Native American Culture

Perhaps there is no other group in the world that has quite the diverse and richly storied culture as that of the Native Americans. With their gilded histories that are rich in strife, struggle and triumph, the Native American culture is indeed very colorful. So many features and aspects of our modern day living have been adapted from the old Native American cultures and traditions that were practiced centuries ago.

Much of the cultural customs and diversity of our world is fast disappearing. In South America, not only are the native traditions and customs in danger of disappearing entirely but some of the native Indians are also in danger of becoming extinct. The Yanomamo is a popular Indian tribe that is fast losing many of its tribe members because of the destructive powers of the Western world. Many of the tribes’ members, traditions and culture are lost by the literal assimilation of these individuals as slave labor by the South American gold miners.

But, the Yanomamo is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many hundreds of lesser-known tribes who are still struggling to survive culturally as well as literally. A case I’d like to point out is the Assurini tribe that is a group living in the Amazonian forests of Brazil. This tribe is also known for its finely crafted pottery work, and its numbers are now seriously depleted to just 57 members. Most of these Native American tribes have their own languages, which are always found in a spoken form and very rarely in the written form. If the Native American culture and art is not recorded and protected, it will soon disappear forever.

Many symbols that we are familiar with today and have taken for granted were actually originated by the Native Americans. The totem pole, teepee, moccasins and the peace pipe are a few popular examples, but each one of these symbols were originally tiny little pieces of a much larger picture that once upon a time wove together the tapestry of the Native American way of living.

Everything from the native animals and plants to the housing and weather were all once a very strong part of the Native American culture. The animals were considered to be spirits and were revered, and even though they were hunted down and killed, their hides and skins were used for drums and for clothing purposes, their meat would never be wasted, and their spirits would always live on in the minds of the tribe members. Plants were cultivated and then harvested, and then used for a variety of purposes, such as dyes. The sun and the rain were considered to be powerful Gods, hinting at the change in seasons. They believed that in the entire universe there exists only one Great Spirit or a spiritual force that is the source for all things living. The Great Spirit is not depicted as a man in the Sky but is thought to be formless and exists throughout the universe. And the sun in turn was considered to be the ultimate manifestation of power of this Great Spirit.

Totem poles were a very important part of the Native American culture. They believed that each tribe member (or individual at that) possessed within him (or her) the spirit of a particular animal, and that this spirit would then be absorbed back by the concerned animal upon his death. The totem pole was a tall, wooden pole like structure with carvings of different animals on it, each animal representing a family member of a tribe member who has passed away.

These days, you’ll probably find dream catchers hanging from rearview mirrors of cars, but very few people really know about their significance. The dream catcher theory is based on a legend that was told by the Lakota tribe. It symbolizes all the good things and life and holding onto them, while the holes act as filters for filtering out all the bad feelings and thoughts. Smoke signals are another very interesting aspect of their culture. Smoke signals were used by each tribe member to communicate to another over a long distance and are till date symbols of the proud heritage of the Native Americans. Now that you know almost everything there is to know about the Native American symbols, lets move on to the other aspects of their culture.

Musical Expression
Singing is of course the most dominant form of musical expression in all cultures all over the world, and this is also the case with the Native Americans. Singing coupled with instrumental music that served mainly as a kind of rhythmic accompaniment played a big role in the Native American culture. Native American love songs are still played on the flute. The principal instruments used were the drums, rattles, whistles and flutes.

Music style however, changed from place to place and region to region. For example, the music in California was produced by a relaxed throat while that in the Great Plains was tense, forceful and pulsating.

Native American Art
Just like music was a very important part of the Native American culture, art also held a very special place in the lives of these people. Art has been used as a form of expression by the Native Americans for hundreds and hundreds of years. Most art forms were created as a symbol of something, like a bear, eagle, walrus or even people.

The materials used ranged from rocks and clay to cloth, fabric and feathers. Basket weaving was also a very popular form of expression that served many purposes as well. Cornhusks and reeds were woven together to form intricate baskets. The material would then be dyed to make colorful tribal patterns, resulting in the creation of a beautiful work of art that was also very useful as it could be used to transport vegetables and fruits.

