A Cup of Culture

My name is Tracy Lin and I am a curent University of Florida student studying advertising. This blog was created for my MMC2100 course and hopes to educate and inspire potential travel enthusiast to visit the different festivals in Asia.

[hellotracylin]

Wonton-laust:  travelling through the cultures of Asia

Here’s a photo of me, taken by Ding Lin, my father, while on a family vacation on the shore of the Atlantic Beach.

Hello, readers. My name is Tracy Lin, and I am a first generation Chinese American studying Advertising at the University of Florida!

I have always found a fascination with culture and diversity. I guess that is why world history has always been my favorite subject. With that in mind, I designed a blog targeting the different festivals happening in Asia during different times of the year.

This blog is intended for me to learn more about my heritage and the heritage of others. And to educate you, my reader, about the different festivals in Asia. Each country on this list: China, India, Thailand and Vietnam, is inspired by my closest friends.

I believe that the stories left by our ancestors are the greatest gift we can ever receive. It is important to learn about our identity and our origin. It is also important to understand the world and the people who reside in it.

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuongxtrinh/10279969354/in/photolist-gEpwJW-ni4DY9-gu5iyX-nzycdg-nzeVS9-8HoqES-gtZ5WR-qLdCCD-bFLcUT-Vna951-nxvA1Q-pudKdk-nBkcv2-Gjf9J8-eMcYp4-oHVdYJ-bvsiGD-8HjEhB-qKMANr-tRqGF-gHw6Ru-tRpS1-8HnPbq-5Vgmta-gHLHHF-3aJZQ-nhZ47d-ZdtbUs-gHHrbM-eaDscP-YhZm38-ebi9Jo-bsRnPS-8HjYGV-gHKtpa-5VkJgf-gtVNG5-8Hk8Ae-8HjswH-nzyQrV-CEF1Pj-nzjRRU-ovU5gS-nzfVRV-YFYer9-r3fchz-ni5E3L-gHDeEQ-gHDXb4-r3av4y depicting someone in a canoe on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

And what better way to celebrate culture than to immerse yourself in it.

Festivals are not only a great opportunity to celebrate tradition, honor culture and appreciate each other, but also an opportunity to allow visitors to peek an eye into an unusual day.

Below are some of the most extravagant, mystical and significant holidays in China, India, Thailand and Vietnam that you must visit in your lifetime.

[hellotracylin]

A holiday for the children: Tet Trung Thu

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/milan1412phan_hu_lp/6164130763/in/photolist-aoGMjB-mCqkKv-fXPYxX-fX3PCA-akXBGa-b4aTa4-21xhM4s-39EAxL-T1WX1k-74wU5L-g6QgVf-bg62SB-fX3MFB-23wP2GY-8D67Pn-fTCE51-fX3onK-denhkN-fXMPpR-dWTVYo-gXwHZ7-djJQ3t-21LE6MU-8DNQo5-amiuBK-a8kJQk-74wWsb-7CpXcH-df3eig-g4vVPU-9XHP2F-7EhFYF-fTBFzq-6cdcfG-daqoKX-g96D2R-dyqo1j-fTCFQN-ddG5Fz-fXBt2j-ai536j-739Fin-aDrT4D-amv8oL-sMVqV-fTBBQa-fTCJLh-25abGoN-6a5Hif-g2ZqSF depicting a child seated outside an ornament store on Hàng Mã Street, famous for selling toys and paper goods.

Tet Trung Thu, Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The festival deviates from parent’s intense longing to see their children during the harvest season.

The parents wanted to make up for lost time with their children after harvest season. Thus, Tet Trung Thu was created. The festival became a celebration of great harvest, family time and the children.

This day traditionally falls under the full moon, which represents fullness and prosperity. On this day, children parade through the streets while singing and carrying colorful lanterns.

