Category: Culture
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What is Nowruz, Persian New Year?
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Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is an ancient festival marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Celebrated on the vernal equinox, which is March 19 this year, the festival is a time of joy, reflection, and new beginnings, bringing together millions of people across Iran, Central Asia,…
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What is Ramadan?
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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by over a billion Muslims worldwide. Lasting 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, the holiday is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a…
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What is Lunar New Year and How Can You Celebrate?
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With Lunar New Year approaching, I would like to share a little bit about what this holiday entails. If I were to tell you to imagine what Lunar New Year is like, what would you think of? Chinese Lanterns? Dragon dances? Well, Lunar New Year is a lot more than…
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Personality Tests in East Asia
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Personality tests have long been a popular trend worldwide, but in East Asia, they hold a unique place in both professional and personal life. In countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, these tests are often used not just for entertainment but as tools for career placement, relationship building, and…
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How Asian-American Communities Are Preserving Their Language
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For Asian-American communities, language is more than a means of communication—it’s a vital link to their heritage, culture, and identity. In a multicultural society like the United States, where English dominates, the challenge of preserving native languages can be significant. However, many Asian-American families are working tirelessly to ensure that…
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What is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights?
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Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in…
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K-Pop: Why Is It So Popular?
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In recent years, K-Pop music, also known as Korean pop music, has began soaring in popularity. Especially with the success of Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” Korean music began spreading throughout the world, leading to a wave of Korean culture, such as its music, gaining popularity around the world. In the 2010s,…
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The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Asian-American Communities
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If I were to ask people about religions they associate with Asian Americans, many people would likely mention Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. However, Asian Americans are a part of many faiths outside of the standard ones that most people think of. Faith and spirituality play a significant role in the…
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What is Diwali?
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In Hinduism, Diwali is known as the festival of lights, with different variations celebrated by other Indian religions. This year, the holiday is from November 10 to November 15, less than a week from now. The use of lights during this festival symbolizes the victory of light over dark and…
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What is Chong Yang Festival?
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The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chong Yang Festival, is occurring on Monday, October 23, 2023. While many people may not have heard of this holiday, it’s celebrated within multiple Asian countries, even if its popularity varies between these countries. This festival is celebrated in Shinto shrines and…