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Tea Ceremony

Evila Olmedo Olivares

Maria José Peñafiel Felix

What is it?

It started on the 9th century and refined over the centuries by Zen Buddhist monks, but peaked during the Muromachi period. The ceremony is linked with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Significance

The practice emphasizes mindfulness, social etiquette, and the artistry involved in serving and receiving tea. It has played a role in shaping Japanese social interactions, fostering a sense of community, and preserving cultural heritage. It is the way they prepare, serve and drink traditional teas.

Environmental Impact

It is donde in a place that is surrounded by nature and during the ceremony plants and flowers are used in order to show the connection we as humans have with them and the harmony we should keep with nature. It has a positive impact in the ecosystem since it is an eco-friednly practice.

Traditional Techniques

The most common traditional techniques applied in the Japanese Tea Ceremony are Chaji and Chakai, different types of tea such as Koicha or Usucha, tea utensils, etiquette, cleansing rituals, and appreciation.

Thèse techniques reflect an understanding because this tradition is done in a certain way so doing this stuff represents respect.

Community Involvement

This cultural practice involves the community by doing tea gatherings, sharing seasonal moments together, cultural appreciation, and collaborative events.

Challenges and Solutions

There are communal aspects done in this cultural practice such as tea gatherings as I mentioned before.

One issue or challenge this cultural practice could face is probably that nowadays people lose interest in their culture and it could change the value of this really important event.

There may be some solutions to address this problem such as to motivate young people to learn about this cultural practice in a fun way.

Sources:

JapanNet. (2007) « The Japanese Tea Ceremony » http://japanese-tea-ceremony.net

Web Japan (2004) « Tea Ceremony » https://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/28TeaCeremony.pdf

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Alejandro Gracia Hernández, Santiago Gutierrez Caycedo 

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what is it about?

They are walls built from stones without any mortar to bind them together. They are commonly made of limestone, granite and sandstone. The walls date from many years ago.

Cultural Significance: Dry stone walls are a long-standing rural-farming tradition in Ireland, this tradition comes back from the Neolithic Period. They are a representation of Irish culture. The building of these walls is related to the identity and traditions of the community.

Environmental Impact: Dry stone walls have a low-carbon footprint and are completely recyclable. They provide a secure habitat for a varied range of flora and fauna.

Traditional Techniques: The walls are built without the use of any binder like mortar or cement. Some of the most common stones used for this includes examples like: limestone, granite, and sandstone. These techniques reflect an understanding of harmony with the environment.

Community Involvement: the preservation of this technique is related mostly to farmers and the way they have related to other people to keep this tradition alive. There are also events and workshops organized by the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland (DSWAI) and the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) that involve the community.

Challenges and Solutions: One of the challenges faced by this practice is the lack of certified training, this is related to the fact that this technique is transfered by through family generations more than by professionals. The solution to this problem would be getting a way to certificate the way this techniques are applied or the safety of the walls.

References:

Teagasc. (2017). Dry Stone Wall Building - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from Teagasc.ie website: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/dry-stone-wall-building/

Pillow, V. (2022, September 23). The Dry Stone Walls of Ireland: The OREON Collection inspiration. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from House Of Lor | Irish Jewellery | Pure gold from Ireland website: https://houseoflor.com/the-dry-stone-walls-of-ireland-the-oreon-collection-inspiration/

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★ Briefly describe what your cultural practice is about

★ Cultural Significance:

"In 2011, the UNESCO declared Alpine transhumance in the Bregenz Forest as intangible cultural heritage".

The practice of transhumance in the Alps has ancient origins, dating back to the later Neolithic period, and has persisted through the Bronze Age, remaining largely unchanged since the High Middle Ages. In 1300, it gained importance by giving men an alternative to farming; it became an investment opportunity, leading to conflicts over grazing rights and ownership of alpine meadows between local communities and neighboring cities and monasteries.

As mentioned before, the activity has a traditional and identity value of local communities, embodying a shared heritage and interdependence. This ancient practice, marked by communal rituals and conflicts over grazing rights, shapes the cultural fabric of Alpine societies and has been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in the Bregenz Forest, underscoring its significance in preserving community identity.

★ Environmental Impact:

The cultural practice of transhumance in the Alps interacts with the natural environment by aligning with the seasonal rhythms and ecological conditions of the mountainous landscape, enhancing a sustainable coexistence between human activities and the natural environment.

The practice of transhumance can have both positive and negative impacts on the local ecosystem. Positively, it contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity. However, resource usage may become difficult, potentially impacting vegetation and soil quality. The careful management of transhumance practices is vital to find balance and ensure a healthy reciprocal exchange between man and nature.

★ Traditional Techniques:

Transhumance shapes relations among people, animals and ecosystems. It involves shared rituals and social practices, caring for and breeding animals, managing land, forests and water resources, and dealing with natural hazards.

★ Community Involvement:

When bearers share food, rituals and stories and introduce younger generations to the practice. Chief herders pass on their specific know-how to the younger generations through daily activities, ensuring the continued viability of the practice.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

Faced with the industrialization of agriculture, the need to maintain summer pastures to maintain the subtle interaction between humans and the landscape is increasingly felt. Nowadays, preservation of natural areas is of crucial importance.

Among the strategies aimed at preventing wolf attacks, we can also cite the frequent use of sheepdogs called patous. Recognized for their loyalty and their courage, they embody an emblematic figure of the mountain environment.

