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Cultures & Groups : Society & Culture & Entertainment
What Is the Meaning of Dragons in Chinese Culture?
Dragons have fueled the imagination of people for centuries. The typical image of a dragon for most people relates to a European dragon. However, in Asian cultures such as the Chinese culture, the dragon is highly respected and revered since it is seen as a symbol of power and luck.
Differences Between Samurai Swords & Katanas
The katana, or Japanese longsword, is one of the most well-known weapons used by the samurai warrior class because it represented their status in society. However, the katana is not the only type of sword that the samurai carried and used. Several varieties of Japanese swords, or nihonto, have exis
What Were the Characteristics of the Inca Religion?
The Inca empire was an ancient civilization that lasted from about 1800 B.C. to early in the 1500s. The Incas lived on the Pacific coast in areas today known as Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Chile and Argentina. Some of the characteristics of the ancient Incas continue in modern Peru. In particular, ther
What Did the People of the Kongo Kingdom Eat?
The ancient Kingdom of the Kongo has been fabled for centuries, and was even immortalized in Joseph Conrad's book "Heart of Darkness." The Kongo Kingdom was situated in an ecologically rich land, where much of the modern country the Democratic Republic of the Congo is, and was able to enjoy a wide v
Black History in Rhode Island
The tiny state of Rhode Island played a major role in the slave trade, some of its residents proving to be enthusiastic slave traders and owners. Since that unfortunate period, the state's small but vibrant black community has produced a number of important leaders, as well as a legendary all-black
What Happened at the Battle of Lexington?
On April 19th, 1775, the American Colonists and British Army Regulars met for the first time in open conflict. This was a serious departure from previous incidents, which by comparison had been mere scuffles between army troops and angry mobs. The battles at Lexington and Concord were running engage
The Yin and Yang and How it Correlates to Bipolar Disorder
With roots deep in Chinese philosophy, the yin and yang are deeply expressive concepts embodied by the classic black-and-white yin yang symbol. The unique way that it correlates with bipolar disorder---a serious but treatable mental illness previously known as manic-depressive disorder---allows a sy
The History of Zulu Dance
Native to South Africa, the Zulu tribe has many rituals that have been passed from generation to generation over time. Dancing is one of the most common types of community rituals, and it is incorporated into most Zulu ceremonies. Zulu dances are signs of happiness and they occur when any significan
What Causes Group Polarization?
Being in a group tends to influence the way people make decisions. Group polarization occurs when members in a crowd or group of people choose sides. Members on opposite sides take positions that are increasingly farther from the views of the other side. The groups may define themselves by their bel
The History of West African Dance
West African dance is an essential component of West African culture. Over time, traditional dances incorporated new moves, rhythms and ideas. Through the slave trade, and through national production of traditional dance forms, West African dance has found it's way around the globe. West African Dan
Bermuda History
The history of Bermuda is tied to the history of the British Empire and its colonization of the New World. Bermuda was established as a British colony after an accidental shipwreck and became a major power in seafaring and privateering. Today, tourism creates a booming industry that is accented by
Unusual Activities in New York City
There is an activity for everyone in New York City.new york city image by sjpriceuk from Fotolia.comNew York City offers an endless list of activities. From restaurants and Broadway shows, to helicopter tours and museums, choosing what to do can be a challenge. However, gravitating...
What Did Inca People Eat?
The Inca Empire, a society of indigenous people in South America, existed from 1200 A.D. to 1537 A.D. Although the Inca eventually perished, their legacy carries on through our historical studies. Part of that legacy is the Inca diet, a major key to understanding this historical empire. The Inca die
Facts on Greek Columns
The classical Greek civilization was far-reaching and long-lived. It contributed to so many of our modern concepts and practices that it is hard to mention them all. Our alphabet, our democratic government, our tradition of public dramatic theater; all of these and many more owe their inception to t
Exchange-Students Information
Bettina Hansel, author of the book "The Exchange Student Survival Kit," explains that exchange-student programs promote cultural understanding among countries. Indeed, hosting an exchange student or becoming one can be a highly rewarding experience.
Traditional Scottish Dresses for Women
From the late medieval period onward, women in Scotland wore fashions very similar to those that were being worn by their neighbors in England, France and elsewhere in Europe. The one distinguishing characteristic of Scottish women's traditional dress is the long, floor-length rectangular piece of f
How Did the First Immigrants Arrive in America?
The question of how the first immigrants arrived in America depends on how the phrase "first immigrants" is defined. Migration to North America has been going on since the last Ice Age, and each wave of migration has been different from the last. The earliest Native Americans reached this continent
What Rings Go on Your Pinky Finger?
Many types of rings can be worn on the pinky finger.ring image by Jens Klingebiel from Fotolia.comAlthough wearing rings on the pinky finger does not signify anything about its wearer, history and tradition have established the placement of certain rings on the smallest digit. However,...
What Is the Meaning of Handkerchief Colors?
Colored handkerchiefs were--and still are, to an extent--used by individuals in the gay community to advertise their sexual preferences.
How to Treat Women in the Middle East
There are a lot of misconceptions about Muslim women in modern society. Although there are some Islamic groups, like the Taliban, who would severely restrict the role of Muslim women in society to that of being only a chattel to her husband, many Muslim women are highly regarded members of society.