Mikoshi Japan

There are countless local festivals (matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine's deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festival are held over several days.

An important element of Japanese festivals are processions, in which the local shrine's kami (Shinto deity) is carried through the town in mikoshi (palanquins). It is the only time of the year when the kami leaves the shrine to be carried around town.

China Lantern Festival

Date: 15th of the first lunar month

Activities: Lanterns expositions, garden parties, firework displays and folk dances.

The New Year celebrations ended on the 15th of the First Moon with the Lantern Festival. In the legend, the Jade Emperor in Heaven was so angered at a town for killing his favorite goose, that he decided to destroy it with a storm of fire. However, a good-hearted fairy heard of this act of vengeance, and warned the people of the town to light lanterns throughout the town on the appointed day. The townsfolk did as they were told, and from the Heavens, it looked as if the village was ablaze. Satisfied that his goose had already been avenged, the Jade Emperor decided not to destroy the town. From that day on, people celebrated the anniversary of their deliverance by carried lanterns of different shapes and colors through the streets on the first full moon of the year, providing a spectacular backdrop for

lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks.

Higantes Festival - Angono, Rizal Philippines

Using an art form brought from Mexico by Spanish priests, people from Angono created a larger than life caricatures of their Spanish landlords. The townspeople made the best enjoyment out of a bad situation when the Spanish owners prohibited all celebrations because they were concerned about the costs. With a colorful and gigantic artworks, people in Angono celebrates this joyous festival in honor to their patron saint of fisherman - San Clemente. The festival is a procession of giant artworks or the "Higantes" and the "pahadores" or the devotees dressed in colorful, local costumes or fishermen's clothes, wooden

shoes and carrying boat paddles, fishnets and traps.  

Japan

Marriage in Japan has in the past been a time when Japanese women left the workforce and the husband worked to support the couple and any later children. After children, a Japanese mother may take on the role of what is known as a kyoiku mama (education mother)

China

Chinese marriage (Chinese: 婚姻 ; pinyin: hūnyīn) is a ceremonial ritual within Chinese societies that involve a marriage established by pre-arrangement between families. Within Chinese culture, romantic love was allowed, and monogamy was the norm for most ordinary citizens.

Philippines

Filipino wedding practices pertain to the characteristics of marriage and wedding traditions established and adhered to by Filipino men and women in the Philippines after a period of courtship and engagement. These traditions extend to other countries around the world where Filipino communities exist. Kasalan is the Filipino word for "wedding", while its root word – kasal – means "marriage". The present-day character of marriages and weddings in the Philippines were primarily influenced by the permutation of native, Christian, Catholic,

Protestant, Spanish, and American models.

Japan

Family values are cultural assumptions and ideals particular to Japanese culture. The honne/tatemae divide between public expression and private thoughts/feelings is considered to be of paramount importance in Japanese culture

China

China has increasingly adopted Western influences, the traditional family structure is still highly valued and holds a prominent position in the Chinese culture. Both traditional and modern Chinese families have similar values and morals to one another, and these have been a part of daily life for many centuries.

Philippines

The Filipino value system or Filipino values refers to the set of values or the value system that a majority of the Filipino have historically held important in their lives. This Philippine value system includes their own unique assemblage of consistent ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette, and cultural and personal values that are promoted by their society. As with any society though, the values that an individual holds sacred can differ on the basis of religion, upbringing and other factors.

As a general description, the distinct value system of Filipinos is rooted

primarily in personal alliance systems, especially those based in kinship, obligation, friendship, religion (particularly Christianity), and commercial relationship

China

Chinese music has been known historically since the dawn of Chinese civilization, with documents and artifacts providing evidence of a well-developed musical culture as early as the Zhou Dynasty (1122 BC – 256 BC). Today, the music continues a rich traditional heritage in one aspect, while emerging into a more contemporary form at the same time.

Japan

There are two types of Japanese traditional dance: Odori, which originated in the Edo period, and Mai, which originated in the western part of Japan. Odori grew out of Kabuki drama and is more oriented toward male sentiments. Mai is traditionally performed in Japanese HI instead of on the stage. It was influenced by the Noh Drama.