These guard dogs play a vital role in the preservation of livestock, acting with a devotion that positions them as true sentinels of the pastoral landscape. Their unfailing involvement then leads to a unique relationship between man, animal and nature.

citas:

Pastoralism. (2023, August 23). Office de Tourisme de Combloux. https://www.combloux.com/en/decouvrir/faune-flore-pays-du-mont-blanc/pastoralisme/

UNESCO - Transhumance, the seasonal droving of livestock along migratory routes in the Mediterranean and in the Alps. (n.d.). Unesco.org. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/transhumance-the-seasonal-droving-of-livestock-along-migratory-routes-in-the-mediterranean-and-in-the-alps-01470

Jurt, C., Häberli, I., & Rossier, R. (2015). Transhumance farming in Swiss mountains: Adaptation to a changing environment. Mountain Research and Development, 35(1), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.1659/mrd-journal-d-14-00022.1

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Elisa Trejo A01753789, Alejandra Ramos Pérez A01754040.

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What your cultural practice is about:

The figures are made of stones or boulders constructed to communicate with humans through the arctic. Inuksuit are placed throughout the Arctic landscape acting as "helpers " to the Inuit. They are used as hunting and navigational aids, coordination points and message centers.

Cultural Significance:

Canadian Inukshuk Construction has a very important role in the identity of the Inuit culture and they serve as a symbol of cultural identity and resilience. Nowadays these are recognized nationally as a symbol of Canada's North, that represent the hospitality, friendship and welcoming spirit.

Environmental Impact:

While the traditional construction of Insuksuit is generally aligned with principles of environmental sustainability, the potential impact can vary based on factors like location, materials used, and cultural practices.

Traditional Techniques:

The Inukshuk construction gathers traditional techniques that have been passed through generations among the Inuit and other indigenous groups in regions of the Arctic, like in Canada. Some of the traditional techniques are:

Stone selection: The selection of stones is based on choosing the rocks that are stable and can resist weather conditions.

Balancing: The way in which builders stack the stones it’s not simple, it involves placing the stones in a way in which the weight is distributed in order to prevent the collapse of the rocks.

Keystone: The inukshuk has a central stone that serves as the one that provides the “structure” with balance and stability.

Knowledge of the Environment: The builders take into consideration the weather patterns in order to build the inukshuk.

These techniques show how the builders first evaluate the natural materials (stones) they count with, and also the environment in general in order to make the arrangement of the stones.

Community Involvement:

Since the Inukshuk is built by the Inuit and other indigenous people, said construction involves a total participation of the community.

People need to have shared knowledge and tradition for building the inukshuk; as well, the collaborative building is a key factor because the construction involves the efforts of all community members. Finally, because inukshuk has become a tradition, it is tied with culture.

Challenges and Solutions:

Due to climate change, inukshuk has been facing some environmental challenges because of factors like melting permafrost, weather patterns, among others that impact the stability of the inukshuk. As well, the educational gaps have contributed to the lack of understanding of the cultural meaning of the inukshuk.

Some possible solutions for these challenges are making people aware about the consequences of climate change and how this affects many cultural practices. As well, some cultural preservation programs can be implemented and also legal protections; the help from people and the government is very important to make this possible.

Sources :

Culturaldialog. (2018, 27 julio). What is an inukshuk? Elements. https://blog.culturalelements.com/what-is-an-inukshuk/

Inuksuk (Inukshuk). (s. f.). The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuksuk-inukshuk

Heritage, C. (2022, 14 octubre). Inukshuk. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/art-monuments/public-art/inukshuk.html

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What is about?

The Scottish Highland Games are a traditional cultural event with origins in Scotland. These games include activities such as caber tossing, stone put, hammer throw, and more, testing participants' strength and agility. Participants often wear traditional Scottish attire, and the event features a festive atmosphere with bagpipe music and cultural displays. The Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture and heritage, serving as a platform for traditional sports and activities.

Significance

They were originated in the historical context of clan gatherings, serving as a means to showcase strength, select leaders, and foster community bonds, and they are intertwined with Scottish identity through traditional attire, cultural expressions, that reinforce a sense of shared heritage and pride.

Environmental Impact

They take place in outdoor settings, interacting positively by utilizing natural landscapes as venues, enhancing the connection between culture and environment. Some positive impacts include promoting appreciation for nature, but potential negatives may involve wear and tear on local ecosystems from large gatherings and events.

Traditional techniques

Some activities they have to do are caber tossing, stone put, and hammer throw, showcasing physical prowess and skill. These techniques reflect an understanding of the environment by utilizing natural elements like stones and logs, promoting a harmonious connection between traditional practices and the surrounding landscape.

Community involvement

Involve the community through participation, attendance, and cultural celebrations, fostering a sense of shared identity. Some communal aspects, such as shared outdoor spaces and cultural events, can contribute to environmental stewardship by promoting appreciation for nature and encouraging responsible use of communal resources.

Challenges and solutions

Some challenges they face nowadays are: regulatory compliance, logistical complexities, commercialization pressure, amoung others. Community-driven solutions may involve sustainable event planning, cultural education, and collaborations to balance tradition with contemporary demands.

Bibliography

Highland Games in Scotland. (s/f). VisitScotland. Recuperado el 13 de noviembre de 2023, de https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/events/highland-games

About highland Games. (s/f). Scotland. Recuperado el 13 de noviembre de 2023, de https://www.scotland.org/events/highland-games/about-highland-games

Andres Romero

Luis Ceballos

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★ Briefly describe what your cultural practice is about

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish which is created through the fermentation of Napa cabbage with other vegetables seasoned with a paste of garlic, ginger, onion, fish sauce, fermented shrimp and gochugaru. Kimchi is a very iconic and important part of Korean cuisine.

★ Cultural Significance:

What is the cultural or historical context of the practice?

The cultural/historical context of kimchi goes back to Korea 3,000 years ago, Koreans used fermentation as a way to store vegetables through the winter to not starve and nowadays Kimchi is famous all over the world and serves as a representation of Korean cuisine and thus culture in other countries.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community?

Since then, kimchi has become a food for everyone, a comfort food for Koreans and it gained popularity worldwide for its taste and health benefits.

