Interesting Table Manners Around the World

Table manners are the rules used while eating, which may also include the use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. 

Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.

Here there are some countries with the most interesting table manners around the world.  

India

·        Irrespective of whether one consumes food using cutlery or with their hand (typically the right hand), one is expected to wash hands before and after consuming food. During the course of the meal, cleaning one's eating hand with a cloth or paper tissue is considered unhygienic, though with the advent of restaurant dining, it is becoming more acceptable. One may be asked to wash their hands before and after sitting down to a meal.

·        It is customary to share food with anyone who wants it; however, not from the plate one is eating from.

·        It is rude for one's host to not offer guests food multiple times.

·        Similarly, it is expected that one should not leave the table before the host or until the eldest person has finished their food. It was not traditional to use dining napkins or paper tissues while eating.

·        Playing with food or in any way distorting the food is unacceptable. Eating at a medium pace is important, as eating too slowly may imply that you dislike the food, whereas eating too quickly is rude. 

China

·       Dining may only begin once the host and all his guests are seated. The host should actively take care of all his guests, inviting them to enjoy their meal.

·       On a typical Chinese dining table, there are always a cup, a bowl on a small dish, together with the chopsticks and spoons. Dishes are always presented in the center of the table.

·       Apart from soup, all dishes should be eaten with chopsticks. The Chinese are particular about the use of chopsticks. There are many no-no's such as twiddling with chopsticks, licking chopsticks, or using them to stir up the food, gesture with them or point them at others.

·       Keep your dining pace accorded with other people. Never smoke when dining.

·       A formal dining is always accompanied by tea, beer or distilled spirit. The one who sit closest to the teapot or wine bottle should pour them for others from the senior and superior to the junior and inferior. In addition, when other people fill your cup or glass, you should express your thanks. Guests can not pour tea or wine themselves.

Costa Rica

·      Do not begin eating your meal until you hear the host say “Buen Provecho”. Then it is okay to begin eating.

·       The knife is always held in the left hand, and the fork in the right.

·       When a meal is finished, utensils are typically laid parallel to each other on the plate.

·       When not using your hands for eating, hands should always be kept on the table and within sight. You can rest your hands and wrists on the table, but never your elbows.

·       When dining at a home, dishes are always passed to the left.

·       Never cut your salad with a knife, instead bunch the lettuce up on your fork.

·      The most honored position is at the head of the table. If there are two hosts, one will be at each end of the table. Male guests will sit to the right of the main host, and females will sit to the left.

·      When it comes to paying the bill, it is customary for the one who invited the guests to pay the bill. 

Brazil

·       Brazilians do not switch knives and forks as they eat. The knife remains in the right hand, and the fork remains in the left. When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other horizontally across the center of the plate-make sure they do not cross each other.

·       The fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert. Always start from the outside and work your way in, course by course. There will be separate glasses provided at your setting for water and white and red wine or beer (after-dinner drink glasses come out after dinner).

·       Bread (usually French bread) is sometimes served without butter; in that case, there usually will not be a butter knife, nor will there be a bread dish: your bread is placed on the rim of your main plate or on the table by your plate.

·       When not holding utensils, your hands are expected to be visible above the table: this means you do not keep them in your lap; instead, rest your wrists on top of the table (never your elbows).

·       Pass all dishes to your left.

·       Never cut the lettuce in a salad. Fold it with your knife and fork into a bundle that can be picked up with your fork. Salad, if served, is more typically served as a side dish to the main meal.

·       The most honored position is at the head of the table. The host or hostess will then sit to the side of the most important guest, and if there is a hosting couple, they will often sit on either side of the guest (women to the right of the guest, and men to the left).

·       Usually the one who does the inviting pays the bill, although the guest is expected to make an effort to pay. Sometimes other circumstances determine who pays (such as rank).

Italy

1. Be Punctual But Expect a Late Start

As with any meeting, you should arrive on time to a business dinner in Italy. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting for your Italian colleagues, who may arrive 15-30 minutes later. Use the extra time to your advantage by studying your Italian phrasebook, making conversation with people at the bar, or going over your talking points one last time.

2. Slow Your Pace

Italians dine at a more leisurely pace than frenzied Americans do and that’s putting it mildly. Business dinners and lunches can last about three hours, sometimes even four. So clear your schedule for the evening and come prepared to savor your food and the entire dining experience.

3. Cut Your Pizza

Just like in France and Germany, the continental style of holding your silverware is used, and you should always eat with your silverware even if you’re enjoying some delicious Italian pizza.

4. Order Espresso Not a Cappuccino

Italians take their coffee seriously and love lingering over a post-dinner shot of espresso. Cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-heavy coffee drinks are reserved strictly for the morning and afternoon.

