to use the Arabic language in pre-Islamic times. With the expansion of Islam and Islamic culture in the 7th century AD, the Arabic language spread north, east and west. The Arabic language is today one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. There are some 200 million Arabic speakers in more than 20 countries.
• Arabic is the official language of many Arab nations in the Middle East and northern Africa, including the Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. Written Classical Arabic is the standard written language of all Arab nations. It is the language of the Holy Quran, the sacred book of the Islam, and has changed little over the centuries. A spoken form of written Arabic is used for formal speech, radio and TV news broadcasts and in films, plays and poetry. This form also serves as a common spoken language for Arabs from all parts of the Arabic speaking world.
• Spoken Arabic appears in a variety of dialects one of which is the Gulf dialect (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE). English is also an important language in Saudi Arabia, widely spoken as a second language by educated Saudis.

Arab and Islamic Traditions

• Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The Pilgrimage season draws millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world come to Makkah every year. It concludes with the Eid Al Adha holiday. Saudis’ valuable Arab traditions include generosity and hospitality. Arabic coffee (its preparation is also a form of cultural tradition) is often served in small cups along with dates and sweets as a hospitality gesture offered to visitors, friends or family.

Folk Music, Dance & Poetry

• Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage is celebrated at the annual Jenadriyah National Culture and Heritage Festival. One of Saudi Arabia’s most compelling folk rituals is the “Al Ardha”, the country’s national dance. This sword dance is based on ancient Bedouin traditions: drummers beat out a rhythm and a poet chants verses while sword-carrying men dance shoulder to shoulder. “Al sihba” folk music, from the Hejaz, has its origins in Al Andalus. In Makkah, Medina and Jeddah, dance and song incorporate the sound of the “Mizmar”, an oboelike woodwind instrument in the performance of the “Mizmar” dance. The drum is also an important instrument according to traditional and tribal customs. “Samri” is a popular traditional form of music and dance in which poetry is sung especially in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.
• Poetry is especially important to Arab cultural life, and has long been considered one of the highest expressions of literary art. It was primarily an oral tradition during the nomadic days of Bedouins, a form of preservation of history, traditions and social values. Poetry remains popular among Saudis today in the form of media (e.g. televised poetry competition) or traditional oral poetry. For instance, the annual Jenadriyah National Culture and Heritage Festival, features the reading of poetry by established poets.

The Arts

• The General Presidency of Youth Welfare is responsible for the plastic arts movement in Saudi Arabia. It prepares both an annual and a five year plan for the encouragement and development of the arts, and organizes regular competitions and exhibitions. It also arranges exhibitions of Saudi Arabian art abroad to provide Saudi artists with an international forum and to strengthen cultural ties with the host Arab and western countries. The Presidency is an active participant in the Arab, regional and international Youth Festivals and Exhibitions. It also participates in the Biannual Arab Exhibition which is supervised by the Arab Plastic Artists Union. Two other organizations play a key role in the artistic life of Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts; and The King Fahd Cultural Center.

Festivals

• Janadriya Festival: This is a major cultural event amongst the Riyadh Festivals and Events. It is held annually and is the oldest and the most traditional of all the festivals. It is usually held from the 12th to the 26th of February each year. This festival is considered to be the National Festival of Heritage and Culture in the Janadriyah region of Riyadh. The Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival, organized by the National Guard under the command of the Crown Prince, also plays a crucial role in preserving Saudi national heritage. The festival begins with a traditional camel race and is intended to embrace all aspects of Saudi Arabian traditions and culture. A feature of the festival is the performance of traditional music by musicians from all over the Kingdom and national dances, including the Ardha, by folklore troupes. The festival runs for two weeks each year and is attended by more than one million Saudi citizens.
• Riyadh Festival for Shopping and Leisure: This festival is held every year in the month of July. Visiotrs can shop all types of things right from garments, accessories and electronic goods. The festival is held in Riyadh.
• Food Festival: The Saudi Food Festival is among the most popular amongst the Riyadh festivals and events, and it is the longest established food exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. It is a bi-annual event and it is a grand opening for the leading food production companies to exhibit their new products, technologies and the equipment they use.

• Singapore

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled.

Behind the facade of a modern city, these ethnic races are still evident. The areas for the different races, which were designated to them by Sir Stamford Raffles, still remain although the bulk of Singaporeans do think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or culture. Each still bears its own unique character.

The old streets of Chinatown can still be seen; the Muslim characteristics are still conspicuous in Arab Street; and Little India along Serangoon Road still has its distinct ambience. Furthermore, there are marks of the British colonial influence in the Neo-Classical buildings all around the city.

Each racial group has its own distinctive religion and there are colorful festivals of special significance all year round. Although the festivals are special to certain races, it is nonetheless enjoyed by all.

In Singapore, food is also readily and widely available. There are lots of cuisines to offer. We have, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western, Italian, Peranakan, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion. It is very common to savour other culture's food and some of the food can be very intriguing. Indian food are relatively spicier, whereas Chinese food is less spicier and the Chinese enjoy seafood. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient, that makes their food very tasty.

You can refer to our Eating in Singapore section for a list of recommended food outlets in Singapore.

Religion in Singapore

• Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Shenism, Christians, Catholics and some considered as 'free-thinkers' (Those who do not belong to any religion). Malays have the Muslims and Indians are Hindus. There is a sizeable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian population.
• Religious tolerance is essential in Singapore. In fact, religions often cross racial boundaries and some even merge in unusual ways in this modern country. Younger Singaporeans tend to combine a little of the mysteries of the older generation with the realistic world that they know of today.
• Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art.

Chinese Temples

• Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and ancestral worship are combined into a versatile mix in Chinese temples.
• Followers of the Tao (The Way) adhere to the teachings of the ancient Chinese legend, Lao Tzu. They are concerned with the balance of the Yin and Yang, which are opposite forces of heaven and earth, male and female. Feng Shui, literally translated as wind and water, also originated from Yin and Yang. Ancestral worship is common and the spirits of the dead, like the gods themselves, are appeased with offerings.
• Most Buddhists are of the Mahayana school although there are some from the Theravada school. In Singapore, the Buddhist faith is linked with Taoism and the practical doctrine of Confucianism.

Islam

• The Malays in Singapore are Muslims. A few of the Indians are also Muslims, but even more uncommon are the Chinese Muslims.
• Islam has a fundamental influence in the lives of those who follow the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad. The religion involves praying five times a day, eating only "halal" food, fasting during Ramadan, and going to Mecca on the Haj (pilgrimage). Halal food means food that has been specially prepared as according to the religion's dietary requirements.

Hinduism

• As the Indian immigrants migrate to Singapore, they brought with them Hinduism. The early temples are still the central points of rituals and festivals, which are held throughout the year.

Christianity

• One will be able to find Christian churches of all denominations in Singapore. They were actually established with the arrival of various missionaries after the coming of Sir Stamford Raffles. Together with Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, Christianity is considered one of the four main religions today. There is quite a large number of Christians on the island.

Others

• Minority faiths are not forgotten. There are at least two synagogues for the Jews and Sikhs. The Zoroastrians and Jains are also represented in Singapore.

Language in Singapore

• The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the most common language used and is the language which unites the different ethnic groups. Children are taught in English at school but also learn their mother tongue to make sure they don't lose contact with their traditions.
• Expatriates and foreigners may encounter language problems in the beginning of their stay in Singapore as many Singaporeans use Singlish to communicate. Singlish is a mix of English with other languages mixed into the English, sometimes phrases can end with funny terms like 'lah', 'leh', mah'. Chinese commonly use their own dialects to communicate, and sometimes, inter-dialect groups don't understand one another's language, as the language is vastly different. Except for Hokkien and Teochew, which have a closer link. The Malays use the language among their fellow races and the Indians speak Tamil. But whatever the race or religion, the country's community unite as one nation, where most religious or racial gaps are being bridged.
• Singapore English has its origins in the schools of colonial Singapore. In the nineteenth century very few children went to school at all, and even fewer were educated in English. The people who spoke English and sent their children to English medium schools were mainly the Europeans, the Eurasians (people of mixed racial ancestry), some of the small minorities, such as the Jews, some of the Indians and Ceylonese, and also a group of Chinese people usually called the Straits Chinese, who had ancestors of long residence in the region, and who spoke a variety of Malay usually called Baba Malay which was influenced by Hokkien Chinese and by Bazaar Malay.
• The fact that all these children would have known Malay probably explains why most of the loan words in Singapore Colloquial English are from Malay. The largest group of teachers were Eurasians, and there were also many teachers from Ceylon and India. European teachers were never more than a quarter of the total teaching staff in a school, and they usually taught the senior classes. These Europeans may have been from Britain (which at that time included Ireland) but were also from the USA, Belgium and France. The children in these schools would have been exposed to many varieties of English.
• In the first twenty years of the twentieth century, English medium education became popular for all groups. Girls started going to school in larger numbers too. By the 1950s nearly all children went to school, and the majority were educated in English. By the 1980s. all education was in the medium of English (with children learning another language alongside English).
• Singapore English grew out of the English of the playground of these children of various linguistic backgrounds who were learning English at school. As more and more of its people experienced learning English at school, English became widely spoken, alongside Singapore's many other languages. Since Singapore became an independent Republic in 1965, the use of English has increased still further. For many Singaporeans, English is the main language. Many families speak English at home and it is one of the the first languages learnt by about half of the current pre-school children.
• Nearly everyone in Singapore speaks more than one language, with many people speaking three or four. Most children grow up bilingual from infancy and learn more languages as they grow up. Naturally the presence of other languages (especially various varieties of Malay and of Chinese) has influenced the English of Singapore. The influence is especially apparent in the kind of English that is used informally, which is popularly called Singlish. Singlish is a badge of identity for many Singaporeans.

