EDITION 43
FREE
CULTURE
UNIVERSAL
From The Editor Thank you for taking the time to read our latest edition of Universal: Culture.
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As we wrap up 2020 we can take the time to reflect on what a year it has been! I think we can all agree this year will be best known for Covid 19 and a lot of “you’re on mute” comments. This edition we chose to focus on a subject that allows everyone to reflect and bring some positivity to you all, enter our edition of Culture.
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Most of the time when we hear the word culture we think about our nationality or our country’s culture which is very important but it can also mean the culture in our school, workplace, sporting club even the culture within our own family. Culture can also span across music, trends, movies and even in our communities. Culture can add value to our life and increase our wellbeing as we feel connected and a part of something.
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UNIVERSAL
EDITION 43
FREE
CULTURE
This edition we have carefully put together pieces to spread awareness of different cultures across the world as well as in our own backyard - just check out the Aussie foods on the front! We also delved in to anime and folklore as well as photographs of local community spirit. Sometimes we don’t realise the different cultures around us or even notice the culture we are a part of. We hope this edition allows you sit back and think about the different cultures as well as learn a few new cultures too.
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Contents
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Akashinga: Nature Protected By Women
Yokai, Monsters Of Japanese Folklore
Writing/Design Molly Fairley
Writing/Design Rochelle Leslie
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Anime For Young Audiences Ben Robison
Cultural Sustainability Adele D’Souza
Design Bernie Lacognata
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Culture of Kindness
Design Rochelle Leslie
Writing/Design Hannah Phemister
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Death And Cultures
Phone Charm Culture
Writing/Design Sammar Bassal
Illustration Sammar Bassal
Written Written and and designed designed by by Molly Molly Fairley Fairley Written Written and and designed designed by by Molly Molly Fairley Fairley
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Mozambique. most most powerful powerful force force in nature, in nature, and and that’s that’s athe a a a Bantu Bantu language language primarily primarily spoken spoken been been blinded blinded by by our our egos egos from from seeing seeing the translates translates to to ‘The ‘The Brave Brave Ones’ Ones’ from from Shona, Shona,‘The ‘The Brave Brave Ones’, Ones’, Mander Mander states states that that ‘We’ve ‘We’ve The The ranger ranger group group was was founded founded in in 2017 2017 by bymost woman’s woman’s instinct instinct to our to protect.’ protect.’ throughout Zimbabwe Zimbabwe and and Mozambique. Mozambique. most powerful powerful force force inegos nature, inegos nature, and and that’s that’s athe a a throughout a Bantu Bantu language language primarily primarily spoken spoken been been blinded blinded by by our from from seeing seeing the the the International International Anti-Poaching Anti-Poaching Foundation The The ranger ranger group group was was founded founded inFoundation in 2017 2017 by bywoman’s woman’s instinct instinct to to protect.’ throughout throughout Zimbabwe Zimbabwe and andMozambique. Mozambique. most most powerful powerful force force in protect.’ nature, in nature, and and that’s that’s a a (IAPF) (IAPF) under under the the name name ‘Akashinga ‘Akashinga — Nature Nature Within Akashinga’s Akashinga’s first firsttwo twoyears, years,thethe the the International International Anti-Poaching Anti-Poaching Foundation Foundation The The ranger ranger group group was was founded founded in— in 2017 2017 by byWithin woman’s woman’s instinct instinct to to protect.’ protect.’ Protected Protected by by Women’, Women’, spearheaded spearheaded by by ranger’s ranger’s efforts efforts to to stop stop trophy trophy hunting hunting (IAPF) under under thethe name name ‘Akashinga ‘Akashinga — — Nature NatureWithin WithinAkashinga’s Akashinga’sfirst firsttwo twoyears, years, thethe the(IAPF) the International International Anti-Poaching Anti-Poaching Foundation Foundation the the creator creator of of the the IAPF, IAPF, Damien Damien Mander. resulted resulted in in an an 80% 80% downturn downturn inyears, in elephant elephant Protected Protected by by Women’, Women’, spearheaded spearheaded by byranger’s ranger’s efforts efforts to to stop stop trophy hunting hunting (IAPF) (IAPF) under under the the name name ‘Akashinga ‘Akashinga —Mander. — Nature Nature Within WithinAkashinga’s Akashinga’s first firsttrophy two two years, thethe Mander Mander is is an an Australian Australian Iraq Iraq war war veteran veteran poaching poaching in in the the Lower Lower Zambezi Zambezi Valley, Valley, a a the the creator creator of of the the IAPF, IAPF, Damien Damien Mander. Mander. resulted resulted in in an an 80% 80% downturn downturn in in elephant