Republic of the Philippines

Sorsogon State College

Sorsogon City Campus
ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

Ways to Identify Ones Culture through arts

Submitted by:
Roman D. Herrera
GE-1B

Submitted to:
Manuel Fortes

Ways to Distinguish Ones Culture

Through festivals
1)

1) Every January in India, Magh

Mela Festival is being held.
Hundreds of thousands of devout
Hindus bathe in the rivers.
2) Every
January
in

Scotland, they held the Up Helly

Aa Fire Festival. Torches, tar
barreling, parties, flamboyant
costumes, and the burning of a
replica Viking ship make this an
exciting
festival.

3) On the
late
February/March, on the last full
moon day, Holi Festival is held in
India. Hindus and Sikh, in India,
Nepal, and Sri Lanka celebrate the
main day of this incredibly fun 16day religious festival by throwing
colored powder and water at each
other.
4) Every February/March, The
Carnival of Rio de Janeiro is
held in Brazil. A week of
extravagant parades, dancing,

colors,
and
alcohol
makes
this one
of the
most
exciting
and wellknown
festivals
in the world.
5) Every February, The Pingxi
Lantern Festival is held in
Taiwan. People write their wishes
on fire lanterns and release them
into the sky en masse, creating a
beautiful spectacle of floating
lights.
6) Between
February
and
March,
The
Carnival
of
Venice is
held in Italy. One of the most
beautiful festivals in the world,
people wear masks and elaborate
costumes to hide differences
among classes, and there are
contests for the best costumes.
7) Every
February,
The Battle
of the
Oranges is
held in
Ivrea, Italy.
An
enormous food fight where people

form
organized
teams
and throw
oranges
at each
other.

11)
On last weekend of
September, Grape Throwing
Festival is held in Mallorca, Spain.
Throw huge amount of grapes at
people
and

8) On April
13-15,
Songkran
Water
Festival is
held in
Thailand.
The Thai
New Year
festival
falls on
some of
the
hottest
days in
Thailand,
and
people
celebrate
by
throwing
water on
each
other,
using
water
guns,
buckets,
hoses- whatever they can get their
hands on.

9) Every last Wednesday in August,

La Tomatina is held in Buol,
Spain. The whole point of this
festival is to throw tomatoes at
people.
10)
Every August, Obon
Festival is held in Japan. Families
release floating lanterns into the
water to represent their ancestors
spirits being sent off.

participate in other fun events.

12)
Every October, The
Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta is held in New
Mexico. Over 750 hot air balloons
take to the skies, some are
illuminated at night, and some are
uniquely shaped.

13)
On October or November,
Diwali Festival of Lights is held.
A family-oriented festival with
firecrackers, sweets, and the
lighting of small clay lamps and
candles.

14)
y

Ever

November, Pushkar Camel

Festival is held in India. An
enormous camel fair with music,
events, exhibitions, and cultural
market stalls.

15)
Ever
y end of

November, Monkey Buffet

Festival is held in Lopburi,
Thailand. The point of this festival
is to give fruits and vegetables to
monkeys and attract tourism.
16)
On December 26 and
January 1, Junkanoo is held in
Nassau, Bahamas. A street festival
with art, music, culture, elaborate
costumes, and a parade, to bring
in the New Year.

Through Language
Spoken

The table below lists the official language of each country as well as
other languages spoken. In selected countries, the percent of the
population that speaks each language is also given.

Algeria

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Australia

English 79%, native and other languages

Austria

German (official nationwide); Slovene, Croatian, Hungarian (each official in one region)

Bangladesh

Bangla (official), English

Bhutan

Dzongkha (official), Tibetan dialects (among Bhotes), Nepalese dialects (among

Nepalese)

Bolivia

Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (all official)

Brazil

Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French

Brunei

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Cambodia

Khmer 95% (official), French, English

Canada

English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other 17.5%

China

Standard Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei

(Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority
languages

Colombia

Spanish

Costa Rica

Spanish (official), English

Ecuador

Spanish (official), Quechua, other Amerindian languages

Egypt

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

France

French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects (Provenal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican,
Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

Germany

German

Greece

Greek 99% (official), English, French

Guinea

French (official), native tongues (Malink, Susu, Fulani)

