Customs and Culture of Mexico for Mission Teams

Mexico is actually called the "United States of Mexico." There are 32 states in all. It is a beautiful country, rich with traditions and many diverse subcultures. Most of the Mexican people are "Mestizo," a mix between Europeans (the Spaniards) and the Native Indian tribes of Mexico. This complicated history is deeply ingrained in the Mexican people's view of reality and is detected in many areas, from their family structures to religion.

Family Ties

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Family ties are strong. The father is usually the dominant person, and the eldest member is usually the most respected, thereby controlling the family actions. The mother, however, is a major unifying force and advocate for her children. It is very common for the man to be irresponsible and the wife left to manage the finances, children, and household. The children respect and obey their parents very much. In some ways, the parent-child relationship is the most important relationship, often placed above the husband-wife relationship.

Religion

The Roman Catholic Church has been the dominant church for four centuries. This does not mean the people have an understanding of the Roman Catholic Church or' its teachings. It does mean they have a sense of unseen forces in their midst. They thank God for everything, they speak of doing things "God willing" and incorporate this idea in other ways in their language and culture. This does not mean they are Christians, although they consider themselves so, nor that they really understand Jesus or God. They turn to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, as their guide and help. This maternal figure intercedes on their behalf and is often there to care and defend them against the Father, who is angry with them. Meanwhile, Christ, their brother, came to teach them how to suffer and die. These are general concepts that the common people share. Avoid condemning saints, the Virgin Mary, or the Catholic Church, unless you want to greatly offend non-Christians and lose opportunity for ministry.

Time

In the United States, people are dictated by the clock and the chronology of events. People are constantly rushing from one appointment to the next, trying to be "on time." Sometimes cutting off people who have real needs is done to make it on time to the next appointment or activity. In Mexico, people are dictated by relationships and are more seasonal in following up on events and appointments. Building relationship is much more important than keeping a schedule. Rather than moving on to the next appointment, and cut short a conversation, they will prefer to arrive late. From this emphasis on people, tasks are easily put off until tomorrow. For them, this is right and good. Time efficiency, therefore, is not a high value. However, do not allow this as a "justified" scapegoat for yourself. Focus your attention on building relationships with the people you meet. Make it a point to remember peoples' names. Allow time for people to arrive late to your church services or other scheduled ministry events. You may say the service starts @ 7:00p.m., however many people may arrive @ 7:15 or 7:30. Do not be frustrated at this! "Go with the flow!"

Hospitality

No matter how little they have, the people are very generous and will easily give you their last meal or an item they own. Don't refuse them out of fear of getting sick - you won't (They drink bottled water also, as their bodies cannot handle the municipal water either). Being in a Mexican home is a wonderful opportunity to learn about them and provides a friendly trusting atmosphere in which to share the gospel.

Upward Mobility
When you come to Mexico, you will see many satellite dishes on many poor shacks. In Mexico, the first thing you buy when you're moving upward is a refrigerator, and then a radio or TV. The government, recognizing the illiteracy of many of its people, established a 24 hour satellite TV new network called "S.I.N." This is the main mode of communication.

Roles

Males and females have very defined roles in the Mexican culture. The woman's ideal role is mothering the child in the home. Often times she also works; women in the business world and leadership roles are quite respected. Men are to work and provide for their families, however, they spend much of their time drinking and socializing with other men. (This of course does not include the men from the churches.) They are "macho" in the sense of being proud, valiant, in control, and unemotional. Often when men attend church, they sit or stand in the back. Children are idealized a lot and many people sacrifice very much for their children. Small children are not strongly disciplined or inhibited. The common view seems to be that they are too young to understand what should be done, but parents are very strict with older youth. Don't be surprised, therefore, to see young kids wandering around during church services- this is normal. Parents are strict with older youth, especially the girls. They are heavily chaperoned when in mixed company. The girls are expected to maintain reserve in public.

Education

Most adult girls in the villages have a maximum of three years of formal schooling, many are illiterate. The youth have had the opportunity of five years of schooling, but are not stupid. They are intelligent and possess real wisdom and a keen understanding of human nature. Remember, these adults, though lacking in education, are truly adult in their actions, outlook and ambitions. They have successfully reared families and are operating in an adult society with all the problems and concerns thereof. They have excellent memories.