Singlish

• Singapore English usually come from other languages spoken in Singapore, especially Malay and Hokkien. Speakers of Singlish are not necessarily aware of which language they are from however.

• South Korea

Korea is a divided country. At the End of World War II in 1948,Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. This resulted in North Korea and South Korea. North Korea became communist, while South Korea did not. (This was based on the deal at the end of the War, dividing the country in two just as Germany had been). North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and South Korea is also known as the Republic of Korea. South Korea, or the Republic of North Korea is slightly larger in physical size, while South Korea's population size is about twice as large as North Korea's population size. The fact that this division occurred has left both North and South Korea on the bridge of war.

Language 

The Korean language is shared between both North and South Korea and is part of the Altaic language family. There are various dialects but the language is generally understood everywhere. 65 million people speak the Language, with 45 million speaking it in South Korea. The language is considered one of the best and most well planned languages in history. Hangul is the Korean name of the language. The alphabet was created by King Sejong in 1446. The alphabet is extremely easy to learn, which gives Korea one of the highest literacy rates in the World.

I once heard this children's story about the language.

Major Cities 

Seoul is the capital and most important city of South Korea. It is very city-like and could be compared to New York City. There is plenty to do there, especially at night. Shopping stands are open during the night and it isn't a quiet place at night either! There is always something to do anytime of the day.

There are also five other major cities; Pusan, Inchon, Kwangju, Taejon, and Taegu. Seoul is a highly populated city with 11 million people. Within a very small area near Seoul and surrounding cities, there is approximately 20 million people.

Traditional Korean Society

Although South Korea is modernizing extremely fast, it still holds on to many traditional values and the old way of life. Where there are not highly populated cities, there are rural area's which are still relatively poor, and still follow traditional ways of life. In cities, millions of people live in apartments, but in the rural area's you will find traditional housing. Also, even though the cities are headed toward very modern times, people still hold onto some traditional values. One thing that guarantee's this is the language. The language has traditional values of social status and respect built directly into it. Words change depending on who you are speaking with. This will keep traditional values always present.

Religion

• Buddhism is one of the older religions in South Korea. It comes from the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, similar to China and Japan. It's influence in society has declined recently, but there are still many Korean's that practice Buddhism. The pictures above are of various temples that followers will visit. 
• Christianity has become more and more popular in recent years in South Korea. Christianity was introduced to Korea by the Jesuits in China. Catholics spread very quickly, but were persecuted by the King who perceived it as a threat. Protestants began to enter Korea in the late 19th century. Some of the world's largest churches will be found in Korea.

Holidays 

Korean New Years 

• There are actually two Korean New Years. This is because Koreans go by two calenders; one being the same people use in the West, and the other being the lunar calender.
• The Korean New Years based on the Western calender is similar to our New Years in the United States. It is a big national holiday in Korea as well, and occurs on January 1st just like it does here. During this holiday, many relatives get together to share time together and talk. In Korea, there are some old traditions that some people will still follow. One is to visit the oldest member of the family and bow toward them to show respect and to wish them a long life (this would occur on New Years Eve). The following day on January 1st people will pay respect to ancestors by offering food and wine. This ceremony is called Jaesa. At the beginning of the ceremony, the names of the ancestors are pinned to a board. The oldest family members bows and offers the wine to the ancestors who have passed away. Then, the names are burned. Later in the day, relatives talk about old times and eat food. The traditional food usually eaten on New Years Day is Duk Gook, a type of soup. Kimchi is always present.
• The other New Years Day is the Lunar New Years. It is usually around February. People wear the traditional clothes called Hanbok. It also is a day relatives may get together. People will exchange gifts, and the children will definitely be happy because they are usually given money on Lunar New Years. Sometimes the Lunar New Years and the Solar New Years are pretty common and involve similar traditions. The main idea behind it all is to wish everyone a happy new year, good luck in the new year, same as everywhere else in the world, as well as pay respect to those who have passed away.
• If you plan on visiting Korea during either of these times, book ahead!

Independence Day 

• Similar to our July 4th Independence Day, the Korean Independence Day represents when Koreans declared themselves independent from Japanese rule. It is on March 1st every year, and began in 1919 when the declared themselves independent from Japanese rule. Japan had taken over Korea in 1910. For the next 9 years, Koreans would live a hard life under Japanese control. Since they declared independence, every year they proudly stand for their independence from all foreign rule, just as we do here in America on July 4th.

Chuseok 

• Chuseok is the same as our "harvest moon." It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month going by the lunar calendar. It is a day where the full moon appears larger and may look orange. This holiday is celebrated in many asian countries.

Christmas 

• Since Christianity took hold in Korea, Christmas has been a growing holiday there as well. It is a little different than here in the west though. Many young people will use Christmas as a day to go out and party and then will spend New Years with their family, which is just the opposite of many Western families.

Children's Day 

• I just thought I would list this holiday because it is a holiday that should be introduced everywhere! On Children's Day, May 5th of every year, children are given money for free and taken on outings.

Hangul Day 

• Hangul Day, also known as Hangul Proclamation Day and Korean Alphabet Day, is on October 9th in South Korea and January 15th in North Korea. It is just a day to celebrate the creation of the language!

Valentines Day, White Day, and Black Day

• All of these are related!
• Valentines Day is on February 14th, as it is here. On Valentines Day, girls will give chocolates and other gifts to the guys. It is similar to our Valentines Day but is more one-sided.
• So, what should be done? White Day was created. On White Day, one month later on March 14th, guys will give more expensive chocolates and gifts to the girls. These chocolates come in white boxes. This way it isn't so one-sided!
• But what about the people who feel left out on those days because they have nobody to give chocolates to? That is what Black Day is for! On Black Day, another month later on April 14th, people who have nobody all get together with their friends and eat JaJang Noodles, which are black in color. It is not as popular as Valentines Day and White Day, but it is still celebrated by some people!

Education 

• Korean society places great importance on obtaining a solid education, and as such everyone strives to be as educated as possible. For the school system, it consists of 6 years primary school, 3 in middle school and high school, and 4 years at a college. After that, there are post-graduate degrees just like we have here in the US. Because education is of such great importance, parents will try to get their children into the best school possible. This leaves some schools in Korea nearly impossible to get into (i.e. similar to trying to get American kids into private schools and ivy league schools, but even more sought after). With the school system, it is somewhat opposite of our system in the United States. In the United States, it is fairly easy to make it through High School but many people struggle in college. In Korea, students work like crazy in high school trying to get into a college. Colleges are much more difficult to get into (And one other reason for this is they aren't quite as abundant as they are in the US). Once in college, life is a little easier, but students still study more than the majority of students in America. For Koreans, their whole early education is based around getting into a good college. That is what the parents want, and once you do that, parents will be extremely happy.
• Education in the English language has become quite common in Korea in recent years. Students begin studying English in elementary school and continue for the rest of their education. Many educated Koreans will know at least some English now, so do not be worried if you visit Korea and only have limited Korean knowledge :) You should be able to find someone who can help you.

People 

• A few basic facts about Korean people. They are generally known for their darker complexion and high cheek bones. As a race, they can be extremely nice as long as you treat them with respect. However, just keep in mind that some cultural differences are involved so you may consider what they do as rude but they do not mean anything personally by it, it is simply thousands of years of tradition. One example of this may be with the older Koreans. Everywhere older people are respected, but in Korea they are highly respected. Sometimes they may appear to be pushy or rude to you, but it really is nothing personal :) Just a different place. The people truly are nice and helpful. If you need help and understand little Korean, they will help you. They love when you want to learn the language and will help you with that as well.
• Some Koreans may still be stubborn and independent (I mean no disrespect!). Some are still very grouped (independent, but grouped.) What I mean is it hasn't been long since Korean's came out of the whole dynasty deal. You may find a lot of generalizations about each 'dynasty', such as the Lee Dynasty, Park, Kim, etc...and most of them are true! There are distinct characteristics that hold true, so older Koreans will ask a lot of questions about family backround.
• If you travel there, you may get looks and feel awkward sometimes, but this is only natural because most people there are Koreans and asians, so any other race may stand out. That is nothing personal either :) I promise! You really should go sometime and enjoy it! It will definitely be worth the visit.
• One common fact that many people never understand properly deals with birthdays. If you speak to an Asian online, you may get confused when discussing ages and what grade in school and everything. This is because birthdays are a little different. Korean people will generally have an age of 1-2 years older than someone elsewhere who was born in the same year. When a Korean is born, they are automatically considered one year old. Many Koreans then consider themselves one year older on January 1st. 

