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Bathed in centuries of history, Italy is considered Polynesian settlers that arrived in New Zealand (NZ)
the heart of European culture. From the Roman Empire to centuries ago, the Maori peoples are a cornerstone of NZ
the Scientific Revolution, the Italians have witnessed the national culture. The ancient Maori possessed a unique
shifts of history time and time again. Numerous movements tribal structure made of one’s extended family, a concept
that have greatly influenced the western world, including that still lives on in their strong familial bonds. Artistry is
the Renaissance and Neoclassicism, were birthed in Italy. of great cultural importance, with great reverence placed
Even fascism can trace its roots to that Mediterranean upon artisans known as “Tohunga”; craftsmen skilled in
peninsula. As for entertainment, you can attribute weaving, carving and singing. These values are closely tied
modern day storytelling to the commedia dell’arte, to the concept of “Tapu”, a form of “spiritual restriction” or
a Renaissance era theatre format which “implied prohibition” that dictated life for the Maori. Unlike
utilizes a colourful cast of stock characters many marginalized ethnic groups, the Maori have
that many stories draw upon today. Many been making a successful resurgence in recent
Italians are also devout Catholics. The years. Due to the efforts of the Maori,
Vatican, the highest order of Christianity, has their native dance “Haka” has received
been seated in Italy since the Roman era. As such, international appeal and has entered
it comes as no surprise that Italians frequently the public consciousness with its
celebrate Christian festivals honouring priests and vigorous and passionate style.
miracles. The church organizes a liturgical calendar.
Regional celebrations include the feast of Saint Rosalia in The world’s largest ethnic group, the
Palermo, which is dedicated to protection against plagues. Han Chinese are one of the oldest cultures still
Major feast days include the holidays of Lent, Easter and surviving today. Chinese philosophy and literature largely
Advent. dominated East Asia for thousands of years, and continues
to be influential in many diasporic Chinese communities. A
The river Nile has been the lifeblood of countless civilizations, key aspect of Chinese philosophy is Confucianism.
including the Karo, a group of tribes that live alongside Confucianism promotes filial piety, social
its banks. A group threatened by dwindling population harmony and self-cultivation. While not a
numbers and the harshness of the African continent, true religion, the Confucian way of life has
they have nevertheless continued to persevere. While deeply ingrained itself into Han Chinese
many tribal customs in Africa are considered to be culture, becoming almost inseparable. Filial
exotic in the eyes of outsiders, the Karo’s unique piety, pacifism and ancestral worship are all
practices stand out even in their home region. Scars key aspects of Han culture that are teachings
and mutilations are considered symbols of beauty and of Confucius. Chinese Buddhism, a sinicized
courage, a far cry from the ugly blemishes that we perceive form of Mahayana Buddhism, forms the largest
them to be. The chest of men are adorned with battle damage, religious population, but most Chinese celebrate traditional
earned from countless hunts and spars. The women, meanwhile, holidays based upon the lunar calendar.
decorate their bodies with nails and piercings, with some willing to
permanently alter body parts as a sign of dedication to their partners.
Cutting off sections of the ears is a common form of such scarification. “These are but mere glances into the myriad deep cultures of mankind. If you are
If that is too permanent for your taste, body painting is also frequently interested, you do not have to interview an anthropologist, or go on a grand expedition.
practised using chalk and other minerals. Typical designs have white dots Just ask your elders or people in your local community, and you will be able to expand
and animal motifs. Very stylish! your atlas even further.”
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