The customs you need to know in Asia

There are some behaviors and gestures you need to note when you travel to Asian countries. Even though each country has its unique standards, but they agree upon one certain rule, you can never be too polite, as they are raised with a highly developed sense of courtesy and respect.

Just simply refer to the following list of cultural traditions in Asia, and you will understand the rule of thumb.

Hand-holding

Photo MK

Seen as something reserved for couples or those romantically-involved in Western cultures, it is simply a sign of friendship in China. It is not uncommon to see friends holding hands or linking arms while walking down the street, especially women and young girls. Members of a family, young or old, will also hold hands while out and about.

Eating

Like Asians in general, people in this region always let the eldest person in the room have their first bites. When eating together in a group at the restaurant, they tend to wait until everyone is served with the ordered meals and drink before start eating. If you are okay with them having their meals first, just let them know.

There are times when you invite them to have dinner or lunch at your home. Commonly, you have to ask them to eat and start yourself. Chances are, some of them will refuse to have one or make an excuse saying they are already full, sometimes it is just a lie, and in this case, you need to offer or ensure them again.

Dating

Even though most of the teenagers in Southeast Asia nowadays are more into self- expression when it comes to dating or giving bold opinions in a public setting, but most of them still live it in a more conservative way. In the dating life, it is believed the men should make the first moves and the women tend to hide their feelings and will not let their guard down until certain dates. Also, public displays of affection—more than hand-holding—are quite taboo as they consider it impolite.

Pouring Drinks

In most Asian countries, you are served a communal drink with your meal, usually tea or anything from a bottle that is shared at the table, such as beer, wine, sake, or soju. Know that pouring your own drink is frowned upon, as it is seen as greedy and self-centered. Instead, you should allow someone else at the table pour your drink for you. If you decide to refill your own drink, be sure to refill the cups that are low at the table first, leaving your drink to be filled last.

If you notice someone’s cup is empty at your table, take the initiative to refill it, as they will likely do the same for you. This is especially important if you are dining with someone who is your elder or someone of higher rank than you.

Read more: Discover traditional costumes in Asia

Rice culture

Southeast Asians love to eat rice that they consume it one until third times a day. Most of their tastiest snacks are often rice-based. In some parts of the region, people will not say they have eaten until they have rice as the main menu.

Source Internet

What you need to know about Myanmar culture before traveling

Myanmar, a land that has an undefinable quality to make you fall in love with its mountains, beaches, islands, lakes, food and culture and of course the people that bring these places to life.  A collective of diverse cultures and traditions woven together to form a mesmerizing landscape of wonder.

Myanmar is unlike any other country in Southeast Asia. Having only opened up to tourism in recent years, infrastructure can be lacking and travel can be challenging. So, below is something you should find out before coming to there.

Men and Women

Unlike many western countries, men and women’s status in Myanmar are distinctly different. Although Burmese women enjoy equal legal rights with men, men have a higher religious status. As a result, women are prohibited from certain areas of religious buildings such as the small platform that allows you to touch Golden Rock, some areas of Shwedagon Pagoda and so forth.
In terms of occupations and Myanmar tradition, women were previously supposed to take care of children and family matters while men focused on business. This attitude is changing, however, and there are now many women in professional occupations.

Religion and Belief

Although there are many religions present in Myanmar, more than 80% of people identify as Buddhist. In Buddhism, there are five main precepts that should be practiced daily by believers: not to kill, steal, lie, drink alcohol, and commit adultery. The ultimate aim in life according to Buddhist belief is to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana.

Moreover, astrology, palmistry and clairvoyance still play a major part in the lives of Myanmar people. They play a vital role, especially during decision making for marriage, business, naming babies and other important issues. Myanmar’s religious system is one of the most devout in the world.

Food and Drink

Myanmar’s food and drinks are varied and, generally, very good.  Savoury dishes can tend to be slightly too oily or sweet for foreign tastes, but they smell and taste extremely delicious. Among all the foods in Myanmar, two items are particularly special to the Burmese people. Tea has an enormous place in the cultural heart of the country. It is used not only as a drink, but also as a food in Laphet Thoke (tea-leaf salad), a slightly bitter but truly delicious dish made using tea leaves, sesame seeds, fried peas, garlic, dried shrimp and peanuts. Teashops are also popular social centers, and it is common practice to have a drink at one each day with friends and catch up. Tea is also offered to any guest who visits a household.

Betel nuts are the second staple of Myanmar food, and are consumed at a remarkable speed by Myanmar men. Sold from stands set up on almost every street, the mild stimulant gained from chewing the nuts is reasonably addictive, and for a tourist has the initially disconcerting effect of dyeing the user’s teeth red.

Clothing

Myanmar clothing is quite distinct from clothing in other parts of the world, so it can come as quite a surprise to unprepared tourists to see most men and women dressed in Longyi, a sheet of cloth worn as a long skirt. Longyis vary from casual to very ornate styles, and are comfortable and lightweight. It is important to remember that in most religious sites like Shwedagon pagoda, a dress policy is implemented for both genders. You are not allowed to wear casual clothes, meaning knees and shoulders must be covered. This policy does not apply outside religious sites, however. Myanmar people are very proud of their traditional dress and feel great confidence when they wear it for special occasions like weddings and ceremonies.

Chinlone

Among Myanmar’s many traditional and cultural games, Chinlone is probably the one seen the most by tourists. A small ball woven from rattan is tossed into the air, and a team of six players take turns to stand in the middle of a circle and see how long the ball can be kept up for. There is no competition, the aim is simply to see the beauty of the game and work as a team. Extremely popular at festivals and special occasions, it is also very likely you will see Burmese men playing it at the side of roads across the country. Among the non-traditional games, football (English football in particular) is incredibly popular. It is quite common for Burmese people to know the names of many cities in Europe, without necessarily knowing anything about them because they have been following their football teams.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Myanmar Diaries