Relationships

Mexican people are very reserved. Team women should not spend much time alone with the Mexican
men and team men likewise, should not pay more than polite attention to the Mexican girls. Couples, even married couples, should be reserved in their displays of affection. Holding hands and kissing in public are very much avoided in the Mexican culture and should be avoided by all team members. Team men towards Mexican men: Be sincerely forward. Greet men with a warm handshake and a friendly smile, even if you don't speak a word of Spanish. It is appropriate upon meeting a male to express thanks for his hospitality and the hospitality of his country toward you as a visitor. It is strongly encouraged to remember names! Older men should be addressed as "Senor" (Sir) or. When appropriate, "Hermano" (meaning Brother). Boys should be addressed by their first name. Reserve "amigo" (friend) for boys with whom you develop a friendship. Please keep in mind that these are not strict "cultural guidelines" that must be followed. Don't be afraid of making a mistake. They will prefer that you be sincere with them, rather than acting like a mechanical robot.

Customs and Culture of Mexico for Mission Teams

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Culture in South Africa

The Culture

african masks

The Culture in South Africa is am major tourist attraction. "The Rainbow Nation" is absolutely a worthy name of a country with such a rich, diverse and colorful culture.

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The special thing about the culture in South Africa is that so many different cultures from all over the world come together in an African way, to build the unique South African culture.

Predominantly European cultures, south east, central and southwest Asian cultures mix together with African cultures and have composed altogether, the culture in SA of today's time.

The People

SA is a culturally diverse country, one nation made up of many peoples.

With 11 different official languages, a multiplicity of traditions and skin tones ranging from ebony to sunburnt pink, South Africa is, as Archbishop Desmond Tutu once put it, "the rainbow nation of Africa".

Over 47-million South African people share a wide variety of South African cultures, South African languages and South African religions.

South African tribes each have their own traditions and cultural heritage. Thank God these native South African traditions are giving expression, through the end of the apartheid.

They are colorful and friendly and serve as a great asset to the post apartheid awareness of SA.

The National Symbols

The South African National Symbols tell you a lot about it's culture. Thanks to the end of the apartheid these symbols have become more original, more truly African, washing away the "imported" heritage from Europe.

Many of the national symbols of SA are or have features from nature and wildlife. They range from Flowers, over animals, to gold. Yet the most popular symbol of SA is Nelson Mandela.

The Traditions

It says "Culture is what you grow, and tradition is what you pass on!"

South Africa's rich history dates back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. Over 300 museums reflect the heritage of South African Traditions - from 18th century homes to mountain caves, from rural cultural villages to state-of-the-art urban facilities.

South Africans treasure their diverse cultural heritage - and they are only too happy to share it with visitors. South Africa's many cultural villages offer a close-up insight into the country's traditional cultures.

In the major centres, township tours - conducted with sensitivity and pride - will put you in touch with real South Africans, their history and their traditions.

The Languages

Besides the 11 officially recognized South African languages , many others - African, European, Asian and more - are spoken here, as the country lies at the crossroads of southern Africa. This most certainly profiles SA as a multilingual country.

The country's constitution guarantees equal status to 11 official languages to cater for the country's diverse peoples and their cultures.

Still English is understood across the country, as it is the language of business, politics and the media. But it only ranks joint fifth out of 11 as a home language.

Culture in South Africa

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South Africa Travel Trips - Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans Culture Facts

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, so the saying goes, but when in South Africa, it can become quite difficult to follow this with the vast amounts of languages and culture that exists here. A truly diverse nation in every sense of the word, South Africa boasts 11 official languages and a multitude of cultures that have over time blended and mixed to create a plethora of interesting features and people. The most widely spoken language in South Africa is of course English and this is the main platform for businesses and industry in the country. The other languages that are official and that are present in the relevant schools according the region they are located in are Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Venda, Tswana, Pedi, Tsonga, Swazi, Sotho, and Ndebele.

african masks

Afrikaans is the languages derived from and still closely related to Dutch or Flemish. Most of the Afrikaans speaking people are of Dutch decent, with some of the Cape Colored community also adopting this as their native tongue. In the farmland regions, Afrikaans is widely spoken and many African people speak this as their second language as opposed to English. The culture of the Afrikaans / Dutch descendants stems mainly from the arrival in South Africa. Jan Van Riebeeck was the first Dutchman to land on South African soil and from here more and more people began to descent upon the peaceful, beautiful and fertile land. Most of the Afrikaans people are farmers and wine makers with Simon Van der Stel being the first person to insist that the Cape Wines could be bottled and sold to create a booming wine industry.