Blanket weaving was very common practice amongst the Native Americans. The women would spend hours on end weaving these threads together to make unbelievably beautiful blankets of various designs and patterns. The Navajo tribe in particular is very famous for its hand woven blankets.

In the colder areas, Native Americans dutifully enjoyed creating art in order to pay homage to their animal friends. Walruses were carved out of whales’ teeth, and bears and eagles were made out of rock. Statues and pendants were made to symbolize the respect that these tribes had for their animals. Weapons and instruments were also considered to be a form of art, as these instruments were made with equal care and patience as the other forms of art.

Taiwanese New Year

New Year's Eve is spent bidding farewell to the old year and thanking one's ancestors and the gods for their blessing and protection. Children who have left their homes return on this day to share New Year's Eve Dinner with their families, and for those unable to make the journey, a table setting is placed to symbolize their presence in spirit if not in body. At the end of dinner, the parents and older generation give New Year's money to the children, who have been waiting with growing anticipation for this moment to arrive. Finally, to watch the old year out and bring in the New Year, families stay up until the early hours of New Year's Day.

With the arrival of New Year's Day, life is renewed and the New Year begins to unfold amidst the noise of firecrackers. The Taiwanese begin the day by worshipping their ancestors, following which the streets become filled with people making New Year's visits to friends and relatives and with the lively display of dragon dancing, lion dancing, and other folk activities.

To insure the arrival of luck and wealth in the New Year, several taboos must be heeded. Floors may not be swept and garbage may not be disposed for fear of casting riches out the door, cussing and quarreling is to be avoided at all costs, and anyone who breaks a dish on this day must quickly say Peace for all time, to avoid incurring misfortune.

On the second day of the New Year, married women return to their parents home to visit family, on the fourth day, the gods return to the world of the living, and on the fifth day, many new stores and old businesses open their doors for the first time due to the auspiciousness of the day. The festive air of celebration continues in this manner all the way up to the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the New Year before slowly ebbing back to normal life again.

Lantern Festival, also known as Shang Yuan Festival, takes place on the fifteenth day of the first moon. Last in a series of springtime celebrations, this second New Year is widely celebrated by families all around Taiwan.

On the night of the festival, decorative lanterns depicting birds, beasts, historical figures, and any one of a number of different themes are carried by children or adorn temples. To highlight these glowing works of art, competitions are held.

The night sky on Lantern Festival is also illuminated by the Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display and Taipei Pinghsi Sky Lanterns known together as Fireworks in the Sout

Mairrage Traditions Around the World

Traditions are simply memories of the past, still taking root in our lives today. As you read through these long cherished practices of ages gone by, choose for yourself those that will make your day more meaningful and special.

AFRICA: Holding hands at the alter and the walk back up the aisle after your ceremony may well be a custom derived from the tradition still performed in some tribes today of binding the bride and groom’s wrists together with plaited grass.

BELGIUM: A lovely tradition has long been practiced in Belgium to make and embroider a handkerchief for the bride to carry during her wedding. The brides name would also be embroidered on it. Following the wedding, she would them frame the handkerchief and hang it on the wall until the next wedding in the family, at which time it was to be taken down and the new bride’s name embroidered on it as well. This was handed down from generation to generation.

BERMUDA: An old custom which is certainly catching on today as we look forward to the new millennium is that of planting a tree to memorialize the wedding day. Even yet today, some Islanders top off their wedding cake with a small tree sapling. The tree is planted during the reception which is often held at the home of one of their parents, if not the new home they will share together as man wife.

CHINA: Red is the color of “Love and Joy” in China. At one time it was the brides favorite color of choice for the wedding garment, candles, guest gift favors and everything that went along with her wedding. In China today, many girls still choose to go by the old traditions of their forefathers, but more and more, the country is becoming westernized and brides are opting for the exquisite white gowns worn throughout the world. An interesting point of interest may be the number of wedding gowns made in China today, finding their way to your favorite bridal shop. Almost without a doubt as you have shopped for your gown, you have either tried on or looked upon gowns made on mainland China.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA: Rosemary wreaths, handmade by the mother or grandmother of the bride is a century old tradition for brides in the countryside. A variation of this today is seen as wreaths of baby’s breath and miniature roses, worn as often by the attendants as the bride herself.

