EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES' CULTURES, BELIEFS, & TRADITIONS
CHINA
Cultures
-It is influenced deeply by Confucianism.
-Tea shows your social status in China.
-Traditional Chinese festivals are a key to Chinese culture.
Beliefs
-Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are considered the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society.
Traditions
-China enjoys many traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) to the Dragon Festival and Mid-autumn Day, each with its own significance and features.
JAPAN
Cultures
-Early Japanese culture was heavily influenced by China. During the Edo era, Japan decided to close it's doors to all relationships with the outside world.
Japan reversed the practice, adopting cultural practices from all over the world and mixing them with what was established during the Edo era. Over the years, Western culture has influenced all aspects of Japanese culture including art, lifestyle and food.
Beliefs
-Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century.
Traditions
- Japan has many unique traditions like, BonDance Festival, Summer Festivals/Fireworks, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Tea Ceremony and many more.
MONGOLIA
Cultures
Mongolian culture is a rich melting pot of shamanism and Buddhist beliefs with an infusion of nomadic values and traditions.
Beliefs
The Mongolians are identified as Buddhists, Muslims, as a follower of Mongol shamanic tradition, Christian, and other religions.
Traditions
During the era of the Great Khans, Mongolia practiced freedom of worship and is still a defining element of the Mongol character. In the 17th century, Tibetan Buddhism became the dominant religion in Mongolia. Traditional Shamanism was, except in some remote regions, suppressed and marginalized.
NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA
Cultures (South Korea)
South Korea is greatly influenced by the Japanese and Chinese cultures. This influence can be seen by Confucianism, which established many traditions that can be seen in modern Korea today.