★ Environmental Impact:

How does cultural practice interact with the natural environment? What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

Due to Napa cabbage being a key ingredient in the production of Kimchi, it’s recent shortage due to unnatural climate conditions have caused the price to inflate a lot, this has also affected the production of traditional homemade kimchi in favor of industrially produced, supermarket bought packets. Kimchi production itself also has some environmental impact since such a big demand for cabbage generates pollution and water waste through farming as well as in transportation and storage.

★ Traditional Techniques:

What traditional techniques are employed in cultural practice?

It is made from fermenting vegetables like cabbage and burying them inside a ceramic pot (called onggi) and then burying them in the ground.

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

It reflects an air of understating and harmony with the environment for the reason that people did not give up on cold-death winters and found a way to enjoy their vegetables and preserve their lives.

★ Community Involvement:

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship? How does this cultural practice involve the community?

Yes, they do involve communal aspects since for many Koreans, kimchi was something that was traditionally homemade within their family and it has some relevance within them. It can also involve community since it’s something that Korean communities all around the world share.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world? Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

In the modern world as previously mentioned, the tradition of making homemade kimchi has been lost in some places because supermarket brand kimchi is simply cheaper and easier to get, so some part of the culture around it is being lost or is at least changing. There really aren’t any definitive solutions to this problem other than people who regularly consume Kimchi not letting the tradition die and promoting making homemade kimchi as a cultural and fun thing to do.

Gulzar, F. (2022) Kimchi Crsis: How climate change is impacting South Korea's favorite pickle. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/food/kimchi-crisis-how-climate-change-is-impacting-south-koreas-favourite-pickle-1.1665761325485

Colorado State University (n.d.) Understanding and Making Kimchi. Retrieved from https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimchi-handout-Colorado-State.pdf?fwd=no#:~:text=The%20process%20of%20making%20kimchi,ranges%20from%202%2D5%25.&text=Kimchi%20is%20typically%20fermented%20by,naturally%20present%20on%20the%20vegetables.

https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tongbaechu-kimchi

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★ Cultural Significance:

Terraced farming in the Philippines has a rich cultural and historical context deeply intertwined with the country's geography, agriculture practices, and cultural heritage. The Ifugao people, who primarily inhabit the Cordillera Central mountain range in Luzon, are renowned for their intricate rice terraces, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

The Ifugao rice terraces are not merely agricultural structures; they hold immense cultural significance. They are a testament to the Ifugao people's sustainable farming practices, ecological wisdom, and a communal way of life. The construction and maintenance of the terraces involve the entire community and are often accompanied by rituals, ceremonies, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

Terraced farming, exemplified by the Ifugao rice terraces in the Philippines, is deeply interwoven with the identity and traditions of the community. For the Ifugao people, these terraces are not merely agricultural infrastructure but symbolic of their cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom. The practice holds ceremonial and ritual significance, with elaborate ceremonies performed to seek blessings for a prosperous harvest, reinforcing a communal bond.

★ Environmental Impact:

The cultural practice of terraced farming in the Philippines interacts symbiotically with the natural environment. The intricate design of the Ifugao rice terraces showcases a deep understanding of the local ecology. The terraces utilize the natural contours of the mountainous landscape, optimizing water distribution and soil conservation. The construction materials, often sourced locally, reflect a harmonious relationship with the environment.

Terraced farming in the Philippines has both positive and negative impacts on the local ecosystem. Positively, the carefully designed terraces help prevent soil erosion, ensuring the retention of fertile topsoil and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Striking a balance between traditional terraced farming methods and modern sustainability practices is crucial for mitigating negative impacts and ensuring the continued harmony between cultural traditions and the local environment.

★ Traditional Techniques:

Terraced farming in the Philippines involves several traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. One crucial technique is the construction of the terraces themselves, typically built with hand tools and manual labor. The careful selection of indigenous crops adapted to the specific microclimates of each terrace is another traditional practice.

The traditional techniques employed in terraced farming reflect a profound understanding of and harmony with the environment. The construction of terraces demonstrates an intricate knowledge of landscape contours and optimal water distribution. The careful selection of indigenous crops attuned to specific microclimates showcases an intimate understanding of local ecosystems.

★ Community Involvement:

Terraced farming is deeply intertwined with the community, involving collective efforts and shared responsibilities. The construction and maintenance of terraces often require communal collaboration, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.

The communal aspects of terraced farming contribute significantly to environmental stewardship. As a collective endeavor, the community engages in sustainable land management practices, ensuring the longevity and productivity of the terraced fields.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

The cultural practice of terraced farming faces several challenges in the modern world. One significant issue is the impact of urbanization and changing lifestyles, which can lead to the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices.

Community-driven solutions have emerged to address the sustainability challenges facing terraced farming. Local communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of preserving their cultural heritage and the ecological benefits of traditional farming practices. Initiatives include community-led education programs to pass down knowledge to younger generations, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the land.

Esterman, I. (2021, August 29). Sustainable livelihood offers a lifeline to Philippines’ dying rice terraces. Mongabay Environmental News. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/08/sustainable-livelihood-offers-a-lifeline-to-philippines-dying-rice-terraces/ National Geographic Staff. (2021, May 4). Explore the Emerald Rice Terraces of the Philippines. Travel. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/article/philippine-rice-terraces

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Mariana Moreno

★ Briefly describe what your cultural practice is about

Turf houses are semi-underground abodes with grassy roofs which were the homes of Icelanders from the beginning until the 20th century, when the industrial technology started to reach Iceland.

★ Cultural Significance:

What is the cultural or historical context of the practice?

They were built as as creative response of the habitants to the difficulties they faced when it came to building their homes: the extreme and fickle climate, the lack of appropriate building materials, and the general poverty among people. They ended up with disposable homes that degraded over time, that is why despite the nation having settled in 930 AD, there aren’t many historic buildings or landmarks left built before the 19th Century.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community?