Hungary

Magyar (Hungarian) 94%, other 6%

Iraq

Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian

Italy

Italian (official); German-, French-, and Slovene-speaking minorities

Japan

Japanese

Korea, North

Korean

Korea, South

Korean, English widely taught

Kuwait

Arabic (official), English

Laos

Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages

Liberia

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic-group languages

Libya

Arabic, Italian, and English widely understood in major cities

Macedonia

Macedonian 67%, Albanian 25% (both official); Turkish 4%, Roma 2%, Serbian 1%
(2002)

Madagascar

Malagasy and French (both official)

Malaysia

Bahasa Melayu (Malay, official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese, Mandarin,

Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; several
indigenous languages (including Iban, Kadazan) in East Malaysia

Mali

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Mexico

Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages

Mongolia

Mongolian, 90%; also Turkic and Russian (1999)

Morocco

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often used for business, government, and
diplomacy

Myanmar

Burmese, minority languages

Nauru

Nauruan (official), English

Nepal

Nepali 48% (official), Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7%, Tharu 6%, Tamang 5%, others.
English spoken by many in government and business (2001)

Netherlands

Dutch, Frisian (both official)

New Zealand

English, Maori (both official)

Norway

Bokml Norwegian, Nynorsk Norwegian (both official); small Sami- and Finnishspeaking minorities (Sami is official in six municipalities)

Oman

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Philippines

Filipino (based on Tagalog), English (both official); eight major dialects: Tagalog,
Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense

Portugal

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used)

Qatar

Arabic (official); English a common second language

Romania

Romanian (official), Hungarian, German

Russia

Russian, others

Saudi Arabia

Arabic

Singapore

Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew
4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000)

South Africa

IsiZulu 23.8%, IsiXhosa 17.6%, Afrikaans 13.3%, Sepedi 9.4%, English 8.2%,
Setswana 8.2%, Sesotho 7.9%, Xitsonga 4.4%, other 7.2%

Spain

Castilian Spanish 74% (official nationwide); Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%
(each official regionally)

Sri Lanka

Sinhala 74% (official and national), Tamil 18% (national), other 8%; English is
commonly used in government and spoken competently by about 10%

Sweden

Swedish, small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Switzerland

German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official); Romansch 0.5% (national)

Taiwan

Chinese (Mandarin, official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Thailand

Thai (Siamese), English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects

United Arab
Emirates

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

United
Kingdom

English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic

United States

English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)

Vatican City
(Holy See)

Italian, Latin, French, various other languages

Vietnam

Vietnamese (official); English (increasingly favored as a second language); some

French, Chinese, Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and MalayoPolynesian)

Yemen

Arabic

Zimbabwe

English (official), Shona, Ndebele (Sindebele), numerous minor tribal dialects

Through foods

1) Pho Ga of
Vietnam.

2) Hummus of
Jordan.

3) Original
Mexican

4) Roast
ed
Snails of
Alsacian
Village in
france.

5) Romanian
Empanadas of Mexico.

pork,
cabbage

and their
famous
national food:
Polenta (aka
Mamaliga),
mashed corn
with cream
found in

11)

Lumpia of Philippines.

12)

Masala Dosas of India.

Romania.

6) Stuffed
Squid of
Philippines.

7) Gazpacho of Spain.

8) Feijoada
of Brazil.

9) Doro Wett of Ethiopia.

10)

Ful Medames of Egypt.

13)
Jerk
Chicken of
Jamaica.

14)

14)
Churrasco con
Chimichurri of Argentina.

15)
Nasi
Goreng of
Indonesia.
18) Lam
b

Khorma of India.
16)
Pup
usas of El
Salvador.

19)
Texas Chili con Carne of
U.S.A.

20)
Lamb and Eggplant
Moussaka of Greece.
17)
Bob
otie of
South
Africa.

21)

Pasta Bolognese of Italy.

Through Religious Beliefs and Superstitions

1) In CHINA
General Chinese superstitions:
When having a baby

If youre pregnant, use of glue will cause a difficult birth

If you strike an animal during pregnancy, the newborn child will look like that animal and behave like one.
You should never praise a newborn baby because it will invite evil spirits and ghosts.
Before you get married

Wedding clothes should be red, yellow and/or white.

Couples with the same surname cannot marry; even if they are not related, they still belong to the same
ancestry.

Never marry someone who is older or younger by 3 or 6 years.

Going to funerals

An improper funeral will bring ill fortune and disaster.

