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It seems to be human nature to be attracted to other cultures. Be it for social, political, historical or economic reasons or any other rationale in between, the other side of the fence always looks greener. The media floods us with information and every day we are submitted to the influences from afar.
The word “culture” generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance. It is a shared, learned, symbolic system of values, beliefs and attitudes that shapes and influences perception and behavior of a certain civilization. We all belong to a culture but it may not be the one we are drawn to. The attraction to another culture may express itself in how we dress, our home décor or even how we style our hair.
Heritage can be kept alive by adding reminders to our surroundings. The Irish love their shamrocks and will keep drinking Guinness. Italians love their spaghetti pasta and keep a soccer ball somewhere in the house. There is nothing wrong with hanging on to our past as that is the foundation of who we are today.
In our search for happiness we may also be drawn to far-away influences. We may believe in the good-luck connotation of an upraised African elephant trunk, rubbing Buddha’s belly or storing our fondest desires as notes in a ceramic Chinese wishing pot. In our search for the wonders of the world, we may stumble upon a South African beaded animal keychain or a picturesque Kisi soapstone oval dish, which was molded and hand-painted in Kenya. What draws us to the unique roaring fire-red shades of a charming hand-hammered copper vase, which reflects the warmth of the small town of Santa Clara del Cobre in Mexico? What made your friend fall in love with Australian music after an aboriginal performance and put her on a frantic search for a traditional horn-like ceremonial “spirit tracing” didgeridoo?
Buying and giving presents that come from other parts of the world can also be an act of kindness and charity. For some poor folks, exports are their only means of income and some destitute regions depend on the sale of their goods to survive.
It really does not matter what drives a tea drinker to only use a Yixing teapot with a Ming Dynasty background or the use of traditional Native American healing methods as an alternative to cure a cold, asthma or constipation. All that matters is that these magnificent creations shape us and make the world around us a nicer place and sometimes even gives someone a chance to a better life. |