• Sri Lanka

Sinhalese and Tamil are the two main traditional cultures that are celebrated in Sri Lanka, dating back as far as 2,500 years, if not further. In more recent times, Sri Lanka has also been slightly influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial culture. Wherever you travel here, its diverse culture changes from region to region.

Here are some of the main things that make Sri Lanka so culturally intriguing:

The Food

• Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world, and Sri Lankans themselves can’t get enough of the stuff, drinking at least three cups a day on average. Tea is served at breakfast, when a guest comes to someone’s home, at festivals, and at social gatherings. The most popular Sri Lankan tea is known as Ceylon Tea and is grown all over the country.
• Sri Lanka is also known for its spices, with cinnamon being the most popular. Sri Lankans use spices liberally in their cuisine and often feature curry and other food influences from India.

The Festivals

• Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Sri Lanka, the most popular being the Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s festival, held every April. The New Year is rung in with religious activities and traditional games, and the locals often don traditional dress. In August a popular festival is the Esala Perahera festival, a Buddhist festival with lots of cultural dancing and fire dancing, along with decorated elephants in elaborate costumes.

Religious and Historical Sites

• Sri Lanka is home to eight different UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the most popular one being Sigiriya, site of a massive rock that stands 201m (660 ft) tall. Sigiriya was once the home of a palace and was covered in colorful frescoes. Later, the site was used as a Buddhist monastery. Today, it is a popular destination for travellers and a prime example of ancient urban planning.
• Being 70 percent Buddhist, Sri Lanka is also home to many different Buddhist Temples. Locals and monks pray at them daily, and many are open for visitors to respectfully explore.

• Syria

Syria is a traditional society with a long cultural history. Importance is placed on family, religion, education and self discipline and respect. The Syrian's taste for the traditional arts is expressed in dances such as the al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.

Traditional Houses of the Old Cities in Damascus, Aleppo and the other Syrian cities are preserved and traditionally the living quarters are arranged around one or more courtyards, typically with a fountain in the middle supplied by spring water, and decorated with citrus trees, grape vines, and flowers.

Outside of larger city areas such as Damascus, Aleppo or Homs, residential areas are often clustered in smaller villages. The buildings themselves are often quite old, passed down to family members over several generations. Residential construction of rough concrete and blockwork is usually unpainted, and the palette of a Syrian village is therefore simple tones of greys and browns.

Literature

• Syrians have contributed to Arabic literature and music and have a proud tradition of oral and written poetry. Syrian writers, many of whom immigrated to Egypt, played a crucial role in the nahda or Arab literary and cultural revival of the 19th century. Prominent contemporary Syrian writers include, among others, Adonis, Muhammad Maghout, Haidar Haidar, Ghada al-Samman, Nizar Qabbani and Zakariyya Tamer.

Music

• Syria's capital and largest city, Damascus, has long been one of the Arab world's centres for cultural and artistic innovation, especially in the field of classical Arab music. Syria has also produced several pan-Arab stars, often in exile, including George Wasoof and Nur Mahana. The city of Aleppo is known for its muwashshah, a form of Andalous sung poetry popularised by Sabri Moudallal, as well as popular stars like Sabah Fakhri. Dabka and other forms of dance music are also popular.
• Syria was one of the earliest centres of Christian hymnody, in a repertory known as Syrian chant, which continues to be the liturgical music of some of the various Syrian Christians.

• Taiwan

A relatively small island off the south-east coast of mainland China, Taiwan occupies a unique position both politically and culturally. Originally only a small part of the Republic of China, it became the entirety of the country when the ROC was defeated by the Communists during the Chinese Civil war in the 1940s. Its political status remains contested to this day, with the People’s Republic of China claiming sovereignty, while Taiwan claims complete autonomy. The cultural heritage of Taiwan is quite distinct from that of mainland China.

Religion

• Unlike mainland China, Taiwan has had unfettered freedom of religion since its founding. The religious makeup of the island is quite diverse. Roughly one-third of the populace practice a strain of Buddhism, one-third practice Taoism, and the remaining one-third practice various other religions, including Christianity, Islam, Liism, I-Kuan Tao, Bahà’i and Scientology. The religious culture of the island is a hybrid of Taoism, Buddhism and folk faiths.

Aboriginal Culture

• The aborigines of Taiwan are of Austronesian descent, and they first settled the island some 8,000 years ago, long before the Han Chinese made their way to the island in the 17th century. While the aboriginal culture was on the decline for many decades, since the 1990s there has been a resurgence in indigenous pride. Aboriginal culture can now be seen in pop music, tattoos, dress and cuisine.

KMT Cultural Policy

• Following World War II, when control of Taiwan shifted from the Japanese to the Chinese, a major realignment took place. When the nationalist KMT party lost control of mainland China, they blamed it on a lack of morale on the part of the populace, and they underwent a massive campaign to re-educate the citizens of Taiwan. As the mainland Chinese fostered closer connections with the Soviets, the Taiwanese government began forging ties with the Americans, bringing in large numbers of American investors, and promoting English-language schools. In the 1960s and 1970s, as mainland China began eradicating aspects of traditional Chinese culture, the KMT fought back by promoting classic Chinese literature and traditions, creating a blend of Western culture and traditional Chinese culture.

Chinese Dualism

Taiwan’s relationship to mainland China is constantly evolving, with both governments remaining in relative peace, while never giving up their claims of sovereignty. In recent years this has led to a culture of Chinese dualism, in which citizens of Taiwan view themselves as both essentially Taiwanese and also essentially Chinese. At the same time, the cultural shift has widened to allow in mainland Chinese, creating a culture that the Taiwanese view as embracing both nations’ common heritage.

Language

• Beginning in the 1940s as part of the campaign to reclaim the hearts of the mainland Chinese, who the Nationalists felt they had lost to the Communists, Mandarin has been taught and spoken widely in Taiwan. Taiwanese is taught concurrently, and it has become a way of demonstrating a firm national identity, distinguishing themselves from the mainland Chinese people. 
• English is also taught, beginning around the age of 10, and it's considered an important part of everyday life.

• Tajikistan

Tajiks are one of the most ancient peoples in the world. Archaeologists have dated settlements in the territory of today\'s Tajikistan date back to the end of the upper Paleolithic period, fifteen to twenty thousand years ago. The Tajiks have preserved many of the ancient traditions and customs of their ancestors. They have their own spoken language – a variety of Persian. Large families spanning several generations live together under one roof as the family and their farms and businesses reflect this prosperity and the welcome a guest receives reflects the legendary hospitality.

Tajikistan Weddings

• Tajiks living on the plateau have very unique wedding ceremonies. Most ethnic groups inCentral Asia begin the wedding ceremony with the betrothal and arrangements made by the elders of the family, but a Tajik wedding is quite different. It lasts seven days! On the first day of the ceremony, the bride and the bridegroom proclaim their marriage and hold separate banquets with their own families, which continue for three days.
• On the fifth day, the bridegroom, accompanied by friends and relatives, goes to his bride\'s home. There, the newlyweds make their commitment before an in imam, after which they must drink a cup of water and eat a bit of meat, cake and salt. This seals the marriage, and only then are they allowed to be together.
• After that, the grand celebration begins. People sing and dance until midnight. Then the newlyweds ride to the bridegroom\'s home on a single horse. On the sixth day, the bride\'s family members arrive at the bridegroom\'s home and spend the night there, marking the end of the wedding.
• The honeymoon period, on the other hand lasts 40 days spent under the same roof as the husband’s parents in order to protect the bride and groom at the start of the married life.

Tajikistan Festivals

• The major holidays in Tajikistan are religious ones such as Navruz, the Muslim New Year, which is celebrated at the spring equinox. It marks new life and new hopes for all who love and celebrate this holiday. Entire villages prepare for this festival, cooking dishes exclusive to this season – the tables full to bursting! The same goes for Qurban Eid when an average family might have seventy to eighty people visiting them a day, not including the children who come around in the early morning for sweets!
• Sayri Guli Lola is the holiday of tulips, which includes accompanied choral and dance music. Poppies and tulips are native flowers in Tajikistan and were the source for the original Dutch tulips.

Tajikistan Cuisine

• Traditional Tajik meals begin with sweet dishes such as halwa and tea, and then progress to soups and meat, before finishing with a pilaf. The Tajik national dish is kabuli pulao, a rice dish with shredded yellow turnip or carrot, meat, and olive oil or drippings.
• Every meal is a ceremony. Tajiks treat food with great respect, especially bread, which is considered sacred. Bread must not be thrown or dropped on the floor, it should always be set carefully upright and broken carefully, not cut with a knife.

Tajikistan National dress

• Because of the cold climate of the Pamir Plateau, the garments of Tajiks are mainly cotton-padded. Women wear bright-colored clothes and favor long skirts. When going outdoors, they wear kerchiefs, older women wearing white and younger ones yellow or green.
• The men\'s caps look like small barrels, and are lined with black lamb skin. The lower brim is rolled up revealing the fur lining, which is both decorative and practical. They have an embroidered scarf around the waist called a rumol.

