Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Arts & Culture Culture, Arts, Literature & Linguistics
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Sudanese Cultural Customs

Many visitors to the Sudan have commented on the genuine friendship and hospitality offered by the Sudanese.

The Sudanese have a very formal way of greeting. They will expect the foreigner to respond in similar fashion. The host generally inquires about the visitor, his family, his health and his general well being. After this the Sudanese host will begin to discuss business, if the meeting is to be business one. It is not considered impolite for a newly arrived friend or business associate to interrupt an on-going conversation, complete his business and depart. Conversation then picks up where it left off.

Sudan is a male oriented society. It is in bad taste for a western man to inquire about a Sudanese host’s wife.

The customs upon two men meeting each other is to shake hands and tap each other’s should at the same time. A hug and rubbing of cheeks may be exchanged between Sudanese ladies and their friends.

Whenever a Sudanese caller is present, either on business or for social reasons, a drink is always offered as well as some form of refreshment such as potato chips, small pieces of candy, or other small refreshments. One does not ask the Sudanese visitor if he wants such a thing, one simply offers it. When a westerner visits a Sudanese home, he will also be presented with small cakes, a drink, or other refreshments.

The Sudanese custom is for a man or woman to call the westerner and ask, “If you are free on Friday, may we drop in?”

When one is invited to a Sudanese home for dinner, it is the custom to eat at approximately 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. After dinner, tea is served, and very shortly after tea, the visitors take their leave. The Sudanese are very concerned about the welfare of their guests and will frequently insist that the guest take second helpings of the food.

It is essential that one check with the host, before accepting a dinner invitation, as to whether the wife is also invited.

Sudanese weddings are times of great festivity lasting several days. The climax of the ceremony is the bridal dancing, which can last until the early hours of the morning.

Another interesting custom is the custom of the “Zar”. This takes place when a Sudanese man or woman, generally a woman, feels that she has been possessed by an evil spirit. Her friends then get together and hire an exorcist. The exorcist then comes to the family and performs the rite of exorcism. There is generally a high feeling and great excitement at the “Zar”. It is important to remember that to the Sudanese ladies the possibility of possession and the rite of exorcism are very real.

At dinners it is usual for the men to be seated on one side of the room and the ladies on the other.

It is quite rude for a guest, particularly for a western man, to point the soles of his feet at an Arab; also when one beckons, one does not do so in the American fashion by crooking one’s finger at a guest. This is considered grossly disrespectful. Instead, one extends one’s hand, palm downwards, and motions towards oneself.

The Sudanese in general, because of their climate and their culture, do not have the sense of timing that the westerner does. Therefore, one should not be upset if a state appointment, say at 4 o’clock, is not fulfilled until 4:30 or 4:45.

The westerner should know that the Sudanese have a very strong sense of family responsibility. Much of the social life of the Sudanese is involved with visiting families and receiving reciprocal visits. In return, especially during the Eid and during family festivities such as weddings, a Sudanese will, because of his concern and respect for his family, put family obligations above others. It is also not unusual for a Sudanese guest to bring along a relative to dinner if the relative has come for a visit to the Sudanese house.

For western women in the Sudan, it is extremely important that they dress properly. This includes no halter tops and no shorts in public areas. These are offensive to the Sudanese and can result in insult to the western woman who is foolish enough to flaunt the Sudanese moral and religious customs. Also a teenage girl should be careful in her dress outside the home.

The Sudanese are most courteous and are always happy to help a foreigner.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Very nice thread LKK. :k:

I will share one of the strange and unusual ceremonies not only of my own people but many steppes cultures from as far west as Hungary to the Altai and Mongolia beyond.

When a child is born among our people the father spends many weeks making a bow, not a war bow, but a lighter bow no more than 25-30 pounds in draw wieght. This he spends many an hour dressing and making beautifull and decorative. Then when the Child is born he fits an arrow to the bow and shoots it in honour of his child and the further the arrow flies the better the luck of the child.

