How History Shapes Cultural Experiences: A Journey Through Time

Welcome back to another World by Eye blog! Today, we will be taking you on a journey throughout different countries and their history. You will see that ancient history can have a colossal impact on a country’s current cultural experiences. Being able to understand this relationship between a country and their past, will help you feel more connected to a place when you are on your travels and help you explore off the map.

The Influence of Colonial History: India

Our first stop will be India. India’s history includes the times of the Mughal Empire, British colonization, and many more regional dynasties. Each one of these times in their history has left a lasting impact on their culture. These impacts can include anything from architecture to cuisine.

Architecture: In Indian cities like Agra and Delhi, architecture from the Mughal Empire is evident. This architecture is usually characterized by the marble work and domes. An iconic piece of this type of architecture includes the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, which showcases the art and deep history of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire architecture also stands right by the British colonial structures! However, these British Colonial Structures are unlike the Mughal architecture as the British buildings such as the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata showcases the European styles with local Indian craftsmanship.

Cuisine: India’s cuisine can also tell a story of their history just like their architecture. The trade routes and invasions of India were a big part of how spices came into their cuisine. Dishes like curry were changed during British rule, becoming trademarks in Indian cuisine. When you travel through India, you can taste the influences of Indian history through each region’s food. This makes it not only a culinary adventure, but also a historical one where you can explore off the map.

The Legacy of War: Vietnam

Looking at Vietnam’s history, you can see that it is heavily colored in conflict. Vietnam has been in many ancient wars, but also the more recent Vietnam War. These events have significantly shaped its culture and daily life.

Traditions and Resilience: Despite all these hardships that Vietnam has faced, their culture shows the resilience and hope that the people of Vietnam carried. The Tet Festival and the Lunar New Year celebration, honors their ancestors and highlights family unity. You can see that these traditions are deeply rooted in history, and that they serve as a reminder of strength to the Vietnamese community.

Cuisine: Street food in Vietnam is popular. Dishes like pho have roots that are tied to the North region during colonial times. French influence in Vietnam introduced people to ingredients like beef and baguettes which are used. (See our blog post about Pho and other cultural dishes here!) In the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can always find a bowl of pho. History can always be seen in the food.

The Echoes of Ancient Civilizations: Greece

Greece, a country with one of the deepest historical backgrounds, shows how ancient history can end up shaping people’s cultural experiences today. The legacies of Greek philosophers, artists, and others are huge components of what modern Greek like is currently.

Festivals and Traditions: A lot of Greek festivals celebrate ancient traditions. For instance, the Dionysia festival, dedicated to the god of wine, was at one point a huge cultural event in ancient Athens. This event showcased drama and music within Greece. Greece still celebrated their history in theater today, with modern performances that are tied to their ancient storytelling. Visiting these can help you explore off the map, and take a journey into their rich history.

Cuisine: The food in Greece also reflects its history. Their use of ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and fresh vegetables are all tied to their ancient times! When you have a Greek meal like moussaka, you are tasting the flavors that have been in Greek cuisine for centuries!

The Shaping of National Identity: South Africa

Next we are looking into South Africa. South Africa has a history where apartheid and a fight for freedom both played a part in creating a unique blend of traditions, languages, and experiences.

Cultural Diversity: South Africa is often called the “Rainbow Nation”. This nickname was made popular by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He used this to celebrate South Africa’s diversity! Ethnic groups, everywhere from the Zulu to the Xhosa region, help play a part into the cultural layout that is seen in music, dance, and art. Traditional dances like the Zulu dance help show visitors a part of their heritage.

Cuisine: The culinary scene in South Africa is pretty diverse as there are influences from colonial powers, indigenous tribes, and even more recent immigrants. Dishes like bobotie and braai can tell a story of cultural exchanges and cultural adaptation.

Travel as a Journey Through Time

Remembering that every place you visit has many stories tied to their history is great when you explore new destinations! Each experience from touring ancient Greek ruins to eating street food in Vietnam, has a connection to the past.

When you can grasp how history shapes different cultural experiences all around the world, you take part in more meaningful travels. The next time you take a new adventure, make sure to learn the stories behind all of the architecture, food, and people you encounter. Explore off the map so that you don’t only see places with your eyes, but also with your heart!