An amalgamation of distinctive social customs, language, religion, clothing, and foods, culture can be equally as alienating as it is inclusive. Cultural Parallels is a weekly feature dedicated to introducing readers to the ties that bind global traditions, in an effort to promote multicultural understanding. History shows that social influences can transcend national borders as a result of colonization or war, but cultures often share similar customs and beliefs without the provocation of any historic intersection. Each Tuesday, Cultural Parallels discovers an inherent relationship between two seemingly disparate cultures. Click the article titles below to learn more.
1. WOODEN EFFIGIES WITH AN INNER SPARK | July 7, 2015
Matching Yoruba Ere Ibeji statues, signifying the death of both twins. Photo credit: Pinterest
Traditional Hopi Tribe Katsina Dolls, carved by Ernie Moore. Photo Credit: Collector’s Guide
2. THE HUMAN CANVAS | July 14, 2015
Soga’imiti with pe’a tatau. Photo credit: Todd Hunter McGaw
Mehndi applied to the hands. Photo credit: Google
3. Tea for Two (Countries) | July 28, 2015
A demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony. Photo credit: Our Camden
A selection of sandwiches and desserts for Afternoon Tea. Photo credit: Hellen Grasso
Matcha and Chasen. Photo credit: Farmers’ Almanac
Palm Court at the Ritz London. Photo credit: The Ritz London
4. What’s in a Name? | August 4, 2015
Leif Erikson, the historic Norse explorer. Photo credit: DK Find Out
Pablo Ruiz Picasso is known by his maternal name since it is less common. Photo credit: Kübra Geyik
Icelandic ponies. Why? Because! Photo credit: Fine Art America
Mendoza Vineyard with mountain view, in Argentina. Photo credit: Zicasso
5. YOU WOULD CRY TOO | August 11, 2015
Li xi, or lucky money, is given in red envelopes. Photo credit: Intead
Little thimble cakes. Photo Credit: Pinterest
North Korean war veterans, tearing up. Photo credit: Daily Mail
Drinks are on me! Photo credit: Daily Mail
6. LIVING WITH THE DEAD | August 18, 2015
Two young Manila North Cemetery residents riding a bike beside stacked tombs. Photo credit: AP
Bonhyang beads, made of cremated remains. Photo credit: NY Daily News
7. MILITARY WOMEN AND MUSIC | September 9, 2015
Soldiers of the 33rd Caracal Battalion. 70% of the soldiers in this infantry combat battalion are women. Photo credit: Pinterest
Female IDF soldiers carry their weapons everywhere off-base, as they can be imprisoned for losing them. Ein Fashka, the Dead Sea, Israel, 1989. Photo credit: Unknown
A Miss Russian Army 2007 beauty pageant contestant. Photo credit: Toovia
8. UNDER THE KNIFE: APPEARANCE AND WEALTH | September 15, 2015
Contestants in Brazil’s 2015 Miss Bum Bum competition. Photo credit: Splash News
An ad for cosmetic surgery in South Korea. Photo credit: Business Insider
Brazil has 5,500 certified cosmetic surgeons, as well as an additional 12,000 doctors performing procedures without requisite training. Photo credit: Voice of Mia
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