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/ian-con/32323588451/in/photolist-RfjQHa-buoVQq-irFXa1-VjCKU9-9Dntzv-6kurw8-jFFQ7w-SgXnAW-bpZUR2-kqh4VS-5V421w-oV4zXH-fiAWgW-5ji6TW-dCbR6n-21GBgLW-5iMBdJ-WkAcFN-8fZ4m1-5izjYF-5kaeAZ-5ZrR82-inFL2d-5mByjS-63fKQU-9gmToD-Wft3KV-dW8a8x-24hZUrN-phja9x-nVPruk-r6TSgE-bkgEex-4M3B9C-D7Gfgv-dS2EsF-dSRSvZ-aR885M-bD3RPS-5iEE57-Gn6JLU-9iz9S-VE6wYU-SdNkVn-fNuyKj-4qEpdp-RQvGae-bg4Tpg-5jhpAd-fNcZCP depicting the dragon dance

The dragon dance and the flower dance are traditional dances that parade the streets. The dragon dance is comprised of two performers getting inside a dragon costume and moving the body of the dragon to the beats of the drum. This form of dance requires extreme unity, precision and flow of movement.

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/140173682@N07/35077750904/in/photolist-VrGDfG-pdH6x-p8nhbk-54Dr3-p6XiY-HnoHzE-5m6A9T-6Yvb4F-5gn8qH-74hjrc-73zkG8-5mDqDu-d7R643-pAQjP-n2Hmd2-4Sech-73UNi4-YHRmRd-bU5R18-6XoFMC-8qZ7ER-3e1Xsa-ozGgU-or1di-4Cxq6-apMmU4-oEpF1b-dCLswy-73CfZi-ao8CvJ-oPEewx-74G9FR-Z3seAx-fXMYwQ-akGC5W-apQ4Uu-cU73cN-ddGDdM-ddDPTU-foqspc-YBaSQS-8xHYKp-5mY5zQ-5mGBJ-ddGRdQ-ddD8cK-amNaPj-fTzJTV-8rsQLn-8AhX8m depicting moon cakes made from beans and a yolk center.

On this day, banh trung thu, or mooncakes, are traditionally given out to children and the elderly. It is shaped in the form of the full moon to symbolize full family, unity and prosperity. The cakes are made of ingredients such as mung bean paste, lotus seed, and the center is filled with bright yolk to represent the moon.

Tet Trung Thu, besides encouraging affection for children, continuously celebrate education, poetry, dance and the arts. Even families that are far away from their homeland celebrates and carry on the tradition of their ancestors.

source: http://www.adoptvietnam.org/vietnamese/tet-trung-thu.htm

[hellotracylin]

A holiday for the dead: Hungry Ghost Festival

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/os_ishmael_photo/6014178346/in/photolist-aaseG7-oBXQK8-fw2wBd-oF8ke8-pAEHiu-fwRZP3-7dCR2-Ez64FH-8AdgWq-5e2P1Q-YWqZbz-fzz6su-fxQZsc-YnjXZr-YREbj4-UC2NMN-fxs9yd-apCWeD-owdxNM-jKFB6-8u7AVE-YK7wyt-fvL5SB-8u4vHZ-fzpsGp-5zi9BG-iQUGp-fNhuqF-8u7yab-54n4Hi-fAaofh-6YgfRL-6Uozhm-ozJ93g-nD155z-5fg3dX-orgoFW-6T9uVF-fvkaEp-LCzrLM-oBY327-mdm7K-pAqrjn-YoWK3F-fvMfiZ-6Uozhu-daVe1N-dcrxMc-54riv3-oyTK9L depicting a man lighting up incense on the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival in Lamma Island, Hong Kong

One of the mystical festivals celebrated by the Chinese, the Hungry Ghost Festival or Zhong Yuan Jie celebrates, as the name suggests, the ghost. On the 14th night of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, legend says the souls of the captivated ghosts are released from the underworld to roam the earth and among the living.

The intention of the Hungry Ghost Festival is to pacify the spirits that are still trapped in hell. These spirits often belong to bodies that did not receive a proper burial or died of unforeseen death such as murder or suicide. Many believe that the dead spirits will rise again during this time to hunt the living and seek revenge for its death.

The festival belongs to both Buddhist and Daoist origins. The most popular is the story of Mu Lian, a Buddhist monk, whose mother was trapped in hell because of her sinful deeds. Mu Lian's mother was greedy and refused to take in Buddhist monks that needed shelter and food.

