CHINESE CULTURE: CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS OF CHINA China is an extemely large country, and the customs and ‘raditions of us people vary by geoarsphy and ethnicity. Mare than 1 billon people live in China, according 10 the Asia Society. representing 56 ethnic minority groups. ‘The largest group is the Han Chinese, with shout 900 million people. Other groups include the Tibetans, the ‘Mongols, the Manchus, the Naxi, aid the Hechen, which is smallest group, with fewer than 2,000 people "Significantly. individuals within communities create their ‘owncultre.” sa Cristina De Ross, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Culture inchades religion, food, syle, language, mariage, music, morals and many other things tat make up how a group acts aad interac, Here & a bef overview of some elements of the ‘Chinese cute. RELI ION ‘The Chinese Communist Patty that rules the nation is officially atheist, though it is gradually becoming. more tobrant of religions, according 1 the Couneil on Fovelgn Relations, Curren, thee are oly five official religions. Aay religionother than Buddhism, Tsoikn, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism are illegal, eventhoughthe Chinese constitution sates that people are allowed fresdom of sligion, The gradual volerance of religion has only sarted to progress Lathe past, Tew decades. About a quarter of the people practice Taoism and Conficianism and other tradticnal religions. Thete are ako sinall numbers of Buddhists, Mustins and Chiistians. Akhough numerous Proiestant and Catholic ministries have becn active in the counisy since the early 19h century, they have made little ‘ogress in coaverting Chinese to these religions LANGUAGE - There afe seven mujor groups of dialects of the Chinese language, which each have their own variations, according 1 Mount Holyoke College. Mandarin dialects we spoken by 71.5 percent of the population, followed by Wu (8.5 percent), Yue (also called Cantonese: 5 percent. Xiang (4.8, peteent), Min (4.1 powcent), Hakle (3.7 pareent) and Gan B (2.4 percent) . Chinese dialects are very different, scconding to Jerry Norman. a former professor of inguistcs a the University of Washington and author of "Chinese(Cambvidge Language Surveys)" (Cambridge University Press, 1988). "Chinese ic rather more like ‘language family than «single language mide up of a suber of regional forms.” he wiote. "The ‘Chinese dialectal complex isin many ways anakigous te the Romance languae fanily ia Ewope, ‘To take an extteme example, there & probably a much difference between the dialecs of Peking [Beijing] and Choozhowas there is between Italian and French." ‘The official nationd Language of China is PGtinghud a type of Mandarin spolces in the capital Bejing, according to the Order of the President of the Poople’s Republic of China ‘Many Chinese ate also fluent in English oop ‘Like other aspacts of Chinese life, cuisine is heavily influenced by geogrsphy and elie divesity. ‘Aumong the main styles of Chinese cooking are Cantovese, which atures stir-fried dishes, and ‘Szechuan, whieh relies heavily ow use 0 peanuts, sesame paste and ginger and is known for ts spiciness, [Rice is not only a major food source in China: iti also 4 major element that helped grow their sccicty, aconing to "Pathways to Asian Civilizations: Tracing the Origins and Spread of Rice ‘and Rice Cultures,” an 2011 artic in the journal Rice by Dorian Q. Fuller. The Chinese woud for rice is fan, which also means "meal" and itisa staple of their diet, as are bean sprouts, cabbage and scallions. Because they do not consume a loi of meat — occasienally pork chicken — tofu ia main source of prtein for the Chinese, ‘THE ARTS (Chinese art is greatly influenced by the country’s rch spiritual and mystical history. Many sculptures and paintings depict spiritual figures of Buddhicm, according to the Metropolitan Museuin of Art Many musical instruments ate integral to Chinese culture, imeluding the fue-like xun and the gugin, which is in the Zzther family. Easern-style murtial aris were also developed in China and it isthe birthplace of kung fi, This fihting technique is base on animal movenients and wae create in the mid 1600s, according to Blick Bek Magazine Ancient Chinese were avid whters and philosophers — cespevally during the Ming and Qing dynastics — and that is reflected in the country’s rich Tinrgical history. CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATIONS "The lugest festival — also called the Spring Festival — marks the beginning of the LunarNew ‘Your. It fills between mid Januaty and mid-February and is «tine to howor ascestors. During the 13-day celebration, the Chinese do something every day to welcome the new year, such a et rice ccongee and mustaid greens to cleanse the body, according to the Univesity of Victona, The holiday is mated with fireworks and parades featuring dancers dressed 2s dragonsMany people make pilgrimages ta Confucius’ birthplace in Shandong Province om his birthday, ‘Sept 28. The birthday of Guanyin, the godess of mercy is obse:ved by visitng Tavis temps. 