ENGLAND: The familiar tradition of a flower girl throwing rose petals as she passes down the aisle before the bride is a reminder of days gone by when the bride walked to the church with her maids in waiting. Leading the procession was always a young girl throwing flower petals along the lane, so the bride’s path through life would be happy and laden with flowers.

FINLAND: In Finland, brides once wore crowns of gold. Following the wedding and during the reception, the tradition known as the “Dance of the Crowns” took place. The bride would be blindfolded, while her unmarried maids would dance around her in a circle. She would remove her crown and place it on a maiden, and whoever she crowned was said to be the next to marry. This custom could be easily be reborn by the bride who wears a wreath rather than a veil, and she too could dance the “Dance of Crowns”.

FRANCE: A lovely custom coming to us out of France comes in the form of a two handled cup called the “coup de marriage”. The cup was saved to be used from one generation to another. Of course, the custom has long been established of drinking a toast to one another, but the two handled cup adds a special touch to the weddings of today. Until recently, these cups have been very difficult to find. Drinking from the same cup denotes “togetherness”.

GERMANY: The tradition coming to us out of Germany includes the bride and groom holding candles trimmed with flowers and ribbons. This beautiful old tradition could be included in a wedding of today, with the couple placing candles they have carried to the alter beside their unity candle. These candles could then be used to light the unity candle at the end of the ceremony.

HOLLAND: A canopy of fragrant evergreens meaning “everlasting love” was where the bride and groom would sit following their ceremony to receive best wishes and gifts from their friends.

INDIA: Flowers have always played a very important part in the Indian wedding. A lasting tradition passed along from generation to generation is that of the brother of the groom sprinkling flower petals over the heads of the couple following the wedding vows and at the end of the ceremony.

IRAN: When this country was called Persia, back in the Bible times, the groom would purchase ten yards of sheeting fabric and wrap it around and around his bride. Just think how fun it must have been to unwrap her :). Today, of course, the fashionable Iranian bride wears the traditional wedding gown fashioned in Paris or other European countries.

IRELAND: For a touch of tradition from the lovely green isle, you might well want to consider their traditional wedding cake, which is a far cry from the sugary delight we call a “wedding cake”. Theirs is the true fruit cake well laced with raisins, almonds, cherries, and spice. In the true Irish spirit the recipe is laden with brandy or bourbon.

ITALY: Sugared almonds have for centuries been tossed by guests at the Italian wedding. This is called “confetti”. Today, sugared almonds are a popular favor found bound in netting and tied with matching ribbon as a treat to your wedding guests.

JAPAN: The bridal couple in Japan takes nine sips of sake, becoming husband and wife after the first sip. They will set across the table from each other, looking directly into the eyes of the other, each taking a sip at the same moment, being very careful to set the cup down on the table at the same exact moment. The purpose of this is to keep one from dying before the other. The tradition being, that whoever’s cup is set on the table last will be the first to die.

MEXICO: The guests at a Mexican wedding have a lovely old custom of forming a circle around the couple in the shape of a heart. The newlyweds will then dance their first dance together within this circle of love.

POLAND: The custom of pinning money to the gown of the bride is centuries old in Poland. It was once done to help the young couple set up housekeeping and gave them money to begin their new life together. Today, it is more popularly known as the “money dance” and money may be pinned on both the bride and groom in payment for dancing with them.

ROMANIA: Rather than throwing rice at the couple making their get away in Romania, the guests would throw sweets and nuts at the couple as they made their exit. A far cry from the oft thrown bird seed of today.

RUSSIA: Wedding guests received small thank you gifts when attending the traditional Russian wedding of days gone by. Popular items included small pictures, bud vases or other tiny items. These were in appreciation of their presence and well wishing.

SPAIN: Long ago, in certain regions of Spain, the bride wore a black silk dress and mantilla. Orange blossoms in her hair was the flower of the day. The groom wore a tucked shirt which had been hand embroidered by the bride.

SWEDEN: Imaginary trolls, once thought to bring misfortune to the young couple, were kept away by the bride, as well as her bridesmaids, carrying bouquets of pungent herbs and stinking weeds. Today, those stinking herbs and weeds have been replaced by the lovely bouquets carried on the arms of brides throughout the world.