After her death, she was punished by the Gods to be trapped in an endless cycle of torture in hell. Mu Lian, witnessing his mother’s pain, seek the help of Buddha who told him in order to relieve his mother's suffering he must offer fruits and vegetables in yu lan bowls to monks on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Yu lan bowl refers to a bowl filled with offerings that are intended to save one’s ancestors from eternal suffering.

Thus, Zhong Yuan Jie became a representation of the suffering of the wandering ghosts that are still trapped in an endless cycle.

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/79980507@N08/9575559038/in/photolist-fAaf6u-YFGA2k-VCjwNU-fA6sBW-fNz4uh-oHJig9-51vJZ-7dCQZ-fuTQ7A-5juqp3-ZiU5pK-YTo4B3-afdsfg-21LwqA5-Zz3CLG-5bcoLz-YrZaTG-6SnBLz-fAboSb-YrnEi3-5arcj2-fJvBj5-Y9EGjG-XiHhXX-VTbRXw-fDsehm-8u3VZM-YioiQ6-afdrpP-acUceC-fzvPoV-jKFB4-ozZWtB-fDqCs3-cSLkNA-oRf6Cg-e31FX2-fy6W8x-Y2aWi3-5a72Aq-fE3RSc-fBFf45-DwqrJ9-6TdvB3-oPLe8q-74Yffa-6VWtLi-fA5KTD-5hAtJ2-oDr5Kc depicting a woman burning “ghost money”

Celebrants seek to exonerate the ghosts’ pain by offering food and money to be used in the underworld. Rituals include offering food and vegetables to the dead, burning papier-mâché money that serves as “ghost money,” lighting incense and performing ceremonial dances and prayers. Observers also float lighted river lanterns to help guide the ghost back to the gates of the underworld.

Zhong Yuan Jie shows similarity with many other holidays in China, parts of Asia and even in the western hemisphere. Holidays such as Halloween and the Day of the Dead are great examples. On this day, not only do families come together to celebrate the holiday, but understand the importance of virtue and respecting the deceased.

source:  https://www.youtube.com/user/NTDOffTheGreatWall

[hellotracylin]

The most loving holiday besides Valentines: Holi Festival

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/66024821@N03/10218244253/in/photolist-gyXb24-fzvbvg-bH4BrP-9trVCo-CcBLb-njPiDP-nk6xwF-gq6rFu-rutpfC-e9rp4P-SJhsgV-9ugpeR-bpipCj-SiRb61-fnGPX2-4BgpQv-4AjqtJ-fFGfyN-frjhgF-4BgbEF-eK33Zj-e9x5Eu-SAwxgd-gq6bxH-gq4Ye8-e8pj5Z-rvrSWa-7GHcZW-rtJZ9N-7EY78g-4Bm5bh-9ts5kU-fzKvLS-9ugt1H-fzKv4J-4BgPZe-9tqt4e-9u1GiP-9tDZm6-gq6fRz-4BkDZs-FAX2cj-9tG7s9-4Amdxu-9tAUMQ-4BkASd-rcbreZ-fzvbSZ-C2ZnR-6xKbb3 depicting celebrants in the middle of a “color party”  

Mar. 2 is the most eye-catching and colorful time of the year in India, the Holi Festival, also called the "festival of love," celebrates unity. On this day people gather together to forgive all previous resentment against each other. Not only to celebrate forgiveness, the Holi festival also celebrates justice.

Legend of the Holi Festival originates from many stories, the most popular of which is the story of Holika and Prahlad.

There once was a treacherous king named Hiranyakashyap who was egotistic and forced everyone in the kingdom to worship only him. However, his son, Prahlad, chose instead to follow Vishnu, a supreme being in Vaishnavism. Angered, Hiranyakashyap tried to kill Prahlad many times but failed.  

Hiranyakashyap devised a plan for Holika, a sister of  Hiranyakashyap, to lure Prahlad into a fire pit. She was said to possess the power to be unscathed by fire. 

She held Prahlad onto her lap and took a seat in the center of the blazing flame. Much to Holika’s dismay, she started burning up. Unbeknownst to her, her power was futile if she entered the fire with anyone else. 

In the end, Prahlad came out alive because he chanted Lord Vishnu’s name aloud. 

