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)

Stupas

Where in the world? Mainly in India, but also in various places of the world.

A Stupa is used as a place of worship for Buddhists. The latest Buddhist religious monument is the Stupa and was created originally from a mound of clay or mud to cover relics of the Buddha. This remains were later cremated and the ashes were divided up and buried under the 8 Stupas. Not much is known about early stupas because it is not possible to see the ten original ones. Little is known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments.However, there are a variety of stupas around the world. The stupa shape represents the Buddha where he is meant to look like he is crowned and sitting in meditation on a lion throne. According to Wikipedia, His crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the spire's base; his body is the vase shape; his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace; and the base is his throne. They are also meant to commemorate 8 great deeds from his life as listed below.

1. Birth: Built at Lumbini
2. Enlightenment: Built in the kingdom of Magadha, on the banks of the river Nairanjana
3. Turning of the Wheel, the first teaching: Built at Sarnath (Varanasi)
4. Miracles: Built at Sravasti
5. Descent from Tushita: Built at Samkashya after Buddha returned from Tushita heaven, where he'd gone to give teachings to his mother
6. Reconciliation: Built at Rajagriha, after Buddha reconciled the disagreements of the monks
7. Complete Victory: Built at Vaishali, where Buddha meditated extensively
8. Parinirvana: Built at Kushinagara where Buddha entered mahaparinirvana

What is Culture?

This blog posting is a little different then what I normally do. I was sitting in AP human geography when one of my classmates asked, "What ex actually is culture?" I thought to myself, maybe some other people don't exactly know what it is either. Culture has many different meanings. One refers to an appreciation of good literature, music, art and food. Culture is also a full range of learned human behaviors. According to dictionary.com these are the various definitions. My blog focuses on the 5th meaning.

1.the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters,manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.

2. that which is excellent in the arts, manners, etc.

3. a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period: Greek culture.

4. development or improvement of the mind by education or training.

5. the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group

How are cultures similar and different? 
All cultures have resulted from basic needs shared by all. Every culture has certain things such as a method for getting food and shelter, a way to protect themselves. All cultures also have relationships and religions. Arts and literature is another thing important to culture. Scientific knowledge is also in every culture, as well as knowledge of plants. The details of ones world differ between culture.


http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm is a great website explaining culture and talking about the different types as well.

The Hajj

Where in the world? Mecca, Saudi Arabia
        In the Muslim religion, there are 5 pillars of Islam that one must follow during their lifetime as part of their religion. One of these pillars is to go to Mecca once during their life time, this journey is called a Hajj. The number of Americans going on this journey is increasing from year to year. You are only excused from this if their is a health problem, illness, or money problem that hinders you from going. This Hajj contains several ceremonies that symbolize the concepts essential to the Islamic faith and to the trials of prophet Abraham and his family. This hajj is suppose to free all sins and enables all Muslims to come together to worship their god together. The Hajj begins on the 8th day of the 12th month on the Muslim lunar calendar, also known as Dhul-Hijjah. First, the people partaking in this go to Mina and sleep there overnight. They then spend the 9th day with an empty plain, and spend the say with supplication and devotion. At night, they move to Muzdalifa, were they camp and pray. On the 10th day, they return to Mina and throw 7 pebbles at the pillar. This symbolized Satan's temptation of Abraham. Next, they sacrifice a sheep because this is what God did in order to save Abraham son. The mead is given to poor, friends, and family. They return to mecca and complete their journey by cutting their hair.

http://www.islam.com/hajj/hajj.htm

Moroccan Tea

Where in the world? Morocco

Morocco is known for their tea, expecially mint and green tea.This tradition has also spread through parts of North Africa and Spain. Morocco is one of the biggest tea imports in the world and it is concidered an art form in their culture. It is usually prepaired by the male head of the family and served to guests. It is concidered impolite in their culture to refuse. It is believed to have started in the 18th century, and begain spreading rapidly in the mid 19th century. This is the time when trade with Europe and Maghreb began. It was somtimes used as a gift given by European envoys in order to release prisoners from Europe. China is their main provider of tea. An example of a traditional tea recipy is shown below.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint sprigs, plus 4 for garnish
• 3 teaspoons green tea
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups water

Directions

Boil water. Pour a small amount in teapot and swish around to warm the pot. Combine the mint and green tea and sugar in the teapot, then fill it with the rest of the hot water. Let tea brew, stirring the leaves once or twice, for 3 minutes. Pour tea through a tea strainer into glass teacups to serve. Garnish with remianing 4 sprigs of mint