SWITZERLAND: Following the ceremony, a junior bridesmaid would lead the procession to the reception by passing our colored handkerchiefs to the guests along the way. Each guest would then in turn give a coin to the bridesmaid for the starting up of the new home.

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Belgian

The children there believe it is kindly Saint Nicholas who brings them their presents. They also believe he rides a horse so they leave him hay and carrots and water for the horse just outside the house on December 6.

Canada/U.S.

Christmas trees are decorated and stockings are hung on the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill with gifts. Cards and gifts are exchanged with friends and relatives. Children put on pageants and go caroling.

China

The Christians in China light their homes with beautiful paper lanterns. Santa is called Dun Che Lao Ren. The children hang stockings just as we do.

CZECHS

They serve a very large and delicious dinner with many courses. Courses are like a appetizer, followed by soup, then a salad, then maybe the first meat dishes, and so on till the dessert is served. They serve this meal on Christmas Eve and it does not matter how big the family is, there is always a place set at the table that is set for the Christ Child.

Denmark

Santa is known as Julemanden and he arrives in a sleigh pulled by reindeer with a sack full of gifts. Danish children know the elves as Juul Nisse, and believe that they live in the attics of their homes. Instead of cookies and glasses of milk, they leave rice pudding and saucers of milk out for them.

England

From England we have acquired several customs. The first is the use of Christmas trees. This was made popular during the rein of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert came from the country of Germany and missed his native practice of bringing in trees to place on the tables in the house, therefore one Christmas the royal couple brought a tree inside the Palace and decorated it with apples and other pretty items.

The second custom is what is known as Boxing Day. It is celebrated the first weekday after Christmas. What this means is that small wrapped boxes with food and sweets, or small gifts, or coins are given to anyone who comes calling that day.

Santa is known as Father Christmas, wearing long red robes and had sprigs of holly in his hair. Instead of mailing out their christmas list, children throw it into the fireplace and Father Christmas reads the smoke. England is also where the tradition of hanging stockings by the chimney began, due to the fact that Father Christmas once accidentally dropped some gold coins on his way down the chimney which got caught in a drying stocking. Another interesting thing is that instead of opening up their gifts as soon as they wake up, English children wait until the afternoon.

France

Santa is known as Pere Noel. He is accompanied by Pre Fouettard who keep track of who has been good or bad for Pere Noel. In some parts of France, Pere Noel brings small gifts in the beginning of December (Dec 6) and comes back to deliver more on Christmas. In France the children get to open their gifts on Christmas, but the parents and other adults have to wait until New Years. In France the children place there shoes by the fire place in hopes that le Pere Noel/Father Christmas of le Petit Jesus/Little Jesus will place gifts for them. They also have dinner at midnight on December 24 this is called Le Reveillon. They have a cake called La Buche de Noel that is served after the dinner.

Tiny clay figures are used in the Christmas Cr�ches, Mangers. These figures are most unique as they are dressed in what is popular in provincial clothing that year. The figures are Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Wise Men, the Shepherds, and Angels.

Italy

It Italy, the main exchange of gift doesn't occur until January 6th, the day traditionally believed that the Wise Men reached the baby Jesus. Italy has La Befana who brings gifts to for the good and punishment for the bad. She is the same character as Russia's Babouschka who refused to give the Wise Men food and shelter. The nativity scene may have first been set up by Saint Francis of Assisi. This first one was set up in a cave outside of a village and the villagers were so impressed by the display that now many of the communities compete for the best nativity.

India

Houses are decorated with strings of mango leaves. Lights are place on the window sills and walls and a star is hung outside. A sweet holiday treat is made called thali and it is brought to neighbors and friends.

Christmas Traditions in Ghana, South Africa

"Afishapa"

Christmas in Ghana has always been for us one of the most important and joyous religious festivals. It lasts for many days in all parts of the country. It is the time for beautiful Christmas music on the streets, on radio, television, and everywhere. As a religious celebration the churches start preparing many months before December 25th. The preparations are so intense that one really feels as if the whole country is actually preparing for the birth of the baby Jesus. Christmas in Ghana is the time when relatives and friends visit each other from town to town and from village to village in all regions of the country regardless of their Religious Persuasion. One may see people in cars, buses, and Lorries brightly decorated with Christmas themes traveling all over the place with the usual Ghanaian Joy. Many people try to at least get home by Christmas Eve to visit the Ancestral home and to visit with families and friends.

