Culture of South and SE Asia

SSWG5

The student will describe the interaction of physical and human systems that have shaped contemporary South Asia, Southeastern Asia, and Eastern Asia.d. Describe the various ethnic and religious groups in the region and the affect of geography on their development and their major customs and traditions.

g. Describe the Pacific Rim and its cultural, political, and economic significance.

Culture

4 cultures we will examine:

1. China

2. Tibet

3. Japan

4. Philippines

China/Culture

Many different cultures due to large population 1.3 billion people

Most people are Han Chinese 70% of population

Most people speak Mandarin Many different dialects

China/Foods Rice, noodles,

and breads are most eaten

Food and cooking changes from region to region Sichuan food:

spicy w/ chilies North China: roast

duck

Tea is the most popular drink

3 Religions of China

1. Taoism/Daoism2. Confucianism3. Buddhism

Taoism/Daoism:

Created in China in 500 B.C.

Belief—natural order to the universe

Goal—live simple life in harmony w/ the flow of nature

Dao—means “the way”

3 Religions of China continuedConfucianism:

Comes from teachings of Confucius

Code of ethics

Focuses on rules for family, loyalty, duty, & education Relationships—EX: father/son,

husband/wife

Has spread to Japan, North & South Korea, & Vietnam

3 Religions of China continuedBuddhism:

Appeared in northern India around 6th century B.C.

Founder was Siddhartha Gautama also known as Buddha

Siddhartha gave up wealth to find true meaning of life & became enlightened

Basic ideas of Buddhism: Give up pain, sorrow, & material things Reach wisdom, then achieve nirvana

Religion found in Tibet

Tibet Located on Plateau of Tibet

Became a kingdom in the 600’s with Buddhism as state religion

Led by Dali Lamas

Dali Lamas: believed to be reincarnation of Buddhist Masters who have chosen to be reborn & teach humanity Spiritual and political leaders

of Tibet

Tibet continued

Independent kingdom until 1950 Conquered by China

Wants independence

Stories of massive killings & torture of Tibetans by Chinese government

Japan/Culture Many parts of Japanese culture started in

China Ex: customs, food, architecture, and religion

99% of population is Japanese 1% is Korean or Chinese

Official language -- Japanese

Writing uses Chinese characters & Japanese symbols

Buddhism & Shintoism are major religions

Shintoism: worship of natural spirits and ancestors

Japan/Culture continued

Main food is rice Eaten most meals

Fish are a major source of protein Sushi and Sashimi are popular Sashimi: thin slices of raw fish

Japan/Culture continued Strong family ties

Great respect for elders

Kimono: traditional dress Worn on special

occasions

Kabuki: Japanese theater Uses colorful costumes

and makeup

Japan/Education

Excellent education system

Minimum of 9 years of public school Kindergarten can be 1-3 years

Must learn Japanese, math, science, and English

Elementary and middle school are free Must pay for Kindergarten and High School

Philippines

Island in SE Asia

People called Filipinos 90% of the people are Malaysian ethnicity

Culture based on traditional, U.S. and Spanish traditions

Philippines continued Official religion is Roman

Catholic

2 official languages:1. English2. Tagalog

Most food are built around boiled and steamed rice

Balut: boiled duck still in the egg

Jeepney: U.S. army jeeps converted into giant taxis