To the locals, the turf houses are a symbol of the hardships and tenacity of the generations that came before them. So while it’s part of their historic legacy, it also carries a bittersweet meaning for the people. They are a reflection of the simple lifestyle in which the Icelanders lived, lifestyle which can still be appreciated in Iceland nowadays.

★ Environmental Impact:

How does the cultural practice interact with the natural environment?

The turf houses have become a very important part of the Icelandic culture, they are a token of a period in time before the Industrialisation came, where people lived simple lives in harmony with the natural environment. Nevertheless, even after the industry arrived to Iceland and people slowly began to change their homes to the modern “normal” standard houses, it’s a nation where people carry on having a close relationship with nature. Its natural landscapes are a core part of the country’s heart.

What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

The negative impact of the turf houses is that for its construction, it’s needed the extraction of the materials and that’s exploitation of the land. However, the good thing is that all of these materials are disposable and come from nature itself, so they houses degrade and come back to the land. So even though things were taken from the land, at the end they are given back. That’s good because as a result of the industrialisation, the world forgot the part where we are supposed to give back in Anayeli way possible what we took.

★ Traditional Techniques:

What traditional techniques are employed in the cultural practice?

They were traditionally built by stacking lat stones for the creation of a strong foundation. They used birch or driftwood to crate frames and covered with layers of turf, thus their given name. These houses were very damp and required a lot of maintenance, on the roofs a small hole was usually made for ventilation in the summer, and could be covered with stretched-animal guts for the winter as a lid.

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

The turf houses are a perfect example of a harmonic relationship with the natural environment. They are made mostly out of natural and degradable materials, which are found in the area.

Moreover, the turf houses evolved constantly as the needs changed according to the surroundings. The first version resembled the Vikings longhouses, with saunas and all. However, after having burnt through the nation’s forests and faced a mini Ice Age which prevents from vegetation to grow, the turf houses evolved into smaller buildings, connected with underground tunnels.

★ Community Involvement:

How does the cultural practice involve the community?

As said before, because of the relatively weak and sensible nature of the turf houses, they required constant maintenance. The houses were often habited by the whole family, that is to say, it was very crowded. This created a strong sense of family and community, as their network of houses joined them side by side. Whatever the struggles they faced, they were together and that is as strong a community as it gets.

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship?

As said in the question above, the houses required a lot of maintenance, which was the work of the several family members who lived there It was a hard work, if they didn’t keep the work up, the house fell apart. That’s why it became very common for the people to abandon a house a year and build a new one on another location.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world?

The main challenge is to preserve the houses. After people kind of left these buildings behind when they passed on the more modern ones, many of them, after not receiving any maintenance whatsoever, started to dissolve into the land.

Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

That is why the National Museum has been working for over three decades to preserve them.

Some can be found in popular tourist location such as the Lake

Mývatn area and Skógar Museum.

Their preservation is of high importance, as they are considered an essential part of Iceland’s story.

References

Chapman, R. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to Turf Houses in Iceland. Retrieved from https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/the-ultimate-guide-to-turf-houses-in-iceland

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Alexa María Mancilla Gutiérrez A01753668

Miranda Freijo Valdovinos A01753535

Turkish Carpet Weaving

★ Briefly describe what your cultural practice is about

It is a handmade Turkish carpet that has extravagant designs, and a lot of colors like red, white, blue, orange, and brown mostly. It has been industrialized, and most of the carpets are not handmade nowadays. Now it is a worldwide product that can be bought in any carpet store.

★ Cultural Significance:

There is no prof of how long this tradition has been alive, however there are proof that it has existed ever since the Neolithic age. This tradition has passed from civilization to another, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans. These rugs have imagery of the origins of their culture and since the rugs have such complex background there is no actual way to understand them completely in a brief way. These rugs tell stories from Anatolia, Central Asia and their civilizations.

★ Environmental Impact:

The traditional practice doesn’t affect negatively the environment since they aren’t overly produced because the process is long and the type of dyes are obtained from natural sources such as trees, plants, minerals, etc. However, the mass production of this item cause an overexploitation of resources, and since there is no natural way to get that much dye they also use chemical which damages the environment even more. In short words, the traditional practice isn’t harmful, and the overproduced one is harmful.

★ Traditional Techniques:

The techniques are made traditionally by women who knit with their hands the different patterns, and it looks the same in both sides. They use symbols and colors that are of their culture and how they see their environment. The fact that women make them, that it is handmade, and symmetrical show that they have a unique way to see the environment, and that the culture may be strict in certain things, and have big role plays, but still beautiful and colorful.

★ Community Involvement:

This practice involves the community since the rugs theme are based on their origin and is a tradition that has lived for hundreds of years. Since it reflects the traditions and beliefs of the community, it includes everyone in it simply because it is representing them. If we are talking about traditional carpets they don’t have that environmental impact, however the mass demand of this type of carpet creates a mass production, more contamination on land field, and apart from that the quality of them reduces.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

The practice has been appropriated by industries, and now it is not a cultural practice in most parts of the world. It has become just a design of carpets to decorate a house without a cultural significance. There are people that still use it as a cultural practice, but the practice has mostly been replaced by industrialization. Industrialization has made this practice more contaminating, and uses more materials, and energy in order to make massive amounts of carpets that affect the environment.

Sources

Rosie. (2021, December 23). History of a trend: Turkish kilim rugs and the meaning behind the symbols - Wondrous Paths. Wondrous Paths. https://wondrouspaths.com/history-of-a-trend-turkish-kilim-rugs-and-the-meaning-behind-the-symbols/

Sansal, B. (n.d.). Turkish Carpets | All about Turkey. https://www.allaboutturkey.com/carpet.html

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Evelyn Iturri - A01754048

Mario Contreras - A01754493

Brief description:

According to Colorado State University “Kimchi is a flavorful, sour, salty mix of fermented vegetables and seasonings that plays an important role in Korean culture”. There exist a lot of variations of Kimchi, around 200, which alternate the ingredients and preparation method, influenced by region, seasonality, and cultural traditions.

