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Thanksgiving in Asia
Submitted by Julia Sayco The universalization of Thanksgiving- its origin, history, and traditions- yield a similar commonality to all: the expression of gratitude towards others and the appreciation of family, food, and life. Thanksgiving is generalized and seen by many as a day of “giving thanks” for the abundance of blessings and spiritual upbringings from the seasonal harvest. Despite the renown celebration of this holiday, Thanksgiving is not uniquely American. Many forget that on a global scale, the amount of festivities and events differ with each country. Asia, most especially, incorporates a mesh of cultural practices and customs that vary from the traditional U.S. Thanksgiving. The art of being…
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Family in an Asian Household
In Asian cultures, family is more than just kinship. It is spiritual - you practice it, embrace it, and make it a central part of your life.
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Family and Politics
Navigating political conversations with family members isn’t always easy—especially when you and those you are conversing with fall on different ends of the political spectrum.
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“Family”
Is not synonymous with bloodline Often terms and values can be redefined There’s no standard, but there is an American model
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Embracing Culture at the Thanksgiving Table
One amazing thing about being a child of immigrants is the duality of cultures you grow up with.
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Mid-Autumn Festival: A Heart filled of Longing
Submitted by Jehleen Zheng What do you do when you miss someone? Whether it be a family member, aloved one, or a friend, what do you do to express your wish that they were by yourside? The Mid-Autumn Festival carries a deeper sense of purpose rather than just themooncake feasting traditions. The festival is also about reuniting with family members,gazing at the moon and engaging in festivities together. It’s only during thesehomecoming festivals that people are able to truly reflect on how much they miss theirloved ones. In Chinese culture, the bond between parents and children is regarded as one ofthe most noble feelings ever existed in the social system.…
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Journaling at UD
Submitted by Grace Zhang My sneakers squeaked against the worn linoleum floor as I made my way to the first class of the day. As a trepidatious freshman navigating the sprawling campus of the University of Delaware, I was careful to organize my schedule so I arrived exactly five minutes before each class began—enough time to ensure I would not be labeled as an overachieving nerd that I have come to expect with my physical appearance. When I trekked to the Caesar Rodney Dining Hall, I made it my life mission to find at least one friend to sit with. After all, nothing in my mind could be worse than…
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Looking Forward
Submitted by Jehleen Zheng there was a time when things were wrong i wasn’t sure why when 5 year old me wanted to hold my chaperone’s hand she pushed me away and chose the white child instead there was a time when i was confused. they would pull their eyelids back and place their suffocating hands over me but that was my identity chinky eyed and flat faced there was a time when i was known as “ling-ling” “chun li” or “please speak chinese” with silent fists and a closed mouth I said nothing. there was a time when i was too ashamed to speak chinese to my grandma in…
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A Boy Worth Fighting For
Submitted by Amy Chan Growing up in a narrow-minded family has led to plenty of disagreements — from the way I talk, to the clothes I wear, and especially when it boils down to relationships. In my family, “The Talk” does not hold the same meaning as it would anywhere else. There weren’t any birds or bees discussed in my household — only specific races. According to my family, it’s okay if the man is White or East Asian. Black is an absolute taboo, Indians aren’t good enough, and Hispanics are not husband material. Of course my tiny brain at the time (and the fully functioning one I have now)…
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Lotus Flower and Recipe
Submitted by TraMi Nguyen The pond water below is dark, mysterious, and muddy. At first glance, the pungent odours radiating from the body of water and the unsightly appearance makes it appear desolate. Mosquito larvae cluster on the water’s surface, and the occasional tadpole disrupts the stagnant water. Below the dark abyss, the Nelumbo nucifera roots are deeply embedded in the mud floor, and a flexible stem stretches towards the barely visible water surface. This peculiar flora, more commonly known as the lotus, is an ancient flower that blooms only in the morning, petal by petal. The lotus’ significance and versatility is seen in an array of Asian cultures. Tracing…
