Cultural traditions

Untitled Slide

Cultural traditions are the sum of total of the learned behavior of a group of people that are generally considered to be the tradition of that people and are transmitted from generation to generation.

The culture of Mexico has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past few decades and it varies widely throughout the country.

People:
60% amerindian+spanish
30% ethnic groups
9% white groups

93% speak spanish

Much of Mexican culture revolves around religious values and the church, as well as the concept of family and inclusiveness.

Mexicans put a high value on hierarchy and structure in business and family matters.

Giving birth

• elderly and extensive family offer advice and assistance.
• extensive family participates in the process (hospital, name, care, etc)
• certain traditions are still kept: 40 days, breast feeding beliefs, babies belly button.
• Usually there is a Christening.

Around the world

• women in some European and Asian countries give birth at home with a midwife.
• Celebration and presents in Turkey are give only after the baby is born.
• it is rude to ask babies name or gender before birth.

Marriage

• women must be well behaved.
• couples meet in casual circumstances.
• Bride shower
• traditional Catholic wedding
• Other wedding traditions depending on ethnics.

Istmo de Tehuantepec

• " mesas de cooperación" are set up, one for women and another for men. Guests get in line and give a monetary contribution for the party expenses.

Around the world

• Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!
• For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!
• Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye.

Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.

Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

Islam

• Chapter 4 Verse 3, "...Marry of the women that you please: two, three, or four. But if you feel that you should not be able to deal justly, then only one or what your right hand possesses.That would be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice."
• Some cultures still practice poligamy

Untitled Slide

Death

In Hispanic culture, relationships with immediate and extended family members is very important. Family members look to each other for emotional support during difficult times. Part of this support is in the form of family members caring for loved ones who are ill or dying as opposed to looking to professional caregivers to take on this role.

Indonesia
Families take care of their relative at home, as if it was asleep until the burial, which can take place after days or months

Hispanic culture

• Last rites
• Holding a wake
• Mass in Church (consecutive masses)
• Spirit still as part of the family
• "Dia de muertos"
• Obituary

Untitled Slide