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The most famous symbol that Afrikaaners are associated with is the Voortrekker (pioneer). These were the first of the Dutch immigrants that set off to explore the land of South Africa and acquire new frontiers. Women wore smaller versions of the winged Dutch caps while the men wore floppy felt or cowhide hats, and the rode in ox wagons. Music is very important in the Afrikaans community as is theater and most of the Afrikaans singers and musicians are better supported than the English singers.

The most popular of the African tribal languages is Zulu and Xhosa. The Xhosa tribes come mainly from the Eastern Cape regions and this language is spoken more frequently in the Cape. The Zulus are found further North in the Gauteng and in the KwaZulu-Natal Province which is named after them. The Xhosa language is famous for its clicks which are used in speech. The clicks you hear are used for the letters c, x and q. In Zulu you will not have any clicks, although many of the words are similar. The heritage of the Xhosa people lies very closely with the political nature of South Africa as the famous Nelson Mandela is from Xhosa descent as is most of the ANC (African National Congress) party he formed part of. The current president, Thabo Mbeki is also Xhosa speaking. The traditional dress of the Xhosa people is colorful with lots of beading, embellishments and patterns. They often wear ankle bracelets which are used for making sound effects during dance rituals and celebrations.

The Zulu tribe was very powerful in the time of King Shaka and used to be the main tribe in the land. After the fall of Shaka and Dingaan, there have been less conspicuous Kings / Chiefs with the current Chief being Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The Zulu tribes formed the IFP or Inkatha Freedom Party during the Apartheid years and have a strong following. The Zulus are renowned for their dress. They carry long spears and body length shields usually covered in some kind of animal hide. They wear feathered head dresses and are characterized for their unique dancing style. This style was adapted by the Zulu mine workers to include some Western moves and Gumboot dancing is now a popular dance form.

Beside the official languages that are spoken there are lots of other cultures and religions that form part of South Africa. Muslims form a large part of the community, especially in the Western Cape. There is also a very large population of Indian people living in Durban and its surrounding towns with many Hindus and Islamic religions being recognized. You will also find a strong Jewish sector in most of the main cities in South Africa while other prominent nationalities include Italian, German, Portuguese, Lebanese, and smaller Chinese communities. Each nationality and religion is celebrated and not discriminated against in any way according to the new laws and cultural tolerance.

Cultural tourism is offered throughout the country now, as international visitors are eager to learn more about the different cultures and traditional African tribes that they were separate from during the Apartheid regime.

South Africa Travel Trips - Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans Culture Facts

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Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture

The last week of October is Beads Weekin Ghana in West Africa. Exporting beads has become a major source of income for many in poverty stricken areas of Africa, besides being a major source of cultural exchange between Ghana and Italy and other European countries.

african mango extract

Ghana and Italy have long been linked in history. As early as the 15th century, makers of glass beads began shipping their products to Ghana in Western Africa. The beads were important for increasing the status of Chiefs and Queens and were used in ceremonies that marked rites of passage. Italy and Ghana were united by the common language of artistic beauty and their love of the tiny masterpieces.

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Now, in a reversal, West Africa is beginning to export locally made beads to back to Italy.

In another part of Africa, Uganda has a thriving bead export business. Paper beads in all sizes and shapes are helping Ugandan women to rise out of poverty. Women in many parts of Africa have few economic opportunities and in Uganda, women are fleeing the civil war and settling near the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Instead of finding a brighter future, they found HIV, starvation and expensive housing. There is hope for these women-Bead For Life.

