1- Customs and Traditions
My name is Priyanka and I’m from India. I would like to tell you about the traditions in my country when you get married.
The day before the wedding, a ritual is performed where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with a technique known as "Mehndi" using henna paste to make the designs. This rite is performed in the bride's house with the women of the bride's family and friends participating. The dress worn by the bride is the traditional "sari", in red or very intense pink.
On the wedding day, the groom enters first into a kind of tent, which is decorated with flowers, rugs, and curtains, called "Mandapa". Then the bride comes; the couple are separated by a curtain. By dropping that curtain, the ceremony begins where the bride and groom exchange flower garlands, which represents the approval of one towards the other. The weddings in my country are very colorful and have several guests.
Serenades became very popular in Mexico, where the man confesses his feelings of love towards that special woman in his heart through a song.
Initially, serenades were a custom in which a man went to his girlfriend's house with friends and mariachis to dedicate popular songs to her. For her part, the young woman kept listening to the songs, hidden in the darkness behind the window. If she turned on the light, it meant that she accepted the words and feelings dedicated by her lover.
Today, men and women sing serenades to their loved ones where the intention is to give joy and affection through a beautiful love song.
Italian gastronomy is well known around the world, and for Italians, it is a demonstration of its culture and diversity. One of the most representative dishes of Italian gastronomy is "pasta". This traditional dish is very diverse and is accompanied by a wide variety of sauces.
Family is the priority of Italian society, and they usually meet around food. Italian gastronomy has been exported to many countries and a large number of diners enjoy its delightful varieties.
2- Topic vocabulary
2.1- Let's check vocabulary
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Culture (n): |
Stereotype (v): |
Custom (n): |
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| Ritual (n): A set of actions usually carried out in a ceremony. |
Tradition (n): The process of transmitting customs, beliefs, and stories from generation to generation. |
Habit (n) Something which a person does usually or regularly. |
2.2- Topic vocabulary examples
The fair was a representative model of the culture of several countries.
These tourists stereotyped the community of that country without even knowing its culture.
The custom of sending Christmas cards has been forgotten.
It has become a habit for me to go for a walk with my dog every weekend.
The family tradition has been maintained for generations.
During the ceremony, the ritual were carefully performed.
3- My New German Lifestyle
A. First of all, I would like to confess that it was one of the most difficult decisions of my life to leave behind my family, my friends, and my origins to move to Germany. I was aware that our cultures were different, however, I never imagined all the challenges I would have to face, starting with the language.
B. Each country has its own customs but when you are a foreigner, and you are surprised by regularly practicing the same customs as the rest of the citizens; you realize that you have to become integrated. Today, I am going to tell you what are the customs that once seemed strange to me, and today, they’re “nothing out of the ordinary”.
- Shoes stay outside. I had the stereotype that it was just an Asian custom to take off your shoes before entering a house. So, the first time I visited a German house, they brought me some house shoes that were similar to slippers, without consulting me; I was quite surprised. I soon understood that winter is very harsh, and shoes always brings a lot of mud and dirt in. Therefore, removing one’s shoes to maintain cleanliness in the house becomes essential. I should also add that it is actually very comfortable.
- Recycling. At the beginning, it was difficult to know when and what to recycle. I come from a country where things are hardly recycled, so when I came to a country where practically everything can be recycled, it was a shock. My first challenge was dividing the rubbish. In fact, at first I had to open all the bins to see where I should put my garbage. As the weeks passed though, I began to understand that the big black bin was for general waste, things that cannot be recycled; the gray square bins were for glass and non-returnable plastic (that's a separate story); and the large brown bins were for paper.
3. “Kaffee und kuchen”. I could call it a sweet tradition and it has become one of my favorites. Around 4:00 p.m., families usually meet, especially on the weekends, to share cake and coffee or tea.
4. “Ruhe”. I still remember the first time I travelled on the train, and I was surprised how everyone was so silent. Even someone speaking on the phone did so whispering. I noticed that Germans enjoy their trip, which can be long distances, reading, listening to music, or just sleeping. The train compartments are respected by everyone because it is a shared space.
5. The greeting. The slogan is "keep your distance". That was the first thing I learned. The greeting is a simple “hallo or guten tag”, depending on the occasion. When we get a little closer or when someone is being introduced to me, a handshake is enough. Forget kisses on the cheek completely. Only those who have become my closest friends allow a big bear hug, but never ever kisses.
C. To summarize, traditions and customs are the heart of each country. Once you understand it and stop struggling, these customs become a part of your own beliefs and integration becomes a simpler path.