Mirrors must be hidden; a person who sees the reflection of the coffin will have a death in his/her family.
The deceaseds children and grandchildren should not cut their hair for 49 days.
About time

Clipping toenails or fingernails at night is bad luck; the person will be visited by a ghost.

If a dog howls continuously at night, this means death.

Hearing a crow cawing between 3 and 7 am means the hearer will receive gifts; hearing a crow caw between
7 and 11am means rain and wind; and between 11am and 1pm means quarrels.

If a mans ears burn between 11pm and 1pm, there will be harmony between him and his wife; if they burn
between 1 and 3 in the afternoon, a guest will soon arrive.
Things you should never do

Beating a person with a broom will rain bad luck upon that person for years.

Never point at the moon or your ears might get chopped off.

Dont keep a pet turtle or it will slow down your business.

2) In GREECE

Although some of the Greeks believe that it brings bad luck to kill a bat, but keeping a bat bone is considered
to protect them from evil eye.

Every typical Greek house has a cactus growing near its door they believe that it saves them from troubles.

Bread is considered a gift from God.No bread is ever thrown away.

Crows are considered omens of bad news, misfortune and death.

Another way to ward off the evil eye is with garlic.If you cant brave the smell of garlic, there is an alternative.
When you get a compliment remember to say Skorda (garlic) under your breath and spit three times on
your own person. If you know the individual that is complimenting you, tell them to spit on you too.

Fish are believed to be wise and knowledgeable. But the Church also sees the fish as a revered symbol of
silence. Fish dont speak or make noise.

Greeks believe that Money attracts money, so never leave your pockets, purses or wallets completely empty
and never completely empty your bank account. Always leave at least a coin or two. It is also considered
good luck that when you give a gift of a wallet or a purse, that you put a coin or two in it before giving it to
the recipient.

If you have an unwanted guest in your home and you want them to leave. All you have to do is sprinkle salt
behind them. The powers of the salt will chase him out.

Overturned shoes (soles up) are considered very bad luck and even omens of death. Never let your shoes
lay upside down. If you accidentally take them off and they land soles up, turn them over immediately and
say Skorda (garlic) and a spit or two wont hurt either.

Different from Western cultures, it is Tuesday the 13th of the month that is considered unlucky in Greece and
not Friday the 13th.

3) In UNITED KINGDOM

In UK it is believed that you would be lucky if you meet a black cat.

Unlucky are those who break a mirror, see a crow.

Not one Englishman will open his umbrella near the door or will put his new shoes on the table.

4) In IRELAND

Any Irish knows that a werewolf is afraid of water.

The Irish place metals on high levels. Blacksmithers are respected, since they are considered to dispose of
bad spirits and diseases.

5) In ITALY

Italians think youre lucky to hear a cat sneezing.

Its not good if a bird enters through your window.

If an Italian sees a nun, he will seek to touch a metal, so that the luck doesnt leave him.

6) In JAPAN

Japanese are afraid to be photoed in three. The one from the middle is expected to die. For avoiding
misfortune, Japanese will not talk to man who talks while sleeping.

If you play with fire, you will wet your bed.

If you whistle or play a flute at night, snakes will come to you.

Breaking a comb or the cloth strap of a geta wooden sandal breaking is an omen of misfortune.

Nine is also sometimes pronounced ku, which can mean suffering.

Chopsticks should not be stuck upright into food, especially rice. Chopsticks are only stuck upright into rice
in the bowl on the altar at a funeral.

Cutting your fingernails or toenails at night is bad luck. If you do so, it is believed that you will not be with
your parents at their deathbed.

If u see a spider in the morning, it means good luck so you shouldnt kill it, but if you see one at night, it
means bad luck so you can kill it.

If you catch a crows eyes, something bad will happen.

If a black cat crosses your path, something bad will happen.

7) In THAILAND

People born on:

Sunday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Friday.

Monday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Sunday.

Tuesday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Monday.

Wednesday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Tuesday.

Thursday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Saturday.

Friday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Wednesday.

Saturday, avoid doing anything auspicious on a Wednesday at nighttime.