11 falls between late Marc and late April, Sknilas Celebrations mark the bisihday of Mizu, the ‘goddess ofthe sea (aso known as Tianhow), in May or June. The Moon Festival is celebrated in ‘September or October with fireworks. paper lantems and moon gazing. LITERATURE The Zhou dynasty is often regarded as the touchsione of Chinese cultural development. Concepts covered within the Chinese classic texts present a wide range of subjects including poet. stingy, astronomy, calendar constellations and many others. Some ofthe anost important carly texts include the I Ching and the Shujing within the Pour Books ad Five Classics. Many Chinese concepts such as Yin ani Yang, Qi, Four Pillars of Destiny in elation to heaven and earth were tbecrized in the pre-imperial periods. The Song dynasty was also «period of great scientific literature, and saw the creation of works such as Su Song's Xin Yixiany Fayan and Shen Kuo's Dream Pool Essays. There were abo ‘exormous works of historiography and large encyclopedias, such as Sima Gune’s Zizhi'Tongjian ‘of 1084 or the Four Great Books of Song fully compiled and edited by the 11th century. Notable Confuckanists, Taoist and schokats of allelsses have made significant contributions to and from documsming history to authoring saintly concepts that scem hundred of yeas ahcad of time, Many novels such as Four Great Classical Novels spurned couitless fictional sores. By the end of the ‘Qing dynasty, Chinese culture would embark ona new era with written vernacular Chinese for the commencitizens, Hu Shih atd Lu Xun would be pioweers in moder literature, VALUES ‘Mos socal values ate derived fiom Confucianism and Taoism, The subject of which Schoo! was the most laflueatil is always debated #8 many concepts such a Neo-Confueianism, Buddhism and many othershave come about. Reinearnationand other rebisth concept i¢a reminder of the connsction between real-life and the afterlife. In Chinese business culture, tho concept of suansi indicating the primacy of relations over rules, has teen well documenied. Confucianism was the official philowphy throughout most of Imperial China’ history, and mastery of Confucian texts wat the primaty criterion for enezy iato the imperial bureaucracy, A. number of move authoritarian strains of thought have also besn influential, such as Legaism, ‘There was often conflict between the philosophies, e.g. the Song Dynasy Neo-Confucians believed Legalism departed trom the original spirit of Confucianism. Examinations and a culture ‘of mert remain greatly valued in China today. In recent years, a number of New Confacians (not to be confused with Neo-Confucianism) have advocated that democratic ideals and human rights ‘ae quite compatible with wauivonal Confucian "Asian values”MALAYSIA CULTURE AND TRADITIONS, “The cuture of Malaysia draws om the varied cules of the different people of Malaysia, The fst peopleto tive inthe atea were indigenous tribes that sil remain: they Were Followed by the Malays, Who moved there Hons mainland Asia ia ancient imes, Chineve and Indian cultura influences made teirmark when wade began vith toe counties, and increased with immigration to Maiasiz. Otber cultures tha hewily influenced that of Malaysia include Persian. Arabic. and Brtsh, The many ‘diferent etfnicites that curemly exist in Mahia have ther ow unique and distinctive cull ‘anti, with some crossover ETHNIC GROUPS Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and raiiingual society. anc the many etinic eraups in Malaysia maintain separae cultural identties, The society of Malaysia has beea described as "ASia in ‘hiniaure”, The erginal culture of the area stemmed tram ils indigenous tribes, along Wil the Malays who ‘moved thee in ancien ines, Substantial inluence exists fam the Chinese and Indian cultures, dating back 10 \whentrade with thse countries began in the ares. Other fulutes that heavily influenced that of ‘Malaya include Persian, Arabic, and Bitih. The stimcrute ofthe ‘government, along withthe racial balance of power caused the lea ofa secial contrat, hs resulted in litle incentive for the cudural assimilation of etic minorities in Malaya and Malaysia. The wernavent has historcally made ble aishneton between "May culture” and "Malaysian cultare FESTIVALS Of The Largest colebetion forthe Muslin community i Eid ulFix, or locally known as Hari Raya Aidit, Ronan the ent of the fasting. mnt, Ramadan and the beginning of Syawal, Another majerfeswal me Hart Rays Aidiadt, which marks the completion of the Haji pilgrimage in Makkah. ‘The Katuzandicun ad Murut communities in Sabah celebrate Tadaa Keamatan or Harvest Festival in May. Jn Sarawak Gawai Dayak (celebrated in June) is ‘enluries-old celebration that marks the endothe paddy ‘pling season ant the start of a new season,ARCHITECTURE, Architecture in Malaysia is combination of many siyles, from Islamic aad Chinese styles to those brought by European colonists, Malay achitecture has changed due 10 these influences. Houses ia the nat ate similar to those in Thailand, while those in the south are similar to those in Java. New natetial, sich a8 glasies and nails, were brought ia by Ewopeas, changing she architecture. Houses ate bailt for vropical conditions, raed on sits ith high roots and large Windows, allowing air to How trough the house aad cool it down Wood has been the tain bulding material for much of ‘Malaysia's history: itis used for everything from the simple kompung to royal palaces. In Negeri ‘Sembilan traditional homes ate entrely fee of mas, Besides wad, other common materiss such as ‘banvboo and leaves were used, The Itana Kerangan in Kuala Kangae was builtin 1926, anditthe only ‘Malay palace with barnboo walls LITERATURE, The song oral tradition that has existed since before the arival of wating to whats now Malaysia continues nda. These early works were howvily influenced by Indian epics. Oral Weraure such as folkiles