A variation of the Mai style of Japanese dance is the Kyomai or Kyoto Style Dance. Kyomai developed in the 17th century Tokugawa cultural period. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with

the Imperial Court in Kyoto.

Philippines

The traditional music of the Philippines, like the folk music of our countries, reflects the life of common, mostly rural Americans. Like its counterparts in Asia, a lot of traditional songs from the Philippines have a strong connection with nature. However, much of it employs the diatonic scale rather than the more "Asian" pentatonic scale.

Japan

The Japanese wear two types of clothing. In modern Japan clothing is typically divided into western clothing (洋服 yōfuku?) and Japanese clothing ( 和 服 wafuku?). While the traditional ethnic garments of Japan are still in use, they are mainly worn for ceremonies and special events, funerals, coming-of-age ceremonies (seijin shiki), and festivals. Western clothing is worn often in day-to-day life. While the westernization of fashions has continued at a rapid p ace, the kimono still lives on within the Japanese rich culture.

China

As a vital part of Chinese civilization, traditional costumes play an important role in the country’s history and culture. Their basic features are cross-collar, wrapping the right lapel over the left, tying with sash and a form of blouse plus skirt or long gown. These features have been preserved for thousands of years till the time of the Republic of China (1912 – 1949AD), when Chinese Tunic Suit (Mao Suit) and cheongsam prevailed. Nowadays, however, most Chinese wear modern clothes in their daily lives, not much difference from their western counterparts. Traditional attires are only worn during certain festivals, ceremonies or religious occasions. However, they are often seen in Chinese television serials and movies. Many of

the country’s ethnic minorities also wear their traditional costumes in their daily lives and they played an important role in the traditional Chinese clothing.

Philippines

Men: A traditional garment for men is the barong tagalog , an embroidered outer shirt, worn untucked. It has collars, long sleeves and mid-thigh horizontal hemline with side slits. It is made from pina (pineapple fibers), jusi (raw silk) or ramie (grass fibers).

Women: Women wear the heavily starched, butterfly-sleeved terno and a matching long skirt on formal occasions.

Japan

Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written in Classical Chinese. Indian literature also had an influence through the diffusion of Buddhism in Japan. Eventually, Japanese literature developed into a separate style in its own right as Japanese writers began writing their own works about Japan, although the influence of Chinese literature and Classical Chinese remained until the end of the Edo period. Since Japan reopened its ports to Western trading and diplomacy in the 19th century, Western and Eastern literature have strongly affected each other and continue to do so.

China

Chinese literature extends thousands of years, from the earliest recorded dynastic court archives to the mature vernacular fiction novels that arose during the Ming Dynasty to entertain the masses of literate Chinese. The introduction of widespread woodblock printing during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and the invention of movable type printing by Bi Sheng (990–1051) during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) rapidly spread written knowledge throughout China. In more modern times, the author Lu Xun (1881–1936) is considered the founder of baihua literature in China.

Philippines

Philippine literature is the literature associated with the Philippines and includes the legends of prehistory, and the colonial legacy of the Philippines. Most of the notable literature of the Philippines was written during the Spanish period and the first half of the 20th century in Spanish language. Philippine literature is written in Spanish, English, Tagalog, or other native Philippine languages.

Japan

Sumo, Japan’s national sport, is a Japanese style of wrestling in which the wrestlers try to get other competitors out of a circular ring.  Japan is the only country where this sport is practiced professionally. There are no complexities in Sumo’s rules. The wrestler who first touches the ground with anything but the soles of his feet is declared the loser and leaves the ring first.

Sumo is originated in ancient times and still there are many ancient traditions preserved in the fight.  There are many ritual elements included in the sport. Sumo is

also considered as a modern Japanese Martial Art. The Grand Champion of Sumo Wrestling is called Yokozuna. An interesting rule for a Yokozuna is that he cannot lose his status so the athelete blessed with this honor will look to retire before his results begin to worsen. The salaries of Sumo ranges from 11,000 to 30,500 USD according to their records.

China

T able tennis is often called ping pong can be traced back to China, too. In China, the game is called pīngpāng qiú (乒乓球 ) and because of the Chinese dominance of the game, the name has found its way into other languages. In official circles, such as clubs and in competition, the game is called table tennis, but in school gyms and other places where the game is played for fun, it's known as ping pong.

