Are you interested in learning about different family traditions from around the world? Everyone has some sort of tradition that allows them to feel connected to their past and brings a sense of bonding among the family. It’s what makes the times you share together special and wonderful. Knowing the very best way to combine travel with traditions is a great way to enhance your experience and make sure the memories you make are lifelong ones.
Read on to learn about some of the best family travel traditions you should experience during your next adventure.
In Korea
Korea has a range of interesting, and unique traditions related to family life. For example, the traditional Korean way of honoring ancestors during Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is a practice still widely kept in Korean families today. On this day, Korean families gather around a table and prepare ancestral foods such as steamed chicken, tteokguk (rice cake soup), and dduk (rice cake).
After bowing to their ancestors, the family passes around the food for a special prayer in which they give thanks for their lives and hope for a better future. Koreans also celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum, in which special foods must be prepared for good luck. Families also enjoy exercising together through activities such as Nori, ssireum (traditional wrestling), and other sports.
In Greece
In Greece, family and honoring traditions are a big part of the culture. The Greek Orthodox Church plays a large part in the customs and traditions of many families and serves as a unifying factor. One of the most common traditions is the celebration of the Easter holiday. Families come together to create colorful Easter eggs and share a meal of roasted lamb, olives, feta cheese, and desserts. During the Christmas season, traditionally, families gather for a meal of fried fish, roasted lamb and pork, and red snapper soup. Many times the grandchildren will participate in “vasilopita,” or lucky cake cutting.
In Russia
In Russia, family traditions remain important to their culture. One key cultural family tradition shared in most Eastern European countries is the observance of Easter. Families will typically prepare a large meal of different meats, salads, desserts, or pastries, and the family will take part in activities such as egg painting, singing traditional songs, and telling stories while they eat.
Similarly, Christmas is also a family tradition, where families will decorate the Tree of Life and the house to reflect the Christmas spirit. Most traditional families will bake special treats and spend time with each other by singing carols and reading stories. Furthermore, Russians also have a deep respect for their elderly, and they will give them their full respect and honor them with a special seat and toasts at traditional dinners.
In Japan
In Japan, family traditions are rooted in the culture’s deep respect for ancestors. Ancestral veneration is a cornerstone of Japan’s culture and plays a large role in their family traditions. One such tradition is Obon, a yearly event when families honor their ancestors by visiting their graves, burning incense, and dedicating prayers for them.
Other family traditions include the ritual of sharing an extravagant breakfast on New Year’s Day, the practice of presenting a gift of money or other items at weddings and funerals, and birthday festivals. Families in Japan may also participate in the koden tradition by giving a gift of money or other items to honor a deceased family member on the anniversary of his or her death. Through these rituals and others, Japanese families share hundreds of years of tradition and ensure the ongoing veneration of their ancestors.
In China
Families in China have a variety of unique and interesting traditions that are unique to the country. During major holidays, such as the Chinese New Year, families will gather and enjoy a large dinner together. On this day, certain dishes are served to bring fortune and luck in the upcoming year.
Celebrations also often involve the exchange of red envelopes, containing money or other small presents, from the older to the younger members of the family. Additionally, many families in China practice ancestral worship, a tradition of honoring their ancestors with offerings of food, incense, and prayers for good health and fortune. Customs such as these are a window into the nation’s culture, its values, and they provide a sense of identity for those who practice them.
Know the Family Traditions of Different Countries
Family traditions are a wonderful way to celebrate our unique cultures and unite us with our roots. Regardless of the culture and location, families always pass down values and customs to the next generation. Celebrating the customs of your own family or those of other cultures provides a lasting connection to the past and demonstrates the unity of humanity. Why not take the time to learn more about the different family traditions from around the world?
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