Now that you're armed with these Continental dining basics and no longer have to think about the etiquette of how to hold your fork, you can clear your mind to focus on the more important parts of the meal—the business and the delicious food at hand.

Bon Appétit!

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BURIAL RITUALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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Suffering the loss of our beloved ones is undoubtedly one of the bitterest moments of live. Perhaps, that is why, through history, people have developed meaningful ways of holding funerals all around the world. These rituals not only have the main purpose of honor the death ones, but they also accomplish  the function of offering companion and love to family and friends of the death ones. Most of us know about basically two ways of saying goodbye to the dead: cremations and burials. However, you'll be surprised to know about some of the strange, peculiar and even eccentric burial rituals that different cultures around the world practice.

Here are some weird funeral rituals from around the world:

SOUTH KOREA:

 Turning the Dead into Gems

Many people in South Korea opt for cremation of their beloved ones due to the overpopulation and lack of space in the traditional cemeteries. Nevertheless, some people choose a very special form of compress the remains of the dead person. They distribute the ashes into gem-like beads in different colors. This miniature pieces are then disposed in special containers, urns or bottles.

INDONESIA:
 Living with the Dead

In an Indonesian region, the Torajan People hold a tradition that may seem disturbing for some; they keep their beloved ones very close to them.  Literally, they do not bury people who die. Instead, they maintain the corpses in their houses, and they talk and pray to them. They believe that the dead ones can still listen to their words and that their spirit continues alive inside of the body.

 

 

 TIBET:

Granting the Vessels to the Birds

The Tibetan Sky Burial is one of the most famous untraditional burial rituals. During this ritual, Buddhists groups sometimes cut the body up into pieces and leave them on a hill for the birds to feast on. Buddhists see dead bodies as empty vessels and consider these sky burials an act of charity and compassion. 

MADAGASCAR:
Turning of the Bones

Famadihana is the name of this special ritual that takes place once every seven years, at the tribes of Malagasy people in Madagascar. During this celebration, familiars and friends, dig up and exhume the corpses of their passed-away people, wrap them in cloth and dance with them as a way to remember and honor them. They also spray it with wine and tell stories of their families. After the celebration, they bury the bones again and wait seven more years to repeat.

 

GHANA:
Burying in Fantasy Coffins

In this African country, people like to be buried in something that represents their lives. Most of the times the closest people are the ones in charge of selecting a coffin that may resemble a special characteristic (occupation, hobby, interests) of the death. These include coffins shaped like animals, vehicles, shoes, characters from movies and others.

NEW GUINEA:  

Cutting off the Fingers

Among the Dani tribe of New Guinea, a tradition that is already banned continues to happen in some families. In this culture, women and children had to cut off one of their fingers any time a familiar passed away. This was done to drive away spirits. They also believe that the physical pain help to release the suffering that death cause

THE AMAZONS:  

Eating the Death

The Yanomani tribes that still inhabit the Amazons keep the custom of cremating the death bodies of their beloved ones in a sacred ritual and eat the ashes mixed with special pastes they prepare. This ritual represents for them an act of compassion and also absorption of the life-force of the death.  

FLORIDA, USA: 

 Becoming Part of the Ocean

Some companies in the United States are already offering this burial option. After cremating the death body, they mix the ashes with a special kind of eco-friendly concrete. With this mixture, they create “reef balls,” that are then lowered into the ocean. These reefs will soon adopt corals and marine life.  

 

What do you want to happen to your body when you die?

 Here's a question we all have to answer sooner or later: What do you want to happen to your body when you die? Funeral director Caitlin Doughty explores new ways to prepare us for inevitable mortality. In this thoughtful talk, learn more about ideas for burial (like "recomposTing" and "conservation burial") that return our bodies back to the earth in an eco-friendly, humble and self-aware way.

NOW... HOW WELL CAN YOU REMEMBER THE RITUALS AND THE PLACES WHERE THEY ARE PERFORMED?

Click on this link to play a memory game:

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Rites of Passage Around the World

                           What is a rite of passage? Why is it Important? 

 A rite of passage is a ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another. Although it is often used to describe the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood, it does refer to any of life’s transitions (Births and Beginnings, Initiations, Partnerings, and Endings or Death). There are many passages in our lives if we choose to mark and celebrate them. Journeys is most concerned with initiatory rites of passage. Initiation is defined in the dictionary as, “the rites, ceremonies, ordeals or instructions with which a youth is formally invested with adult status in a community, society or sect.” We extend that definition to include rituals and ceremonies that help adults transition to new life roles along the path of adulthood – all the way into meaningful elderhood.

