Don’t Disrespect The Bread

CULTURE.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Coming from one of the youngest nations under God, I have been blown away by the ANCIENT history throughout the middle east and central Asia. I love learning the different customs the people in these countries understand to be normal, yet seem absurd to an outsider like me.

For example in Kyrgystan, 

1. Bread is sacred. Do not EVER put it on the table upside down. Do not brush crumbs onto the floor, do not throw it away, and definitely do not throw it on the ground. It is a symbol of “prosperity” and treated with respect. Leftovers are given to animals and can be seen sitting in bags on top of trash cans for homeless people.

2. Always take your shoes off. There will be a pair of houseshoes before continuing on into the home, (this can be an ordinary pair of crocs or a traditional Kyrgysh style slipper).

3. It is very rude to blow your nose in front of people. Trust me, you don’t want a cold while traveling in this country, so stock up on vitamin C. The lack of tissues along with walking a mile every time you need to excavate takes a little getting used to.

Some things seem strange for sure, however we can learn a lot from these other cultures such as; 

1. Respecting your elders.

This can be done verbally by using the polite pronoun and endings, and by using the titles eje(older sister) and baikayoraga(older brother). People always use these polite forms, even with close friends and relatives.

Men and women alike will give up their seats to elders on public transportation. A person’s position at a table also shows his or her status. Men and women usually sit on opposite sides of a table, with the eldest and most respected at the head of the table, farthest from the door.

2. Showing Hospitality to Guests.

When inviting someone over you are ready to serve them and make them feel welcome. Time-efficient westerners prepare yourself, visits like these can last several hours and the time ends when the conversation does, not a moment before. There is no “I don’t want to take up too much of your time,” or “I am late for another appointment I really must be going.”

The discrete understandings in seemingly harmless interactions can be described the best through Central Asia’s “Tea Culture”. Tea is HUGE here and people drink it by the gallon. Black tea, green tea, “love tea” (a mixture of black and green) are served on every occasion. People bring their ceramic tea pots onto trains, fill them up with hot water and invite others to drink with them around their table. It is really fun to be a part of and learn about, and these are a few things to keep in mind when living in a country rich in Tea Culture;

• When serving your guest you must stand up to show your respect
• Fill it 1/3 full to show that you are attentive to their needs and ready to serve them at a moments notice (it keeps it warmer for longer).
• If your host fills your cup up completely, this shows they are tired so wrap things up!
• People will often say phrase such as “lets share tea together”, meaning they want to hang out.
• If you don’t want more tea or pastries, don’t finish it all. Cleaning your plate shows you are not yet satisfied and want more, (found this out 13 cups of tea later).
• Always accept what is offered, it is rude to decline. You don’t have to drink the tea, but humbly accept the person’s kindness and hospitality.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”–Mahatma Gandhi

And the people here are kind, warm, hospitable and welcoming. While teaching leadership seminars at the local universities we were honored guests at a Cultural Day celebrating different nations (shoutout to the U.S.A., you know we had to show them the Cupids Shuffle) and a beauty pageant with talented women from universities all over the region. We have had an absolute blast teaching others about our culture and the differences we have seen all over the world. I am thankful to have such a wide perspective on culture and all of the creative and unique traditions throughout this world.