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From colourful lanterns to calming tea ceremonies, these popular customs from Asia are as unique as they can get.
We all know that Asia is brimming with diverse cultures, ancient traditions, and vibrant customs. People from all over the world visit countries like India, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan to explore their rich tapestry. Embark on a journey with me to learn a thing or two about the most enchanting Asian customs.
The tea ceremony is an English term for the traditional cultural practice known as Chado or Sado. It involves the preparation and presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea. The ritual originated in China and is heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes mindfulness and self-discipline. During the ceremony, the host (or ""teishu"") meticulously prepares and serves the tea to a small number of guests. The process involves various prescribed movements, gestures, and utensils. The tea is whisked in a bowl using a bamboo whisk until it becomes frothy. It is then presented to the guests. After I experienced my first Japanese tea ceremony, there was only one way I could describe it – aesthetic. I truly stepped into a world of grace and mindfulness. Everyone inside the room sat quietly and savoured each sip. It created moments of introspection and connection with the present. No prizes for guessing. I spent hours here, just contemplating.
Bali, Indonesia, is known for its vibrant Hindu culture. Its temples are known as "pura" in Balinese. They hold great importance in the daily lives of the Balinese people. There are several rituals associated with Bali temples, such as Odalan, Melasti, Piodalan, and Ngaben. Odalan is the celebration of the temple anniversary, occurring every 210 days as per the Balinese calendar. Melasti is a purification ritual, and Piodalan is a six-monthly temple ceremony encompassing prayers and offerings to the deities. I was lucky enough to witness Piodalan at a local Bali temple. I offered woven palm leaves, incense, fragrant flowers, and other items symbolic of the temple’s ceremonies and felt a oneness with the Balinese people. Here, I also spent some time meditating and soaking in the divinity of Bali. I could feel my emotions settling in a still that my body had never experienced before.
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, mesmerizes with lanterns, parades, cultural performances, and riddles. People exchange tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) snacks. The festival usually takes place between late January and February and concludes Lunar New Year, transforming the sky into a celestial canvas. On my trip to Taiwan, I remember walking amidst the sea of lanterns. My favourite part was the soft glow that emitted out of these intricately crafted lanterns. A Spirited Away experience amidst glowing lanterns. The Lantern Festival is more than just a visual retreat, as the locals told me. As the lantern touches the sky, it is believed to be carrying the wishes, dreams, and aspirations of those who released it. In a way, I connected with Taiwanese people as this festival reminded me of the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit.
South Korean weddings often incorporate traditional customs and rituals alongside modern elements. The pyebaek ceremony is a significant part of Korean weddings, where the bride and groom bow deeply to their parents and respected family members to seek blessings. South Korean weddings are steeped in tradition and carry significant cultural importance. While modern weddings in South Korea often incorporate elements from Western weddings, traditional customs and rituals still hold strong. While modern Korean fashion has been influenced by Western styles, traditional Korean outfits known as Hanbok continue to be worn on important occasions such as weddings, traditional festivals, and cultural events. On my recent visit to this culturally-rich country, I attended a South Korean wedding. The pyebaek ceremony happened right after the reception when the couple entered a room with family members seated around a large table waiting for the deep bow from the newlyweds. Once the formal bow is done, the family members throw chestnuts toward the bride. She has to catch as many as she can in her hanbok. The catching of chestnuts implies the number of children the couple may have in the future. Once this is over, the groom carries the bride on her his back (yes, the piggyback ride) around the table to prove his strength and ability to protect his new wife.
My journey through Asia has been a captivating immersion into extraordinary customs. From the serene Japanese tea ceremony to vibrant temple rituals in Bali, the Lantern Festival in Taiwan, and the meaningful traditions of South Korean weddings, each experience has deepened my appreciation for the grace and heritage of Asia's people.
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