The organization called BeadForLife began when two American women watched a Ugandan woman making beads from rolled up magazines. The Ugandan woman explained that there was no market for her beads, so she had to work at a local quarry for less than a dollar a day. When the two American women brought some necklaces back to the US and gave them to some friends, a new market was born.

Paper beads are colorful and beautiful and come in many sizes and shapes. Because the market is strong in American, people purchasing these beads are helping women in another culture to survive and rise above the depravations of deficiency. As a result, a new cultural exchange market has been created.

The paper beads are created from recycled magazines, posters or other donated material that is cut, rolled and finished with a water-proof coating. The products made from the beads range from single strands of beads to delicate three strand necklaces.

More information about beads and beading can be found at The Bead Cottage, www.thebeadcottage.com [http://www.thebeadcottage.com/]

Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture

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The ancient Chinese Silk Route - Conduit of Culture

Small Beginnings

Arguably the most primary trade route of ancient Chinese civilisation, the Silk Road, or Silk Route as it is sometimes known, was named in the mid-19th century by German scholar, Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen. However, the route itself was in use since colse to the 2nd Century Bc. Its original purpose had been political rather than economic and a court official from the Han Empire was sent westwards on a polite mission, becoming the first traveller along what would come to be the most foremost east-west link ever. It was to be decades before his return, and when he did, the goods and facts he'd gathered on his journey would spark the desire for trade.

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Corridor of cultural change

Over time, the route became a conduit for the change of facts and goods - it was to population of the time as the Internet is to us today; a means of linkage in the middle of diverse and geographically isolated civilisations.

What's in a name anyway?

"The Silk Road [http://www.oasisoverland.co.uk/truck_expeditions/middle_east/china_exploratory/index.html]" is a bit of a misnomer. Firstly, it was not categorically a single road. Rather, it was a wandering network of trails linking the Far East to Europe, Persia and Northern Africa. Secondly, silk was but one of a considerable amount of primary commodities traded along the route.

Exchanging ideas and ideologies

Scientific and technological innovations, such as gunpowder, ceramics, the magnetic compass, the printing press and mathematics, transferred along the Silk Road to the West. The religion of Buddhism reached China from India, and was later to play an important role in the evolution of Chinese culture. Of course, Buddhism was not to be the only religion to travel this road. The cultural effects of the rise of Islam can still be seen in many of the areas along the route. Art and language too came to be exchanged.

Silk by Sea

In the late 15th century, the discovery of a sea route from Europe to Asia made the Silk Road less popular as a trade route. Sea travel presented a new opportunity to trade at lower cost, with fewer dangers. These sea routes are sometimes determined as part of the greater "Silk Route".

The Silk Route Today

After what could possibly be called an extended hibernation period, the Silk Route is once again growing in importance. The construction of modern roads and railways, the discovery of oil reserves and the industrialisation of surrounding areas has led to the reopening of parts of this route to some extent.

The historical significance of the route is well-appreciated by modern-day travellers. To walk in the footsteps of the likes of Marco Polo, to see first-hand the landscapes traversed by explorers centuries ago; it is categorically a fantastic palpate of cultural enrichment.

The potential that this area holds as a tourist destination is not lost on the authorities. Neither is its archaeological relevance.

Preserving the Past

Chinese authorities are doing their best to protect and restore many of the most foremost archaeological sites. The Dunhuang research create has been examining and restoring the Mogao grottos and an whole preservation project is currently underway. Excavations are undertaken all over, with primary finds relatively frequent.

One such find has been produced at the Astana tombs site, where the dead from the city of Gaochang were buried. The murals, clothing and other artefacts discovered, have provided primary insight into life along the old Silk Road.
There is much to see and learn from colse to the Taklimakan Desert; damaged grottos and ruined cities rich in their histories.

Unique People

Archaeology is not the only draw card though. Many visitors are attracted by the minority peoples - there are about thirteen distinct groupings in the region; the Han Chinese, the Tibetans and Mongolians in the east, and the Tajik, Kazakhs and Uzbeks in the west.

Then there's the lure of cities such as Kashgar, where the Sunday store maintains much of the old Silk Road spirit. population varied nationalities selling all things from spice and ornaments to camels and carpets.

