Most holidays in iran are religious in nature. The few secular holidays relate to pre-Islamic practices, or modern political events.The Iranian New Year’s celebration (Now Ruz) is the nation’s principal secular holiday. The Now Ruz celebration is replete with pre-Islamic symbolism, beginning with the practice of jumping over bonfires on the Wednesday before the equinox. An array of symbols emphasizing agricultural renewal is displayed throughout the long period of celebration, which lasts for thirteen days. Accompanying the festivities is the celebratory presence of a black-faced clown, Hajji Firouz. In some parts of the country a ‘‘king’’ of the New year is selected and catered to during the holiday. On the thirteenth day he is ritually sacrificed.
More...
Iran has had a long and proud national tradition in mathematics and the sciences. Iranians view this as an emanation of their cultural heritage. During the period from the ninth to the twelfth centuries the greatest scientists in Baghdad, often thought of as Arabs, were in fact Iranian scholars. Avicenna (Ibn S? n a?) is perhaps the most famous of these. The high regard for medicine and engineering has produced the strongest education and research programs in the country. More than half of all university students are enrolled in these fields.
More...
Despite government dominance in many areas of social action, non government al organizations (NGOs) have a rich history, though they often have had limited funds, have operated under government restraint, and have been limited in much of their activity to urban areas. They have served in fields such as religion, family planning, education, rural health and mutual aid, legal aid, workers’ rights, philanthropy, regional or ethnic interests, literature and the arts, and ecology and conservation Muslim and Christian organizations have been active in community education and health care since the early twentieth century. Foreign religious, philanthropic, and national and international organizations have supported welfare efforts by government and NGOs, though most ngos are homegrown. The authoritarian nature of the New Order led to tensions between the government and ngos in areas such as legal aid, workers’ rights, and conservation, and the government sought to co-opt some such organizations. Also, foreign support for ngos led to tensions between the various government s, even cancellations of aid, when that support was viewed as politically motivated. With the collapse of the New Order regime and pressures for reform since 1998, ngos are more active in serving various constituencies, though economic upset during the same period has strained their resources. More...
When riding a Jakarta bus, struggling in post-office crowds, or getting into a football match, one may think that Indonesians have only a push-and-shove etiquette. And in a pedicab or the market, bargaining always delays action. Children may repeatedly shout ‘‘Belanda, Belanda’’ (white Westerner) at a European, or youths shout, ‘‘Hey, Mister.’’ In some places a young woman walking or biking alone is subject to harassment by young males. But public behavior contrasts sharply with private etiquette. In an Indonesian home, one joins in quiet speech and enjoys humorous banter and frequent laughs. People sit properly with feet on the floor and uncrossed legs while guests, men, and elders are given the best seating and deference. Strong emotions and rapid or abrupt movements of face, arms, or body are avoided before guests. Drinks and snacks must be served, but not immediately, and when served, guests must wait to be invited to drink. Patience is rewarded, displays of greed are
More...
Government The national system of government is a liberal democratic federal republic, making India the largest democracy in the world. The country is divided for administrative purposes into twenty–eight linguistically–based states, plus a further seven small ‘‘Union Territories’’ administered directly by the central government in New Delhi, the national capital.
More...
In the Indus civilization of 2700 to 1500 B.C. E., India developed one of the earliest urban societies in the world, along with an extensive trading economy to support it.The walled citadels in some early cities developed into elaborate palisades, walls, and moats to protect the multitude of Iron Age and medieval cities throughout much of the country. The towns and cities are of eight historic types: (1) ancient pilgrimage centers, such as Madurai; (2) local market towns, roughly one every 20 miles; (3) medieval fortified towns, such as Gwalior; (4) ancient and medieval seaports, such as Bharuch (Broach); (5) military cantonments first set up by the British, such as Pune; (6) modern administrative centers such as New Delhi; (7) new industrial centers, such
More...
Religious Beliefs. The state church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which 92.2 percent of the population are nominal if not practicing members. Other Lutherans constitute 3.1 percent of the population, Catholics 0.9 percent, and others 3.8 percent. There is a Catholic church and churches of other groups in Reykjav? k. There are many Lutheran churches, and their clergy substitute for social service agencies. Other religions include Seventh-Day Adventists, Pentecostals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ba-hai, and followers of the Asa Faith Society, which looks to the gods represented in the saga tradition. Less than 2 percent of the population in 1993 was not affiliated with a religious denomination. Confir-
More...
In 1991, there were 4,754 farms. More than half the people (154,268) live in the Reykjav? k area. The next largest town is Akurery, with a population of 14,799. Keflav? k, where the NATO base and the international airport are, has a population of 7,581. The Westman Islands are home to 4,883 people. The realities of daily life for most people are urban and industrial or bureaucratic. Until recently, social life was centered on households and there was little public life in restaurants, caf? es, or bars. There is a thriving consumer economy. people are guaranteed the right to work, health care, housing, retirement, and education. Thus, there is no particular need to save. people therefore purchase homes, country houses, cars, and consumer goods to stock them. Private consumption in 1993 reached $10,600 per capita. More...
Identification. hong kong means ‘‘fragrant harbor.’’ Once administered by the United Kingdom, it has been known since 1997 as the hong kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Many residents do not identify with either Britain or China. The generation born and raised in hong kong from 1949 to 1979 (when China was isolated) has a much more local identity than do their parents.
More...
Among the major holidays are New Year’s Day on 1 January, the Chinese New year in january and/or February, Ching Ming (a grave-sweeping holiday) on 5 April, Labor Day on 1 May, Buddha’s birthday in mid-May, Tuen Ng (the Dragon Boat Festival) in May and/or June, SAR Establishment Day on 1 July, the Mid-Autumn festival in September, Chinese National Day on 1 October, and Chung Yeung (another grave-sweeping holiday) in October
More...