The traditional Christmas Eve Dinner consists either of a specially cooked rice and goat or chicken stew or soup and is eaten before the Annual Christmas Worship Service and all friends and relatives as well as strangers are invited. The food consumed at the Christmas Day dinners may include rice, chicken, goat, lamb, and fruits of various kinds. There may be mangoes, oranges, pawpaw or cashew fruits. The families always brightly decorate the houses with beautiful paper ornaments specially made for the occasion. A tree in the center of the courtyard is also decorated. It may be a mango tree or a guava tree or a cashew tree. Usually the children and the young people in each family do this. Not only homes but also schools and neighborhoods are brightly decorated with colorful crepe paper while we look forward to the Christmas Eve Services at the various churches.

After the service there is usually a joyous procession through the streets led by local bands and Christmas Revelers which is joined by all. The dancing in the streets may continue till the wee hours of the morning. The gala mood continues night after night for a long time.

On Christmas Day everyone returns to the church in his or her finest new clothes and the churches are generally full. At the church we hear again the story of the first Christmas in all the ethnic languages along with the singing of traditional carols in our own ethnic languages reminding us of the meaning of the blessed birth of the baby Jesus. After the Christmas service young people receive special gifts such as special imported chocolate, special cookies, and special crackers. They are told that the gifts come from Father Christmas, (a carry over from the colonial days). The young may also receive new clothes and perhaps new shoes or a diary or a book. Meanwhile, throughout the celebration, everyone is greeted with the special Akan greeting word, "Afishapa," meaning Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Japan

The Japanese decorate their stores and homes with greens. The only part of Christmas that they celebrate is the giving of gifts. HOTEIOSHA the priest is like our Santa Claus, and he brings the children their presents.

Mexico

Mexico calls Christmas Navidad. They celebrate Christmas for nine days with Las Pasdas. It is a time where people dress as Mary and Joseph, traveling from house to house asking if Mary may stay the night. They are told the is full. After which the door opens back up and all are invited in for a party with food, songs, and for the children a Pinata. The Pinata is made of paper mache and filled with all kinds of goodies. The object is to break it open with your eyes blindfolded. After which the children all dive for all the goodies they can pick up. On the ninth night they are told yes there is room for Mary in the stable and all come in for food and after all go to Church to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

The Netherlands

Santa is known as Sinterklaas, and he came to Sweden originally by boat, setting out on December 6th from Spain. He makes his gift deliveries by horseback. The children leave their shoes out, filled with hay and sugar for Sinterklaas' horse. In the morning they find their shoes filled with candy and nuts. When Sinterklaas appears to the children, he takes the form of their father or a favorite male relative.

North Pole

Santa and his helpers are getting ready to deliver gifts to the children of the world.

POLAND

From Christmas to New Years the streets are lined with lovely stalls called, JOSELKI, each one is carefully painted with scenes from the Christmas story. The booths are elaborately decorated in tinsel and lighted candles.

Spain

The children of Spain leave their shoes on the windowsills filled with straw, carrots, and barley for the horses of the Wise Men, who they believe reenact their journey to Bethlehem every year. One of the wise men is called Balthazar, who leaves the children gifts. They call Christmas Eve Nochebuena, and families gather together to rejoice and share a meal around the Nativity scene.

Sweden

The Swedish people call Santa tomte, and see him as a gnome who comes out from under the floor of the house or barn carrying his sack of gifts for them. He rides in a sleigh drawn by a goat.Santa Lucia day, the oldest daughter wears a wreath of seven candles on her head and servers a special meal of ham, fish, and rice pudding. God Jul!

On Saint Lucia�s Day, December 13, in the first light of dawn the oldest daughter of the house dresses in a white robe and places a ring of candles in her hair. It is then her job to wake the rest of the family and serve them coffee, buns, and cookies.

JULKAPP is another custom, in Sweden. a present is wrapped in many layers of paper and then someone knocks on the door to a house and they leave the gift their. The longer it takes for the present to be opened the better the JULKAPP.

