The culture of Asia encompasses the collective and diverse customs
and traditions of art, architecture, music, literature, lifestyle,
philosophy, food, politics and religion that have been practiced and
maintained by the numerous ethnic groups of the continent of Asia
since prehistory.
Identification of a specific culture of Asia or universal elements among
the colossal diversity that has emanated from multiple cultural spheres
and three of the four ancient River valley civilizations is complicated.
However, the continent is commonly divided into six geographic sub-
regions, that are characterized by perceivable commonalities, like
culture, religion, language an relative ethnic homogeneity.
These regions are Central Asia, East Asia, North Asia, South Asia,
Southeast Asia and West Asia.
Culture from each Subordinates
EAST ASIA
The culture of East Asian defines the common cultural sphere of China,
Japan, North Korea, South Korea in East Asia.
Ethnic and linguistic similarities, shared artistic traditions, written language
and moral values suggest that most East Asian people are descendants
of the Yellow River civilization, that emerged in the flood plains of
northern China around 10.000 years B.P.
People within this sphere are sometimes referred to as East Eurasian,
and the major languages of this region (including Sino-Tibetan,
Austroasiatic, Altaic, Austronesian, Kra-Dai) are thought to have originated
from regions in China.
Ethnic Groups
The major ethnic groups that form the core of
traditional East Asia are the Han Chinese, Koreans,
and Yamato.
Other ethnic groups of East Asia include the Ainu,
Bai, Hui, Manchus, Mongols (and other Mongolic
peoples), Qiang, Ryukyuans, and Tibetans.
Festival
The Lunar New Year (Chinese
Spring Festival) is the most
important and popular of all East
Asian holidays, similar to Christmas
in America. It is celebrated in China,
Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.
CHINA
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival):
Celebrated in January or February, this festival marks the beginning of
the lunar calendar.
Traditions include family reunions, festive meals, lion dances, and
fireworks.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Occurring in September or October, this festival celebrates the harvest
and the full moon. People enjoy mooncakes and participate in lantern
displays.
JAPAN
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)
In spring, people gather in parks to appreciate blooming cherry
blossoms, often having picnics under the trees.
Gion Matsuri
Held in Kyoto throughout July, this festival features elaborate floats,
parades, and traditional performances, celebrating the city's cultural
heritage.
KOREA
Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival)
Similar to Thanksgiving, this autumn festival involves honoring
ancestors with food offerings, family gatherings, and traditional
games.
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
Celebrated in January or February, families perform rituals honoring
ancestors, enjoy traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), and
play folk games.
Cuisine
Starches are a foundational component of the East Asian meal.
Common starches within East Asia include wheat, rice, grains,
potatoes, and cereals.
Noodles made from rice, potato, and wheat have become the
basis of many well-known East Asian dishes.
Each dishes showcases unique ingredients, cooking techniques,
and flavors specific to their cultures while also highlighting the
commonality of noodle-based soups across East Asia.
CHINA
Dim Sum
Peking Duck
Mapo Tofu
Jianbing (savory crepes)
baozi (steamed buns)
tanghulu (candied fruit on a stick)
JAPAN
sushi
sashimi
tempura
ramen, and miso soup.
KOREA
bibimbap
bulgogi
kimchi
Korean barbecue.
Clothing
Traditional clothing in East Asia reflects the cultural values and
aesthetics of each society.
In Japan, the kimono is still worn on special occasions. Similarly,
hanbok in Korea and hanfu in China are worn during festivals and
ceremonies, representing traditional elegance.
Kimono
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment worn on
special occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, and
festivals.
It is made from silk or other fine fabrics and features a
long, flowing design.
The vibrant patterns often depict nature, such as flowers
or landscapes, symbolizing beauty, seasons, and cultural
meaning.
The obi, a wide sash around the waist, is tied in an
elaborate knot at the back, adding elegance and formality
to the outfit.
Kimonos reflect Japan's craftsmanship and cultural
heritage, blending beauty with tradition.
