By Stacey Pickering
“No man is an island, entire of itself. Each is a piece of a continent, a part of the main. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind”
~ Reverend John Donne (in Wanless, 2007)
South Africa is home to nearly 50 million people and is often referred as the “rainbow nation”, because of its rich cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity (Murithi, 2009). Colonization, followed by years of apartheid, Read the rest of this entry >>
By Meghan Lynn Schnarr
The “culture of philanthropy” as it is understood in Western culture is far less established in other parts of the world. Understandably, specific conditions of given societies naturally call forth different philanthropic traditions. As such, the history and current day giving traditions in Caribbean culture, Read the rest of this entry >>
CINT 916 By Shayla Ladak
“Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu”
This Zulu saying, which means ‘a person is a person through other persons’, originates from a fundamental philosophy in traditional African culture: ubuntu, which literally means humanity or kindness. The belief that humans are interconnected and share a common bond that helps uncover basic human qualities is the foundation upon which philanthropy has been built in Southern Africa. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Anita Dundys
The Maori culture of philanthropy is a part of their societal concept: giving, caring and sharing linked to duties, obligations and responsibilities. Theirs is a gift economy, which through its deep connection with the natural world, has developed conventions that emphasize social rewards, loyalty, Read the rest of this entry >>
By Melissa Tan
The Japanese people, historically influenced by ethical and religious beliefs of Buddhism, have responded as a collective community and remained altruistic in spite of recent devastations in their country. These characteristics have been personified by a group of elderly citizens who have volunteered to risk their lives in Read the rest of this entry >>
By Elizabeth Nordgren
Japan is a nation rich in cultural traditions and history. Proper etiquette is an important part of daily life, stemming from centuries-old societal customs. Part of this etiquette is reflected in the giving of gifts for certain events. A very common example is the giving of “omiyage”, which in English translates to “souvenir”. It is expected that when one goes on a trip or vacation that he or she will bring back souvenirs for their co-workers.
This tradition dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) and, Read the rest of this entry >>
By Deanna Coop
It’s just how we operate.
If someone in my whânau needs help, then I do it.
It could be going to a tangi of someone I never knew,
or getting hold of information for someone
or helping out in the kitchen, or whatever.”
(Kuia)
Introduction
Volunteering is particularly important for the Maori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is so much a part of their everyday lives that many do not classify it as anything separate. A study conducted by the New Zealand Office of the Read the rest of this entry >>
By Betty Guan
According to Chinese tradition, “Mua Guek”, which means “Full Month” is a celebration for babies who have survived their first month after birth; the significance of this event can be related to the high rate of infant mortality in the past (Heinz, 1999). Traditionally in China, a baby was not named until it was a month old, and a party was hosted in the honor of the baby.
The one month old celebration of the baby has been an important part of the Chinese culture throughout its history. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Christianna Facey-Crowther
In Taiwan the Lunar New Year is the most important festival of the year, as it is for Chinese people around the world. The festival begins on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, the day when it is believed that the house gods report to the Jade Emperor about the household activities of the past year (Cultural Taiwan, 2007). Taiwanese people celebrate the new year with family and friends and engage in symbolic meals and rituals that are meant to bring luck and prosperity for the new year.
Traditionally, on the day of the Lunar New Year, red envelopes are distributed that contain paper money. Read the rest of this entry >>
By Rachel Chan
This summary attempts to report the work of Chi Heng Foundation, a non-governmental charitable organization aimed at helping HIV impacted children in China. The Foundation started with one man’s dedication and efforts to combat what UN predicted as the “verge of a catastrophe”. It was estimated in 2005 that the epidemic will grow rapidly to 10 million cases by 2010. In the 1990s, blood selling became very popular in parts of Central China especially among poor farmers as a means to earn money. Read the rest of this entry >>