ourished ‘even afer printed works appestol.The Arabic Jawi script arrived with the coming of |shm tf te peninsula in the Lae 15h century. At his point, stories which previously had given kssous in Hinduism and Buddhism were taken to have more universal meanings, with ‘heir main story lines remaining intact cLoriING As of 2013 most Muslin Malsysian women wear the udung. ‘ype of hijab. This we of the tudung was uncommon prior t the 1979 ranian revelutio, and the places that had women in ‘udung tend tobe sural areas. The usage of the tuduag sharply increased afer the 1970s, ac religious conservatism anng Malay people in both Malaria and Singupare increased,CULTURE OF AFRICA ‘The cumue of Attica 6 vue ar manifold, consisting of ature oF ties tateach have their Own unique characteristics. Iis a product ofthe diverse populations that today inhabit the continent of ‘Attia andthe Afican Diaspora, AFican cultureis expressed i ts arts andra, folklore ani rligien, clothing, cuisine, masie and languages [1] Aiea ic so ful of cule, with # rotonly changing from, ‘ote couniry to another, bul within a single country, many cultures can be discovered, Even though ‘Afvican cultures are widely diverse ts also, when closely studied, seen to have many simarites, For example, the morals they uphol, their love and respect far their caltare ay well a the srong, respect ey hold for the aged andthe impertant i. Kings and Chie, ‘Attica has influenced and been influenced by otber continents This canbe pertrayedin the willingness to adapt wo the ever chanping modem wrldraer than stiying footed to thei stac culture. The ‘Westemized few, peradad by Earopean culture and Christianity, fst denied Afican traditional culture, but withthe iteeate of AGican nationalism, acultial ecovery, ‘of most Afrcaa rations encourage ational dance aid rnusic groups, museus, aid oa lower degre, fais sn wrens, ‘AFRICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS Aiea has a rich wadition of arts snd crafts, African arts and crafts find exprestion ina variety of wwodezevings, bast and Teather art works, Afican ats and crafts also include sculpture, paintings, pottery, ceremonial and religious headgear and ress Maulana Karenga states th in Atrcan a, the object ws 1038 imypartat asthe sou froe behind the creation of the objec. He ako slates that AI at must be revolutionary and in beiag revelutionary it must be collective, ‘commiting, ard functional FOLKLORE AND RELIGION Like all human culuses, ASican folklore ant religion represents a varialy of serial facets of the vatous cultures in Africa, Like almost allevilizations and cultures, Hood mytis have been cirauaing in dilfeent pats of Afri, Culture anc religion share space ant te deeply inlined in Afvican cutures, In Ethiopia, Chisianity and Islam For the care aspects of Frhionian cle and infer dietary ccstem at Wella rials and rites, Felktales alto play an important role in any African cultures, Stories reflect a group cultural entity tnd preserving the stares of Africa will help presene an entre ‘ullue, Sorylelingattirms pride and identity in aculluce, Insta, sores are creed by and For the tine group telling them, Different ethnic groups in Africa have dit ferent riuals of ceremonies for Storstelng, which creates a sense of belonging to a cultural graup. To outsiders hearing an ethnic groups ris it provides an insigit into the community's beliefs, views, an customs. cLomuine. ‘Womea’s traditional clothes in Ethiopia are aude from cloth called shommna aud are used to ake hhabesia keris, The laler garment is basically caton cloth, about 90 em side, woven i Long stripswhich ae then sewn together Sometimes shiny threads ate woven intothe fabric for anelegent effect, Men wete pants and a knee-length shit with a white collar and perlaps 4 sweater, Men often weir kacehigh socks Wile Women might not Wear sccks sal, Men as Well ss waren wear shawls, the mete, Zalus wear a variety of ate, both traditional for cretinial or culturally celebratory occasions, atdl madera westernised clothing for everyday use. Traditional male clothing is usually light, FA consisting of a tworpart apron (similar toa Woincoth) used to cover the OE seni andbunccks ‘The various cuisines of Attica use 4 combination af locally avsildls fruits cored grainsand vegetables, a well at milk and meat products, In some parts ofthe coutinent, the tradiicnal dict feauies a preponderance of mill, curd and whey producss. In muchof topical Aftica, however cows milks rare and cannot be produced locally (owing to various diseases tht affect FveSiek). The cottivents diverse demosraphic makeup is refletel inthe many diferent eating an drinking habits, dishes, and poepantion techniques of ts manifold populations AFRICAN MUSIC ‘Traditional Sub-Sihavan Attican music as diverse as the regions various populations. The common pesception of Sub-Saharan African music is tha is rithmic music centered on the duns ard inde, a arge pact of Sub-Saharan music. mainly among speakers of Niger-Congo and Nilo-Saharan languages. is thymic and cettered oa the deur, Sub-Saharan musie i polyehythic, usually consisting of multiple thythms in ene companion, Dance involves moving tmuliple body parts These aspects of Sub-Saliaran music were transfered to the hw World by enslaved Sub-Sahuran Africans and-ean be seen in ls inluense on z ruse Forms as Samba, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock & Rol, Salsa, and Rap LANGUAGES. “The muin eins Inguistic divisions in ABica are Afro. Asiatic (North Afkics, Hom of Aiea), Niger Congo (including speakers ftom the Bantu brauch) in most of Sub-Saharan Afica, Nilo-Sabaran in plts ofthe Saaa and the Sale! and parts of Fasera Attia, and Khoisan (indigenous miaortis of ‘Souem ica) [23] The continent oF Afica speaks hundreds of languages, aml i dialects spoken by varias ethnic sroups sre also included, the number is much higher. These languages and dialeats do not Have the same importance: some are spoken by only few lunied people, others are spoken by nillions. Among the mest prominent languages spoken ate Arabic, Swabili aid Hausa, Very few coutries of Africa use any single language and for this reason several official languages coexit, ‘Aftican and European, Some Aficans speak varias Eurmpean languages such as Engl, Spanish, French, Portiguese, Malian, German and DutchCULTURE OF JAPAN ‘The eulure of Jopan has evolved grealy over the millennia, ftomthe county’ prebisiorie Jomon period, to Xs contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia, Europe, and ‘North America. The inhabitants of Japanexperienced a long period of relative isolation fiom the ‘outside world during the Tolugssa chogunate after Japenese missions to imperial China, until the aitival of "The Black Ships" and the Mei potiod LANGUAGE, Japanese isthe official and primary language ‘of Japan, kapanese is relatively sill but has 4 lexically distinct ptch-sccont system, Early Japanese is knowa largely on the basis of its ‘ate in he Sih cemtury, shen the Uree major works of OM Japanese were compiled. The catliest atesaton of the Japanese language is in a Chinese document fom 252 AD. Japanese is witten with a combination of twee scrips: hingana, detived fron the Chinese cursive seript, katakana, derived as. shorthand from Chinese character, and kanf, imported trom China. The Latin alphabet, Omi, is also offen used in madem Japanese, especially for company mmes and logos, advertising. and when inputting Jgpanese into a compater. The Hinchi-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional S ino-upanese numerals are also very common, LITERATURE, Early works of Japanese literaure were heavily infhenced by cutural contact with China and Chinese lterture, often witten in Classical Chinese, Indian Iterature ao had an influence through the spread of Buddhism throughout Japan. Eventually, Japanese literature developed into ‘a sepatate syle in ts own right a Japanese wrkets began writing thelr own works about Japan, ‘Since Aapan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century, Westers and Eastern Iterature have srongly affected each other and continue to do so Music “The music of Japan includes @ wide array of performers in distinet styles tot waditional and imdern, The word for music in Japanese is HE (ongaku, combing the kanji B ‘on (sound) with thekanji "gakn" (enjoyment). Fapanis the second largest music market in the world, behind ‘tho United Stites, and the rzes in Asia, and mostofthe markets dominated by Japanese artists. ‘Local musi often appears at Karaoke venues, which i en lease fromthe recom labels, Traditional Japanese must is quite different from Westem Music and is based on the intervals of human breathing rather than mathematical timing In 1873, British traveler claimed that Japanese music "exasperates heyond all endurance the European breastVISUAL ARTS Painting- Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long sme: Ue brush iS a Usdiional witiag and palttig tol, and the extension of tat to is wseas an sists tool was probably natural (Callgraphy- The flowing, brush-dravn Japanese rendering of text, itself s seen as a uaditional att form as well as a meats of ‘conveying written information The sites werk can consist of phrases, pooms stories, or even single characters, RELIGION Buddhisin and Shintoism isthe primary religions of Japan, ARCHITECTURE Iepancse architecture has as long of a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. Originally heavily influenced by Chinese archiectue, it hes developad many differences and aspects which, are indigenous to Japan. Examples of waditional architecture ae seen at temples, Shinto shines, and castes in Kyoto and Nara. Some of these buildings ate constructed with traditional gardens, ‘which ae influenced fromZen ideas ‘TRADITIONAL CLOTHING ‘racitional Japanese cething distinguishes Japan fom all ther counties srcund the world. The Japanese word kinouo means "sonethisg one Wears" and they ae the uations samen of {apan, Originally, the word Kimono was ust fra ypes of closing, hat everusly. came to refer specifically tothe full-sngth garment akolknown asthe naga- ai mvaning "lng esr" that is ll wom today on special oeasions by women, en, andchillren, "The eviest kinnnos were ‘heavily influenced by tational Hen Chinese cothing, kiown today 3s han (38H. Kanfuku in Japanese, though Iapanese embassies 10 Chiaa wich rented in extensive Chinese culture “ndoions by Japan, a early atthe Sthcentary AD. CUISINE "Trough a long culinary pas, the Japanese have developed sophisticated and refined cuisine, In rmpre recent years Japanese food has become fashionable and popular inthe United States, Ewope. and many other areas. Dishes sich 2s sushi. tempura, noodles, and teriyaki are some ofthe foods ‘that are commonly known. The Japanese diet consists principally of rie: fresh, loa seafood; and pickled or boiled vegetables, The healthy Japanese dict is often believed to be related to the longevity of Fapanese people, POPULAR CULTURE