We learned in our last lesson, "What is a Civilization?" that a  civilization is a group of people living in a certain area, who have improved their way of life over time.  Remember, there are certain things that we need in order to have a civilization.  A civilization needs communities, towns, or cities. People living in a civilization have different  jobs to provide goods and services for everyone.  Civilizations have some type of written language, so people can learn and communicate.  We will also find some kind of government with laws to protect the people.

          As civilizations grow, they develop their own special lifestyle.  Different civilizations have different beliefs, governments, and ways of life that make them special.  Each civilization has its own culture.  A society’s culture is what makes it special, and different from other groups of people around the world.  For example, different cultures have different languages and beliefs.  They also have different music and food. They may also celebrate different holidays.   Let's take a look at some different customs and traditions from around the world that make different cultures special.

          Here in the United States we have our own special traditions that make our culture different than many of those around the world.  For example, we eat certain foods that are known as "American traditions," like hamburgers and French fries, served with Coca Cola or Pepsi.   We also can enjoy these foods while going to a baseball game, which is considered the “American National pastime.”

          We also have customs here in the United States, that are not found everywhere in the world.  For instance, we shake hands when we meet somebody new.  In Japan, it is the custom to bow to one another when greeting.  Another Japanese custom is to remove your shoes when entering a home.  You will be given slippers to wear by your host.

          The Japanese also have many different traditions that make their culture special.  During holidays, and festivals, many Japanese dress in traditional clothing.  They wear  kimonos, which are robes similar to those of their ancestors.  Special kimonos are worn on different holidays and for special ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. Kimonos are a very important part of Japanese culture. 

          As we mentioned, baseball is a very popular American sport. Although baseball is popular in Japan as well, the Japanese still hold a traditional event called “sumo wrestling.” This type of wrestling began as a religious performance during ancient times.  This sport is another special part of their culture.  

          Many cultures around the world have very different beliefs than we do, here in the United States.  For example, in India, very few people eat meat.  In India, it is believed by the Hindus that the cow is a sacred animal.  People in India also have other special customs.  When greeting an elder, an Indian will bow his or her head, and often touch the elder’s feet.  This would seem very strange to us, but is a sign of great respect in India.

          Cultures around the world also celebrate different holidays than we do, here in the United States.   For example, in Mexico they celebrate a holiday called Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May).  Special foods and drinks are prepared, and there is  music and dancing to celebrate Mexican heritage.  Cinco de Mayo is a day to be proud for the Mexican people.  This is also a very important day for Mexican-Americans, as they remember their country's fight for freedom.  Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican culture.

For more information on holidays around the world
click on the link below:
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss3topic.cfm?TopicID=49

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