Tajikistan Petroglyphs

• Prehistoric rock drawings have been found in more than fifty places in Tajikistan, many of which are in the Pamir mountain area. Some date from as far back as 1,000 B.C.
• These drawings, either chipped out of the surfaces of granite rocks by means of a stone or scratched with a knife, depict hunting scenes, with mountain goats, yaks, deer, and the running hunters with bows and dogs.
• The Dara area is also famous for its collection of petroglyphs. The four groups of rock drawings that have been discovered there show humans and ornaments.

Tajikistan Chaikhanas

• Tea is often enjoyed at a local chaikhana - teahouse. The chaikhana is the place where men of all ages can gather and discuss issues that are important in their lives. Once a man has had his fill of tea, he turns his empty cup upside down in front of him as an indication that he does not wish to be asked to have more tea - and continues the discussion.

Tajik Music

• Tajik folk music includes a variety of songs, both lyrical and instrumental. There are those sung while working and ceremonial, funeral, and wedding songs. A special musical celebration marks the birth of a child. The national epic of the central Tajik heroic legend, Gurugli, is also set to music.

Tajikistan Applied and Decorative Arts

• Fabric printing and textile weaving are among the most predominant handicrafts in Tajikistan. The range of woven fabrics is tremendous; brocade, alocha, zandona, bekasam, shokhi-kamus - in cotton, silk and wool, brightly dyed, elaborately embroidered or printed with the arbandy technique. Artistic embroidery finds its way onto wall hangings and carpets as well as silk headdresses.
• Decorative carving of both stone and wood is evident everywhere, from everyday household objects to architectural features on mosques and monuments. Intricate geometric and floral patterns are most popular.

• Thailand

One of the most fascinating countries in the Asian region is Thailand. Foreigners who visit the Kingdom of Thailand find their culture and local practices interesting and mesmerizing. And although most of their cultural practices, traditions and beliefs are far and very different from the Western societies, the foreigners from the western countries respect those practices and traditions.

Much of the culture of Thailand has influence from the cultures of ancient India, China, and Cambodia and with traces from the other neighboring cultures of Southeast Asia. Thai culture has been influenced primarily by Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism and the later migrations from China and southern India.

Some of the known and interesting Thai culture and traditions include:

Wai

• This is a distinctive Thai custom. It is meant to show greeting, farewell or acknowledgement and it comes in several forms depending on the status of those receiving and giving the greetings. The salutation involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and may include a slight bow of the head.

Public Display of Affection

This is not quite common and acceptable in Thai culture, especially between lovers. However, there are signs showing that this may no longer be taboo soon as views are changing into accepting it as a normal part of the relationship.

Touching on the Head is Rude

This is a notable social norm in Thailand. It is considered rude to touch someone on the head. It is also considered rude to place one’s feet at a level above the head of another person especially if the person has a high social position. Thai culture considers the foot as the dirtiest and the lowliest part of the body. The head is the most respected and highest part.

Thai Sitting with Feet Pointing Away

When on the ground, Thais sit with their feet always pointing away from the others. Either they are tucked to the side or behind them. It is considered rude to use the foot to point or touch at something.

Value for Serene Detachment

Conflict and sudden display of anger are a no-no in Thai culture. And as in other Asian cultures, facial expression is very important. Visitors should try not to create conflict or display angry behavior or cause a Thai person to be embarrassed. Even disputes and disagreements are handled with a smile, with no attempt to put blame on anyone.

Life should be Fun – “Sanuk”

This is one of the guiding principles for many Thais. They give importance to making life fun. Hence, it’s normal and common to see the Thai people being playful at work and in their everyday activities. It’s important to have positive emotions in social interactions.

Respect for Hierarchy

This is another important value for the Thai people. They give emphasis to indebtedness to parents, guardians, teachers or caretakers.

Rude to Step on a Thai Coin

While this can ordinarily happen in other culture or countries, in Thailand, stepping on the Thai coin is considered rude because the King’s head appears on the coin.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering a House

In most homes, shops or guesthouses in Thailand, it is common to see pile of shoes at or near the entrance. As a visitor, you are expected to remove your shoes before entering the house, shop or guesthouse because the Thai people consider it rude not to do so.

Proper Dress Code

Places like temples and palaces require the highest respect from the locals. As such, you are required to “dress politely” and flip-flop, shorts, sleeveless shirts, short skirts are generally prohibited.

• Timor-Leste

East Timor tradition consists of ethno cultural diversities and this is reflected in the languages, literature, arts, music and dance of the country. East Timor Traditions also have a deep rooted connection with mythology and the oral tongue of the people have spread it from one generation to the other. The different ways of evolution of the various kingdoms has a significant role in the development of the East Timor Traditions.

East Timor traditions also points to animist spiritualism which is quite predominant till this time too. The animist religion proclaims that the spirits of the dead people should be worshiped rather than being feared. The spirits are given a shape of materialism with the various objects like wells,, streams, stones, animals and in the Timorese language they are known as Luliks.

East Timor traditions also comprises of the textiles of the country. Timor Leste has a very important textile called the Tais. Taisconveys the beautiful and ancient traditions of East Timor and is mainly crafted by the women of Timor Leste. Timor Leste Art has a deep connection with Tais and consists of simple back straps. Tais also has a special place in the dances, religious gatherings and the special rituals of Timor Leste. Many kinds of products for daily use like Table runners, purses, bags and bookmarks are made out from it.

The role of Portuguese influence on East Timor traditions is also significant and the spread of the catholic religion has taken place mainly due to them. 

• Turkey

Turkish traditions and Turkey culture are so rich and multifaceted that does not fit into any simple definition. For thousands of years the Turkish traditions of many peoples of Anatolia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and of course ancient world merged unique alloy which today we call Turkish or Minor Asia culture. We must add that the Turks themselves before the start of the XX century was not a single nation and brought many unique elements from the depths of Central Asia which blended in the modern life of the country.

Answering the questions "what is Turkey's culture" we must admit that the precursor of the modern Republic of Turkey - Ottoman Empire for centuries was as a synonym for religious and cultural intolerance and aggressive foreign policy. But modern Turkey is considered one of the most tolerant countries in Asia where representatives of different nations co-exist peacefully though a few centuries and even decades they were in bitter war with each other. Even the ethnic composition of the population here has never been officially detected - the overwhelming majority of local residents consider themselves Turks first and only then the representatives of a particular ethnic group. Only Kurds stand out (they are called "dogulu" - "the people from the East"), the Circassians (generic name for all people from the Caucasus region - Meskhetian Turks, Abkhazians, Balkar and others), Laz and the Arabs (including Syrians).

Social division

• The social stratification of the population in Turkey is considered traditional. The most important indicators of status are always considered as wealth and education. And if the first is more or less clear - Turks are very different from the other peoples of the region for the views on the role of money in society then the second option is much more interesting. University education for Turkish people is the minimum threshold to access the higher layers of society regardless of their actual wealth. Previously the high layers of society were represented by military and bureaucratic elite of the Ottoman Empire now "the focus of power" has clearly shifted towards successful doctors, businessmen and politicians as well as high-level officials. At the same time the "Westernization" of urban "upper class" is noticeable, the majority of whom speak at least one foreign language, they are familiar with the culture of the world and have close contact with foreign business, cultural and political circles.
• But the urban middle class (most government employees, owners of small businesses, skilled workers and students) notably tends to Turkish culture although their level of education is often not lower in comparison to high class. This dualism combined with rapid population growth which is migrating to the cities from the province leads to the formation of a very multi-faceted and mobile society which is the feature of any Turkish city.
• Approximately 30% of the population of Turkey is the villagers, farmers and peasants. The development of communication and transportation has led to a gradual blurring of the borders between rural and urban areas and the level of education of rural residents is quite high for Asia (in 1995 the 83% of the province citizens were considered educated). The level of income is low which leads to permanent migration to cities (mostly seasonal). In this case the young villagers simply cannot count on the highest income in the city without further education which defines clearly visible thrust of young Turks to knowledge. Some of the rural areas in the east of Turkey are still under the full control of the large landowners, the heads of the clans and religious leaders.
• Most of rich Turks prefer western-style clothes, follow the latest fashions, try to live in their own apartments and have a car, an expensive phone as indispensable attributes of wealth and success. Also the desire for European literature, music, theater and artistic life is clearly visible. And what's interesting - a lot of attention is paid to their language - all segments of the local society tend to speak the Istanbul dialect of Turkish language although many Turkish people are fluent in 2-3 other languages ​​and dialects. At the same time the low-income class of society obviously tends to conservative clothing, Turkish and Middle Eastern music, uses a variety of local dialects and often has difficulty understanding each other. In contrast to many other countries with the same clear division of population on the basis of wealth it practically does not cause any social tensions.