Jepancse popular culture not only refleets the attitudes and concerns of the present day, but also provides a link to the past Popular fms, revision programs, manga, usic, anime and video ‘suns all developed trom older artistic and itersrytradtions. and many of thew themes and styles Ofpreseniaton canbe traced io taitionalart forms, Contemporary forms of pepularculture. much like the tactianal forms, provide not only entertainment hut ako an escape forthe contemporary Japanese from the problems ofan industrial world.CULTURE OF SAUDIARARIA, “The cull seting of Saudi Azabiais Arab acd Islan, aad sosity itself is in general deeply religions, comersative, waditionl, aad farily ‘rented, Many alludes and teaditions are centuries-old, denived from ‘ab civilization, However its culture has also been afected by rapid ‘change. asthe county was transformed from an impoverished nomadic Society into a rich commasity producer in just a few years in the 1970-The rwostracenteuler or king of Saudi f King Salman AI Saud “The Wahab blanic movement, which ste inthe 18th certury and is sometimes described 2 austerly puritanical, now predominates ia the county, Following the principle of "enjoining good and forbidding wrong”, there are many limitations or behaviour and dress are sticiy enforce both legally and socially, oflen more s than in other Mastin ‘countries, Alcoholic beverager ate prohibited, for example, aad there is no theatre or public exhibition of fils Dally teis dominaed by Islami ebservance. Five nes each day, Muslims ae called to prayer om the minuets of mosjaes scattered turoughout the country. Because Friday is the holed day for ‘Maslin, the weekend is Friday-Saturday, In accordance with Wahhabi doctiine, only wo religious holidays. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, were publicly eecopnized. until 2006 when a non-religious Ilias, the 23 September national holiday (which commemorates the uaifistion othe kingdom) was reintroduced, RELIGION ‘Onservers have deserited Saudi Arabian socety as deeply relgious and deeply conservative. Saudi Aria the "only modem Muslim state 10 hhave been created by jihad. the only one to claim the Ouran as its ccenstitution", and she only Arah-Musm country "Yo have escaped Eurcpeat imperialist,” Islam isthe sat religien of Saudi Arabia “The oficial and dominant form of Islam in the Kingdom, and "the predominant feature of Saudi cultre"fo} is the austerely puntanical form of Sunni Klum known as Wahhabism Wahhubstm arose in tle ceatral region of Na the ceishieenth conury, Proponents call he movement "Suatisn and believe that ils teachings purily the procice of Ishm of innovations or practices tht devste from the seventh-century teachings of ‘Muharsiad and his empanions, SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS Bedouin A large portion ofthe orginal innaiass ofthe area that now Saud were desert nomads ‘krovin as Bedouin, They remain a significa and very infuertisl minosity of the indigenous Saudi population, hough maay whocal themselves "bedou" no longer engage i "waonal trial activities, ‘of herding Sheep and nding camels ‘Geestingt- Grestngs in Saudi Arabia have been called "formal and proscribed" ard lengthy. Saudis {met} tal "woiake their me andeonverse ora bit when mowing" Inguriea "about halt and family" ate aisionary but uever about amans wife, as tis "is comered disrespectful,Drest- The region and custams of Saudi Arabia dictate not only conservative sless for mea and Won but a uniformity of dess unique to mos ef the Middle Est, Traditionally, the eiferent regions of Saudi have fad diferent dress, bu since the re-esablishnent of Saudi rule these have been eexerved for festive ‘cations and “altered if not enttely displaced” by the dress ofthe homeland of their ruler (ie, Nai MARRIAGE ‘Traditionally, in Saudi Arabia (and other Gulf counties, Families arrange marriages with te uber family’s comiderations in mind, rather than Western/moder ideas of romantic love and set-ienty. ‘Sons and daughters have been encouraged io "marty cousins of ther relatives in order to increase and stenptien" the ecended funy or ibe. "or occasionally to marty into anether wike in order to heal fills, Atleast in the 1990s, most marriages in Saudi were “consinguinenns" ie, between clese ‘eatives—sometimes a stoond courinbut usually afitst cousin, and mariage between cousine in Saud is among the highest rate inthe world, Unfomuuatsly the practice has been cited as a factor in higher raesofType2diabetes, which aflects about 32% of adult Saud), hypertension, (which affects 33%), ‘and higher faes of severe genetc cseases like cySlic ibross oF Thalassemia, a blood discrde, ‘thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, spinal muscular avophy, deainess and muleness, Asa consequence of frequent consanguineous mariage, genetic counseling iva wrowing field in Saudi Arabia OTHER CUSTOMS ‘Asin her Ardb and especially Gulf countries, Saudi customs inchide aveiding certain pracioes, auch + smything that would cause someone (or a least another Sadi) embarrassment and less of face, criticism by outsiers must be delivered indiveily, circumspect, and never infront of comers + exposing the sales of the feet or Footwear to somecnar ther insulting body language inclule ‘pward raising of the asingle finger, excessive poiating, fit clenching and pounding ofthe right fistinto the let pala ‘+ using the lett hand when eating (tat hand tadtionsly being used for personal hysiene) ‘+ rushing into doing business