Russia

Russia has someone named Babouschka, who would bring gifts for the children. The tradition says that she failed to give food and shelter to the three wise men and so she now searches the countryside searching for the baby Jesus, visiting all children giving gifts as she goes. Santa was known as Saint Nicholas but today is called Grandfather Frost, wearing a blue outfit instead of red.

The Russians use to celebrate Christmas with great joy and happiness before the Revaluation of 1917. They used to stroll up and down the streets with stars on the end of sticks that they called Stars of Bethlehem. The people went to church services and shared a special meal at home. After the Revaluation the Soviet Government banned Christmas. What the Russians do today is celebrate New Years Day with a special tree decorated like we do ours for Christmas and they have a New Years Day Children�s party. The children join hands and sing songs as they walk around the tree. They wait for DYET MOROZ Grandfather Frost, and his helper SYYEGORACHKA The Snow Maiden to bring them their gifts.

Switzerland

Santa Claus is called CHRISTKIND, the Christ Child coming to bring gifts to the children dressed in all white with a golden crown, He is helped by Saint Nicholas.

South Korea - Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Korean Family Values

. The family is the most important part of Korean life.
. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members.
. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.
. Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.
. In many cases the family register can trace a family's history, through male ancestors, for over 500 years.

Confucianism

. The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean society.
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship.
. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: 1) ruler and subject, 2) husband and wife, 3) parents and children, 4)brothers and sisters and 5) friend and friend
. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.

Korean Ancestors

. Ancestors are based on the male family line.
. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.
. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.
. On Chusok, people cook and set out food to celebrate their ancestors.

The Concept of Kibun

. Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind.
. If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony.
. It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie".
. Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life.
. It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time.
. In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.
. Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye.
. Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun.
. Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said.

Etiquette & Customs in South Korea

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings follow strict rules of protocol.
. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.
. The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."
. Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
. Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
. When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly.
. Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
. Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
. Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
. Do not sign a card in red ink.
. Use both hands when offering a gift.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house:
. It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
. You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence.
. Remove your shoes before entering the house.
. The hosts greet each guest individually.
. The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks.
. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
. Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
. The eldest are served first.
. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.
. Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
. Refuse the first offer of second helpings.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
. It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.
. Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.
. Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other successful.
. South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding.
. They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed.
. Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.
. Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the introductions.
. South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification.
. This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
. Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
. You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting.
. The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
. It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
. The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other.
. Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship.
. Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
. Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
. Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.
. Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
. The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
. Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient.
. Examine any business card you receive carefully.
. Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
. Never write on someone's business card in their presence.

Guidelines for Interdependant Cultures

GUIDELINES FOR AN INTERDEPENDENT WORLD CULTURE

We, the assembled, on Saturday, June 25th, 2005, do hereby proclaim our determination to give meaning to life and to be a dynamic force in strengthening our sense of common destiny with the world at large.

Therefore, we offer 36 directives -- nine for each of four arenas important to the achievement of our stated goal:

A world where harmonious co-existence flourishes and prospers.

I. Researching Universal Principles: because increasing understanding of universal principles and the embracing of them supports the goal of unity and cooperation.

Nature of the Individual

1. The nature of the individual must not be bounded, and no one has the right to define another's individuality.

2. Every individual's inexorable seeking nature and drive to know and complete oneself must be encouraged.

3. The fundamental joy of individuality should strive to benefit self and others, and must be cultivated and celebrated.

Nature of Society

4. To solve problems and enrich our lives, everybody needs to come together and interact with other human beings.

5. All humans must reframe their worldviews to also include global interdependence along with their national, local, and other identities.

6. A healthy, well-functioning society must not countenance a disproportionate gap between haves and have-nots but welcome the participation of all of its members.

Nature of the Universe

Humanity must acknowledge that:

7. All living entities share a common source and destiny.

8. Any individual's shift in evolutionary position or physical composition influences a greater body.

9. The universe demands diversity for its continued expansion to realize infinite expression.

II. Developing Universal Persons: because the development of universal persons requires healing of illness and conflict, and enhanced interpersonal and expanded spiritual awareness.

Health and Healing

10. We must ensure every individual has the education and the means to attain access to clean water, nutrition, human settlements, and sanitation.