Philippines

Modern Arnis is the system of Filipino martial arts founded by Remy Presas as a self-defense system. His goal was to create an injury-free training method as well as an effective self-defense system in order to preserve the older Arnis systems. The termModernArnis was used by Remy Presas' younger brother Ernesto Presas to describe his style of Filipino martial arts; since 1999 Ernesto Presas has called his system Kombatan. It is derived principally from the traditional Presas family style of the Bolo (machete) and the stick-dueling art of

BalintawakEskrima, with influences from other Filipino andJapanese martial arts.

China

Chinese culture is highly complex but scholars across the world are agreed that despite the diversity of Chinese communities many shared characteristics persist.

These derive largely form the pervasive influence of Confucian philosophy on Chinese culture and they are at very core of Chinese identity. Indeed, since Confucian thought has dominated the Chinese way of life for 2,000 years, it is unlikely to cease its influence - even after two or three generations of participation in British society.

The Chinese value the importance of the family; the hierarchical structure of social life; the cultivation of morality and self-restraint and the emphasis on hard work and achievement. Various researchers also stress the pride which Chinese people take in their culture as well as the fact that Chinese culture and society can be defined as ‘collectivist’

Japan

Social order is influenced from the religion called Confucianism. This religion has the quote from Confucianism essay stated that (“Values and beliefs”, n.d.) “Their persons being cultivated, their families were regulated. Their families being regulated, their states were rightly governed. Their states were being rightly governed, the whole kingdom was made tranquil and happy.” This gives the implication that hierarchical status is natural. Most social interactions are defined by differences in status. Without knowing others’ background, Japanese people try to avoid interacting with

strangers because they do not want to a face error in manners (“Values and beliefs”, n.d.) . Status in Japan is depended on particular relationship between people. Duty is the obligation to those who are indebted, which, eventually, require repayment (“Values and beliefs”, n.d.) . Therefore, members in society are linked together because of relationship involving giving and receiving.

Philippines

The great majority of the Philippine population is bound together by common values and a common religion. Philippine society is characterized by many positive traits. Among these are strong religious faith, respect for authority, and high regard for amor proprio (self-esteem) and smooth interpersonal relationships. Philippine respect for authority is based on the special honor paid to elder members of the family and, by extension, to anyone in a position of power. This characteristic is generally conducive to the smooth running of society, although, when taken to extreme, it can develop into an authoritarianism that discourages independent judgment and individual responsibility and initiative. Filipinos are sensitive to attacks on their own self-

esteem and cultivate a sensitivity to the self-esteem of others as well. Anything that might hurt another's self-esteem is to be avoided or else one risks terminating the relationship. One who is insensitive to others is said to lack a sense of shame and embarrassment, the principal sanction against improper behavior. This great concern for self- esteem helps to maintain harmony in society and within one's particular circle, but it also can give rise to clannishness and a willingness to sacrifice personal integrity to remain in the good graces of the group. Strong

personal faith enables Filipinos to face great difficulties and unpredictable risks in the assurance that "God will take care of things." But, if allowed to deteriorate into fatalism, even this admirable characteristic can hinder initiative and stand in the way of progress.

Japan

Most, if not all, countries have customs and beliefs that make them distinct as a people. These include superstitions, of which the Japanese have many. A lot of these superstitions may sound familiar and could be variations of our own, while others may verge on the bizarre. - Rice meal - A broken geta - Japanese hearse and more.

China

A short history of Chinese "religions." (The word "religion" did not enter the Chinese lexicon until the 19th century.) This essay examines Chinese belief systems, which refers to how people think and behave, philosophically and religiously. Key Chinese practices this essay will cover are ancestral rites and divination, the teachings of the philosophers Confucius and Laozi, and Buddhism. Appreciating the complexity of this rich and enduring culture is crucial to understanding the beliefs that have helped to shape China’s behavior and history.