befare converstion sn the drinking of tea an cofee (violation of deser code of hospitality, acode serving from the recognbion that advert traveler who send hospitality might not survive), ‘+ adinising a movable possesion of a Saudi, since an hospitable Sali will possession asa iM to te guest aaa, obliged t offer the FOOD AND DRINK ‘Saul Arabian cusine is similar at of te suctounag Countries inthe Arabian Peninsula and has been heavily influenced by Turkish Persian, and African food. Animals ae slaughtered inaccaance with halal Islamic dietary Laws, whichconsder pork impure (naj) and alcohol forbidden (haram). AS 2 goreral aul, Sands ike cher Muslim) consider inpure perktohediagusting, but forbidden alcohol 4 fempiation Consequently, dietary laws regarding the frmer are more sicly observed than thane regarding the tersport “Association Foutall(aoeces isthe national spat ia Saudi Arabia. nveseat yours, some Saudi players hhave bevaane skied enough to play in Europe. The Saudi Arabian national Fowtball teu is governed by the Saudi Arabia Fooball Federation (SFF). The naional eam competed in the FIFA Weld Cup our ines, snd the AFC Asian Cup 12 times. Basketball also populst. THe Saudi Arabian national ‘basketball eam won the bronze meal atthe 1999 Asian Championship. ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ‘Visual art tend to be dominated by geometric, floral, and abstract designs and by calligraphy. Sushi Islam taditionaly prohibits crestig representations of people, and from the 18th century onward, ‘Wahhabi fundsmertalsin discouraged srtisic development inconsistent with is teaching, WiLh the advent of oi! wealth in the 20th cemury came expose i ouside influences, such as Westem housing ‘tle, fumishings, an clothes ‘The ten-clay-long enaliyah National Festival celebrates the Founding ofthe kingdom and showeases ‘Saudi cultre and heritage, waditinalsraftssuchas poteryard woodcuting, folk dance and iraditional seg. LITERATURE, Bedouin post i a cultural vaditon in Saudi Arabia, According to Sandra Mackey, author of The ‘Saudis: side the Devett Kingdom, "the role that formal poets, prose. aid onatory play ia Sandi Culture is oally alien to Western culure.” Mickey explained thatthe Bedouin poet vas the arisin of, Saudi society's traditionally song atactevent to the concept of language, She suid that pasty "can ‘arise in the thos curious of situation” ducto the role of poet in Saud culture PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT. ‘Many outsiders ae struck by the sipertica resemblance of Saudi cites (al as those on the coast svch as Jeddah) — with their supetighways, stopping malls and fast food—to those of post-World ‘War Il vester cites and suburbs. ISLAMIC HERITAGE SUTES ‘Saudi Arabia, aad spserfically the Hejaz. as the cradle of slam, has nay ofthe mos! significant hiswric Muslim sits, ‘cluding the tivo holiest ses of Mecca aa Medina, One of the King tiles i Custodian ofthe Two Holy Mesques, the ‘wo mosques being Masjid al-Hlarim in Mecca, (which contains Tsium's most sacred place, the Kanha), and Al ‘Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, which contains Muhamma’s tomb.(CULTURE OF INDIA ‘The culture of India refers collectively o the thousands of distinct ant unique cultures of all religions and communities present in India Indias lnguages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food. and customs difers ftom place to place within the country. The Indian culture. often labeled as an antalgamation of several cultures, span scrose the Indian subcontinent ard has been, influenced by a history that is several millennia old. Many elements of India's diverse cakures, suchas Indian religions India philosophy and Indian cuisine, have had a profound impact across the world CULTURE India is onc ofthe worlds oldest civilizations and one of the most populated sounitss inthe world The finish culture, often labeled ss an amalgamation of several var kos cultures, spats across the Indian subeominent and has been influenced and shaped by ahistory that is several thousand years ‘old, Throughout the history of India, Indian culture has been heavily influenced by Dharmic feligions, ‘They have been credited with shaping much of Indian philosophy, literature, frchitecture, at and music, Greater India was the historical extent of Indian culture beyond the Indian subconeinert, This particultly concerns the spread of Hinduism, Buddhist, achieaure, administation and waiting system from India to ote! pars of Asia tough the Sik Road by the ‘ravellersand maritime traders during the early centuries ofthe Common Era. Tothe west, Greater India everlaps with Greater Persia inthe Hin Kush andl Pamir Mountains, Over the centuries, thore has been siguificant fusion of cultures between Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims (Suani, Shia, ‘Sufi, Jain, Sikls and various tibal populatiens in Tada India is te bithplsce of Hinduism, Buddhism, Janistn and Sikhism, collectively known as rdian religions, Indian religious ate a major form of world religions along with Abrahamic ones. Tod. Hinduism aod Buddhisin are the worlds third and fourth-largest religions respectively, with over 2 billion followers altogetier, and possibly as many as 2.5 ct 2.6 billion followers, Followers of Indianceligions~ Hindus, Sikhs Jats and Buddhisis make up around 80-82% pop ulation of Ind Indis is one of the most religiously and ethically diverse nations in the worl, with some of the rnnst deeply religious societies and