Petanque

Where in the World? Quebec, Canada

                Petanque is a game that comes from Quebec. The goal is to throw hollow metal balls as close as you can to wooden ball called a cochonnet or bouchon. It can be played on gravel, sand, grass, or concrete. It is similar to the game bocce. It originated in 1907 in Southern France. In France, 17 million people play it most during summer months. 20,000 people in Quebec play it as well. It has been shown to now come to the United States recently. This game can be traced back all the way to the Ancient Greeks who used to play a similar version. Since 1953, there are world championships for this game and 52 teams from 50 countries attended in 2007 in Thailand. This game is played by 2, 4, or 6 people organized onto two teams.

For more information on the history, rules, and stratagy as well as videos and picture on this sport, visit http://www.petanque.org/around_the_world/french_games.shtml (:

Blue Jeans

Where in the World? America

One example of popular culture is Blue Jeans. These are durable pants made from a blue tinted cotton fabric. They were first created for people who were working in the 1894 California Gold Rush. They used to only be worn by workers but in the 20th century. In the 1950's people thought that the young men wearing these were rebels. They were being worn all over the world, but still remained to be an American invention. The fabric denim was originally from a town in France named de Nîmes (which was shortened to denim), and died dark blue so that workers pants would not show any dirt. They were invented by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss. In 2005, Americans spent more than $15 million dollars on blue jeans! I bet you never really thought about where the items in your closet originated.

Pop Culture vs. Folk Culture

First Off, Happy St. Nick Day! (see one of my previous posts)

Many may think of culture just as one general term, but in fact there are two types that are often confused. These are popular culture and folk culture. Popular culture is constantly changing and specific to a certain place and time. It is determined by the media, film, newspapers and is seen globally. Popular culture is seen all around us, everyday. Some say that it is the contemporary culture that is practiced by "ordinary people. Examples would be things such as Bugs Bunny, McDonalds, Brittany Spears. It is defined by objects, images, books, and music. Folk Culture on the other hand, refers to the lifestyle of a culture. It is often handed down through word of mouth and through generations. If folk culture is moved to a new place, its origin is still very apparent. Examples that were used in previous posts of mine were the Native American Tipis, Hawaiian Hula, or Shaker furniture.

What are some examples of folk culture or pop culture that you can now put into these categories?

Shaker Culture

 Where in the world? The United States

           There is a group called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, or better known as the Shakers or Shaker Quakers. They came from England in 1774. They are a religious sect that was led by Ann Lee. They rejected sexual relations (relying on adoption) and believed in Social equality among all their followers. There are few left and their numbers continue to diminish. Their culture had a big impact on music and furniture. Their furniture is durable and simple, yet elegant. To View some of this furniture visit http://www.shaker.net/ Shaker music is very important spiritually and often follows by dance. Some of their music comes from syllables and words from unknown languages. Most of the early music is describes as being a single melodic line that doesn’t not have any harmonization. To view one of the first Shaker songs written by Elder Brackett in 1848.

Hula

Where in the world? Hawaii

  Where in the world? Hawaii The Hula is a Hawaiian dance that is presented along with a song or chant called a mele. It was developed by the Polynesians who originally occupied the Hawaiian Islands. This has become a sacred ritual because the Hawaiians think that it was first performed by a god or goddess but has recently also became a form of entertainment. Some think that is was performed only be men, but history showed that both genders have performed this dance. Every Hula movement and expression has a significant meaning to the Hawaiians.  http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/hacul/hula.htm says, "Traditionally it was not the dancer's hands but the words that counted the most. Today, because so few understand the language of the chants, increasing emphasis has been placed on movements and gestures." The dancers wear a lei for their head as well as around their neck, a skirt named the pau, and anklets named kupea that are made out of a whale bone or dog teeth.

Watch this interesting 2 minute video on Hula from National Geographic:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/culture-places/arts-and-entertainment/us_hula.html

Tipi (Teepee)

Tipis are a type of tent that is used by Native American of the Great Plains, as well as some other groups. They are traditionally made from substances such as animal skins and birch bark, but are now made of canvas. They are strong, and provide Native Americans warmth and a shelter for the winter; it keeps them dry when it is raining, and cool in the summer months. Unlike many structures, they could be quickly packed if the tribe wanted to move to a new location.  The Tipis are made with a smoke flap as well as many poles to hold up the structure. Ropes and poles are used to construct the Tipi and hold it in place. Most would not be decorated/painted unless there was a tribal battle or ceremonies going on. Some of the tips of the poles would be painted in accordance to the tribal member’s personal experiences such as a war they attended or hunting. They are large enough for a small fire to be placed in the center of the Tipi. This makes it easy for the people to cook their food, or get needed heat. The smoke flaps, mentioned above, are there to let the smoke from the fire exit the tent. (Think of our modern chimneys, which let smoke exit our houses in the northern winter months)