This unusual custom pre-dates Islam but since my ancestors were not expressly forbidden from contineuing this custom so it has been kept alive, I was lucky to have had an arrow shot in my honour and when i have children I will do the same for them too.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Are u from Pakistan Farris? I have never heard of that thing.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Some of American Culture custom :x2:

In many countries you get called by last name but in US its your own choice or usually by first name.Americans are blunt and straightforward.Sometimes they discuss topics which other culture feel shy to discuss.And one thing I like is “time is money” They value time and they are always in time in every meeting and party.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Born and bred in Pakistan and former soldier so yeah offcourse I am Pakistani... however my ancestors were not from Pakistan as we know it today, we spread South about 8-12 hundred years ago but we have been living in Northern Pakistan for at least 960 years now.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Nice information

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Omani Cultural Customs

Omani culture does not have a caste system, but it does operate in a hierarchy based on family connections (tribal ties), relative wealth, and religious education. At the top of the pyramid is the sultan and his immediate family, the Al-Sa’id. This is followed by a large tribal group, the Al-Bu Sa’id. Prior to the discovery of oil in the country, the wealthiest group (class) was arguably made up of the merchant families, many of them Indian in origin, language, and culture; a particular Omani community, mainly of Hyderabadi origin, also accumulated some wealth through trade in foodstuffs. Certain families and tribes had built reputations for religious learning and mediation skills, and they often represented the government in the interior of the country. In the late twentieth century, wealth spread somewhat and a few more Omani families joined the ranks of the extremely wealthy. Oman has a small but growing middle class while the vast majority of its population outside of the capital area are engaged in subsistence agriculture, fishing, or animal husbandry.

A crowded market in Fanja

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

please post a link to the place you are copy-pasting these articles from, lkk..

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

^
oky :)

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Awesome :biggthumb:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

M Cool! u r welcome to share here about Cultural Customs where do u live :)

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

The culture of Uzbeks.

The art of hospitality
Through the cities along the Great Silk Road, such as Naryn, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva, passed hundreds and thousands of tradesmen and the many helpers who accompanied the caravans of ancient times. They were of the most diverse origins and backgrounds. They whole caravan would settle down for a number of days in commercial capitals, since dismounting their camels, storing the wares, trading and re-loading all took time. Those who had a profound interest in making the caravan’s stay a comfortable one were the local tradesmen. For good business relationships, and also to secure the best deals, it was vital for these local business entrepreneurs and their families to entertain their guests sumptuously. This meant a table covered, on every inch, with a dizzying variety of delicacies, which would all be pressed upon the guest, with second and third helpings being de rigeur, and plates never being anywhere near empty.

Subsequently, foreign tradespeople, belts loosened, regally propped up on large, soft, beautiful pillows, their bellies stuffed with the most delectable cooking, served on beautiful china, were most likely in a feeble position to close a deal.
The concept of the business lunch or business dinner is therefore not recent. Food, drink, and a banquet enjoyed together set the stage for negotiations. By creating a hospitable ambience, by making their guests feel at ease inside the own private home, a relationship would turn from strictly business to one of lasting friendship.
The days of the caravans are history but the Central Asian art of hospitality and the ancient custom surrounding the table are very much alive. Yes, in the last 100 years, more European menu items have been added to the menu, however the traditions formed during the bustling days of The Great Silk Road still apply and creating bonds and forging friendships through culinary occasions is still the essence of Central Asian hospitality, and its friendly and peaceful people.
The ancient custom around the table are still very much alive!
Uzbek Tea ceremony
Tea is poured from ceramic pots into small pjala bowls. The precious liquid is poured into the clean pjala of the host and poured back into the chainik (teapot) - this is repeated three times. The fourth time round, a half filled cup is offered in the guest’s own pjala, allowing for the tea to cool down rapidly so as to quench one’s thirst immediately. A bowl filled to the brim goes against all standards of hospitality and good form. Tea is served with homemade jam or honey, which acts as a sweetener.
Toast
Every guest takes his turn as toast master. The toast master stands up, his glass of vodka in hand and delivers a short speech, which ideally includes the following elements: thank you, praise of the host, something witty, and best wishes to all for health and prosperity. Then everybody clinks their glasses in the center of the table and drinks (you may be expected to not leave anything in your glass). When invited to a banquet it is advisable to rapidly lay a strong foundation of bread and cheese since the first toast will be given within minutes.
Banquet and Etiquette
Tradition demands that the table be covered with food at all times. When guests arrive, all cold food items are on the table, served on small plates, namely the appetizers, salads, cakes and cookies and a fruit arrangement in the center. Only completely empty serving plates are cleared. Guests’ plates are changed after every course.
The handshake
Men will always shake hands with other men. Even if you are not introduced to everyone, a simple handshake substitutes for a formal introduction. A woman visitor may not receive a handshake unless she herself extends her hand. For the woman traveler, do not feel offended that you do not receive the same attention as the males in your group. As odd as it may seem to us in the West, it is only out of respect that you are not included in the hand shaking ritual. Women will often greet you with a big hug, and definitely with a handshake. For the winter traveler, gloves should be removed when shaking hands.
Etiquette is important and strictly followed. There are a multitude of ways to greet strangers, acquaintances, or even lifelong friends.
The kiss on the cheek
Close friends or family members of the same sex will often greet each other with a more vibrant display of affection than a simple handshake. Kissing is the most common greeting seen among people of the region, and depending on where you are traveling, this is most often done two or three times on alternating cheeks. However, when a pair is exceptionally happy to see each other, or when one is showing a deep respect for the other, the exchange will most definitely continue past the requisite two- or three-kiss norm. As a sign of respect, elders will often receive a kiss from their less mature counterparts, whether acquainted or not.
The “silent bow”
One of the most beautiful features of Central Asian culture is found within one simple little gesture, this “silent bow”. Often accompanying the handshake, men will place their left hand over their hearts and offer a slight, almost indiscernible, bow to their counterpart in a gesture of deep respect. This subtle bow or slight inclination of the head is also displayed in a variety of other exchanges among people. However, when not shaking hands, it is the right hand that is placed on the chest. You will most definitely encounter this when someone is offering thanks, saying goodbye or parting ways, or even when a younger man passes an elder in the street and wants to show his respect. A good tip for any occasion and nation
There are over 140 nationalities throughout the Central Asian region, so custom differ from country to country, and even from village to village, and there is no one “right” cultural tenet to follow. And, as a foreign guest in a region proud of its tradition of hospitality, locals will readily forgive any transgression from the cultural norm. Also, as with anywhere in the world, a smile and a laugh can go a long way.

