Tag: Colombia

3, 2, 1…New Year’s Traditions From Around the World, Part III

Posted on by Leave a comment

As the clock strikes midnight and the world bids farewell to one year, diverse cultures welcome the new with unique traditions, each created by symbolism and fun. 

In Part I, we learned about “First Footing” in Scotland.

In Part II, we discovered the polka-dotted Philippines.

And this year, we’ll explore Greece, Brazil, and Colombia, where we’ll find that the global celebration of New Year’s Eve traditions continues to weave its tapestry of hope, luck, and the shared human desire for a brighter tomorrow.

Smashing Pomegranates in Greece

The Greeks engage in Podariko, a New Year’s custom involving pomegranates, seen as symbols of luck, prosperity, and fertility.

Before midnight on New Year’s Eve, households hang pomegranates on their doors, and just before midnight, lights are turned off.

A chosen individual reenters the house with the right foot first, bringing good fortune. 

Subsequently, another person smashes the pomegranate against the door, and the more seeds, the better – more seeds symbolize increased luck for the coming year.

Seven Wishes/Seven Waves in Brazil

Keep in mind that New Year’s is during Brazil’s summertime.

So, Brazilians often celebrate a beachy New Year’s Eve.

And in order to guarantee a successful year, immediately after midnight, people jump seven waves while making seven wishes.

Rooted in homage to Yemanja, the goddess of water, the tradition involves wearing all white, symbolizing purity, before taking the plunge into the waves.

Empty Suitcases in Colombia

Calling all globetrotters!

A favorite tradition among travel enthusiasts in Colombia involves running around the neighborhood with an empty suitcase, symbolizing a desire for numerous trips in the coming year.

If you also want to divine love or prosperity in your new year, choose your underwear wisely.

Wearing red underwear is believed to attract love, and many embrace this practice to welcome romance into their lives.

Yellow underwear, considered to possess “magical powers,” is worn to invite economic wealth and prosperity.

Maybe you’re greedy and want both.

You might consider wearing two pairs of underwear.

Wherever you’re celebrating, ring in the new year with some of these interesting New Year’s traditions and declare yourself a global citizen!

Tranquilo, Maktoob, and Hakuna Matata: Words to Live by in Different Cultures

Posted on by Leave a comment

Each culture perceives the meaning of life differently.

This can come across in its turns of phrase.

Last week, we discussed a cross-cultural study about well-being and how the term isn’t universal.

Like many complex terms, well-being means different things to different cultures, based on each culture’s values.

Today, I’d like to take a look at how our language – or our turns of phrase – often exemplify our cultural values.

Tranquilo in Colombia

“Tranquilo” – or “relax” – is a bit of a mantra in Colombia.

In a Washington Post article, James Bargent describes it as:

“a refrain which can drive you into an impotent rage, or it can remind you that life’s troubles are rarely terminal.”

Often ranking as one of the happiest nations in the world, Colombians generally live by this maxim, which may partially be based upon the uncertainty of life in the country.

If you don’t build up great expectations, you don’t become upset when your plans are upset.

Instead, the culture wraps itself up in family and friends and appreciates life slowly at its own pace.

Maktoob in Arabic Cultures

Meaning “that which is written,” maktoob translates to destiny or fate.

In Arabic culture, when something goes right or wrong, you might be told with a shrug that it is “maktoob.”

With our destiny already pre-determined by God, things happen to us and are out of our hands.

This external locus of control allows Arabic cultures to attribute both their successes and struggles in life to God’s will.

Such a perspective can give one comfort that everything that happens was meant to happen.

Hakuna Matata

What a wonderful phrase.

You may know it from Disney’s The Lion King, but the phrase, “hakuna matata,” was taken from Swahili culture.

It roughly translates to “there are no troubles.”

The phrase is often used as a response to a greeting or as a condolence.

“Hakuna matata” highlights the laidback attitude of Swahili culture but also its emphasis on personal and societal well-being.

These three turns of phrase show us a deeper aspect of each culture and where their values lie.

Can you think of a phrase in your own language that exemplifies your culture?