It is the kind of place that adventure travellers dream about. Rich in history and cultural legacy, surrounded by imposing geography, peopled by diverse minorities and relatively untouched by mainstream tourist machinations.

The Silk Route patrimony Lives On

From its founding while the early days of the Han Dynasty, the Silk Road has had an foremost role in international trade and politics, extending over three continents and leaving its mark on civilisations colse to the globe. It has had periods of boom and decline and it has been always come back to boom again. I would investment to suggest that the story of the Silk Road is far from over...

The ancient Chinese Silk Route - Conduit of Culture

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Exploring Orlando's Loch Haven Park: A center of Arts and Culture

On this overcast day we decided to study other areas of Orlando in more detail. About 10 minutes north of downtown Orlando is Loch Haven Park, an area that holds a amount of major attractions, together with theOrlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Art as well as the Orlando Repertory Theatre, the Orlando-Ucf Shakespeare Festival, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Science Center.

We started our exploration off with a trip to the Leu Botanical Gardens. The centerpiece of the gardens is the Leu House Museum, a restored farmhouse dating back to 1888. It is located on Lake Rowena, one of the hundreds of lakes in Orlando, and surrounded by a 50 acre orchad of roses, palms and camellias. The complex also features an orchid house with one of the best collections of orchids in the United States. The Leu Botanical Gardens also offer a new tropical stream garden, a kitchen orchad perfect with herbs and vegetables and a butterfly garden.

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Just 10 minutes away is Loch Haven Park, one of Orlando's centers of art, culture, and science. One of the main attractions is Orlando Museum of Art (Oma), one of Florida's cultural gems and a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world. The collection features American art from the 19th century to the present, African art and art of the ancient Americas. Superior temporary exhibitions are drawn from private collections and those of the world's great museums.

The upcoming exhibition at the Oma is called the "The Art of the Motorcycle". Based on the landmark Guggenheim Museum exhibition, it explores the bicycle as both cultural icon and invent achievement and offers a thought-provoking challenge to accepted assumptions about art and favorite culture in the modern age. The exhibition will run from Jan. 22 - July 23, 2006 and feature more than 70 historic and modern motorcycles.

The Mennello Museum of American Art is centered colse to the Museum's Superior permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham (1893-1977). It also houses extra exhibitions, publications, and programs that celebrate Superior customary and modern Amercian artists. The Museum's Cunningham collection was donated by collectors Marilyn and Michael Mennello of Winter Park, Florida, and was opened to the public on Nov. 22, 1998.

The Orlando Science center includes ten themed exhibit halls with a large collection of interactive activities for children and adults. A CineDome Planetarium shows large format films and an Adventure Theater as well as five Discovery Laboratories can keep everybody busy for hours. In total the Science center has four levels of hands-on exhibits, a 200-seat cafe, 7,000 quadrate feet of exhibition space for national and international traveling exhibits. The Orlando Science center is open Monday to Thursdays from 9 am to 5 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 9 pm, and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.

The Orlando-Ucf Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit professional theater that produces professional productions of Shakespeare, classics and modern plays, as well as plays for young audiences. The group also develops new plays from readings through World Premieres and fosters innovative educational programs to serve the community.

As a professional theatre for house audiences in partnership with Ucf, Orlando Repertory Theatre (The Rep) opened its doors on October 9, 2003. The theatre focusses on classic and modern children's literature. It is a place where young audiences can come and taste the adventure and creative wonder of watching their favorite characters come to life.

Loch Haven's cultural offerings continue with the annual Orlando International Fringe Festival of theatrical performances. The 10-day, world-renowned festival showcases customary works; premiere performances; and first-class improvisational comedy, musicals, drama, mime and dance in 500 shows by more than 300 performers from colse to the world.

Sculptures covering the The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida's resident orchestra, appearing in more than 105 performances each season. As a fully professional ensemble, the Orlando Philharmonic engages the talents of more than 80 professional musicians from colse to the globe. The Philharmonic's mission is to look after and promote symphonic music through excellence in performance, instruction and cultural leadership.

For general information about Orlando please taste the Orlando Visitors and institution Bureau.

Exploring Orlando's Loch Haven Park: A center of Arts and Culture

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