Hanbok
The hanbok is the traditional Korean
attire, worn on important occasions
such as festivals, weddings, and
cultural events.
It is also reflects Korea's deep-rooted
traditions and aesthetic values.
Hanfu
The hanfu is the traditional attire of
the Han Chinese people and dates
back over 3,000 years.
It has undergone various transformations
throughout China's long history, with
different dynasties influencing its style
Fine Arts
East Asian arts, the visual arts, performing
arts, and music of China, Korea (North Korea ,
South Korea), and Japan.
The literature of this region is treated in
separate articles on Chinese literature,
Korean literature, and Japanese literature.
Language
Chinese language that is the
most popular one in East Asia.
Spoken by 1 billion people in
Asia and 200 million people
worldwide.
CHINA
Painting
Traditional Chinese painting often emphasizes brushwork and ink techniques.
Notable styles include landscape (shan shui), figure painting, and flower-and-
bird painting.
Calligraphy
Considered a high art form, calligraphy involves the aesthetic writing of
Chinese characters, showcasing the artist's skill and expressiveness.
Ceramics
Chinese ceramics, particularly porcelain, are renowned for their beauty and
craftsmanship, with dynastic styles like Ming and Qing.
JAPAN
Printmaking
Ukiyo-e woodblock prints gained fame in the Edo period, depicting
landscapes, kabuki actors, and beautiful women.
Sumi-e: This ink wash painting emphasizes simplicity and
spontaneity, often focusing on nature.
Ceramics
Japanese pottery, such as Raku and Imari, reflects both utility and
artistic expression.
KOREA
Painting
Traditional Korean painting, such as minhwa (folk painting),
often features vibrant colors and themes from daily life and
nature.
Ceramics
Korean pottery, especially celadon and buncheong ware, is
known for its elegant forms and glazes.
Calligraphy
Similar to Chinese traditions, Korean calligraphy is highly
regarded and reflects the beauty of Hangul and Hanja scripts.
CHINA
Mandarin (Putonghua)
The official language and most widely spoken dialect. It uses
simplified characters in mainland China and traditional characters in
Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Other Dialect
Cantonese, Wu (Shanghainese), Min (Hokkien), and others have
significant regional importance.
JAPAN
Japanese (Nihongo)
The national language, using three scripts: kanji (characters
borrowed from Chinese), hiragana, and katakana. Dialects
vary across regions, with some, like Osaka and Kyoto, being
quite distinct
KOREA
Korean (Hanguk-eo):
The official language of both North and South Korea, written in
Hangul. There are regional dialects, with the Seoul dialect
being the standard in the south and Pyongan in the north.
Religion
Eastern religions include: Taoic
religions or East Asian religions such as
Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese folk
religion, and Shinto. Dharmic religions
or Indian religions such as Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
WEST ASIA
Modern cultures in the Middle East are heterogeneous,
they are not alike, nor do they all practice the same
customs or think the same way.
Middle Eastern cultures include Semitic peoples (people
who speak Semitic languages such as Arabs and
Hebrews), Persian, Armenian, Egyptian, Syrian, and Greek.
Ethnic Groups
The major ethnic group in West Asia are Arab,Turkic and
Persian, alongside smaller numbers of Greek, Kurdish
people, Jewish people, Assyrian, Armenian and Cypriot
peoples.
Festival
Easter is the fundamental and most
important festival of Christians in the Middle
East, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus,
which Christians believe occurred on the
third day after his death by crucifixion.
Cuisine
Middle Eastern cuisine or West Asian cuisine
includes a number of cuisines from the Middle
East.
Common ingredients include olives and olive oil,
pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac,
chickpeas, mint, rice and parsley, and popular
dishes include kebabs, dolmas, falafel, baklava,
yogurt, doner kebab, shawarma and mulukhiyah.
Traditional Clothing and
Modesty
Modesty in dress, especially for women, is highly valued in
many West Asian societies, particularly in conservative
Islamic cultures.