Cultural or historical context of the practice:

Back in November 2020, Syuoung Park, executive chef at New York's two-Michelin-starred Korean restaurant Jungsik, was interviewed by the BBC about the origins of Kimichi. He explained that this dish was originated over 3,000 years ago, as a technique in order to ferment and keep vegetables fresh during the winter, as many koreans died of starvation.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community?

This practice in particular was essential in the past for Koreans, making it part of this culture’s history, and transcending to the present in the form of a tradition. For its utility, and historical significance, it became an integral part of the korean culture, and remains so in the contemporary world. It became vastly diverse, as distinct regions adopted a particular way of cooking Kimchi, thus becoming more rooted to small communities’ traditions and identity.

How does the cultural practice interact with the natural environment?

Kimchi relies on fermentation, digestion of sugars into acids/gases/alcohol, in order to keep the vegetables from bad external conditions. Kimchi obtains its peculiar characteristics, such as effervescence and taste, precisely from the interactions between bacteria and environment. The essence of Kimchi depends on distinc factors, from temperature, to humidity, the environment plays a key role in this traditional korean practice.

What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

The practice itself has no more impact than the local interactions between bacteria and the local environment, resulting in the fermentation process, benefiting the conservation of the vegetables. For peoples’ health it does have a wide variety of postivie consequences, such as improving immune function.

What traditional techniques are employed in the cultural practice?

The traditional process involves applying the technique of mass fermentation in glass, steel, or plastic containers. Other techniques include:

Salting: Helps the preservation and allows the seasonings to penetrate the food over time

Soaking: Softens the vegetables and facilitates fermentation.

Rinsing: Serves to remove excess salt from the cabbage.

Seasoning Paste: Provides flavor and spice.

Coating: Provides a stronger flavor.

Packaging: Involves packaging the mixture in plastic pouches, containers, glass bottles, or cans.

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

Because they are techniques whose preparation is mostly natural and time-based, Koreans use the effects that fermentation brings to the food to their advantage and there is no indication of any electronic use to prepare Korean Kimchi. Also, the ingredients are all natural without any industrial origin, which shows an understanding for the care of the environment and harmony with it in the procedure.

How does cultural practice involve the community?

This practice can involve community effort in the collection of the natural products, and its creation creates a strong and traditional sense of identity that is shared among the communities. Also, it was found that exhibitions and tastings are held in public in Korea to taste kimchi and that being a traditional dish especially during the traditional kimchi making season, people gather to celebrate community events and prepare large quantities of kimchi together.

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship?

Some community aspects during the preparation of Korean Kimchi fermentation are that when it is prepared on a large scale, community members share the ingredients and their resources to reduce waste and the purchase of new products. Also, being a mostly natural dish, the natural temperatures of the containers are used to preserve and ferment the kimchi, minimizing the need for artificial refrigeration and reducing energy consumption.

For its preparation, there is also the community practice of making traditional clay containers called "onggi", which are durable, resistant and reduce the need for disposable containers, taking into account that they are perfect for fermenting kimchi.

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world?

The main challenge faced by this dish is climate change, since thanks to this there is a shortage of cabbage in Korea and therefore its price has shot up, causing families to have to look for other alternatives to make fermented kimchi away from the traditional recipe. Another challenge of equal importance is that the current lifestyle in Korea prevents people from having enough time to elaborate a laborious recipe such as fermented kimchi, most people choose instant food and therefore this traditional culinary practice is eliminated.

Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

In Korea there are many events that are organized to taste the dish and pass on the traditional recipe to more generations. Likewise there are also restaurants that have implemented a more natural and sustainable way of acquiring their ingredients to be faithful to the original recipe. Finally, being a festive and culturally important dish, festivities are organized in community spaces to share a national feeling of the country's gastronomy and promote the purchase of local agricultural products.

References

BBC Travel. (2020). By claiming South Korea's national dish as its own, China may have angered the internet, but at least now the world has heard about "pao cai". Retrieved from: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20201217-how-kimchi-rekindled-a-decades-long-feud

Colorado State University. (n. d). Understanding and Making Kimchi. Retrieved from: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimchi-handout-Colorado-State.pdf?fwd=no

Gulzar, F. (2022, 17 octubre). Kimchi Crisis: How climate change is impacting South Korea’s favourite pickle. Food – Gulf News. https://gulfnews.com/food/kimchi-crisis-how-climate-change-is-impacting-south-koreas-favourite-pickle-1.1665761325485

Kwo, K. (2023, 6 octubre). Kimchi: The Beginner’s Guide to Fermenting — ONE OF EVERYTHING. ONE OF EVERYTHING. https://www.oneofeverything.ca/blog/2017/11/3/kimchi-the-beginners-guide-to-fermenting

Traditional kimchi recipe (Spicy Korean Sauerkraut). (2023, 1 febrero). Revolution Fermentation. https://revolutionfermentation.com/en/blogs/fermented-vegetables/classic-kimchi-recipe-korean-spicy-sauerkraut/#recipe

Understanding and Making Kimchi. (s. f.). Colorado State University, 1. Retrieved from https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimchi-handout-Colorado-State.pdf?fwd=no

WebMD. (2022). Health Benefits of Kimchi. Retrevied from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-kimchi

Wolf, A. (2016). Understanding Kimchi. Retrieved from: http://pote.com/CS/cooksscience.com/articles/experiment/understanding-kimchi/index.html

한국국제교류재단 KF. (s. f.). https://www.koreana.or.kr/kfNewsletter/mgzinSubViewPage.do?mgzinSubSn=10510&langTy=ENG

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Permaculture in Australia

Permaculture in Australia is like creating a system where everything works together. It's a way of growing plants and taking care of animals while being sustainable. People who do permaculture make sure that their gardens are places where plants help each other grow, and animals have cozy homes.