11. We must engage every person in the processes of identifying problems (physical, mental, emotional), their solutions and implementation, as well as the evaluation of outcomes for the future.

12. We must recognize that policy -- made at the personal through global levels -- must integrate mechanisms for responsibility, accountability, and capacity building.

Interpersonal Relations

13. Create environments that promote awareness of and appreciation for diverse worldviews as potential contributions to global solutions.

14. Honor the uniqueness of every person and culture as we discover and explore our common needs and mutually beneficial directions.

15. Provide educational and cultural experiences that open hearts and minds to the common humanity of all.

Spiritual Awareness

16. Recognize the inherent unity and dignity of all life.

17. Engage in constant examination of ourselves to make sure our energy and acts are focused and directed toward benefiting all communities of life on our planet.

18. Direct all our activities, hopes, and dreams and "attunement" toward and for our source, called by any name or no name.

III. Communicating New Realities: because art, education, and media exert an overwhelming influence on individuals and society.

Education

19 Education must include human rights, justice, peace, and environmental sustainability at local, regional, national, and international levels.

20. Education should be designed to inspire and empower positive action.

21. Education should inspire individuals throughout their lifetimes to be responsible for their contribution for a much better future for all life on earth!

Media

22. Informational media shall not sow mistrust of groups but shall publish balanced views and positive aspects; and entertainment shall strive toward these same goals.

23. Media shall communicate ideas that enhance the well-being of society.

24. Media has a responsibility to not mislead, but accurately inform its public to the best of their abilities.

The Arts

25. Art of the new civilization is based on universal principles of peace, justice, love, nonviolence, sustainability, balance of man/woman energies.

26. Art must recognize cultural diversity and promote solutions to universal problems.

27. Art must express individuality as well as collective concerns, and to awaken, inspire, energize, and catalyze change.

IIII. Implementing New Civilization: because we are determined to build a united civilization in which global peace, health, and prosperity flourish and where both leaders and communities promote and reward individual responsibility and cooperation, for the benefit of future generations.

Cultural Understanding

28. We must respect and promote the beauty and commonality of human diversity through dialogue and activism across regions, nations, and continents.

29. We must use education to build bridges of understanding that forge societal bonds that will impact future generations.

30. We must acknowledge our responsibility to inspire future generations to achieve the full potential of united human ability.

Community Involvement

31. We must teach a person to be responsible for his/her community.

32. We must promote and utilize successful actions that have brought about positive change in the community.

33. We must involve all community members, including children and the elderly, to build a stronger community.

Global Solutions

34. We must learn to think globally and act locally.

35. We must ask what we can do for our planet!

36. We must inspire, encourage, and reward responsibility at all levels!

Respect Culture Within the Social Web

In the offline world, respecting cultures is just common sense. Different ethnicities, different geographic locations, heritages, traditions, etc. are all around us. People come from different backgrounds; in my opinion, cultural diversity is what makes the human race a beautiful thing.

Similarly, the online world is full of different cultures; however most assume online cultures consist of the same factors that define culture offline. Sure social web users have diverse backgrounds that include religion, traditions, regional understandings, etc., but beyond these distinguishing elements lie cultures of each social network.

What does that mean?

People interact and consume information within a specific social network differently then they would others. For example, if you are on Twitter and link your Facebook status to your Tweets, do you often get people within Facebook telling you to stop spamming their feed with all your status updates? They might not even be involved with the same social networks as you and not understand that Twitter is about microblogging short posts.

In the case of Twitter and Facebook, these are two very different worlds. Facebook’s main landing page is a social stream of your network. Where folks can see photos, links, comments, events, etc from friends, family, and colleagues. This tends to be a more intimate interaction as posts are not limited to 140 characters like Twitter.

The point being, if one evolved within a given social network, they understand many social norms within that space that might not carry over to another space. If you tweet a lot, and carry that over to Facebook status updates, some might consider that spam. Or at the very least, see it as a social faux pas with that social space.

Social networks develop social norms within their space; be mindful and respect the given culture within that space.

Many large corporations hire anthropologists to understand the business etiquette of various nations in order to minimize the cultural gap. Here at Activating Word of Mouth, consider us your cultural consultant to the online world.

There are many spaces that have different cultures. Make sure you don’t take that fact for granted.