Clothing varies by region but generally reflects this value.
Abaya and Hijab (Gulf
States, Saudi Arabia)
Women wear the abaya, a long black cloak,
and the hijab, a headscarf, for modesty in
public.
In more conservative regions, some women
may also wear the niqab, covering the face.
Thobe (Arabian
Peninsula)
Men traditionally wear the thobe, a
long white robe, which is worn for
both casual and formal occasions.
Chador and Manto
( Iran)
In Iran, women traditionally wear
the chador, a full-body cloak, or
the manto, a long overcoat, with a
headscarf, especially in public or
religious settings.
Fine Arts
West Asian art encompasses a variety of
artistic traditions from the region,
including embroidery, ceramics, wood
carving, inlaid wood designs, calligraphy,
hammered metalwork, and blown
glassworks.
These art forms can be seen in products
from West Asia and reflect the region's
rich cultural heritage.
Language
The four most commonly spoken languages of the region
are Arabic, the most widely spoken language in many of
the MENA countries; Persian or Farsi, spoken in Iran and by
significant Persian speaking populations in Afghanistan and
the United Arab Emirates; Hebrew, primarily spoken in
Israel and the neighboring countries; and Turkish, spoken
in Turkey as well as in Cyprus.
Religion
Islam is the most widely followed religion
in the Middle East. About 20% of the
world's Muslims live in the Middle East,
and about 85 percent of people in the
Middle East are Muslim.
Islam is a monotheistic religion, teaching
belief in one God (Allah) and is based on
the Quran.
NORTH ASIA
North Asia, which includes regions like Siberia,
Mongolia, and parts of northern China and
Russia, has a rich and diverse cultural landscape.
The culture of North Asia has been shaped by a
combination of indigenous traditions, nomadic
lifestyles, and influences from surrounding
regions such as Central Asia, East Asia, and
Eastern Europe.
Ethnic Groups
The main ethnic groups of the region speak
languages of the Uralic, Turkic, Mongolic, and
Tungusic language families, along with East Slavs
and various "Paleo-Siberian" peoples, with most
of these ethnic groups being composed of
nomads or people with a nomadic history.
Festival
Naadam Festival is a significant cultural
celebration in North Asia, particularly in Mongolia
and regions with Mongolian heritage.
Held annually from July 11-13, it features traditional
sports like wrestling, horse racing, and archery,
symbolizing the region's nomadic culture and
national pride.
The festival also serves as a commemoration of
Mongolia's independence and historical traditions.
Cuisine
North Asian cuisine primarily
encompasses Russian cuisine, as the
entire region of North Asia is part of the
Russian Federation.
However, it also includes distinctive
culinary traditions from various
indigenous Siberian cultures, such as
the Yakuts and Buryats.
Traditional
Clothing
(Fur and Leather Garments)
Indigenous peoples often wear clothing
made from animal skins, furs, and wool to
protect against the harsh climates. The
Yaranga, a traditional tent, is typically
associated with nomadic lifestyles and is
made from reindeer hides.
Language
North Asian cuisine primarily encompasses Russian
cuisine, as the entire region of North Asia is part of the
Russian Federation.
However, it also includes distinctive culinary traditions
from various indigenous Siberian cultures, such as the
Yakuts and Buryats.
Religion
The main religion in North Asia is Russian Orthodox
Christianity.
It is the predominant faith among ethnic Russians
and significantly influences the culture and
traditions of the region.
Central Asia
Central region of Asia, extending from the Caspian in the
west to the border of western China in the east.
It is bounded on the north by Russia and on the south by
Iran, Afghanistan, and China.
The region consists of the former Soviet republics of
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Krygyzstan, and
Turkmenistan.
Festival
Nowruz Festival is a truly international
and unique holiday, and it was officially
acknowledged by UNESCO as part of
our intangible world heritage in 2009. All
five Central Asian countries celebrate
Nowruz at a national level with large-
scale festivities.