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lionsthlm/7721017680/in/photolist-cLheyu-mbEnNg-fzvbNM-mbHCAB-m9Ejsm-9tqv5T-fzKvyf-meFbbD-66JhCC-dWxRnA-fzvbhV-m5Udyo-fzvbzg-fzKv5A-qyEwsB-fzvbLT-nuH36r-rvmxpw-2pYsf-gq5sBu-bu9NDy-CUGHb-hFXrfU-9u2hMm-fzKvdq-9tyfQv-fzvbpx-9ttvSb-fzKvzS-fzKvrW-fzKviC-fzKvCU-bu9Nyh-bH4BvP-gyXb24-fzvbvg-bH4BrP-9trVCo-CcBLb-njPiDP-nk6xwF-gq6rFu-rutpfC-e9rp4P-SJhsgV-9ugpeR-bpipCj-SiRb61-fnGPX2-4BgpQv showing a man throwing gulal, a colorful powder, at another man

Thus, Holi Festival, derived from the name of Holika, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. 

Observers gather together during this time to throw a party of color in which colorful powder, called gulal, is thrown into the air. People also indulge in sweets as they dance around the bonfire to traditional folk music. 

source: https://www.holifestival.org/

[hellotracylin]

A different kind of water park: Songkran

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/aprilwilson/2763238564/in/photolist-5dbjyd-tk6T9X-4FUdcE-rNUiH5-rQmV57-ewq1DH-7SbxKu-TUdYjR-n8HJuF-HQB2A-WdkZVx-21x4sdb-G5v7jM-nauJh2-9yGKF4-5xWs7X-4FdFqY-n7Zd9V-bFt3kk-SzBna1-n6vY6X-4FQr8Z-nn7W6H-Sy5LR6-6gH1au-GZUAL-dWHdWS-e9MFL5-9yM9kk-cYJa5-bQFGX4-niMqbt-bAEMJo-ciYLg-9ADRiQ-4FpeJD-4FQ6ve-7SHXL3-Hu9Qo-7Sdkas-ewpShZ-GSRG5-ciYvY-6eGh7j-TJg7z9-n9mb83-7SEGkB-FXQxW-qc1QRb-4V3wsH depicting celebrants splashing water at each other on the street

Songkran, Thai New Year, is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Thailand. The three-day long celebration from Apr. 13 to Apr. 15 turns the country into a giant water park that observes not only the idea of having fun, but unity among family and gratitude to elders.

The holiday originates from Indian Festival, Makar Sankranti. The concept is to recognize the sun’s celestial path as a passing from the old year into the new. In order to bring luck into the new year, observers pray for blessing from Buddhist monks.

The eventual evolution of the holiday as a more interactive water-experience deviated from the way Thai ancestors celebrated the holiday. Because the new years fell on the “hottest” time of the year, Thai ancestors used water to cool off and as a form of purification. 

A day before Songkran, many families cleanse their homes thoroughly to wash away all the bad luck. They also pour water onto themselves as a symbol of ample rainfall and fertility for the crops. 

photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/aprilwilson/2763238564/in/photolist-5dbjyd-tk6T9X-4FUdcE-rNUiH5-rQmV57-ewq1DH-7SbxKu-TUdYjR-n8HJuF-HQB2A-WdkZVx-21x4sdb-G5v7jM-nauJh2-9yGKF4-5xWs7X-4FdFqY-n7Zd9V-bFt3kk-SzBna1-n6vY6X-4FQr8Z-nn7W6H-Sy5LR6-6gH1au-GZUAL-dWHdWS-e9MFL5-9yM9kk-cYJa5-bQFGX4-niMqbt-bAEMJo-ciYLg-9ADRiQ-4FpeJD-4FQ6ve-7SHXL3-Hu9Qo-7Sdkas-ewpShZ-GSRG5-ciYvY-6eGh7j-TJg7z9-n9mb83-7SEGkB-FXQxW-qc1QRb-4V3wsH depicting a parade in which ladies dressed in lavish costumes walk through the streets

On the day of, younger generations pay respect to the elders by pouring flower-infused water on the clasp palms of the elderly. The water is known as a symbol of purification and is a kind of cleansing and blessing that symbolized gratuity, respect and health.

