Talking about the cullture, it's a whole different world of lifestyle of the people in my country. Most of the people in Nepal still live in joint families(a family consisting of 2-3 generations), which means that an average of 10 people share the same roof to live, eat and celebrate numerous festivals together, throughout the year. However, nuclear family system has also been into practice in the cities, and apparently, that's where my family belongs too. In this system, guys usually stay with their parents until they are married. Speaking of which, in couple of years after marriage they seperate and make their own living. On the contrary, it's totally different here in America. Children move out when they join college.
In addition to that, traditionally speaking, it is regarded auspicious in Nepal and some other parts of South east Asia to use vermilion powder mixed with rice and water in the special occasions such as birthday and some other festivals. As you can see in the picture, we put this mixture on our forehead as a sign of good fortune. I took a German friend of mine to my Nepalese friend's birthday here in NY. She had the color on her forehead(a very small portion- not as big as you see in the picture) and the German friend thought that it was a scar on her face.
Moreover, my parents visited me two years back, when I just moved to NY from Alabama. At times, it was a little awkward to take the train or even walk on the road with them because of the intimate couples. In Nepal, it is inappropriate to act like that in public.
Additionally, I was invited to a dinner by one of my Chinese friends. They had rice and some other chicken, shrimp and veggies prepared for dinner. They gave me Chopstick to have the dinner with, and I didn’t know how to use chopstick very well at that time. I could manage to eat pasta, spaghetti and all, but eating rice with chopstick was a BUMMER. So, I asked my friend if they had a fork or a spoon, and guess what? They just used chopstick. Since then, I made sure that I knew how to use a chopstick properly. :)
In my opinion, when you're in a different place, either you are just travelling or settling down, adjusting yourself in that environment plays a prominent role, but at the same time you need to preserve your values and norms, so that there is a balance between both the cultures.
Kirpa,
ReplyDeleteI see you have had many experiences with different cultures. I agree with you that you should try to adjust to other peoples culture when you are around them in order to show some respect but at the same time you should not let go of your own values and culture which are important because it tells a story about where you originated from.
Hi Kripa, I feel like we have some similar practices and beliefs. In the Philippines, you really don't move out until you get married or when you're settled in your married life and ready to start your own family. Personally, I also find it inappropriate for people to be intimate in public because I believe that it should be done in close doors; not for everyone to witness. I get how some may argue that its a proclamation of their love for one another and they want the world to see but it gets over the top when the couples are almost eating each other face while kissing.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Eating rice using chopsticks is difficult and time consuming if you're not used to it. I wasn't a pro either because in our culture we eat with a spoon and fork or occasionally with our hands. I really prefer eating rice with a spoon because its easier and convenient. Yes, I agree it's really important to strike a balance between your own values and norms and the place you're currently living in.