PhilippinesThe Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation on account of 300 years of Spanish rule. It is estimated that 81% of the population is Roman Catholic. In the south on the large island of Mindanao, many are adherents of Islam. Filipino Muslims make up about five percent of the national population. Animism or folk religion encompassing indigenous spiritual traditions from pre-colonial times still prevail even among baptized members of formal churches. Superstitious beliefs are widespread. TAGALOG TERMS RELATED TO NATIVE FILIPINO BELIEFSpamahiinsuperstitionanitoan idol representing a spirit that is usually friendly if properly assuagedaswanga ghost; a malevolent spirit that acts with capriciousness so people don’t even try to assuage it babaylanan intermediary with the spirit world; in pre-Spanish society, this was often a woman, though men were not uncommonBathalain pre-Spanish society, a conceptualization for a superior being; with Filipinos then believing in several gods, this term may only have been applied to the most powerfulerbularyo (from the Spanish herbolario)a person skilled in combining herbs to cure illness and ward off evil spiritsmanananggalthe Filipino equivalent of a beautiful vampire; a type of aswang; her upper body detaches and flies off with large wings

Japan

Most Japanese do not exclusively identify themselves as adherents of a single religion; rather, they incorporate elements of various religions in a syncretic fashion known as Shinbutsu shūgō ( 神 仏 習 合 amalgamation of kami and buddhas?). Shinbutsu Shūgō officially ended with the Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order of 1886, but continues in practice. Shinto and Japanese Buddhism are therefore best understood not as two completely separate and competing faiths, but rather as a single, rather complex religious system.

China

Religion in China has been characterized by pluralism since the beginning of Chinese history. Chinese religions are family-oriented and do not demand exclusive adherence, allowing the practice or belief of several at the same time. Some scholars prefer not to use the term "religion" in reference to Buddhism and Taoism, and suggest "cultural practices", "thought systems" or "philosophies" as more appropriate terms. There is a stimulating debate over what to call religion and who should be called religious in China.

Philippines

Religion in the Philippines is marked by a wide range of spiritual beliefs, including Catholics, Iglesia ni Cristo, Aglipayans, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, animists, and Hindus. It is central not as an abstract belief system, but rather as a host of experiences —rituals and adjurations that provide continuity in life, communal cohesion and moral purpose for existence. Religious associations are part of the system of vital kinship ties, patron-client bonds and other relationships outside the nuclear family.

Christianity and Islam have been superimposed on ancient traditions and acculturated. The special religious blends that have resulted, when combined with the strong personal faith of Filipinos, have given rise to numerous and diverse revivalist movements. Generally characterised by anti-modern bias, supernaturalism, and authoritarianism in the person of a charismatic messianic figure, these movements have attracted thousands of Filipino people, especially in areas like Mindanao, which have been subjected to extreme pressure of change over a short period of time. Many have been swept up in these movements, out of a renewed sense of fraternity and community. Like the highly visible examples of flagellation and reenacted crucifixion in the Philippines, these movements may seem to have little in common with organised Christianity or Islam. In the intensely personalistic Philippine religious context, however, these are less aberrations and more of extreme examples of religion's retaining its central role in society.

Japan

Sushi may refer to any dish that contains sushi rice, cooked white rice flavored with seasoned rice vinegar. There are various kinds of sushi dishes, such as nigirizushi (hand formed sushi), makizushi (rolled sushi), and chirashi (sushi rice topped with raw fish). Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves.

China Yue (Guangdong, Cantonese) （粤菜）

Dim sum, literally "touch your heart", is a Cantonese term for small hearty dishes. These bite-sized portions are prepared using traditional cooking methods such as frying, steaming, stewing and baking. It is designed so that one person may taste a variety of different dishes. Some of these may include rice rolls, lotus leaf rice, turnip cakes, buns, shui jiao-style dumplings, stir-fried green vegetables, congee porridge, soups, etc. The Cantonese style of dining, yum cha, combines the variety of dim sum dishes with the drinking of tea. Yum cha literally means 'drink tea'.

Philippines

Adobo

Adobo (Filipino: "marinade," "sauce" or "seasoning") is the name of a popular dish and cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, browned in oil, and simmered in the marinade. It has sometimes been considered as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines.

Although it has a name taken from the Spanish, the cooking method is indigenous to thePhilippines. When the Spanish colonized the Philippines in the late 16th century and early 17th century, they encountered an indigenous cooking process which involved stewing withvinegar, which they then referred to as adobo, the Spanish word for seasoning or marinade. Dishes prepared in this manner eventually came to be known by this name, with the original term for the dish now lost to history.