Asian Traditions and Culture

Asia is as diverse as the people in it, and despite the infusion of other cultures, the Asian traditions and customs are very prominent especially during holidays, festivities and other celebrations. Here are some Asian traditions that you can experience when you take a trip to Asia.

Feng Shui originated and is largely practiced in China while there are a lot of countries adapting this practice too. Feng Shui identifies good and bad fortune and can make recommendations for your home on how to make positive energy flow into it. Japan has a great expression for the arts where they are able to perfect the art of flower arrangement and of paper folding, known as Ikebana and Origami respectively. These works of art and the skills required for them are being passed on for generations. Sumo wrestling is both an art and sport that wrestlers have dedicated their life to their passion. Despite the size of the people competing in this sport, it is the heritage and respect for the sport that makes it appealing to the world and spectators of the sport.

Literature and agriculture are also some of the contributions of Asia to the world. Written works and different rice culture are constantly being developed. With rice being the main staple, Asian countries share the best practices while still keeping their distinctive produce and crops.

There definitely is no shortage of festivities when you’re in Asia, and they seem to never run out as there are festivities all throughout the year. Christmas is as colorful and as joyous as it can be with carolers, gift-giving, and in the Philippines, people of the Catholic faith attend mass every 4’o clock in the morning for nine consecutive days leading to Christmas. Called ‘Simbang Gabi”, this tradition is believed to grant the person’s wishes if he or she is able to complete the nine masses. There are the colorful lantern festivals, food festivals, and festive New Year celebrations, whether it is the Roman New Year or Chinese New Year. Personal celebrations are symbolic too, with birthday customs and traditions and weddings complete with Asian wedding favors such as oriental fans or beaded necklaces or bracelets. Next time you plan your vacation, make Asia your destination and get to experience the fun, taste the food, meet the locals, and see the sights to make you feel like you’re in paradise.