Social practices, rituals and festive events are habitual activities that structure the lives of a community. They are closely linked to a community’s worldview and its perception of its history and memory. They may take on a variety of forms: worship rites; initiation rites, wedding or funeral ceremonies, birth or coming-of-age rituals; and oaths of allegiance, among others. They can be private, such as a household’s Hanukkah menorah or Advent wreath, or they may be public, such as parades, carnivals and celebrations of the new year, harvest or inauguration. While many people think of rituals as sacrosanct, they are rarely set in stone.
They often evolve as a response to the needs of a community, such as changing attitudes toward women or marking events that are not traditionally religious, Ochs says. For example, Orthodox Jewish women who traditionally covered their heads began wearing wigs after they became fashionable in Europe in the 19th century. The Hindu festival of Thaipusam, celebrated in Malaysia and other places each year in the Tamil month of Thai (January or February), is about faith, endurance and penance.
It’s a journey that involves walking and carrying kavadis on the shoulders, self-mutilation and chanting that can put devotees in a trance. Read on to discover 15 fun and fascinating rituals from around the globe – including one that requires overindulgence and another that calls for abstinence! Observing, participating in or learning about cultural traditions and ceremonies is one of the most rewarding things you can do on vacation. Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It includes elements such as language, religion, cuisine, music, art, and social norms.
Culture plays a significant role in shaping the identity and practices of individuals within a community. Cultural Diversity: Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultures within a society. It recognizes and values the unique perspectives, traditions, and contributions of different cultural groups. Cultural diversity enriches societies by promoting tolerance, understanding, and collaboration between individuals from various backgrounds.