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Culture & Tradition

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A lone, flickering flame radiates its light in a dimly lit room. Soon after, a chime of gongs and metallophones fade in adding to the atmosphere of the theater. Gently, shadow figures of various sizes and shapes emerge from behind the silkscreen, dancing to the beat of the light and the enchanting melodies played by the orchestra. Soon enough, a booming voice appears, signaling the start of the show. This is Wayang Kulit; a traditional form of shadow puppet play that mainly originated in the cultures of Java and Bali, Indonesia. For centuries, this traditional Javanese art form has fascinated the imaginations of many. It not only served as mere entertainment but as a tool in reflecting the spirit, culture, and even the current state of affairs within a community.   An ancient story-telling tradition of gods and men Wayang originates from the word “ma Hyang” or journey towards the …

Japanese minimalism has long been associated with art and aesthetics. But the less-is-more philosophy resonated with many and has become not only a reflection of the Japanese culture but has found a way to seep into different facets of our lives. Here are some of the principles minimalism can teach us that we can incorporate into our daily lives. The Philosophy of Ma Ma, pronounced “maah”, is about the artistic value of negative spaces in art, including music, poetry, interiors, and architecture. It celebrates not the things themselves, but the spaces between them. While looking at a painting or any form of artwork, Ma teaches us to put emphasis on the things that are not, rather than the things that are. This shift of focus can be perspective-altering at first. While some worldview focuses on buying, accumulating, achieving, or filling our lives with more, Ma seems countercultural. But it’s a …

The most wonderful time of the year is here! Christmas is considered one of the most eagerly-awaited festivities across the world thanks to the infectious vibe characterized by catchy carols, lively holiday decorations, and endless merriment. While it is not considered a public holiday in Thailand, the locals and residents still embrace various Christmas traditions, particularly in some of the major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai where tourists and expats usually flock to during the holidays. Religious differences Christmas, being a Christian celebration, is not part of Thailand’s local practices because of its predominantly Buddhist population. Despite this, the holiday spirit is still alive among the Thai people who love to have fun and celebrate. Buddhism is a highly tolerant religion, allowing its believers to welcome practices and activities regardless of origin. Despite the cultural and religious differences, the Thais welcomed this special Christian holiday while still standing …

If you’re planning to visit Bali, you might want to learn a thing or two about the language spoken on the island. Though most Indonesians or Balinese speak English and you probably won’t have any problems communicating with the locals, it’s still a good idea to learn a few local phrases before you get there. Learning the local language helps break down the language barrier and encourages a more friendly interaction. Not to mention it also helps you find your way around, haggle when shopping, and avoid miscommunication. While we are unable to freely travel, for now, one of the things we can do to keep the travel spirit alive is to prepare for future travels. One of the ways you can do that is to learn basic phrases for the places you plan to visit down the road. Before we jump into the most useful phrases for tourists, let’s …

Bali is known for a myriad of things such as alluring beaches, international DJ parties, and surfing, but nothing compares to its picturesque and world-famous rice terraces. Besides being a popular tourist attraction for people visiting Bali, it provides an insight into the way locals lead their lives. The rice terraces are not only breathtaking but are also a part of the country’s heritage and culture. A Farming Community United by Water: The Subaks Before we reveal our list of the most spectacular terraced rice fields in Bali, let us take the opportunity to learn a bit about the cultural value of these man-made spectacles, an aspect often overshadowed by their awe-inspiring visuality. The ‘subaks’ are perhaps one of the oldest and most revered irrigation traditions in the country, and they were built to water the gorgeous terraces. History has it that people in the past were faced with the …