Question

CULTURAL CUSTOMS ESSAY 2% OF YOUR GRADE INSTRUCTIONS: - WRITE AN ESSAY "WHAT YOUR CULTURAL CUSTOMS? WHAT MAKES YOUR CULTURE UNIQUE? HOW DO YOU USE AND ADAPT YOUR CULTURAL CUSTOMS TO LIVE IN A MULTI CULTURAL COUNTRY LIKE CANADA? DISCUSS..." - 250 - 300 WORDS MINIMUM - ESSAY MUST HAVE THREE PARTS I 1. INTRODUCTION 2. BODY 3. CONCLUSION

Answer 1

Custom refers to an idea that illustrates the patterned behaviour of an individual in a social system whereas a culture of any community includes beliefs, values, morals, rituals, knowledge, customs and other capabilities of people. Cultural customs depict the lifestyle of people and what ethics have they imbibed in their lives. For eg: In business meetings, people are greeted by shaking hands in one culture while joining hands to say " namaste" in another culture. Cultural customs differ with places, individuals, countries, castes and so on. It depends upon an individual whether he wants to adopt a particular custom or not, but definitely should respect every culture unashamedly.

I live in a country where there is a diversity of cultures and traditions being a secular country. Every person is dependent to follow his languages, traditions, values and cultures since India is heavily based around various caste systems. Family values play a significantly vital role in our culture where small businesses are owned by the " mukhiya " of the family and then allotted to successors. It is common is see women draping sarees and men with dhotis here, but now with developing nations people have started adopting western culture as well. Population have a great passion for brighter and shiner colours apparently in jewellery and accessories. Despite 21 languages prominently adopted by different cities, Indians speak two official languages namely: Hindi and English and Punjabi majorly in the Northern part of the country. Most of the people believe in eating with hands with a norm" sharing is caring ". Praying before food and saying thank you at the end of the meal is a common custom adapted by people. Indian culture plays an indispensable role in developing personal relationships and people normally greet with joining hands saying " namaste " to show respect and Indian customs. This is one of the most fascinating while unique customs of India. Additionally, people acknowledge that living in joint families will add respect and dignity to their culture and celebrate various festivals, that prevails due to diverse religions and castes, with togetherness. Fasting is an essential part of women's life where they express gratitude to God with utmost sincerity.

Adapting or using our culture to love a multicultural society like Canada is of no difficult because Indians have that essence of believing and respecting every other religion and cultures. Whenever I meet a person who would greet by shaking hand, I respond in the same manner and the same goes for namaste. There are no traditional or religious conflicts and usually behaves in a presentable way showing a sense of respect, until and unless it violates my beliefs and values. We respect the personal space of everyone and can also prefer communicating in English with the people around. Indians have also contributed a lot in diversified religion by construction of worship places for Hindus, Sikhs or other religion.

Cultures and customs are an essence of freedom that every individual indulges in, since it is a remark of one's personality, values and beliefs. Going to another country doesn't really change the customs that one believes in. It is more of a question of respect and dignity for people and sometimes fight around for cultures only. Therefore, no one should engage in religious disputes and avoid discrimination with different caste, race or creed. A culture always teaches to behave well, respect elders, care and help the needy people and one should never forget the basic roots of a culture: Humanity and Spirituality.