Cuisine
Central Asian cuisine has been influenced by
Persian, Indian, Arab, Turkish, Chinese, Mongol,
African and Russian cultures, as well as the
culinary traditions of other varied nomadic and
sedentary civilizations.
Contributing to the culinary diversity were the
migrations of Uyghur, Slav, Korean, Tatar,
Dungan and Ferman people to the region.
Clothing
In Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan,
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, and as well as Afghanistan
the tunic and loose trousers ensemble forms part of
traditional costume.
Men will wear turbans or hats with their tunics and
sirwals whilst women will wear scarves or hats
Uzbekistan
(Lozim and kuylak)
Men in Central Asian Uzbekistan traditionally wear
the sirwal known as lozim in which is wide.
Over the lozim, women wear dresses known as
kuylak which are generally full sleeved and fall to
below the knees but some can be long dresses.
A head scarf is traditionally worn over the head
which is tied at the back of the neck. Some
women also use a second scarf.
Tajikistan
(Izor and kurta)
Women in Tajikistan also wear dresses
which are long robes called kurta with sirwal
called izor (also referred to as sharovary)
tied at the ankles.
The ankle gathers are tied with a cord. Head
scarfs are also worn.
Turkmenistan
(Balaq and koynak)
The dress of women of Turkmenistan
consists of under trousers called balaq, a
dress called koynak and a headdress.
Fine Arts
Silk Road transmission of art
Scythian art
Greco-Buddhist art
Serindian art
Languages
The official language is Uzbek, and 90% of the population speak
Uzbek.
In major cities, Russian is widespread – more than 5% of the
population use Russian as their primary language.
15 Russian is considered to be the native language of the
majority of the non-Uzbek population.
Religion
Sunni branch of Islam is the most widely
practiced religion in Central Asia.
South Asia
The culture of South Asia, also known as Desi culture, is a
mixture of several cultures in and around the Indian
subcontinent.
Ancient South Asian culture was primarily based in Hinduism,
which itself formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous
traditions (like Dravidian folk religion), and later Buddhist
influences.
From the medieval era onwards, influences from the Muslim
world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East) and then
Europe (primarily British) also became prevalent.
Ethnic Groups
The majority of the population fall within three
large linguistic groups: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian,
and Iranic.
Festival
Diwali is the festival of lights
and is the most auspicious
celebration for Hindus.
Diwali is a five- day festival,
beginning on the 15th day of
the Hindu calendar month of
Kartika (Ashwin).
Cuisine
South Asian cuisine, includes the traditional
cuisines from the modern-day South Asian
republics of Bangladesh, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, also sometimes
including the kingdom of Bhutan and the
emirate of Afghanistan.
Also sometimes known as Desi cuisine, it has
been influenced by and also has influenced
other Asian cuisines beyond the Indian
subcontinen
Clothing
Sari is a traditional South Asian garment
that can range from five to nine yards, It's
usually wrapped around the waist with
the excess material draped over the
shoulder.
Typically, two long decorative borders
run the length of the sari. Underneath the
sari, a petticoat is worn and on top is a
tight fitting blouse.
Fine Arts
South Asian arts, Literary, performing, and visual
arts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Myths of the popular gods, Vishnu and Shiva, in
the Puranas (ancient tales) and the Mahabharata
and Ramayana epics, supply material for
representational and dramatic arts.
Language
The main languages spoken in South Asia are: Hindi:
Primarily spoken in India, with over 600 million speakers.
Bengali: Spoken in Bangladesh and India (West Bengal),
with about 265 million speakers.
Urdu: Spoken in Pakistan and parts of India, with around
170 million speakers.
Religion
South Asia is the birthplace of four of the world's
religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
Three that come from West Asia: Christianity, Islam,
and Judaism arrived later.