cukuses, Religion plays a central atd definitive role in he life ‘of many of Hs people. Although India is a seaular Hindu-majority county, ithas & lage Muslim Population. Except for fammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Meghalaya, Maniput, Nagaland, Mizoram and Lakshadweep, Hindssform the predominant population in all29 states and 7 union tities. Muslimsare present throughout India, with large populations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, West Boagel and Assam: while only Jaman and Kashmir and Laluhedwoop have majority Muslin populations. Sikhs and Curstans are othe significant minorities of India PHILOSOPHY Indian philosophy comprises the philosophical tacitions of the Indian subsottisen. There ate six schools of ertiodox Hinds philosophy —Nyaya, Vaishestike, Samkhya, Yops, Mandiysd and Vodaite—and four heterodox Sdieols—Jain, Buddhist, Ajwika ant Cavaka ~ ist wo are also schocts of Hindus. However, thee ie otter methods of classification: Vidysranya forinstance ieatfies sixteen school of Indan philsephy byinchuding those that belong to the Siva and Rascivara traditions, Since medieval India (ca.1000- 1500), schools of Indian pilsophical chought have beenclasifiedby the Bralmanical wadiion as ether orthalox or non-erthodon asta or nistika “depending on whether hey regurd the Ves si infulible surce of Knowledge. FAMILY STRUCTURE AND MARRIAGE, ‘For generations, India has a prevaling ralition ofthe joint family system, Wiswhen extended members of a Family ~paens, children, the children’s spouses and their offipring, ete. — live together, Usually, the ollest male Irnber isthe head i the joint Undia fami system, He meosly snakes all iimportan decisions and rules, andl ote family mere are likely o abe by hem. WEDDING RITUALS Wesklines ae fesive occasions in India with extensive decertions, cars, ‘usc, dance, costumes snd rite that depend on the religion ofthe bride At the giowm, as well asthe jreferences, The nation celebrates about 10 ‘milion weddings per yeu,of which over SO are Hislu weddings While there are many fesivalrelted situals in Hinduism, vivaka (Wedding) is the most extensive persoral ritual an adult Hindu undertakes in his or her life. Typical Hindu families spend significant efTort and financial resauces to prepare as celebrate waddings. The rinals and prnoess of a Hindu wedding vary depending on region of Tdi, local ‘adaptations, resources of the fanily and preferences ofthe bride andthe groom, FESTIVALS Indi, being a mult-cultral, multiethnic and mult religious society, celebrates holilays and festivals of varius religions. The thee national holilaysin India the Indeperdence Day, the Republic Day and the Gandhi ayant, are celebrated with zeal and cntiusiasm serosa India Ih addition, many Indan Staley and regions have local festivals depending on prevalent religious and lingustc demographics Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals fof Nasrati, Ianmashtani, Diwali. Maha Shiva, Upadi, Onam, Vasant Panchami, Ralshahandhan, and Dustea, Several harvest festivals such at Malar Sanlcanti, Pengal and Raja santaranti swinging festival are alse fairly popula CLOTHING ‘Traditional clothing in Ini greatly varies seross diferent pas ofthe county and is influenced by localculure. geography, climate and rurafurbansetings. Popula: syle: of dres inchule draped garmets sich as vai for women and dhotior tung: ‘oF pancho (in Kastda) for men, Stichod clothes are aly popular suchas shuridae 4 § it for sulwarchanser for women, with dupatta (ong sear) tows ever shoulde: ‘completing the oui. Salwar & olen Lome Fiting, while chard is a tighter eatLANGUAGES AND LITERATURE, ‘The Sansirs lnguage, whutever be it antiquity, & ofa wonderful Scucture; more perfectubanthe Greek more copious than the Lat, and moe exqussitely refined than eat, yet beating to both of them, 42 tromzer affinity, both inthe roots of verbs and the foms of ‘grammar, than cauld possibly have been produced by accident. so ‘tong inveed, that no philologer could examine them all three Without believing thens to have sprung from some common source, Which, peshaps, no louger exists: these is ¢sinilar reason though ‘not quile so forcible, fer supposing that botk the Gotic aa the (Celie, though blended with s Very different idiom, had the same origin with the Senskrit St Wiliam Jones, 1786. EPICS ‘The Ramayana and the Mahabharata arcthe oldest preserved and well-known eps of India. Verdons have been adopted a8 the epics of Southeast Asan countees like Philippines, Thailand, ‘Malaysia andlndonesiz. The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses in soven Poke (Ainge) and $00 cantos (sarpas), and tals the story of Ram (an ineamation or Avatar ofthe Hinds presorver ‘god Vishnu), whose wife Sita is abductd by the demon king of Lanka, Ravana This epic phyed.a pivotal ole i establishing the role of dhitma as a principal ideal guiding force for Hindu way of life. The earliest pats ofthe “Mahabhseata text date to 40 BC and is eaimated wo have reached its final form by the early Gupta period (¢. 4th century AD). Other regional variations of those, as well as unrlaed epies inelule the Tamil Ramavataiam, Kennada Pampa Bharata, Hindi Remacharitamanasa, and Malayalam ‘Adhyaihmaramayanam. In aldition to these two great Indian eples, there are five major eps in the classical Tamil language —Slappatikaram, Manimekalat, Civaka Cintamani and Valayapathi kundalakesi DANCE India has had a long romance with the aft of dance. The Hindu Sanskrit texts Napaidsira Seiewce of Danco) and Abhinavar Darpaona (Mirror of Gostue) ate estimated to be from 200 BCE to caily centuries ofthe Ist mallennium CE. The Indian at of dance ss taught in these ancient books, according to Ragiti Devi, isthe expressionof inner beaaty and the divine in man. 