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

thanks , faris. i am part uzbek. :jhanda:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Are you?:jhanda:

Thats great so I’m not the only Steppe origin here thank Heavens for that! :lifey:

Uzbeks, Turks, Uighurs, Tartars, Mongols, Rajputs, Kushaans, Tajiks, Ghazans, Bolgars, Sakai’s and others are all part of an ancient lineage of related central asian tribes. :slight_smile:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

well you are mixing the turko-mongol tribes with the indo-european tribes there... pretty much what happened in a lot of turkestan though..

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

:lifey: You know your stuff mate.

Maybe I should open a Steppes related thread someday would love to share knowledge. :slight_smile:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Nice info FD :k:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Customs in Thailand

Thai value systems regarding dress, social behavior, religion, authority figures, and sexuality are much more conservative than those of the average Westerner. Although the Thais are an extremely tolerant and forgiving race of people blessed with a gentle religion and an easygoing approach to life, visitors would do well to observe proper social customs to avoid embarrassment and misunderstanding.

Thai people are extremely polite and their behavior is tightly controlled by etiquette, much of it based on their Buddhist religion. It is a non confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs. To show anger or impatience or to raise your voice is s sign of weakness and lack of mental control. It is also counter productive, since the Thai who will smile, embarrassed by your outburst of anger or frustration is far less likely to be helpful than if you had kept better control of your emotions.

Revealing clothing, worn by either men or women, is a little disgusting to most Thais. Short shorts, low cut dresses and T-shirts and skimpy bathing suits come into this category. In temples, long trousers or skirts must be worn, and monks should on no account be touched in any way by women. Shoes should always be removed when entering temples and private houses. For this reason, most Thais wear slip-on shoes to avoid constantly tying and untying laces.

The head is the most sacred part of the body, so should not be touched. The feet are the least sacred, so when sitting they should not point at anyone - most Thais sit on the floor with their feet tucked under their bodies behind them. To point, particularly with foot, is extremely insulting.

Avoid touching Thai people, it is too intimate a gesture and an invasion of personal space.

When eating, it is considered very rude to blow your nose or to lick you fingers. The right hand must be used to pick up food eaten with the fingers.

Clothing from the lower parts of the body should never be left anywhere in a high position. This applies particularly to socks and underwear, but also to shorts and skirts. This is the case even when washing and drying clothes. Thais have two clothes lines - a high one for most clothes and a low one for underwear and socks.

Thais do not traditionally shake hand, the wai is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together as in prayer, and raised upwards towards the face, while the head is lowered in a slight bow. The height to which the hands should be raised depends on the status of the person you are waiing. In the case of monks, dignitaries and old people the hands are raised to the bridge of the nose, with equals only as far as the chest. Young people and inferiors are not waid, but nodded slightly to. You will be regarded as a little foolish should you wai to them.