Turkish family traditions, relationships and marriage

• For Turkish traditions and Turkish customs the early age of marriage is very typical. It is considered that a man should not reduce the standard of living of his wife so marriages between members of different social groups are rare. But the unions within one religious or ethnic group are very common although inter-ethnic marriages are not something unusual.
• In 1926 the revolutionary government abolished the Turkish Islamic family code and adopted a slightly modified version of the Swiss Civil Code. The new family law recognizes only civil marriage ceremonies, the mandatory consent of both parties, conclusion of contract and monogamy. However in traditional Turkish society the choice of the future spouses and the marriage ceremony scenery is still being conducted by the heads of families only and the newlyweds themselves play a very minor role. In this respect all the rituals are considered as extremely important element as well as the blessing of marriage by imam. As for the Turkish wedding traditions and customs, wedding here lasts for many days and consists of several ceremonies which usually involve all family members and often all residents across the street or even the entire village.
• In Islamic tradition the groom must pay the bride price although in recent years this tradition becomes a thing of the past - the amount of "bride price" (kalim) is being reduced depending on the expenses incurred for the wedding or the total family income, or simply transferred to the newlyweds to develop their own family. At the same time in the provincial patriarchal communities the money raise to buy pride can be a serious impediment to the marriage. 
• Even though that divorces are not considered a sin their number is small. Divorced, especially men with children (and here it is not uncommon), quickly get remarried usually with the same divorced women. Modern code does not recognize the old norm of the husband's prerogative right of oral and unilateral divorce and prescribes the judicial procedure of this process. And there may be only sixreasons for divorce - adultery, life-threatening, criminal or unethical way of life, an escape from the family, mental infirmity and incompatibility. The apparent vagueness of these requirements is the cause of rare recognition of lawsuits and divorce by mutual consent is not defined by local legislation.
• The family plays a central role in the life of a any Turk. Members of the same clan or family tend to live close to each other and provide a literally daily contact, financial and emotional support. This explains the large and operational support to aging parents and the younger generation as well as the strength of relationships regardless of the residence place of family members. As a result the Turks do not have the problem of abandoned old people and homelessness, relatively problem of youth crime is irrelevant. And even many of the village including those located in remote places are being supported by a relatively high degree of safety - there is always a couple of elderly relatives who are willing to support the "family nest" which often hosts a variety of holiday activities,
• The Turks themselves quite clearly distinguish the family (aile) and household (hane) referring to the first category only close relatives living together and to the second - all members of the clan who live together on a territory and keep common household. The next important element is the male community (sulale) which consists of male relatives. These communities play an important role in the life of the old "noble families" carrying out its history from the time of the Ottoman Empire and tribal alliances. They are almost unknown among most citizens even though they have a big impact on the country's politics.
• Traditionally men and women play much different roles in the family. Usually Turkish family is characterized by a "male domination", respect for elders and women's subordination. The father or the oldest male in the family is the head of the family and his instructions are usually not discussed. However a man carries a very heavy load - he provides the well-being of the family (until recently Turkish women had the right not to work outside the home), represents the family in front of other family members and even responsible for the upbringing of children although. Until the end of the XX century even shopping was purely masculine duty!
• The role of women in the Turkish family despite the many myths is rather simple. Formally wife shall respect and completely obey to her husband, do housework and parenting. But the Turks say "honor of the men and their families depends on the way women behave and watch over the house." The woman, being considerably limited by walls own home, often manages all internal affairs of the clan. Mother is being respected by younger family members the same way as the head of the family but her relationship with the children are warm and informal. Women have equal rights to private property and inheritance as well as education and participation in public life and many of them are happy to use them (in 1993-1995 the Prime Minister of Turkey was a woman - Tansu Ciller). Turkish women are considered the most emancipated in the Middle East though still loose in education level to Jordanian or Israeli women but the gap is rapidly shrinking.
• However the local women pay tribute to centuries-old traditions - even in the most modern cities in the country the woman's dress is modest and closed, they wear capes which hide the face and body partially or completely and next to a very popular European costume often you can see the traditional folk forms of clothing that Turkish women wear with the famous grace. In the province the women's costume is much more modest and inconspicuous and in general women do not tend to leave the limits of their home even though many of them work on the land, stores or markets and do not try to hide from the sight of others – so traditions in Turkey are. In some rural areas the close is still a "hallmark" of the woman and it determines its origin and social status. The traditional women's headscarves (usually are called as "basortusu" though there are other variants of pronunciation) that partially covers the face are simply banned in government offices and universities but attempts to undo this "innovation Ataturk" are being taken continuously.
• Turkish children are literally being adored and indulged in every possible way. Here it is allowed to ask the childless couples when they plan to have children and then literally spend hours discussing this "problem". Even in ordinary conversation between men for example the children will take place no less important than football or market prices. Sons enjoy a special love because they increase the status of the mother in front of her husband and his relatives. Sons younger than 10-12 years spend a lot of time with their mother and then proceed to the "man's circle" and their education gets more dependent on men of the family. Daughters also usually live with their mother until marriage. In general the relationship between fathers and daughters is quite formal and their attachment (often no less than to sons) is rarely shown in public. Although the daughter or son may argue or joke in public with mother they are respectful to father and never dare to argue with him in public.
• The relationship between brothers and sisters in Turkey are easy and informal up to 13-14 years. Later their statuses change noticeably - older brother (agabey) takes on some of the rights and responsibilities of parents in relation to her sister. As for the Turkish beliefs and traditions, the older sister (abla) also becomes in relation to his brother as a second mother - Turks reasonably believe that it is preparing the girls for their future role as wives. In large families the grandparents also take on a lot of the burden of raising children. This often leads to the fact that children feel a sense of permissiveness and sometimes behave very arrogantly but to be honest you me that here no more than anywhere else in the world.
• Even very young children everywhere attend restaurants and cafes with their parents at any time of the day. The most places have high chairs, special tables with and menu including dishes for children of all ages. Most hotels have a special play grounds and offer children beds. However in most cases they are suitable to short heighted local children and small for Europeans so it's best to order them in advance according to the required size. The car baby seats are also available at most car rental companies.

Relations

• Relations between persons of different generations and genders are determined quite tough by local Turkish etiquette and manners. If they are not close friends or relatives then it is obligation to behave with the elders with respect and courtesy especially in public. Even the relatives of the opposite sex in public usually do not show signs of affection, during the celebrations all are being rapidly distributed to groups depending on age and gender.
• As for teh Turkish greeting customs, friends or close relatives of the same sex may hold hands or greet each other with kisses on the cheek or give hug – in any other cases it is not allowed. Men shake each other’s hands as Europeans but they never shake woman’s hands if she does not allow this clearly. The last point by the way is associated with numerous incidents with foreign tourists drawing hand first meeting local people for whom it is a clear invitation to become better acquainted.
• In the bus, dolmus or theater if there is a choice of places the woman should always sit next to another woman while a man cannot sit next to a strange woman without her permission.

Turkish etiquette and manners

• Formal etiquette in Turkish culture has great importance determining the most important forms of social interaction. Local customs in Turkey implies an accurate oral form for about any occasion on appeal to other people and value the correctness of these rituals.
• Turkish hospitality (misafirperverlik) remains one of the cornerstones of the Turkish culture and Turkish customs especially in rural areas. Friends, relatives and neighbors often visit each other. An invitation to be guest is usually heralded with elegant set of proposals and it is required to be tactful to refuse without offending the hosts. Such proposals usually do not have any hidden reasons - no expect of any gifts other than good company and interesting conversation. If you did not accept the offer it is recommended to refer to the lack of time and employment  - Turks appreciate such arguments. Even short (by local measures) visits unlikely last less than two hours - except compulsory tea or coffee a guest in any case will be offered to have a meal more than once. Do not try to pay the bill if you are invited to a restaurant or bring money as gift visiting a private home - it is considered impolite. But subsequently sent photo or a small gift "on occasion" will be perceived sincerity with a joy.
• In local tradition - to offer guests the very best, regardless of family income. Thus despite the widespread misconception the Turks are very tolerant to ignorance of features of their Turkish culture by guest and are able to easily forgive "small sins". Traditionally the meal takes place at a low table with guests seating on the floor - feet at the same time are hidden under the table. Dishes are being laid out on a large tray that is placed either on this low table or even on the floor and people sit around on cushions or mats and take food from a tray to their plates by hands or shared spoon. In the cities however European type tables are usually widespread as well as the usual serving with individual dishes and tableware.
• As elsewhere in the Islamic countries anything from the shared plate should be taken by right hand only. Also it is considered bad tone to talk at the table without the permission of the home owner, to choose special pieces from a shared plate and open mouth wide - even if you want to use a toothpick, you should cover your mouth.

