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.

Asian Wedding Traditions and Rituals

Asian weddings have customs and traditions that date back to hundreds of years ago but their meaning and appeal has never lost its touch. These are meaningful gestures and rituals that despite the influences and infusion of western culture in the ceremony and reception, most couples never fail to incorporate old customs as homage and as tribute to the culture and heritage.

In Japan, brides wear gowns or kimono that is purple in color because the color purple is the color of love in Japan. The gown is also adorned with symbols such as iris flowers to symbolize good fortune. When the bride and groom’s family enters the ceremonial hall, it is customary that they bring gifts such as rice water, salt or fruits as their offering in exchange for the blessing to come for the couple.

A wedding in the Philippines usually starts a year or at least six months in preparation that starts with the ‘pamamnhikan’. This is the event where the groom and his family visit the bride and her family at their home. At this point, the groom will formally ask her parents for her hand in marriage. Other arrangements such as the home and wedding expenses are discussed here as well.

In China, like with most of their celebrations, the color of the celebration is red. Red stands for everything lucky, of good fortune, and of good health. While there are couples who would opt for the engagement ring, a whole roast pig can serve as an engagement gift of the groom to the bride’s family. Gifts are being offered as well to the bride’s family on the days leading to the wedding. For the reception, towards the end of the celebration, firecrackers are being lit to drive away evil spirits through the loud noise.

For a feel of Asia in your wedding, complete your preparation with the traditional touch of Asian ceremony, from the wedding announcements to Asian wedding favors with a twist of modern appeal. There are a lot of people opting for a wedding ceremony in Asia as well, such as in Bangkok or beach weddings in the Philippines such as Boracay. Wedding expenses are not as high as in other countries as well, but the charm of the celebration may even exceed theirs though. More importantly, the wishes and desires of the couple on how their wedding will turn out should be the topmost priority.