In permaculture, we learn from nature and try to copy how things happen in the wild. It's like making a puzzle with all the pieces fitting perfectly, so everything is economically and ecologically sustainable. Australians love permaculture, making their gardens awesome for the environment and the creatures that live there.

★ Cultural Significance:

It was created in the 1970s by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren while they were living in Tasmania, Mollison wrote books on Permaculture and he established the Permaculture Institute originally in Tasmania, then it moved to Tyalgum in Australia but it returned to Tasmania in the 1990s. Then Holmgren left Tasmania after completing his studies, he settled at Victoria, Australia and he established a permaculture education center.

Permaculture is deeply linked with Australian traditions and indigenous practices, it also embraces native plants and incorporates indigenous practice into sustained development, this acknowledges the heritage of the country and the world, blending modern sustainability with old practices.

★ Environmental Impact:

This practice has an interaction very similar to the balance and harmony that exists within nature. Well, part of the process involves observing the functioning of the environment and trying to recreate it; In addition, the mere objective of this practice is to create self-sustaining ecosystems, which involves the planting and participation of animals.

Knowing more about this practice, it is notable the good impact it has on the local ecosystem, because in simple terms, permaculture in Australia seeks to work hand in hand with nature to conserve it and design new ecosystems/habitats. This means new practices and habits within the population and leads to good changes, for example the conservation of water, improving the state of the soil where it is grown, the promotion of renewable energies, and even the reduction of waste.

★ Traditional Techniques:

Permaculture is based on traditional indigenous practices from Tasmania, Australia and different places around the world, an example is prescribed burning which is a technique employed by indigenous people originally which consists of intentionally burning land to regenerate it and to prevent huge wildfires.

By employing these kinds of techniques we accept that permaculture is an indigenous science, this makes us understand that progress doesn’t always mean new discoveries, we can create new technologies based on ancient practices that are meant to create harmony in the environment.

★ Community Involvement:

This practice undoubtedly involves teamwork, since it not only creates new natural areas, but also new links between people, as a result of this there can be shared projects where several people from the community participate in the care of the same created areas. In addition, thanks to this custom there are training workshops that are ideal events for sharing advice, these events lead to sharing resources, principles, advice, etc.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

Permaculture faces challenges related to its widespread adoption, scalability and integration into conventional systems. Issues such as access to land, political support, education and economic viability often pose obstacles. Moreover, it can be difficult to change mindsets and encourage widespread adoption within existing industrial agriculture systems.

However there are many community initiatives promoting permaculture in Australia. Community gardens, local workshops and educational programs help spread awareness and useful knowledge. In addition, social enterprises and cooperative networks value shared resources and encourage a collaborative approach to permaculture problem solving. These community efforts often fill gaps and effectively promote sustainable practices.

★ Names

Maria Fernanda Reséndiz Garcia

Valentina Sanchéz Mondragón

★ References

Permaculture... the beginnings. Permaculture Australia. (2012, March 24). Retrieved from https://permacultureaustralia.org.au/about-us/permaculture-the-beginnings/

Walker, R. (2019, December 23). The Indigenous Science of Permaculture. PBS SoCal. Retrieved from https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/tending-nature/the-indigenous-science-of-permaculture#:~:text=The%20term%20permaculture%20%E2%80%94%20a%20fusion,Both%20were%20academics%20in%20Tasmania

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What is the cultural or historical context of the practice:

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that focuses on the art of arranging buildings, objects, and space in an environment to achieve harmony and balance. It has roots in early Taoism but is still popular today, having spread throughout China and even to Western cultures.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community:

Chinese people tend to honor tradition, but they also embrace many parts of Western popular culture. Thanks in part to the lasting influence of Confucianism, Chinese customs include a powerful sense of family, a deep respect for hierarchy, and an appreciation for harmony over conflict.

How does cultural practice interact with the natural environment?

Feng Shui has a lot of interactions with the environment, there are certain aspects that make Feng Shui a practice that relies on the natural environment such as Qi Flow, Water Features, Gardens and Plants, Landscapes, etc. Also, Fengshui has a clear focus on nature and its surroundings due to the meaning this practice has.

What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

As with many other practices, feng shui has advantages and disadvantages that could depend on how often you put in practice this type of art. Beginning with the positive impacts, one of them could be the preservation of natural features, as well as the landscaping with native plants, and the usage of energy efficiency. Nevertheless, Fenshui has its disadvantages such as excessive water use, inappropriate land use, and the usage of certain materials that rather than helping the environment could result in a direct impact on it.

What traditional techniques are employed in the cultural practice?

Feng Shui is a collection of traditional techniques and practices that strive to create harmony and balance in the environment. These are some traditional techniques that are employed in feng shui art: Bagua, Ming Tang, Yin and Yang, Space Clearing, Wu Xing, etc.

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

Feng Shui practices demonstrate an awareness of and desire for environmental harmony by drawing on principles profoundly founded in Chinese philosophy and observations of the natural world.

How does the cultural practice involve the community? It involves the community by making it better, an organized community full of harmony and having a balance.

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship?

No, it is a more independent practice but its implementation in a community could make results in it. They contribute to environmental stewardship by making it a more organized, clean lifestyle.

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world?

A lot of people have joined this wish of becoming the best version of themselves, with social media, people have become a fan of “the clean aesthetic” which incorporates some of the practices and characteristics of Feng Shui.

Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

Yes, we believe that our community has the hope and the initiative to make a change, and Feng Shui is a wonderful way of having a clean, sustainable lifestyle with healthy habits that help us and the planet.

