Cultural Backwards
American culture
The flow of immigrants from the most remote regions
of the planet and the bordering nations has been
continuous and constant for 150 years.
As an example, according to the 2000 Census, 11% of
people living in the US were born abroad, and 18% of
all households are speaking in a language other than
English.
While most immigrants come from Mexico (almost 2
million or 25%), there is a 11% original Caribbean,
nearly 7% are from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland
China, 5.8% are from South America, and the
remaining 20% is divided among themselves as
different nations like the Philippines, Central America,
India and countries of Central Asia and the Middle East.
This melting pot is completed by Native Americans,
who make up a majority of minorities, 35 million
people or 13.5%, and African descent, with a presence
of 34 million or 13.1%.
The diversity is also reflected in the geography and
climate, from Alaska to the desert of Arizona, Niagara
Falls on the border with Canada or the beaches of
California, the cornfields "midwest" or the most
cosmopolitan cities in the world .
Every corner of the United States is unique and this is
reflected in the customs of its inhabitants. It is one of
the countries with local festivals and traditions that can
be found around the world.
A common party throughout the country is the New
Year, which is celebrated on January 1. Other public
holidays are those of Mother's Day, the second Sunday
of May, or Father's Day, the third Sunday of June.
December 25 Christmas is also celebrated.
If we go to local celebrations, the most own and
personal, these give beginning the third Monday in
January with the festival in honor of Martin Luther King
Jr. The third Monday in February in the United States is
celebrated day presidents.
United Kingdom Culture
The UK is a developed country culturally theater,
music and possessing the London Philharmonic
Orchestra.
The culture of the United Kingdom, also called
"British culture" can be described as the legacy of
the history of an island developed country, a great
power and as a result of the political union of four
countries, each retaining their distinctive traditions,
customs and symbolism. As a result of the
dominance of the British Empire, the influence of
British culture can be seen in the language,
traditions, customs and legal systems of many of
its former colonies.
The English are known for their unconditional love
for tea at 5 in the afternoon, called Five O'clock
Tea.
They are also famous for being the creators of the
game and for his fanaticism for cricket, one of the
quintessential British sports. Anyway, there are
many more traditions and customs of England.
One thing you have to know is that the British are
quite disciplined and exquisite good manners.
The English give you a greeting crucial importance
to everyday life. It is generally of a handshake,
whether men or women, for kisses on the cheek
only occur between people very close.
Other traditions and customs of England have to
do with their typical foods. The main dish is fish
and chips, also highlighting beef, lamb, chicken,
sandwiches and vegetables. If we talk about
beverages, clearly, tea takes the first place, but
also the English drink coffee, bitter beer, whiskey
and wine.
A place where the English get together with their
friends for a few drinks are public houses, better
known as pubs. The pubs are a symbol of social
life in England, where people eat, drink, talk and
relax.
This country has many superstitions. Touch wood,
found four-leaf clover, keep money in the pockets
of a new garment haircut at crescent moon and a
black cat cross (unlike beliefs of other countries)
are signs of good luck. Meanwhile, misfortune is
associated to walk under ladders, spilling salt on
the table, breaking a mirror and open an umbrella
inside a room.