Customs and Traditions
Pakistan is a culture rich in customs and traditions. Please enjoy the following video to get a better general idea of these features.
FoodAt least 95% of the Pakistani population is Muslim therefore most do not eat pork. Generally, meals are eaten with the right hand and naan bread or roti are used to scoop up spiced curries. The rice in Pakistan is regarded amongst the best in the world with long grain basmati rice especially prized and used in the classic dish biryani, or spiced rice. Sweets are distributed as part of the celebration of the birth of a new baby in a family. (AboutPakistaniCulture)
HolidaysOfficial national holidays include: Pakistan Day, 23 March; May Day, 1 May; Independence Day, August 14; Defense of Pakistan Day, 6 September; death of Ali Jinnah, 11 September; and birth of Ali Jinnah, 25 December.
(AboutPakistaniCulture) |
FastingFasting is an important part of the Muslim observance of Ramadan, during which time they are required to fast from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also a time when Muslims thank Allah for his blessings during the past year, and help less fortunate with both cash and food gifts. The Eid, or day ending Ramadan, starts with an elaborate breakfast before Muslims go to a mosque for prayer.
MarriagePakistani marriages are arranged by parents, based on the joining of two families not typically for love as many western cultures. One tradition that is followed (3 to 4 days before the wedding) is the mayun or lagan, when the bride is supposed to be secluded away from her husband to be.
|
Eid-ul-AzhaEid-ul-Azha (Feast of Sacrifice) commemorates the end of Ramadan. Muslims who can afford it are required to sacrifice a sheep, camel, goat or cow: the meat divided into three equal parts, with the first donated to the poor, the second given to relatives or friends, and the third cooked at the home of the person who made the sacrifice.
(AboutPakistaniCulture) ChildrenPakistani families are quite large, often having up to 6 children. It is the privilege of the grandfather to name the baby, and usually happens within forty days after birth. The baby's first garment is to be made from an old shirt that had belonged to the grandfather.
|
By Tara Holland (video/image) & Lesley Ferguson (text)