Dining etiquette in Turkey

• It should be noted that the Turks never eat alone and do not snack on the go. Usually they eat three times a day preferring to do it as a family. Turkish breakfast includes bread, cheese, olives and tea. Lunch time is usually quite late and begins only after all family members gather. The lunch menu usually consists of three or more meals which are eaten in series and each dish is served with lettuce or other greens. It is common to invite guests, neighbors and friends to dinner but in this case the meal and the time is being negotiated in advance. Despite the Islamic prohibitions on alcohol during the dinner dinners are often served with raki (anisette), wine or beer (in most of the country it is not considered as an alcoholic beverage). In this case a must-serve meal is meze - a variety of snacks (fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, meats, sauces and fresh bread) usually supplied on small plates.Turkish meze usually is followed by the main course which is being chosen taking into account the range of snacks - a kebab is served with vegetable salads, fish or chicken is coming with rice or hummus, for the soup - tortillas with meat, cheese and pickles.
• To drink alcohol beverages even beer in public is considered indecent. It is not allowed to sell alcohol in public places of Turkey. And at the same time the alcohol beverages are being sold almost freely in many shops and only in Ramadan shelves with it are closed or blocked.
• Pork cannot be found in the local cuisine at all and besides it there are many other products that are not formally prohibited by Islamic standards but avoided for other reasons. For example representatives of tribal group Oruk avoid all seafood except fish, members of the Alevi Order do not eat rabbit, in the central regions of the country people do not eat snails and so on. On the periphery of Turkey there are still clearly visible culinary elements of the people who inhabited this land before the Turks arrived here. Georgian chicken in sacivi sauce, Armenian lahmacun or lagmadzho (similar to pizza) is known as lahmakun and considered a Turkish dish. The same applies to many Arab and Greek dishes (meze for example). At the same time rural residents eat very modest food - a large part of their diet is bread with onions, yogurt, olives, cheese and jerked meat ("pastirma").

Turkish hospitality

• Thought Turkish people are very hospitable stay up late being guest is not accepted. To start a meal or tea without invitation of owner is not recommended, even to smoke a cigarette without the permission of a senior male or organizer of the meeting is considered impolite. As for the business etiquette, business meetings are usually preceded by tea and unrelated to business conversations, go directly to the business discussion is not accepted. But the music and the songs can make the ceremony to last long - the Turks are very musical and love to play music at every opportunity. A British ambassador in XIX century remarked that "the Turks will sing and dance whenever they can afford it". Much has changed in the country since then but the locals still love music.
• Turkish houses are clearly divided for the guest and private areas and to ask for a tour around the all house is impolite. Soles of shoes are considered dirty a priori and when entering any private house as well as mosque boots and shoes should be taken off. In public places it is possible to walk in shoes. But in some offices, libraries or private shops a slippers or shoes covers can be offered. In crowded places such as mosques or public organizations shoes can be folded into bags and be taken inside.

Turkish language of gestures

• Turks use a complex and varied language of body and gestures often quite unobvious for most foreigners. For example a snap of the fingers indicates approval of something (good player, the goods of the highest quality and so on), while a click by tongue contrary to popular opinion is a abrupt denial of something (often a raise of eyebrows is being added to the gesture). Fast head swing from side to side means "I do not understand" while single tilt of head to the side may mean "yes". And since there are many of these schemes and each region of the country may have its own specific set so overusing of gestures familiar to us are not recommended - here they can have a completely different meaning.

Turkish clothes

• The attitude to clothes in the country of Turkey is rather free and carries notable elements of the Islamic tradition. Business suit, jacket and tie for men are common in the business world and in many cases during celebrations and national holidays Turks prefer it to the national dress. But the women approach the subject more creative - in the everyday life the national costume is still holding it’s positions especially in the provinces and for the feast Turkish women prefer their colorful and very convenient to local conditions dress supplemented it with different accessories.
• Tourists visiting Turkey do not have to take special care of the dress - you can wear almost anything that is suitable to the local hot and dry climate. However when visiting places for worship and provincial areas it is better to dress up modestly - shorts, short skirts and open dresses will cause a sharp rejection almost everywhere outside of beach areas.
• When visiting mosques and temples women should choose such clothes that can cover their legs and body up to the head and wrists, they should not wear mini-skirts or pants. Men are urged to avoid the short. Women are allowed to enter the territory of all temples only with their heads covered (at the entrance you can rent a headscarf and long skirt). Shoes when visiting the mosque should be left at the entrance. It is better not to go to the mosque during prayers.
• During the holy month of Ramadan believers do not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. In the evening shops and restaurants are open till late but it is better to refrain from smoking and eating in front of those who keep fasting. End of Ramadan (Ramadan Bayram) is being noisy and colorfully celebrated for three days so all the seats in restaurants as well as travel tickets and tickets for various performances must be booked in advance.

• Turkmenistan

The landscape of Turkmenistan unfolds like a fabled Turkmen carpet…the Caspian Sea forms the western edge while mountain ranges fringe the southern borders and parts east. It is surfaced by one of the largest expanses of sand in the world: the Karakum (black sand) desert. Turkmen carpets are legendary; sumptuously woven of wool, with its distinctive palette of deep reds patterned with traditional ghels – the symbolic motifs and talismans of tribe and region.

Historically this was an area dominated by political forces scuffling across the territory. The armies of Alexander, the Roman, Persian and Arab empires and the hordes of Ghengis Khan all vied for control, while the wild nomadic horsemen pursued their tribal way of life. For centuries unknown and unmapped, Turkmenistan was finally incorporated into the Russian empire. Now the country enjoys independence and neutral status, fiercely proud of its culture and traditions.

Turkmenistan Customs and Traditions

• Among the most important values for the Turkmen are friendship and love, always maintaining friendly relations with their neighbors - it is said that "If your neighbor is happy, you will be happy too."Turkmenistan has a unique and remarkable history. Traditionally a nomadic people, Turkmen are descended from several separate tribes or clans, each speaking a different dialect and with its own style of dress. Turkmen are renowned for their lavish hospitality, respect for seniors, honesty and sincere generosity. To this day, a visitor will be offered tea and food before even being allowed to explain why he has come!
• Another common saying concerns horses, which Turkmen have bred and trained for millennia: "Water is a Turkmen\\'s life, a horse is his wings, and a carpet is his soul." The Turkmen\\'s horse is virtually part of the family and the beautiful Akhal-Teke breed is the national emblem.

Turkmenistan Weddings

• In a culture where the strength of the family has always been important, weddings and the birth of children hold the highest priority. While society is changing, the traditional customs and rituals of the matchmaking process and the wedding ceremony are still precisely observed. Besides the traditional visits and gifts between the two households, the date for the matchmaking meeting, the wedding and even the direction from which the bride arrives at the groom\\'s home must be in accordance with the position of the stars and planets. As the bride approaches her future husband\\'s home she must take the first step with the right foot - otherwise, it is said that there will be troubles, illness, and quarrels with the in-laws.
• Amid the solemnity of the rites, there are songs woven into every occasion. Among these are "yar-yar" or “dear, dear” songs, that include comical verses: We\\'ve seen our future son-in-law, / He doesn\\'t look worse than our girl, yar-yar and We\\'ll give you a chance to race an ant, / Please try to ride it, yar-yar. Others are more plaintive: Chuval [a type of rug] is spread at home, / My house is left behind, yar-yar, / With various dishes in it, / My share is left behind, yar-yar.

Turkmenistan Festivals

• Along with the common regional holidays such as Nowruz, several holidays have been established celebrating various aspects of Turkmen culture and life. These include Turkmen Carpet Day, which is observed yearly on the last Sunday of May throughout the country. Exhibitions feature local arts and crafts as well as the exquisite handmade carpets unique to Turkmenistan, showing off the expert combination of color and design that gives them a special glow.
• A different kind of celebration is Turkmen Melon Day, held in every province on the second Sunday in August. Festivities include performances by musical groups and exhibitions of foodstuffs, as well as contests for the largest and best quality melons and pumpkins.

Turkmenistan Cuisine

• Turkmen cuisine is influenced by both the nomadic lifestyle and the severe living conditions of the country. It is simpler than some of the other cuisines of the region, both in ingredients and in method of preparation, but just as varied. Along the Caspian Sea coast you will find a variety of seafood dishes, combining fish with such unexpected ingredients as apricots, pomegranate juice, and sesame. As in neighboring countries, the most popular dish is pilaf, along with soups and dishes featuring mutton. Turkmen melons, with their sweet honey scent, are world famous.

Turkmenistan Music

• The national dress of Turkmenistan has changed very little over the centuries. The distinctive high, shaggy sheepskin hats worn by men help keep the hot sun from their heads and, combined with their red robes over white shirts, create a very striking image. Women, too, still wear the traditional clothing of a long silk shift over narrow trousers that are trimmed with a band of embroidery at the ankle. Richly decorated headwear , jewelry and embroidery accent even everyday clothing,
• The songs of Turkmenistan are connected to every aspect of life - from lullabies to the songs children sing during their games, to maiden\\'s songs and wedding songs, to the worksongs sung during camel milking and carpet weaving.
• The most vibrant and respected of musicians is the bakhshi. A musician-storyteller, he travels from town to town, dressed in special clothing and carrying his own utensils and water drawn from his own well. The villagers will have prepared a carpet-covered platform for him and there, by firelight, up to 2,000 people will gather to listen as the bakhshi sings, starting before sunset and ending long after sunrise the next morning. The bakhshi accompanies himself on the two-stringed dutar and every two hours he will take a short break, drinking tea and chatting.

Turkmenistan Bazaars

• On Sundays, the Tolkuchka bazaar is the best place to view the intricate and unique Turkmen carpets from all over the country. This is the largest bazaar in the country, spread out over several acres in the desert offering every imaginable type of good. Carpets, camels, household goods and vehicles, beautiful local jewelry, handcrafts of every material and design, as well as fruits and vegetables, spices and snacks.
• In Turkmenistan the bazaar is not the only place to purchase items. There are colorful fairs and supermarkets and permanent exhibitions of the national crafts. There’s no bargaining in these shops, but you will find an international marketplace that is more attuned to the modern world.

