While she celebrates many Chinese cultures and traditions, Miss Guan experienced certain American tradtitions such as Thanksgiving. Photo by: Kiara Meadors
By Kiara Meadors
In this world there are many cultural differences. There are different religions, races, ethnic groups, and even different traditions for each culture.
When these topics are explored, it opens people’s eyes to new things they may not have known or seen before. Interviewing Miss Horkey and Miss Guan gave a new perspective on the Chinese culture and its traditions.
“Holidays are highly contingent upon culture and tradition,” said Miss Horkey. Depending on the culture, traditions will vary. Asking questions about the differences and similarities between Chinese and American holidays began to inspire new answers to form. The basic holidays and celebrations mentioned were Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and Black Friday.
While Americans and Chinese cultures differ, Miss Guan enjoys both types of traditions and holidays. Photo by: Kiara Meadors.
“New Year’s Day (January 1) is a holiday in both places, but that’s about it,” said Miss Horkey. As the interview progressed, Miss Horkey said, “The best word I can use to describe my experience of Christmas in China is ‘non-event.”’ After asking Miss Guan the same question she said,“In China, most people won’t celebrate Christmas, although during Christmas and New Year’s, some of the shops will give a discount.” What may be surprising to some people is that China does not celebrate or participate in Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Black Friday.
Miss Guan states that in China they, “celebrate the Tomb Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Spring Festival.” Americans do not celebrate most of the Chinese holidays, therefore making China and America completely different in the form of culture and tradition. Miss Horkey said that she prefers the Chinese way rather than the American way for Christmas and Thanksgiving, simply because she feels less obligated to celebrate it. In America, sometimes people are pulled into celebrating holidays when they might not want to participate, whereas in China people are able to pick and choose what they celebrate and how they celebrate it. Miss Horkey said, “I did not participate in ‘Black Friday’ and I would like to think the reason I did not do so is because I am still holding on to my last shred of sanity.”
Miss Guan simply said, “Thanksgiving was great. I enjoyed it so much. I like to celebrate all holidays.” Both teachers seem to enjoy the holidays and appreciate both China’s traditions and America’s traditions. These traditions can teach individuals to open up and appreciate other traditions.