Source:

Feng Shui. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/feng-shui/

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1. Ancient Egyptian Nile Flood Farming

Regina Siquem

Lisandro Hazel

★ Briefly describe what your cultural practice is about

Between the month of June and October the river grew up enough to create floods, this floods could fertile soil enough to start the planting.

★ Cultural Significance:

What is the cultural or historical context of the practice?

Ancient Egypt's Nile Flood Farming was a vital agricultural practice based on the annual flooding of the Nile River. It allowed Egyptians to cultivate fertile land, sustain their civilization and develop irrigation systems.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community?

This practice played a significant role in shaping the identity and traditions of the community. The annual floods of the Nile River were a source of sustenance and also a symbol of renewal and fertility. This practice established a deep sense of connection to the land, growing traditions and rituals that celebrated the cycles of nature and the abundance it brought.

★ Environmental Impact:

How does the cultural practice interact with the natural environment?

It practice the interaction with the natural environment with the case that the Nile river it's an essential part of nature, as well as the plants give an interaction with the eater and soil to grow.

What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

It has a really good impact on the local ecosystem because you can use a bad situation to create better situation, as we know floods are not really positive, so they give a use to a natural disaster.

★ Traditional Techniques:

What traditional techniques are employed in the cultural practice?

The use of the water it's a traditional technique because it's a natural source humans have always used to try to give a use, especially in the farms.

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

Is represents a harmony to the environment by the using of two natural sources, water and organic life, the plants growing by the river just to give an opportunity to humans to survive.

★ Community Involvement:

How does the cultural practice involve the community?

-It involved the community by the sources the agriculture could provide them, a necessary need needed to be fullfil by its demanding on high temperatures.

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship?

-His main communal aspect would be the agriculture farming, all this needed by the people.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world?

-That this practice is no longer used as it is 100%, in the past it was needed because of the lack of water and its only source was the river. With the evolution of farming, they manage to soil the ground, however few people near rivers make this practice.

Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

-There are not many nowadays cause the  practice is almost over.

★ References:

Farming in the Nile Valley - Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Google Arts & Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/farming-in-the-nile-valley/kAWxk-YaOyfgJw

Daily life of a farmer in ancient Egypt. (n.d.). https://historylink101.com/n/egypt_1/a-farmers_daily_life.htm#:~:text=Farmers%20lived%20in%20houses%20made,by%20burning%20dried%20cattle%20dung.

What did ancient Egyptian farmers do while the Nile flooded? (2019, March 2). Sciencing. https://sciencing.com/did-ancient-egyptian-farmers-nile-flooded-18466.html

How did the yearly flooding of the Nile help farmers? (n.d.). https://lovethemaldives.com/faq/how-did-the-yearly-flooding-of-the-nile-help-farmers

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Andrea Lázaro A01753416

Valeria Fuentes A01754190

Cultural Significance

Coffee is vital in Ethiopian culture since it is the place where it first originated so this tradition celebrates the nation’s love for coffee as well as the importance of their social connections. It is said that this tradition started when coffee started, because shepard noticed that his goats weren’t able to sleep when they ate some berries found nearby and that is when he decided to share this with some monks which later used them to stay awake during their prayers and it the evolved into the tradition it is today

Mauch Chunk Coffee Company. (n.d). The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Retrieved from:

https://mauchchunkcoffee.com/blogs/coffee-tips-tricks/the-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony-a-rich- cultural-tradition#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20Ethiopian%20Coffee%20Ceremony&text= According%20to%20local%20folklore%2C%20a,discovery%20with%20a%20nearby%20mo nastery.

Environmental impact

Even though it is not as common or as known, indoor air pollution is a very serious problem, estimated to cause around 2 million premature deaths, with 400.000 cases suspected to happen in Sub-Saharan Africa. So the constant preparation of coffee for this ceremony not only pollutes the air but is also a hazard to the health of the people preparing it.

Edlund, J. (2019). Air Pollution emitted during Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Retrieved from: https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8997743&fileOId=8998285

Traditional Techniques

For the preparation the host roasts the green coffee beans over a charcoal brazier until the color starts to change to a deep brown color to ensure that they roast evenly the host uses a traditional pan called menkeshkesh, to ground the beans they use a mukecha and a zenezena while grinding the beans the coffee pot needs to be prepared which is a traditional clay coffee pot called jebena. When brewing there are 3 different stages the first one called Abol which would have the strongest taste, Tona a milder taste and finally Bereka the lightest one, the coffee has to be served with precision into the sini which are small handleless coffee cups with beautiful patterns and designs. Finally to better enjoy the coffee it is often paired with popcorn, roasted barley and bread.

Mauch Chunk Coffee Company. (n.d).

The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Retrieved from: https://mauchchunkcoffee.com/blogs/coffee-tips-tricks/the-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony-a-rich- cultural

tradition#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20Ethiopian%20Coffee%20Ceremony&text= According%20to%20local%20folklore%2C%20a,discovery%20with%20a%20nearby%20mo

Community Involvement

It's considered the most important social occasion in some regions and is a sign of respect and friendship to be invited to coffee. Usually, the host, who is typically a woman, prepares the coffee, which is a high honor. This honor usually belongs to the matriarch of the household.

Sagebrush Coffee. (2023) The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Retrieved from: https://sagebrushcoffee.com/blogs/education/the-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony#:~:text=It's%20considered%20the%20most%20important,the%20matriarch%20of%20the%20household.

Challenges and Solutions

As Ethiopia modernized and urbanized, the coffee ceremony underwent some changes to fit into the evolving lifestyle. In urban settings, the ceremony is now often held indoors, in the living rooms of homes, or in dedicated coffee shops that embrace the tradition. Despite these adaptations, the essence of the ceremony remains intact: it is still an opportunity for people to come together, share stories, and enjoy the company of others while savoring the rich flavors of Ethiopian coffee.

