Happiness is a Good Rice Pot
With a history spanning 10,000 years, rice is an important cultural tradition for half the world’s population. The belief that the human body and soul are made of rice unites much of Asia and creates a deep spiritual connection to accompany the gastronomic history of rice. Rice deities usually referred to as the ‘Rice Mother,’ populate Asia giving rise to agricultural festivals and a rich mythology. The Thai of Southeast Asia are believed to be the first to cultivate rice and it is the only crop farmers consider important enough to bless. Local rituals seek to ensure adequate rain, crop protection, ...
The Mughal Empire in India
Introduction Babur, descendent of the famous Mongol warriors Timur and Ghengis Khan, swept across the Khyber Pass in 1526 and established the Mughal Empire in India. For the next 200 years, the Mughals ruled most of the Indian subcontinent. The Mughals were known to use brutal tactics to subjugate their empire, but their approach in India was different. They followed a policy of integration with Indian culture, displaying religious tolerance and patronizing Hindu culture. Akbar, Babur’s grandson, was famous for this. He outlawed animal slaughter on Hindu and Jain holy days and rolled back unfair taxes on non-Muslims. He married a local ...
The Thing to Wear In Japan
The word kimono literally means ‘thing to wear’. It cannot get more beautifully simpler than this! This stunning garment that brings to the mind elegant ladies gently sitting down to a ritual of tea was probably introduced into Japan from China as an undergarment. It has changed every now and then to conform to the lifestyle of the people of each age. Kimonos have altered over the years to keep pace with the changes in Japanese society. This one garment synonymous with Japanese culture is comfort, ease and grace rolled into one. Traditionally kimonos were worn by both men as well ...
A Thousand Stories through A Hundred Objects
The BBC has launched a mammoth of a series in collaboration with the British Museum which will try understanding the history of the human race through a hundred sundry objects in the British Museum. The result is an amazing journey through time told through objects in the museum. Narrated by Neil MacGregor, the Director of the British Museum, this colossal project of Radio 4 promises to be very educating as well as see worthy. The series called “A History of the World in 100 Objects”, takes viewers two million years back in time. The objects chosen from different locations world wide ...
Over The Top Footwork : The Flamenco Dancers of Spain
Dancing has been an essential element in the Spanish culture. From simple birthday parties to social charity events, dancing can always be observed. There are numerous traditional Spanish dances such as the Sardana, Jota Aragonesa, Zambra, Bolero, Fandango, Paso doble, Muñeira that are still being practiced up to this day. But there is one Spanish dance that is the most famous of them all, the Flamenco. Even while watching TV shows such as ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, you can see that many still choose to dance the Flamenco when it comes to performing ...
DIMENSIONS
A Thousand Stories through A Hundred Objects
The BBC has launched a mammoth of a series in collaboration with the British Museum...
Over The Top Footwork : The Flamenco Dancers of Spain
Dancing has been an essential element in the Spanish culture. From simple birthday...
The Mughal Empire in IndiaIntroduction Babur, descendent of the famous Mongol warriors Timur and Ghengis Khan,...
Egyptian Leather Work – African GiftsEgyptian Leather Jewelry Box Murals from 4000 BC depict Egyptians wearing high heels...
Read More Posts From This CategoryBORDERS
The Thing to Wear In Japan
The word kimono literally means ‘thing to wear’. It cannot get more beautifully...
The legend of Madame White Snake comes alive in Boston!
The legend of Madame White Snake is one of the most popular tales of China, with...
Happiness is a Good Rice Pot
With a history spanning 10,000 years, rice is an important cultural tradition for...
Over The Top Footwork : The Flamenco Dancers of Spain
Dancing has been an essential element in the Spanish culture. From simple birthday...
Read More Posts From This CategoryYOUR SPOT
The legend of Madame White Snake comes alive in Boston!The legend of Madame White Snake is one of the most popular tales of China, with countless versions in folklore, literature, and drama. Madame White Snake, a classical transformation myth, is the story of a powerful white snake demon who transforms into a beautiful woman to experience love. As a legend connected to Hangzhou’s West Lake, it may... [Read more of this review]
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