If you make jokes when eating a ghost will steal your rice

A ghost will enter your house if you stand in the doorway

A ghost will curse you if you sing while eating

You will see a ghost if you bend down and look between your legs

Do not look at naked people because your eyes will become swollen

The moon contains a rabbit

Your finger will fall off if you point at a rainbow

Bad luck will come to a house if you enter through the window

8) In INDIA
when you are going out, these are considered bad

some one asks you where are you going?

some body sneeze odd no; of times

a widow, a single Brahman or a man carrying oil or milk or a cat crossing your path.

going below the ladder.

hitting your head or feet on the thresh hold.

the following are considered to be good:

eating curds with jaggery

a married lady with flowers on the head & kumkum on fore head

Through Clothes
1) Cambodia

2)
Th
ail
an
d

3)
La
os

4)Indonesia

5)Malaysia

6)
M
ya
n
m
ar

7)Vie
tnam

9)Philippines

8)Brunei

Through National
Dance

Br
azi
l

Samba

Br
un
ei

Zapin

Bu
lga
ria

Horo, Rchenitsa

Ca
na
da

Maple Leaf
Stomp (official), Canadian
stepdance (unofficial)

Co
lo
mb
ia

Vallenato and Cumbia

Ch
ina

Chinese dance

Co
ok
Isl
an
ds

Tamure

Punto Guanacasteco

Rumba

National dance by country

Co
un
try

Al
ger
ia

Dance

Chaoui dance

Ar
ge
nti
na

Tango, Chacarera

Co
sta
Ric
a

Bel
ize

Brukdown

Cu
ba

Bo
livi

Caporales dance

National dance by country

Co
un
try

rea
Dance

Eg
ypt

Raqs sharqi and Raqs baladi

Fra
nce

Bourre, Bal-musette;
(Brittany) Gavotte

Ge
rm
an
y

Polka, Waltz

Gr
eec
e

Syrtos

Ho
nd
ura
s

Punta

Ind
ia

Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi

Ind
on
esi
a

Isr
ael

Ma
da
gas
car

Hiragasy

Ma
lay
sia

Zapin

Ma
rtin
iqu
e

Bl

Mo
ldo
va

Hora

Ne
w
Ze
ala
nd

Haka

O
ma
n

Al-Bar'ah

Pa
na
ma

Tamborito

Par
ag
ua
y

Paraguayan polka

Phi
lip
pin
es

Cariosa

Indonesian dances

Israeli folk dancing

Ital
y

Tarantella

Jap
an

Japanese traditional dance

Ko

Korean dance

Per
u

Marinera

Por
tug
al

Vira

Ru
ssi
a

Troika, Barynya and Trepak

Sa
udi
Ar
abi
a

Ardah

Sp
ain

Flamenco and its variants

So
uth
Afr
ica

Isicathulo and various styles of

South African tribal
dance; Volkspele among Afrikaners

Syr
ia

Dabke

Through their Gods

and Goddesses

1)
Egypt

3)
Norway

Ra God was a version of the sun god and

Egyptian art often represented him with the
solar disk - a circle drawn over the head if
deities associated with the sun. Frequently Ra
was depicted with the body of a man and head
of falcon. Ra's human body and falcon head
and wore the disk of the sun encircled by a
cobra .The association with the cobra
suggested his fierce and destructive nature. Ra
was usually shown holding a scepter in one
hand and an ankh in the other.

2)
Greece

Odin -- All-knowing Father of the Gods & Lord

of Asgard. He is the Norse god of war & death,
the god of poetry & wisdom. He hung for 9
days, pierced by his own spear, on the world
tree. Here he learned 9 powerful songs & 18
runes. Odin can make the dead speak to
question the wisest amongst them. His hall in
Asgard is Valaskjalf (shelf of the slain) where
his throne Hlidskjalf is located & he observes all
that happens in the 9 worlds. He also resides in
Valhalla, where slain warriors are taken.
4) Ireland

Zeus -- Top God of the Heavens and Ruler of

Mount Olympus. He rules OLYMPUS, the lofty
cloudland where the Greek Gods live and look
down upon mankind. He is a real high-flyer, an
Olympic champion, battling with the giant
TITANS, casting thunderbolts and engaged in
all manner of gut-busting glorious Godly
pursuits.

Brigid is the traditional patroness of healing,

poetry and smithcraft, which are all practical
and inspired wisdom. As a solar deity, her
attributes are light, inspiration and all skills
associated with fire. Although she might not be

identified with the physical Sun, She is certainly

the benefactress of inner healing and vital
energy.

EMOTION
S

SAD

HAPPY

SURPRISED

ANGRY

SCARED

EXCITED

CALM

DEPRESSED