 When we design rite of passage experiences, we work to assure that initiates come out of the experience with a new and empowering story that helps them take responsibility for the decisions that set the course of their future. We help initiates create the story of who they are and the kind of life they want to build based within the exploration of their own personal values. We also help them find the story that connects them to their community. 

The 4 Most Intense Rites of Passage from Around the World.

4. Hunting Lions

Lions are called the kings of the jungle for a reason. They're about 500 pounds of teeth and claws, can run 50 miles per hour (in bursts), and hate everything that isn't in their bellies. They're the perfect example of an apex predator, and until about 40 years ago, humans existed on this planet only because the lions let us.

3. Ritual Beatings

Throughout history, various tribes have used beatings in order for their young men to prove their toughness and courage. The Spartans, for example, appeared to do little else but beat their children, a process that ensured that any who survived to adulthood would be pretty tough.

2. The Hand in a Hole

The way this test of bravery works is that the subject is made to put his hand in a hole. If that doesn't sound too scary, then consider that this hole or hollow stump or haunted crevasse or whatever is also often filled with critters. If you're still not getting it, it's perhaps best illustrated by this scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, in which Indiana's shrill friend has to stick her hand in a bug-filled hole to stop a deathtrap.

1. Cliff Diving

Jumping off something really big and not dying is a neat trick, and was formally used as a rite of passage in Hawaii in the 18th century, where King Kahekili used to jump off cliffs just to show that he could. The Birdman, as he was soon nicknamed, began making his warriors jump off the same cliffs to prove their loyalty and forever earn his respect and whatever the 18th century Hawaiian equivalent of an extreme sports reality show was.

LET'S LEARN MORE.. Go to educaplay to answer some questions from a video!!!

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas traditions around the world are celebrated  by religious and non-religious people. Many rituals are practiced all around the world, and everybody feels the collective happiness: magic glow colors, and lights take the houses.

You’re sure to have your own selection of rituals or customs that make the holiday season so special. Our favorite Christmas traditions around the world are the following:

Giant-Lantern Festival, Philippines

This festival is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando  The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven villages take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern. Originally, the lanterns were simple creations around half a meter in diameter, made from Japanese origami paper and lit by candle. Today, the lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six meters in size. They are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.

Gävle Goat, Sweden

 A 13-metre-tall Yule Goat has been built in the center of Gävle’s Castle Square for the Advent, but this Swedish Christmas tradition has unwittingly led to another “tradition” of sorts – people trying to burn it down. Since 1966 the Goat has been successfully burned down 29 times – the most recent destruction was in 2016.

Krampus, Austria

A beast-like demon creature that roams city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones – nope, this isn’t Halloween, but St. Nicholas’ evil accomplice, Krampus. In Austrian tradition, St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls, while Krampus is said to capture the naughtiest children and whisk them away in his sack. In the first week of December, young men dress up as the Krampus (especially on the eve of St. Nicholas Day) frightening children with clattering chains and bells.

The Yule Lads, Iceland

In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, 13 tricksy troll-like characters come out to play in Iceland. The Yule Lads  visit the children across the country over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts for nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Their names hint at the type of trouble they like to cause: Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), Giljagaur (Gully Gawk), Stúfur (Stubby), Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker), Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer), Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper), Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper), Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook) and Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer). Visit Iceland this Christmas and catch them all!

Saint Nicholas’ Day, Germany

Not to be confused with Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas), Nikolaus travels by donkey in the middle of the night on December 6 (Nikolaus Tag) and leaves little treats like coins, chocolate, oranges and toys in the shoes of good children all over Germany, and particularly in the Bavarian region. St. Nicholas also visits children in schools or at home and in exchange for sweets or a small present each child must recite a poem, sing a song or draw a picture. In short, he’s a great guy. But it isn’t always fun and games. St. Nick often brings along Knecht Ruprecht (Farmhand Rupert). A devil-like character dressed in dark clothes covered with bells and a dirty beard, Knecht Ruprecht carries a stick or a small whip in hand to punish any children who misbehave.  

Skates and Tamales,Venezuela

  Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning – so far, so normal – but, for reasons known only to them, they do so on roller skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less-than-traditional Christmas dinner of ‘tamales’ (a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat, then steamed).  

Day of the Little Candles, Colombia

Little Candles’ Day (Día de las Velitas) marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. In honour of the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards. The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. Some of the best are found in Quimbaya, where neighbourhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement.

Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto

 

In wintry, wonderful Toronto this annual festival marks the official start to the holiday season. The Square and Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights that shine from dusk until 11 pm until the New Year. On top of that, you’ll get to witness spectacular fireworks shows and engage in some outdoor ice skating.

SOURSE:https://www.momondo.com

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