's 4 debberste ar, nothing is eft to chance, each gesture seeks 10 communicate the ideas, each facial expressicn the emotions(CULTURE OF SINGAPORE ‘The culture of Singapexe is the combination of Asian and Exropean ceullures, influenced by Malay, South Asian East Asin, and Euriian cultures, Singspore has been dubbed as a county where "East meets ‘West’, "Easy Asia” ant "Garden ciy" mstory ‘Singapore history dates back w Uae Ui century. I was a vassal ial OF various empires beree being reestablished and renamed by Sang Nia Utama. The lank was ruled by various sultantes until 1819, When the British came to the island and setup a port aad coloay, During Eritsh rule the port of Singipore flourished and aitacted many migrants. After independence in 1965, Singapore made its ‘own way. has a diverse popaave of oxer 5.47 million people which is made upof Chinese, Malays, Indian, and Eurasian (plus odtr mised groups) and Asian ofdilforemt origins ATTITUDES AND BELIEES, Merocracy: "The sysiem of meritocracy in Singapore ensues tha the best and brightest, regundess ‘of rave, religion and socio-economic background, ae encouraged to develop to thet Tallest patel, Byeryone has aocesstoeducation whichequips them with kil and nawiedge to eama better living." Indeed, the Education in Singapore ensares that primary education is compusary forall children of age To 12, Patets have toapply for exernptions fram the Minidty of Education in Singapare in onder {oexempt ther children under this compulsory rule with valid reasonings, Soctal harmony: Singapore is a secular immigrant country. The min religions in Singapore ae Buddhism, Chsstianity, Islam and Hinduism. Kespect for ferent religions and personal belies i heavily emphasised by le goverment Democracy, peace, progress, justice and equaliy-he concepts af demecricy, peace progress, justice and equality ae enshvined at star in the Singapore national fag, Fresdom ia the Werld ranked Singapore 4 out of 7 fer poitical fsodom, an 4 cut of7 for civil ibortis (where 1 isthe mont fee) with an overall ranking of "pal fee", Reporters wiht Borders ranked Singapore 133ih ot of 190, ‘counties in their Press Fredo Inds for 2013 ETHNIC AREAS ‘Singapore has several distinct ethnic msighbourhoals including Lite dia, Chinatown and Kampong Gian Lite India is known and patrossed by all races within the popalation for its thalis~ South Indian “pufes” that ste vegetarian and served on the Walonal banana leaves, These neighboushoods te accessible by public transport, espevially by Mass Rapid Trans (MET). Singapore's Chinstove isan ethnic neighbourhood featring distincly Chinese calural element and a historically concestied ethnic Chinese population. Chinatown is located within the Lrger district ‘of Out,CULTURAL POLICY Singapore maiatais tight esticions on arts and cultural pesfonmances, Most artistic works have to ‘be Vell by the goverament in alvance, an! vopis that breach so-cille oul oT bounds makers (OB markers) afe not permitted, While te OB markers are not publicly defined, they are generally assum fo include sensive topiessuch as rave, religion, an legatons of corruption or nepotism in government. Nudity and other forns of lowe'y defined "obscenity" arealso banned. Singaporean Film dliector Roysten Tan has priced movies which challenge these policies, inclading a move called Cut it reference to censorship of the as, CULTURAL WORLD HERITAGE SITES in) ‘The Siagspare Botanic Gardens is one of thrce ‘aly tropical garde, tobe honored as a UNESCO World Heriage Sit. CUBINE Singaporean csisine is also « prime example of divesity and cultural dfusion in Singapore. In Singapore's havker centes, for example italitionally Malay hawker slls selling ako Taral fod. (Chinese salts may intrdies Malay ingredient, cooking techniques of entire dishes ino ther range of ‘catesng. This continues to make the cuisine of Singapore signifiaaty rch and a cultural attacticn, Singaporeans also enjoy a wie varity of seafood icluding crabs, clams, squil, and oysters, One favorite dahis te stingray barbecuod and served on banana leat and with sandal (chill, FESTIVALS ‘The majer public holidays reflst the mensional saci diversity. including Chinese New Year, Buddhist Vesse Day, Maslin Fid ule (kuown locally by iy Malay name Hari Raya Passa). and Hindu Diwali (eoown Locally by its Tamil nme Deepavali) Christians constitute a large and rapidly ‘rowing txinoiy, and Christies Day, Good Friday, and New Year's Day ae alse publi holidays, LANGUAGES Many Singaporeans, are biliggual Most speak Singaporean English and another language, most ‘commonly Mandarin, Malay, Tamil or Sirgapore Colloguial Enelish (Sinlish. Singapore Standard English is vistualy the same as British, Malaysia, and Ind.an Standard English in most aspects of ‘grammar and spelling, though there are some differences vocabulary and minor spelling differences, for example the word ‘swap! is commonly spat wop, ati standard in The Straits Times, Music Singapore has a civerse music culture that ranges fom sock and pop to folk and classical RELIGION Religion in Singapore i characterized hy a diversity of religious beliefs and practices due toitediverse thine mic of peoples arigiating from various counties,