Turkmenistan Applied & Decorative Art

• The traditional arts include felt manufacture, jewelry making, woodwork, ceramics, and silverwork, but the two crafts in which Turkmen excel are silk manufacture and carpet making.

Turkmenistan Carpets:

• Turkmenistan produces some of the most unique and beautiful carpets in the world. Because they are sold internationally under different names (such as Bukharan or Afghan), many people don\\'t realize their source. Carpet weaving is an ancient art, and each tribe developed its own distinctive pattern. Some of these patterns have been found to be duplicated on ceramics from the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C.! Turkmen carpets have been traditionally woven out of wool, cotton, and silk by women, using horizontal looms. The method of weaving has been modernized, but the beauty and quality of the fabrics remains.

Turkmenistan Silks:

• Turkmenistan produces some of the most unique and beautiful carpets in the world. Because they are sold internationally under different names (such as Bukharan or Afghan), many people don\\'t realize their source. Carpet weaving is an ancient art, and each tribe developed its own distinctive pattern. Some of these patterns have been found to be duplicated on ceramics from the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C.! Turkmen carpets have been traditionally woven out of wool, cotton, and silk by women, using horizontal looms. The method of weaving has been modernized, but the beauty and quality of the fabrics remains.
• Turkmenistan is also the source of keteni, a homespun silk that is used for the beautiful dresses worn by Turkmen women on special occasions. The embroidery uses different patterns that are as unique as a family seal, identifying the tribe of its artist. Visit a local family and watch as they weave centuries of beauty.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is a global business center. New businesses should nonetheless have some awareness of Arabic culture and the ways of commerce in an Arabian business environment.

In the Arab world, more than anywhere else, business is conducted on the basis of personal relationships and mutual trust. It is vitally important to build on these.

Although this is changing rapidly and may not apply to all large firms, companies are often a family affair, with the ultimate decision-maker being the head of the family. Even if this is not the case, it is essential to clearly identify the decision-maker. However, initial meetings will probably be at a lower level.

Work Hours

The official weekend in the UAE is on Friday and Saturday. Some smaller private companies only close on Friday.

Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. Private offices tend to keep longer hours, adopting either “straight shift” or “split shift.” The former normally requires eight working hours beginning between 7:30am and 9:00am with a lunch break lasting 30 minutes to an hour. The latter involves commencing between 9:00am and 10:00am and ending between 8:00pm and 9:00pm, with a three- to four-hour break in between.

During Ramadan, working hours shorten by two to three hours, with most of the work accomplished in the early hours of the morning or much later in the evening after the day’s fast is broken (at sunset).

Language

Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely used in business transactions in the UAE. Print business cards in English and Arabic and make sure that all brochures and presentation material are full-color and well produced.

Cultural Norms

Good manners and courtesy are prized attributes. Always arrive on time for a meeting, however, know that punctuality is not considered a virtue in the Arab world, and people are often kept waiting before, or during, a meeting. Be patient, and do not take it as a lack of respect.

Greet the most senior person first when meeting a group of people. You will always be offered refreshments in an Arab home or office. Frequently, this will be Western-style tea or coffee. However, people serve a sweet, milkless tea or a light Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom. You should accept at least one cupful, as it may be considered discourteous to refuse.

Take the time to chat and drink the coffee, tea or soft drink and use it as an opportunity to establish relationships.

Do not be concerned if your meeting is interrupted by other guests or telephone conversations. The upfront, hard-hitting approach is generally not welcome, so once again, be patient. Be aware that what may seem like evasiveness on the part of your host is usually an unwillingness to say no to your face.

Nevertheless, once a deal is made, orally or otherwise, an Arab businessperson’s word is his or her bond and you are also expected to perform accordingly, even if the agreement is a verbal one only.

Hospitality is a way of life in the Arab world and business is frequently conducted over lunch or dinner – more than likely in a hotel or restaurant. It is considered polite to return the invitation.

Dress conservatively: men should wear a suit, women should ensure that business clothing covers arms and legs. Avoid scheduling meetings during prayer times or major Muslim holidays.

• Uzbekistan

the crossroads of civilization and the heart of Central Asia. The center of ancient caravan routes, its 2500 years of history are yours to explore. Set between the Amu-Darya and Syr-Darya rivers where “hospitality is ranked higher than courage” we will welcome you as part of our extended mahallya – our community family. Learn about friendly rural villages, ancient settlements, temples and tombs, some of the oldest cities in the world overlaid with recent history but proudly claiming their heritage.

Bounded by the majesty of the Tien Shan mountains and the mystery of the Kyzyl Kum desert, Uzbekistan is an adventure filled with fascinating cultural discoveries, history and breathtaking natural beauty. Turquoise domes and graceful arched portals are graced with the sophisticated geometry of tilework, architectural patterns, calligraphy and floral designs. Let the magic of the ancient cities of Samarkand,Bukhara and Khiva enchant you.

Uzbekistan Hospitality

At the heart of Uzbek culture is its wonderful hospitality, renowned for centuries. From the days when Uzbekistan stood at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, its grand cities hosted thousands of road-weary tradesmen who sought refuge from the desert and the perils of the open road. These caravans would stay for days at a time, enjoying the gracious generosity that has remained a living tradition to the present day.

- The Uzbek Tea Ceremony, a formal and graceful ritual, demonstrates in a very practical way the high priority given to hospitality. When a guest arrives, the hostess will serve tea, usually accompanied by a traditional snack. The freshly brewed tea is poured from the teapot into a ceramic cup and then returned to the teapot three times, allowing the full flavor and aroma of the tea to develop. The fourth time, tea is poured into the guest\\'s cup, filling it only halfway so that it will be the perfect temperature for the guest to enjoy.

Uzbekistan Traditions & Customs

The traditions and customs of the Uzbek people have been shaped by their unique position at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road. The treasures that flowed were not only the ones that can be held in one\\'s hand, but also those that touch the heart and soul. Art, philosophy, science, and religious ideals were exchanged, enriching the cultures of both the travelers and their hosts.

- Uzbek culture reflects a beautiful synthesis of these influences, while maintaining its own unique traditions. From the harmony of its architecture to the masterful detail of its applied arts, from the busy, noisy bazaars to the peaceful, laid-back chaikhana, a journey through Uzbekistan is unique and unforgettable.

It will be helpful for travelers to be aware of some of the conventions of Uzbek society. For example, when greeting each other, close friends or family members of the same sex will kiss on both cheeks. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake denotes a formal introduction (however, women will generally not be expected to shake hands with men). At a meal, guests will be expected to take a turn as toastmaster, thanking and praising the host, saying something witty, and wishing good health and prosperity to all present.

Of all the traditions in Uzbek culture, those associated with the family and community are the most important. The community itself is structured self-governing units, the mahallya. These groups of neighbors help each other and together conduct joint activities. Weddings, funerals, commemorative ceremonies, and the rites of circumcision are all organized by the mahallya.

Many Uzbek ceremonies, especially those associated with family life, such as weddings and the birth an upbringing of children, represent the combination of Islamic rituals with more ancient forms related to mystical practices. A wedding involves the whole community, and it is not uncommon to see three hundred guests at the wedding party. The rituals begin with an engagement ceremony, at which the wedding date is set, and end on the day after the wedding with a ceremony in which the bride is formally received into her new family.Uzbekistan Weddings

Uzbek National dress

When we think of Central Asian civilizations, one of the enduring images is of the beautiful fabrics and decorative needlework used in traditional clothing.

Although nowadays most Uzbeks wear European-style clothes, especially in the cities, some elements of traditional clothing are still incorporated. In the countryside and at national ceremonies you can still see people in traditional dress, and even today, gold-embroidered zarchapan (caftan) and turbans made of gold or silver brocade are indispensable parts of men\\'s wedding garments.

Uzbekistan Cuisine

In a nation where "hospitality is rated higher than courage", it is not surprising that the cuisine is bountiful. From the days of the Silk Road caravans, the meal laid out for a guest was never simple or plain fare - every inch of the table was covered with delicacies, enough for several helpings, and the bonds created over those meals often became lasting friendships.

Some Uzbek recipes are centuries old, with different rituals and ways of cooking them. The most well known of the national dishes, one that is featured at every feast, is an intricate pilaf (plov, osh) prepared with mutton and various vegetables and spices. Although women usually do most of the cooking, men are considered best at preparing pilaf. For special occasions, an oshpaz (special pilaf chef) may even be called in.

Among the other dishes that you will enjoy in Uzbekistan are traditional breads baked in tandoors (clay ovens), delicious soups flavored with various herbs and spices, unique stuffed pastries, and an abundance of fresh fruit.

Uzbekistan music

Music is omnipresent in Uzbek society. From the lullabies sung to an infant when it is first placed in its cradle, to the ancient laments heard at funerals and commemorative ceremonies, the strains of these melodies accompany every aspect of life.

Some of the Uzbek ritual traditional music is thousands of years old. Indeed, the sounds of the Uzbek instruments will convey to you the essence of the mysterious music of the East. Many of the instruments that produce these stirring notes have remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

Uzbekistan Bazaars

Here, people still trade in the open air, placing their goods on the ground or on hand-built structures. Here, you will find everything - from succulent fresh fruits and crisp vegetables to fine jewelry and gold embroidery, from hand-tempered knives to handmade musical instruments, from ceramic bowls to painted cradles. Every item is offered by salespeople who know their merchandise intimately and can tell you how it is grown, where it is made, all the intricate details of its history. And if an item costs more than you were planning to spend, you can always strike a bargain.In a world where business transactions have become virtually devoid of human contact, Uzbekistan\\'s bazaars remind us of how vibrant and exciting commerce can be. The bazaars are no mere collection of shops. They have always been a dynamic center of the community, a place where not only goods and produce, but ideas, news, philosophies, culture and politics are traded.

Uzbekistan Chaikhanas

Uzbekistan Applied & Decorative ArtIf the bazaar is the place where one can find out the latest news, the chaikhana is the place to discuss it in depth. These tea houses, preferably situated near a stream of clear water, with a central samovar to hold the tea, and low tables on mats for the guests to sit around, are the perfect place for men to discuss just about anything. It is at the chaikhana that men will cook up a pilaf, between endless cups of green tea, and also reach important decisions about the next project for the mahallya.

One of the most famous aspects of Uzbekistan\\'s culture is the mastery of so many decorative arts. Older examples of the centuries-old techniques may be viewed in museums, and in the bazaars you will find many examples of the recent revival of handicraft traditions that has brought about new interest and many new artisans.

From the famed blue-and white ceramic pottery and detailed gold-thread embroidery, to the intricately carved gourd snuffboxes, engraved copper lamps, and hand-forged daggers, Uzbek arts continue to enthrall a world audience.

Uzbekistan Festivals

The New Year traditionally begins with Navruz, the ancient commemoration of the coming of spring that has been celebrated for more than 2,500 years. With roots in pagan times and many of its traditions associated with the Zoroastrian religion of ancient Persia, it is a holiday celebrating how light and warmth win out over the cold and darkness of winter. The celebration begins on the 21st of March, but preparations begin several days beforehand: the villages and homes are cleaned and decorated, old and broken items are discarded, and people get new clothes for the holiday. And not only the homes are cleaned - this is also a time for tidying up one\\'s life, forgiving past offenses and debts, renewing friendships, and establishing an atmosphere of harmony and plenty that will hopefully last throughout the year.

The first week of May brings the annual Silk and Spices festival to the old city of Bukhara. Craftspeople from all the Silk Road countries, as well as from Georgia and Pakistan, join to offer the best of what this area has to offer. Travelers can view handpainted miniatures, see silk weavers and potters at work, taste a variety of teas and wines, indulge in locally made sweets, laugh and cry at the puppet shows, and be thrilled by tightrope walkers, all while listening to the strains of musicians who perform throughout the day. In the evening, special theatrical performances help tourists complete their knowledge of this unique culture.

The ancient city of Samarkand, an ancient center of the Silk Road, is host to a different kind of annual event: the Shark Taronalari international music festival. First held in 1997 with performers from 29 countries, by 2005 it had grown to attract visitors from over 50 countries, and featured such musicians as Uran Khai, the throat-singing band from the Republic of Tuva, the folk singer Simara Imanova from Azerbaijan, and Chinese and Indian musicians.

• Vietnam

Vietnamese culture may be still mysterious and unknown to most people outside the country. Today, more and more people are going to Vietnam for traveling and doing business. Getting to know Vietnam and Vietnamese culture is interesting and fascinating. We hope with this website, you can find the most comprehensive information about culture of Vietnam and its traditions.

GREETINGS To address people formally, use Mr. or Ms. or a title plus the first name. There are several titles of respect in Vietnamese, but they aren't used in English. "Thua" (meaning please) is added in front of the first name to show respect. Women do not shake hands with each other or with men. Physical contact between grown-up relatives or friends (both males and females), or between the same or opposite sexes, is not a common sight. Many may greet by bowing slightly to each other, they may join hands. Usually, higher ranking people are greeted first (the family head). LANGUAGE Vietnamese is basically a monosyllabic language having six tones, which give the language a sing-song effect. A word can be repeated with any one of six tones to indicate six different meanings. For example, the word ma has six different meanings according to the tone which the word carries: phantom, ghost; cheek; but, which, who; tomb; horse; young rice seedling. Vietnamese has three basic dialects, all are generally understood by most Vietnamese speakers. It is very different from English; verbs do not change forms, articles are not used, nouns do not have plural endings, there are no prefixes, no suffixes, no definitives and no distinction among pronouns. Its complex vocabulary reflects basic cultural values. Many refugees of the first wave are bilingual. Older urban people may speak some French, and those who had government jobs in South Vietnam speak some English, or are even fluent. GENERAL ETIQUETTE * Note: For the Vietnamese living abroad, the traditional etiquette changes slightly adapting to the western etiquette. Vietnamese culture is concerned more with status (obtained with age and education) than with wealth. Breaking a promise can be a serious violation of social expectation. It is very difficult to re-establish a lost confidence. When inviting a friend on an outing, the bill is paid for by the person offering the invitation. Vietnamese may not take appointment times literally, and will often arrive late so as not to appear overly enthusiastic. Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women. Summoning a person with a hand or finger in the upright position is reserved only for animals or inferior people. Between two equal people it is a provocation. To summon a person, the entire hand with the fingers facing down is the only appropriate hand signal. The elderly grandparents and parents are taken care of until they die. Only a few urban people, influenced by Western customs, celebrate birthdays, since that occasion is not a Vietnamese customs Nor do Vietnamese send Christmas cards. Wedding and funeral ceremonies are important events and are usually performed with solemn and traditional rituals. Modesty and humility are emphasized in the culture of the Vietnamese and deeply ingrained into their natural behavior. Therefore, bragging is often criticized and avoided. When be- ing praised for something, a Vietnamese often declines to accept praise by humbly claiming that he does not warrant such esteem. The Vietnamese do not customarily demonstrate their knowledge, skills, or possessions without being asked to do so. The majority of Vietnamese women never sip alcohol and usually shy away when alcoholic beverages are offered to them. Drinking women are despised in our society. Drinking problems are rare and practically nonexistent among women. While smoking has gained wide acceptance among men, very few Vietnamese women smoke; those who do are generally older women. Women's smoking, in public has been traditionally considered something "unusual." NAMES, NAMING Traditionally, Vietnamese people list their family name first, then their middle name, with their first (given) name listed as last. Family members use different given names (first names aren't passed down), and the name reflects some meaning. Most names can be used for either gender. Many in the US have adopted western customs of naming. DISPLAYS OF RESPECT To avoid confrontation or disrespect, many will not vocalize disagreement. Instead of relaying negative communication, people may not answer a question. It is disrespectful to touch another person's head. Only an elder can touch the head of a child. When getting a praise, people usually smile instead of saying "thank you". A smile is like a silent "thank you". Most people are very modest and deflect praise. Insults to elders or ancestors are very serious and often lead to severed social ties. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Many customs are rooted in both the Confucian respect for education, family and elders, and the Taoist desire to avoid conflict. Vietnamese tend to be very polite and guarded. Sparing one's feelings is considered more important than factual truth. Many alter these practices in the US, especially when dealing with non-Asian people. FAMLILY STRUCTURE The family in Vietnam is an extended one, unlike the typical family in the United States, which normally consists of teh father, mother, and unmarried children. The Vietnamese family is composed of the parents, all children, and their in-laws, the gradparents, the great-grandparents, and also in some circumstances, uncles and aunts and their spouses, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all in-laws. In other words, it might embrace up to six generations, with everybody who is related either by blood or marriage. There is always a strong feeling of attachment between the members of the same family in spite of the generation gap, which can be large or small. The center for the family is a house which does not necessarily accommodate everybody. The availability of living space determines the size of the family living together. But typically, one finds grandparents, father, mother, children, and grandchildren living under the same roof. Although not all members of the extended family are housed together, they tend to cluster around a certain area such as a village, small town, or places of easy access in large cities. MARRIAGE Influenced by Buddhist theology and Confucian philosophy, Vietnamese believed that fate in marriage, as well as wealth and position, were preordained, though choice could play some role in activating a positive or negative fate. Traditionally, children lived with their parents until marriage, then the couple moved to the husband's father's household. The extended family arranged marriage, but individuals were usually consulted on the choice of their mate. The typical engagement lasted six months, with little contact between the bride and groom prior to the marriage. Traditionally the marriage was at one of the couples' homes. Men usually married between 20 and 30 years, and women at 18 to 25 years. Women kept their maiden names legally but used their husband's name formally. As western influence increased in Vietnam during this century, parents began to take more of an advisory role in the choice of their child's mate, and arranged marriages are starting to decline. In the US, most young Vietnamese date in the same way as American youth. Though rarely given absolute choice, family still bears heavy influence over the decision to marry. There are a variety of different wedding practices, most common in Seattle are Buddhist and Christian ceremonies. Divorce is uncommon, even in the US, and is considered shameful. In Vietnam, a man is responsible for his spouse until death.

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