When you consider that shaking hands, and kissing, are perhaps the easiest means of passing germs, the wai, is in fact a suitable greeting.

It is easy, entering a foreign culture for the first time, to make mistakes in etiquette. If you do so, just smile, wai the person you may have offended, and you are forgiven.

Thais are famous for their smiles. The Thai smile can say many things. Thais smile when they are happy, amused, embarrassed, uncertain, wrong, annoyed or furious. As westerners, we are not generally able to interpret the type of smile we are receiving but be aware that it may not mean what you think it means.

Modest dress
A clean and conservative appearance is absolutely necessary when dealing with border officials, customs clerks, local police, and bureaucrats. A great deal of ill feeling has been generated by travelers who dress immodestly. When in doubt, look at the locals an dress as they do.

Shorts are considered improper and low-class attire in Thailand, only acceptable for schoolchildren, street beggars, and common laborers …not wealthy tourists! Except at beach resorts, you should never wear skimpy shorts, halter tops, low-cut blouses, or anything else that will offend the locals. Long slacks and a collared shirt are recommended for men in urban environments. Women should keep well covered. Swim-wear is only acceptable on the beach.

Emotions
Face is very important in Thailand. Candor and emotional honesty - qualities highly prized in some Western societies - are considered embarrassing and counterproductive in the East. Never lose your temper or raise your voice no matter how frustrating or desperate the situation. Only patience, humor, and jai yen ( cool heart ) bring results in Thailand.

The use of the word ‘heart’( jai ) is very common in the Thai language, here are but a few examples; jai lorn - angry, nam jai - feelings, nork jai - unfaithful ( adulterous ) jai dee - good hearted, jai dum - black hearted,

Personal space
Thai anatomy has its own special considerations. Thais believe that the head - the most sacred part of the body - is inhabited by the kwan, the spiritual force of life. Never pat a Thai on the head even in the friendliest of circumstances. Standing over someone older, wiser, or more enlightened than yourself - is also considered rude behavior since it implies social superiority. As a sign of courtesy, lower your head as you pass a group of people. When in doubt, watch the Thais.

Conversely, the foot is considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. The worst possible insult to a Thai is to point your unholy foot at his sacred head. Keep your feet under control; fold them underneath when sitting down, don’t point them toward another person, and never place your feet on a coffee table.

The left hand is also unclean and should not be used to eat, receive gifts, or shake hands. Aggressive stances such as crossed arms or waving your arms are also consider boorish.

A graceful welcome
Thailand’s traditional form of greeting is the wai, a lovely prayer-like gesture accompanied with a little head nodding. Social status is indicated by the height of your wai and depth of your bow: inferiors initiate the wai, while superiors return the wai with just a smile, under no circumstances should you wai waitresses, children, or clerks-this only makes you look ridiculous! Save your respect for royalty, monks, and immigration officials.

The ‘wai’ can be used to great effect on foreigners. Imagine if you will that you have just arrived from a delayed 12 hour flight, you are hot, tired, and somewhat short tempered. You arrive at your hotel to be greeted by the beautiful ‘wai’, this graceful unexpected gesture can easily dispel your short temper, making you content ( sabai jai ) :slight_smile:

As you can tell there are a lot of Simmilarities in Thai customs that are reflected in our own and other nations as well. :jhanda:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

Nice info Faris Bhai! but u 4get to mention about ‘Mo-tai’ I guess i’m spelled wrong :hmmm: its martial art. :faris:

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Re: Share the Cultural Customs of Any Country

I did that on purpose… trying to keep a low profile, but since you have invited me to talk about Thai boxing or Muay Thai I will divulge you briefly, it’s more ancient form of Muay Boran deserve a thread of itselves… interestingly the art of 8 limbs is not unique to Thaliand however the development of the sport and it’s strong following have ensured it continues to last in that country more so than others.

In India and even distant Arabia the art of 8 limb fighting is well known, in which you are allowed to punch, kick, elbow and knee your way to victory. :faris:

Muay Thai is instantly recognisable the world over since the sport is held in high esteem and in Thaliand Muay Thai boxing is as popular as football is in the west. I competed in several bouts in Northern Mang province with the Priya Pichai Muay Thai camps under Tana-Chun Witayakhun, a world champion and Muay Thai legend.:hooray:

But the true ancient art is not as well known and Burmese Lithwie is just as awesome but thats another story becuase the Thai-Burmese rivalry is like India and Pakistan. :slight_smile: