Foot Binding

Where in the world? China

     This ancient tradition started in the 10 century, until 1911 when it was banned by the Chinese republic. Now if this was performed the mothers would get charged with child abuse. This was practiced by young women and girls as young as the age of five. Binding of the foot resulted in life long disabilities for many of the women who partook in this tradition. Some feet were even broken or fractured in order to get the desired result of a smaller foot. There are many different reasons why people think that this tradition was practiced. They thought it was fashionable and a distinction to have bound feet to the point where some were even "nonfunctional feet." The smaller the women’s foot, the more wealthy they seemed. During the first year of this process, girls would have 4 of their toes broken and knit together making sure their feet looked smaller. They would have to walk on their heels so they would not have pain. Another different opinion on why these girls had bound feet was that their husbands wanted to keep them from having any life outside the home. Their bound feet kept them from being mobile. Some women were even killed or sent away if they did not have their feet bound because it showed that they were not capable of marriage. Various opinions have been stated as to why they did this, some say fashion, others say it was for their husbands. Either way, they suffered tremendous pain and it is sad to see pictures and videos of it.

Geisha

Where in the world? Japan 

       A Geisha is a Japanese women who entertain and preform classical dance and music. They preform these Japanese arts at various banquets. Girls who want to become a geisha go through vigorous apprenticeship. During this time they learn the traditions such as playing instruments, singing, dancing, and social skills. Usually, Geisha's came from poor families and were brought in to be trained and raised. But today, it is a choice that can be made by girls in Japan. Geisha's are dressed in a traditional Kimono and paint their faces to be very pale. If you are visiting, you will be able to find these in places such as Gion, Pontocho, or Kanazawa. These are all located in Higashi's Geisha District. They can still be found today, although they are becoming less common. But they were even more popular in the 18 and 19 century's. This tradition evolved from a tradition similar to court jesters. At first, they were all male, but now they are mostly female and male Geisha's are very rare. One common misunderstanding about Geisha's are that some say they are prostitutes because some entertain men behind closeddoors. They are not however, although some might do so if they wish, it is not part of their profession.

Do you have any traditions or cultures that you would like to know more about? Comment it below. (:

Cinco de Mayo

Where in the World: Mexico

Cinco de Mayo is a very important holiday for the Puebla culture. Many people have heard of this holiday but do not know exactly what it is. It literally means "Fifth of May" in Spanish. In 1862, on May 5th, the Mexican army had a victory over France. This victory was at the Battle of Puebla and was unlikely. This celebration is mainly celebrated in Puebla, and the United States as well as some other country's. It is celebrated with food, music, and dancing. Mexicans do not find this a significant event in their history worth celebrating. This holiday is often confused with Mexico's most important holiday, their Independence Day, but they are very different. This battle was with 4,000 Mexicans led by General Ignacio Zaragoza fighting against 8,000 French led by Napoleon III that had not been defeated for 50 years. Also, it is important to us because since this battle no European army has invaded the United States.




Watch this Education Video on the real significance of Cinco de Mayo. (:

Self Mummification

Where in the world? North Japan
Have you ever heard of a Sokushinbutsu? I certainly hadn't until I read an interesting article. They are Buddhist monks or priests who had caused their own deaths by being mummified. Yes, this does mean they mummified themselves while they were still alive. This practice took place in Northern Japan, and between 16-24 such occurrences have been discovered.This was practiced in the past around 1000 years ago. (Although a recent example of this was found in Tokyo in 2010!) To start this process the monk, for three straight years, would eat only nuts and seeds, while vigorously working out. This helped them loose excess body fat completely. Then for another three years they only ate bark and roots, as well as drinking tea that was poisonous. This caused vomiting and loss of bodily fluids. It also killed any maggots that might cause the body to decay after death. This was very important to them. Then the monk would lock himself in a tomb made of stone. He would have to stay in a lotus position due to the fact that the tomb was very small. He did have an air tube and bell to connect with the outside world to communicate. He would ring the bell if he was still alive, and if he wasn't someone would remove the air tube and seal the tomb. This process might take someone 10 years to complete. This may seem weird to us, but it seemed very normal to them.

If you would like, visit this website http://www.buzzfeed.com/melismashable/the-self-mummified-monks-of-japan to see various pictures of self mummified monks.

El Salvador traditional dance

Where in the world? El Salvador.

I picked El Salvador as my next location because I have recently learned that this is where my boyfriends mom grew up. His grandmother still lives there and I wanted to learn more about their culture. I was very happy when I found that dance is very important in their culture, because I am a dancer and very interested in the topic. They have many dances, including The Dance of the Chapetones. This waltz is from the town of Panchimalco. This involves 12 men in tuxedos and one women dressed as the "queen." This dance imitates manners of the Spaniards and makes fun of them. One of the oldest dances is the Dance of the Tiger, from the town of Izalco. This dance represents a tiger hunt, one person dressed up as a tiger, covered with its skins and a mask. Eight of the other dancers dress to be hunters pretend to hunt down the tiger through dance. These dances are very interesting because they tell a story.

 Click HERE for a full list of traditional dances from El Salvador.

Do you have any ideas on a topic you'd like to know more about. Comment are welcome below (:

Spain Bullfigting

Where in the world? Spain

For many, bull fighting comes to mind when they think of Spain traditions. Although bull fighting can be found in other places such as Portugal. Bull fighting can be traced back to 711 A.D! That is when the first fight took place to celebrate the crowning of King Alfonzo VIII. Before 1724, this sport originated on horses for the aristocrats, the King felt it was a bad example for the public and therefore banned the practice. They switched to bulls because they were easier to afford, horses were too expensive for them. Bulls are released into an arena. Then a matador (the top bullfighters) lets his assistant wave a brightly colored cloth to make the bull run. If he likes the bulls mood he takes over and does it himself. If the matador shows its authority, the bull may be killed to end the fight. Today, bullfighting is a big business but is not starting to be banned in some places. It is a show, and supposedly shows the matadors courage. The matador is rewarded with trophies and courage.

Want to learn more? Check out these interesting articles and watch this video on a bullfighting school.
http://www.dailytargum.com/opinions/bullfighting-culturally-significant-1.2322804
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iSVrpSJ2dn6EceKv7tp14FdzzZdwD9HKJEL81

Burma Neck Rings

 

Where in the world: Burma

       The women that wear brass neck coils are called Kayan Lahwi. These rings, as shown on the left, are often worn beginning at the age of 6. Each coil, as the child gets older, is replaced with a longer coil. These coils then get heavier and therefore push the collar bones down and compress the rib cage. Their neck does not actually get longer, it just appears that way. If you ask these women why they do it, they will say that it is a culture trait that makes you seem more beautiful. Although, anthropologists have many theories as to why they may have started this tradition. Maybe these rings helped make them look less attractive to other tribes and then therefore protect them from slavery. They also may have been used to protect tiger bites, or to symbolize the important figure a dragon. These rings are removable, but often done so other then for cleaning or putting more neck coils on. This is because their neck is usually very weak or bruised from wearing the neck coils.

Ethiopian Wedding Practices

Where in the world? : Ethiopia

            International weddings might seem strange to us, but normal to people who live in that area. Many brides marry at a young age, but their groom must be at least 30 for her to be eligible to marry him. Their marriages are arranged, the grooms parents are responsible for finding their son a bride. Once they have investigated the bride, and made sure she is not related to their son, they contact the brides parents to ask if there can be a marriage between their children. The two are considered engaged if their parents work out an agreement. There is much dancing and celebrating at the wedding, in addition to the groom getting cattle and money from the brides parents. The groom must then stay at the brides family's house for their "honeymoon". In that time he must take the brides virginity. Wedding traditions that seem normal to us, vary around the world.