Nepalese Culture
description
Transcript of Nepalese Culture
Nepalese Culture
“Mama” Dillon
Demographics
• 26.2 million people– 101 ethnic groups
(123 languages, Nepali and Maithili are most common)
– Northern Himalayan
– Middle Hills and Valley People
– Kathmandu Valley– Terai People
Religion and Values
• Secular state in 2006• Primarily: – Hinduism
• Bramha the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva (or Shakti) the Destroyer
• Texts: Bhagawat Gita and Mahabharat– AND Buddhism
• Five elements represented by Dhyani Buddhas
• Tantric tradition – spiritual expansion through rituals and ceremonies
• Also: Islam and Christianity
Customs and Tips
• Traditional marriages• Pure vs. impure• Caste system• Namaste Sid-ji!• “Yes” and “No”• Pointing to things• “Bahini” and “Bhaai”• Kids• Guys holding hands
Food
• Right handed!• Don’t eat/drink after other people• Cow is the national animal of Nepal = NO BEEF• Dal? Bhat? Tarkari? ACHAR!!• Momos (steamed or fried dumpling)• Newar cuisine
“Parbate bigre mojle; Newar bigre bhojle”
Attire
• Skimpy outfits are frowned upon
Taboos
• Feet• Stepping over people who are seated• Looking dirty• Bathing naked in public…• Walking counterclockwise around temples