Asia is the world’s most populated continent with the greatest diversity of culture. Asian culture is colorful and immensely interesting. It is a result of the continent’s long history. Different ancient civilizations have passed down their traditions and practices to their descendants.

The following discussion consists of many interesting Asian culture facts as well as Asian culture history.

Festivals:

Different interesting festivals are celebrated around the continent all of which are full of colors and amusing celebrations. Some of the most popular festivals celebrated in Asia are discussed below.

Eid

Eid is a religious festival celebrated by the Muslims of Asia twice a year. It originated from Saudi Arab from where Islam began spreading around fourteen hundred years back. One of the two Eid festivals, known as Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan when Muslims observe obligatory fasts. On the other hand, the second festival is observed two months and ten days later after the obligatory pilgrimage is performed in Mecca. It is known as Eid-ul-Adha and is celebrated by the sacrifice of an animal, such as a cow, goat or camel. Both of the Eid festivals are a time of family celebration.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. The Chinese people celebrate it with great excitement. Clean all their homes and decorate them with red color. Families gather at their ancestral homes to share happiness and joy with their relatives. Children are given red envelopes known as "Hongbao" containing money as a symbol of good luck. The celebrations of the New Year last for two weeks.

Diwali

Diwali is a popular Indian festival that is celebrated for five days. Its history lies in the Hindu religion which celebrates the victory of good over evil through this festival. People buy gold and silver because these days are considered as propitious for their future. Diwali is celebrated through fireworks, firecrackers, and an amazing display of lights.

There are a number of more festivals celebrated in the continent. It is worth visiting Asia to experience these festivities.

Dresses:

Another striking feature of the culture of Asia is the huge variety of dresses worn in different countries. Mostly, they have a history in the religion and ancient customs practiced in each country. Some of the most popular traditional dresses of Asia are listed below.

• Sari
• Sarong
• Shalwar Kameez
• Kimono
• Qipao
• Kebaya
• Abaya

Languages:

Throughout the continent, different languages are spoken in all the countries. Each language has its roots in the history of the respective countries. Some common Asian languages include Urdu, Chinese, Hindi, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil, Arabic and Bahasa.

Religious Customs:

Many of the traditions and customs in Asia are a result of the different religions practiced in the country. The most popular religions of the continent include Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity. Different aspects of life, including marriage, festivals and ceremonies, eating habits, worship practices and general lifestyles are affected by religious teachings.

Asia is, therefore, a continent worth visiting. Tourists can enjoy the sight of beautiful mosques and temples while the colorful celebrations of different festivals can also be experienced. Indulge in the exotic and spicy food of different Asian cultures and observe interesting religious practices. The diversity of Asia’s culture is, indeed, its most fascinating feature.

Unique Asian Customs

There are certain fascinating practices which are observed only in Asian cultures. Some of these unique customs are elaborated below.

Universal Birthday on New Year

In Vietnam, the New Year festival is celebrated as every citizen’s birthday. It is termed as “Tet” by the locals. An individual’s age is calculated by considering the Tets he has celebrated throughout his life. The festival is held in winters when the new lunar year commences. The celebration goes on for a number of days.

North Korean Christmas

In North Korea, Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of the mother of Kim Jong II. She was born on the 24th of December. Therefore, instead of the conventional Christmas celebrated in the western world, North Koreans have their own version of the festival.

Grave Sweeping Day

In China, people hold their ancestors in high esteem. Even after the ancestors have passed away, their descendants show their reverence by taking care of their graves. Grave Sweeping Day is held during the Ching Ming Festival. It is celebrated as a holiday and people visit the cemetery and clean the graves of their forefathers.

Foot Binding

An old Chinese custom of foot binding used to be followed in order to make women more beautiful. However, this practice is no longer carried out in modern China owing to the pain and negative consequences which women had to face in the past.

All over Asia, many different cultures, countless interesting customs and various colors of life can be observed. It is a place where tourists can enjoy different cuisines, observe a number of religious practices, join in the celebrations of several popular Asian festivals and experience what no other part of the world does.