Mauch Chunk Coffee Company. (2023) The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony: A Rich Cultural Tradition. Retrieved from:

https://mauchchunkcoffee.com/blogs/coffee-tips-tricks/the-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony-a-rich-cultural-tradition#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20Ethiopian%20Coffee%20Ceremony&text=According%20to%20local%20folklore%2C%20a,discovery%20with%20a%20nearby%20monastery.

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Indigenous Amazon Rainforest

Cultural Significance:

What is the cultural or historical context of the practice?

The forest is so valuable for some indigenous people because they consider it their home since it protects them from the outside world and brings them all the resources they need in order to have a good quality of life. "The earth is our historian, our educator, the provider of food, medicine, clothing and protection. She is the mother of our races." The rainforest has become a home for innumerable people for a long long time ago. It is important to mention that they care about the environment because they live without having the necessity of harming our world. They have a very different routine and live differently compared to us. They have a different diet, evidently they don't eat processed food due to the fact that they take their ailments for themselves. They have multiple spiritual ceremonies, rituals and traditions since they own different beliefs and ideologies. The Amazon is incredibly diverse, both ecologically and culturally. Different indigenous groups have distinct languages, customs, and ways of life. Each community contributes to the overall richness and diversity of the region's cultural landscape. But it is not that easy to have that type of life because they must face challenges like deforestation, resource exploitation and external circumstances. It is important to recognize the importance of preserving these communities and their sustainable practices.

How is the practice intertwined with the identity and traditions of the community?

The practices in the Amazon Rainforest are essential to the cultural identity of the communities that live there. Their traditions are deeply rooted in their connection with nature, they have a large relationship with the environment, this is because they have been born and grown there and that land is their home. There is not more beautiful and valuable place than that for them.

★ Environmental Impact:

How does the cultural practice interact with the natural environment?

What challenges does the cultural practice face in the modern world?

As I mentioned before, cultural practices of indigenous communities in the Amazon Rainforest are deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Sustainability is part from their lives, they always have been using the natural resources their environment brings them and also they have been helping it, not damaging and contaminating it. It is a balance that shows a harmonious relationship between the cultural identity of communities(the social part) and the environment.

What positive or negative impacts does the practice have on the local ecosystem?

Positive impacts: Biodiversity conservation, sustainability and spiritual practices, managing resources, helping the environment, using only the necessary resources for living and not exploiting them.

Negative impacts: Overpopulation, each of them we are affected and we face this problem because we are more people than the land our world has. Indigenous communities on the Amazon rainforest challenge this problem every day. Gradually no green areas will exist and we are going to watch the consequences of our irresponsibility.  Deforestation and resource exploitation are other negative impacts.

“Although indigenous people have lived on their lands for thousands of years, they do not own it, because they have not filed "deeds" of land and do not possess "title." Therefore governments and other outsiders do not recognize their rights to the land. They have no other choice but to move to different areas, sometimes even to the crowded cities. They often live in poverty because they have no skills useful for a city lifestyle and little knowledge about the urban culture. Imagine being forced to move to a different country, where you know nothing about the culture or language!”

★ Traditional Techniques:

What traditional techniques are employed in cultural practice?

“A study shows that for millennia, the area’s inhabitants had practiced a diversified land use strategy akin to what we now call “polyculture agroforestry” — growing a wide variety of food crops while keeping trees and forests standing. (...)The charcoal evidence and the appearance of maize pollen suggests people settled in this region around 4,500 years ago and began selectively burning the forest to plant crops, says the study’s lead author, Yoshi Maezumi, now at the University of the West Indies (Mona) in Jamaica. (..). Agroforestry and soil enrichment enabled early societies to support large populations over the long term, despite dramatic climatic fluctuations. (...). By adding charcoal, organic waste, human and animal excrement, and bones — a kind of continuous compost pile for thousands of years” (Evans, K, 2019)

How do these techniques reflect an understanding of and harmony with the environment?

These traditional and ancient farm techniques in the Amazones, reflect directly on the harmony with the environment that people from them have been doing for centuries. In the same way as using these techniques to avoid soil corrosion, supporting soil enrichment and sustainable farm practices in the Amazones. Allowing them to produce, maintain and harvest food, among other stuff.

★ Community Involvement:

How does cultural practice involve the community?

This farm practices in the Amazones involves the participation of the community into keeping up with the ancient techniques to maintain the forest, the respect to it and the transmission of learning among generations to keep up with it.

Are there communal aspects, and how do they contribute to environmental stewardship?

The communal aspects on the Amazons are the indigenous communities such as ethics of Bora, Barasano, Cubeo, between other. The aspects of these indigenous groups are the respect of the land, the rejection of external intervention, including companies and local government. About their environmental stewardship, the contribution of the community is avoiding the complete exploitation of the Amazon and maintaining the traditional farming practices.

★ Challenges and Solutions:

Are there community-driven solutions to address these challenges sustainably?

Unfortunately, the indigenous communities in the Amazones are barely taken into account about the addressing of the challenges that the region has, which is mainly affected by the intervention of the companies, the lack of compromise for the government and the exploitation of the land in general. Nevertheless, this communities have been fighting for the protection of the land and its preservation.

Resources:

Amazonian peoples, an introduction (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-americas/south-america-early/amazonian-people/a/amazonian-peoples-an-introduction#:~:text=Native%20Amazonians%2C%20or%20Amerindians%2C%20belong,written%20histories%2C%20objects%20and%20images.

Evans, K. (2019). ANCIENT AMAZONIAN SOCIETIES MANAGED THE FOREST INTENSIVELY BUT SUSTAINABLY — HERE’S WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM. Retrieved from https://ensia.com/features/ancient-amazonian-societies-managed-the-forest-intensively-but-sustainably-heres-what-we-can-learn-from-them/

Indigenous People of the Amazon Rainforest - Culture & life. (n.d.). https://www.adventure-life.com/amazon/articles/indigenous-people