Zoroastrianism, the major religion in ancient Persia
(now Iran) until it became Muslim, also survives in India.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the most culturally diverse
regions in the world, home to a multitude of ethnic
groups that have shaped its rich tapestry of
traditions, languages, and customs.
Spanning across countries such as Indonesia,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar,
and Laos, this region boasts a vibrant mix of cultures
that reflect centuries of history, migration, and
interaction.
Ethnic Groups
Southeast Asian is generally considered a race in
and of itself. However, major ethnicities include
Vietnamese, Burmese, and Indonesian.
Festival
Water Festivals Known by different
names in each country, such as
Bunpimay in Laos, Chol Chnam
Thmay in Cambodia and Vietnam,
Songkran in Thailand, and Thingyan
in Myanmar, the Water-Splashing
Festival in these countries all share
the same organizing format
Cuisine
Food in Southeast Asia can also refer on the bizarre with
creepy-crawly snacks and street food delicacies, many of
which originated out of austere times, Asia’s no-waste
policy, and as a rich source of protein and minerals.
At street markets and kitchens, the more adventurous
traveler can munch on deep-fried scorpions in Thailand,
Cambodia, and Laos, grilled wild rat meat in Laos, Thailand,
and Vietnam, and crunchy tarantulas fried in garlic, salt, and
oil in Cambodia.
Alternatively, spicy red ant salads and stir-fries are big in
Cambodia and Thailand, along with deep-fried crickets and
grasshoppers in lime and chili.
Clothing
Southeast Asia is known for its rich and
diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in
its traditional clothing.
Thailand
(Chut Thai)
This traditional Thai outfit
is worn during formal
occasions. It consists of
a blouse and a long skirt
for women and a shirt
with trousers for men.
Philippines
(Barong at Saya)
Barong Tagalog is a traditional formal shirt
for men, made from lightweight fabrics like
piña or jusi. It's usually embroidered and
worn untucked over an undershirt.
Baro't Saya is the national dress for Filipino
women, consisting of a blouse (baro) and a
long skirt (saya), often made from similar
lightweight fabrics.
Indonesia
(Batik and Kebaya)
Batik is a traditional fabric dyed using wax-
resist techniques, and it’s used in both
men’s and women’s clothing, especially
sarongs or shirts.
Kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress
combination, often worn by women. It is
made of sheer fabric and is embroidered
with intricate designs.
Fine Arts
Southeast Asian arts, the literary, performing, and visual arts of
Southeast Asia. Although the cultural development of the area
was once dominated by Indian influence, a number of cohesive
traits predate the Indian influence.
Wet-rice (or padi) agriculture, metallurgy, navigation, ancestor
cults, and worship associated with mountains were both
indigenous and widespread, and certain art forms not derived from
India for example, batik textiles, gamelan orchestras, and the
wayang puppet theatre remain popular.
Language
The most spoken language in the region is
Malay, with 290 million total speakers.
Other widely spoken South East Asian
languages include Bahasa Indonesia (156
million speakers), Vietnamese (90 million) and
Javanese (82 million).
Religion
Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity are all practiced
within Southeast Asia.
Buddhism, particularly the more orthodox
Theravada form, dominates the religious pattern of
most of the mainland; only in northern Vietnam is
the more liberal Mahayana Buddhism more
common.
Conclusion
The culture of Asia is incredibly diverse and rich, shaped by thousands of years
of history, religion, philosophy, and social structures. It encompasses a vast
array of languages, traditions, art forms, and cuisines, reflecting the continent's
complex interplay of ancient and modern influences. From the spiritual practices
of Buddhism and Hinduism to the communal values of Confucianism, these
cultural foundations continue to shape societies today. As globalization
progresses, Asian cultures are also increasingly intermingling, leading to both
the preservation of unique traditions and the emergence of new, hybrid forms.
Understanding this multifaceted cultural landscape is essential for appreciating
Asia's contributions to the world and its ongoing evolution in the contemporary
era.
Thank you!!
Presented by:
Lwege Marbebe
Shane Matullano
