Family and Etiquette in Iran

Every culture has different norms when it comes to family. In America our families are close and structure however I feel like middle-eastern families have a stronger dynamic. Families in the middle-east have rather smaller immediate families and are very close with their extended family. Families in Iran tend to be much smaller. Families usually consist of a mother, father, and one or two children. In Iran culture family is more private than most cultures around the world. Women are protected from the outside world. Men are taught to take there of their wives and the women in their family. The man is always the breadwinner. In the US men were the bread winner in the earlier days. However, over the course of years that dynamic has had to change due to the economy.In Iran family is important. Nothing comes before family. Money, work, and social life takes a backseat to anything that concerns family.

One thing I found to be interesting about Iran culture is the emphasis on dining etiquette and how it is different than ours. I know men have always What I did not know is that they do not usually have mixed-sex gatherings.  It is usually all men or all women. I'm used to not excepting food that I do not like or will not eat. In Iran it is disrespectful to deny any offer of food. when you are invited to dinner be sure to see if the host of the dinner is wearing shoes. In Iran actions of the host are followed. If the host is not wearing shoes than your shoes should be removed. Elder at the dinner is greeted first then everyone else to follow. Not doing so is deem disrespectful. 

Iran culture is different than US culture. It seems that they hold on to tradition versus changing with time like we do in the US. 

Take a look at this blog on Iranian customs and etiquette

Mind Your Manners: Your guide to Iranian customs & etiquette - G Adventures

Baby Tossing? Kills of Honour? Rituals of Indian Culture

Never in a million years would I consider tossing a baby over a 30ft ledge of a tower! Well, did you know in parts of India this practice observed by many. Another interesting ritual of Indian culture is honour killings.

Every year there is a ceremony held in Karnataka. Men in white robes shake infants and then toss them over a 30ft. On the ground below there are men holding a sheet to catch the infant. In Indian culture this practice is said to being good luck, prosperity, and health to the infant. While this is a practice of the Indian culture by the Hindus and Muslims the Indian government want this practice banned.

Check out this link on baby tossing.

In America culture we are free to marry and associate with whoever we want. Going against our family's religion and lifestyle wont get us killed. As we know that is not rhe case in all countries and cultures. In India marriages are arranged by families based on your social class, caste and religion. Going outside and marrying otherwise cause you to get disowned by your family. I knew that but after further reading I found out disownment is not the worst to happen. Punishment can go as far a being killed for going againt your family's beliefs. Honouring your family's practices and beliefs are frowned upon throughout the country and bringing dishonour to your family or community is never ok in Indian or other middle-eastern cultures

Each country has it's own  culture. It is different yet interesting to know what other countries practice. Baby tossing is something I have never heard of or intend on practicing. Honour killing to me is by far the worst ritual a culture can practice but at the same time we have no choice but to respect the culture.

Here infographics for honor killings https://www.behance.net/gallery/1394353/Interactive-Honour-Killings-Infographic

Culture. What is it?

The world consist of different cultures. Culture is "the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively". Every race, religion, country, and even community has a culture of it own. America is a metling melting pot of cultures and we tend to adopt culture of our surroundings as well as how we were raised.

In America we have freedom of religion which mean just because I'm African American does not mean I'm a Christian or Catholic. I could very well be a Muslim which would mean the culture and lifestyle I follow is that of a Muslim American. I may also follow my African American culture. That's the luxury of living in America. We have the choice to follow whatever culture and lifestyle we want to be apart of without being bashed or humiliated for our choices.

As you know unlike the United States many countries are restricted in reguards to their religion so there  is a culture that they follow as a country. There are rituals that countries follow from birth rituals all the way to death rituals. Rituals are "a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order".

Learning about different cultures is a way to gain respect for other individuals that are not like you.  Culture and lifestyles are what make us diverse as a country. Without knowledge of other cultures people tend to look down and be very judgmental. To accept other peoples life style we have to be open-minded and accept people for who they are and experience their individuality.

Take a look at this link on Culture https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html#ampshare=http://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html

Check back next week as we take a look at Indian culture.