culture
Get the authentic cultural experience on your next foreign jaunt. Wander like a local; here, there, and everywhere.
5 Differences Between Japan and America
Japan is no doubt one of the most beautiful countries that you can visit. It is also one of the most interesting to visit, especially if you grew up in America. I say this because living in America, you grow accustom to certain things, most of which are completely different in Japan. Even the simple things such as parking is different in Japan. This was more than half of the reason why I wanted to go to Japan, the fact that it could be so vastly different from what I am used to interested me. I wanted to know first hand what made it so different. I came to find out that the differences were mainly the little things that people did in their day to day life. The things that one might not even realize they are doing.
By jasmine james8 years ago in Wander
Body Modifications Around the World
Body modifications are a common practice all around the world. Many use them to tell a story or to show creativity. There are numerous types of body modifications. Some of the more common kinds are tattoos and piercings. Then there are more complex types such as stretching of the skin in many regions and deforming certain body parts. While many of these modifications may seem peculiar, they are a normal part of many cultures around the world. Numerous people around the world decorate their body for several reasons, including trying to look more attractive for a mate, to show off their marital status, and to embrace their children into their culture.
By Kayla Myers8 years ago in Wander
The Beauty of Sigulda
The History of Sigulda Sigulda’s inhabitants can be traced back as far as the 2nd century B.C. as they settled here and hunted, fished, and bred domestic animals. Settlers known as Livi have been in the Sigulda Region since around the 11th century. One can still see the ancient decorations they once made which show that the Livi lived on both banks of the Gauja. When in the 13th century Christianity bearers appeared, they took over the Livi settlements. In medieval documents, one can see the town referred to as Segewold instead of Sigulda. Up until the end of the 16th century, Sigulda Castle was under the rule of the Livonia Order and a small town was set up by the castle whose inhabitants were mostly craftsmen and merchants. Wars came along and the Sigulda Castle and town got destroyed during the time of the Polish-Swedish War.
By Rasma Raisters8 years ago in Wander
What is Raksha Bandhan Festival
Raksha Bandhan has a huge significance in India. It is celebrated like any other festival in the country and dedicated towards the love of a sister and her brother. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated once every year. The sister ties a Rakhi around the brother’s wrist, on this day. The brother undertakes the oath to protect his sister through his life. The Rakhi (a holy thread), symbolizes the strength of love, strength, and attachment between the siblings. Raksha Bandhan gets its name from two words, which are Raksha (means protection) and Bandhan (means relation).
By Dines Rohila8 years ago in Wander
How Western Culture Has Affected Japan
From Coke bottles on Shinto shrines to the Japanese almost completely abolishing the usage of squat toilets—yes, squat toilets—Japan has been heavily influenced by western culture, from their media, food, and even how they dress. The influence that western countries such as The United States, Great Britain, Canada, and much more have had on Japan is evident by just taking a leisurely stroll around Tokyo, in which you will witness a variety of sights such as McDonald's, Ikeas, Taco Bells, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken (The Japanese even order large buckets from “KFC” on Christmas for their meal). And yes, the Japanese even celebrate Christmas. As by this, it is very clear that Western Media and Culture have made it hard to distinguish Japan from one hundred years ago, during the Edo period to now.
By Benjamin Pla8 years ago in Wander
The Big Picture: City Life
Highrises. That’s all there is to it. Downtown San Diego is quite the place; so many different personalities it’s hard to find somewhere to start. How about the girl in the pink jacket? She doesn’t look like she lives here. What about that jogger over there? He’s moving way too fast! The group of guys that just came out of the restaurant? Too intimidating. How about we try the lady walking her dog? Perfect.
By Sophie Cloonan8 years ago in Wander
As a Woman, I Take Pride in My Historical Patchwork Quilt
"It’s no-thing, not no-uhn. Abbie, how do you say it?” My relaxed spring day has been interrupted, not by the chirping of birds or the mowing of grass, but by a debate that has plagued my multi-dialectal house for almost a decade. I respond to my step-father with the reply I always give when I am asked, as if one day the answer will change: I say ‘no-uhn’. Despite my honesty, I am met with a look I can only describe as the parental ‘I’m not angry, just disappointed’ glare. “But that’s wrong! There’s a ‘T.’” My mum returns fire as I play the part of an umpire in an impassioned verbal tennis match. “It’s wrong to you, but that’s the way we say it, so it’s right!”
By A. Andrews8 years ago in Wander
California Slang Everyone Should Know
California, a.k.a. the Golden State, is known for a lot of cool things like its beaches, its weather, theme parks, landmarks, food, etc. But what about the slang? Believe it or not, California has a lot of slang words that define the culture. Whether you're in northern or southern California, here are some words to help not look like an outsider whenever you visit.
By Steve Covin8 years ago in Wander
Multinational Christmas
I celebrate three Christmases. Christmas is dedicated every other year to the US, where I was born. It is almost as if entering a winter wonderland at Christmas time, as neighborhoods are illuminated with clusters of twinkling lights and Walmart Santas are seated on every other rooftop (any excuse for commercialism in America). However, my Christmas is not spent in a magnificently embellished house such as these. My grandmother refuses to take down the elephant paintings and Zulu warrior shields hung proudly on her walls representing her South African heritage, and the extent of her decorating is a Christmas tumbleweed (seriously) rather than a tree. So instead of spending Christmas with snowmen, I spend it on safari.
By KM Stories8 years ago in Wander
A Third Culture
A third culture individual is someone who was raised outside or spent a considerable amount of their formative years in a culture different from their parents; in other words, me. Being born in Bangladesh in 1998, my name was true to my rich Bengali heritage, Nandita. It meant loved by all, which my mother deemed fitting for a baby girl who arrived earlier than she was supposed to. Before I knew it, I could think for myself and had successfully internalized, like most children, my own name, along with the numerous embarrassing nicknames. I never gave a second thought to the deep connection I established already to the unique sound of familiar voices articulating the centuries old arrangement of three handy vowels and four consonants.
By Nandita Modhubonti8 years ago in Wander