Many also pour scented water onto Buddhist statues to pray for good luck and well-being. Lavish parades full of people in costumes carry Buddhist statutes through the streets for observers to get a sight of and to pour water on top for good luck. 

On the second day, many roam the streets strapped with water-filled pistols and bags of chalks. Don't be surprised if you are sprayed with a stream of water or doused with chalk when you walk the streets of Chiang Mai. Both are a form of new year blessings from strangers. 

On the final day, families travel together to temples to present offerings and prayers to monks.The Songkran Festival is a celebrations you must visit in your lifetime. Not only is it a spectacle to see and enjoy, but it celebrates the thousand-year-old tradition and culture of Thailand. 

source:

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/makarsankranti/

http://www.puretravel.com/Guide/The_Seven_Wonders_according_to_PureTravel/Seven_Wonders;_Festivals_Worldwide/Songkran_Water_Festival

[hellotracylin]

A group of tourists happily wave at the camera as their trolley pulls up to the famous fort, Castillo de San Marcos. The tour is part of the Old Town Trolley Tour where the trolley takes visitors around the historic downtown city of St Augustine, Fla, also commonly known as the "Nation’s Oldest City." The driver narrates the many historic landmarks and attractions that bring around 6 million visitors, annually, according to the St. Augustine visitor’s center. Many people come for the historic attractions, but the beaches can also attract up to hundreds of beach-goers.

[hellotracylin]

Magic, one of the many horses used to pull carriages throughout historic downtown St. Augustine, Fla., stops for a water break while guests step off the carriage.

Southern Carriages company provides a private carriage tour, allowing up to four adults, costing $85 for approximately 45 minutes. Touring the historic downtown location on a horse carriage allows for a unique and engaging experience.  

[hellotracylin]

A street performer sitting on the corner of Hypolita Street and Charlotte Street, St. Augustine, Fla., uses an empty bucket to create musical rhythm. He is playing for tips as indicated by the dollar bills in the bucket in front of him. According to local Hyppo storeowner, “He comes out daily.” This man seems to have trouble articulating himself. When asked to provide personal information, he simply laughed it off.

Throughout downtown St. Augustine, there are many sightings of homeless individuals as well as street performers who use their talent to make a living, especially during the springtime when the weather attracts many visitors.

[hellotracylin]

Walter, a three-year-old Maltese, stares back at the camera lens clicking away at him.

Karen Cochran, 63, of Tampa, Fla., sits on the bench outside of Castillo de San Marcos with her three Maltese, Rocky, Walter and Wilson. Cochran is waiting outside the fort for her husband and grandchildren who are touring the fort while on a family trip. Many of the locations in St Augustine are family friendly and is a great way for families to bond. Some also come to visit families who live in the county or college-aged children who attend Flagler college. One of Cochran’s grandchild currently attends Flagler college as a sophomore.    

[hellotracylin]

The diner at Harry’s Seafood and Grille at 46 Avenida Menendez, St Augustine, Fla., 32084, is busy Saturday afternoon, March 17, as tourists stop by to grab a meal during lunchtime.

Anthony Nguyen, 21, of Chicago, Ill., enjoys a plate of Red Fish Alexandria, a popular seafood plate that includes “blackened Red Fish topped with tender shrimp, Cajun sausage and fresh tomatoes sautéed in a ‘creole style’ sauce,” according to the menu. “The fish was grilled which made it a little bit dry, but the sauce that came with it complimented it a lot,” said Anthony. “Overall the meal was great.”

[hellotracylin]

A hot spring afternoon in St. Augustine isn’t complete without a cone from Ben and Jerry’s, 128 Saint George St., St Augustine, Fla., 32084. Anthony Nguyen, 21, of Chicago, Ill., laughs back at the camera as he enjoys a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. He says mint chocolate chip is his favorite flavor to order from Ben and Jerry’s. Like him, many tourists often indulge into chilled sweets as they walk throughout popular attractions in St. Augustine. As a result, many ice cream and gelato shops have sprouted throughout the city. A popular popsicle shop, The Hyppo, originated from its location in downtown St. Augustine.