Culture

Culture is more than just traditions passed down from our ancestors, it’s the way we live, connect, and express ourselves. To me, culture is like a colorful fabric made up of our beliefs, food, language, festivals, and even the way we greet one another. It gives us a sense of belonging and shapes how we see the world. But is culture only about what we already know, or can it mean something more?

Is Culture More Than What We Know? Most people think of culture as dances, clothing, or festivals, but it goes deeper. It’s also about:

Small daily habits : like how a family shares meals or the way elders are respected.

Shared values : such as kindness, hard work, or community support.

Modern influences: like music, technology, and pop culture blending with old traditions.

Culture isn’t fixed, it grows and changes. A young person in a city might mix their traditional background with global trends, creating something new. So, culture isn’t just about the past; it’s alive and always evolving.

The Culture I Practice I come from [Nigeria, Ogun state in ijebu ode], where culture is rich and vibrant. Some things we’re known for include:

Festivals: For example, Ojude Oba festival, Agemo festival, Oro festival, Yam Festival where people come together to celebrate with music, dance, and food.

Food: Dishes like Ewa ibeji, ikokore, ewa agoyin that bring families together during special occasions.

Greetings: A unique way of showing respect, like bowing, prostrating to elders as a man, kneeling down as a woman, or using special words of respect when addressing elders.

Traditional Clothing: Wearing Ankara, Aso Ofi, Agbada, Danshiki during important events to honor our heritage.

These practices make me proud of where I come from, but I also believe culture should be shared and appreciated beyond borders.

A Culture I’d Love to Experience Even though I cherish my own culture, there are others I find fascinating and would love to practice, such as:

Japanese Tea Ceremony: The careful, peaceful way of preparing and serving tea reflects respect and mindfulness.

Brazilian Carnival: The energy, colors, and music make it one of the most exciting festivals in the world.

Indian Holi Festival: Playing with colors to celebrate joy and unity seems like such a happy experience.

Italian Food Traditions: The way Italians gather for long meals, enjoying pasta and wine with family, feels warm and welcoming.

Trying these customs wouldn’t mean abandoning my own culture, it would just mean appreciating the beauty in others.

Final Thoughts Culture is more than just what we inherit; it’s about how we live, learn, and connect with others. Whether it’s through food, festivals, or simple daily habits, culture shapes our identity while also bringing people together.