elephant Protected Protectedby byWomen’, Women’,spearheaded spearheadedby byranger’s ranger’sefforts effortsto tostop stoptrophy trophyhunting hunting with with a background a background in in counter-insurgency counter-insurgency region region in north-west in north-west Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe. The The group’s group’s Mander is is an Australian Australian Iraq Iraq war war veteran veteranpoaching poaching in the the Lower Lower Zambezi Zambezi Valley, Valley, a a theMander the creator creator ofan of the the IAPF, IAPF, Damien Damien Mander. Mander. resulted resulted ininin an an 80% 80% downturn downturn in in elephant elephant warfare, warfare, and inan in 2009 2009 he was was inspired inspired toveteran to useuseregion successful successful conservation approach approach focuses focuses on with with a background aand in he in counter-insurgency counter-insurgency region in north-west inconservation Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe. The The group’s group’s Mander Mander is background is an Australian Australian Iraq Iraq war war veteran poaching poaching innorth-west in thethe Lower Lower Zambezi Zambezi Valley, Valley, aon a his his experience to assist assist in was in training training rangers being being both sustainable sustainable and and working working with with the warfare, warfare, and in to in 2009 2009 he was inspired inspired torangers to useusesuccessful successful conservation approach approach focuses focuses onthe on with with aexperience background aand background in he in counter-insurgency counter-insurgency region region inboth north-west inconservation north-west Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe. The The group’s group’s to to protect protect the African African wilderness wilderness against against local local community, community, as as thethe IAPF IAPF believes believes that that bythe by his his experience experience to to assist assist in in training training rangers being both both sustainable sustainable and and working working with with the warfare, warfare, and and inthe in 2009 2009 hehe was was inspired inspired torangers to useusebeing successful successful conservation conservation approach approach focuses focuses on on poaching poaching practices. practices. maintaining maintaining this this bond and and rapport rapport with with to protect protect the the African African wilderness wilderness against againstlocal local community, community, as bond as thethe IAPF IAPF believes believes that that bythe by histo his experience experience to to assist assist in in training training rangers rangers being being both both sustainable sustainable working working with with the locals, locals, acommunity, community a community that that ‘understands ‘understands poaching practices. practices. maintaining this this bond and and rapport rapport with with the to poaching to protect protect the the African African wilderness wilderness against againstmaintaining local local community, as bond as the the IAPF IAPF believes believes that that bythe by Mander Mander had had originally originally trained trained men, men, however, however, economic economic benefits benefits of of preserving preserving animals... animals... locals, locals, a community a community that that ‘understands ‘understands the the poaching poaching practices. practices. maintaining maintaining this this bond bond and and rapport rapport with with found found that that women women exceeded exceeded inmen, de-escalating inmen, de-escalating will eliminate eliminate poaching poaching without without an an armed armed Mander Mander had had originally originally trained trained however, however,will economic economic benefits ofthat of preserving preserving animals... animals... locals, locals, a community a benefits community that ‘understands ‘understands thethe potentially potentially violent violent encounters, encounters, well as well ashowever, being as beingwill struggle.’ struggle.’ Not Not only only do the the Akashinga Akashinga have have a a found found that that women women exceeded exceeded inas de-escalating in de-escalating will eliminate eliminate poaching poaching without without an an armed armed Mander Mander had had originally originally trained trained men, men, however, economic economic benefits benefits of do of preserving preserving animals... animals... less less likely likely to to accept accept bribery. bribery. Mander Mander believes believes strong strong bond bond to to their their communities, communities, but but they they potentially potentially violent violent encounters, encounters, as well as well as being as being struggle.’ struggle.’ Not Not only only do do the the Akashinga Akashinga have have a a found found that that women women exceeded exceeded in de-escalating in de-escalatingwill will eliminate eliminate poaching poaching without without anan armed armed that that the the Akashinga Akashinga ‘shifts ‘shifts the the strategy strategy on on also also have have a deep a deep emotional emotional investment investment in less less likely likely to to accept accept bribery. bribery. Mander Mander believes believes strong bond bond toonly to their their communities, but but they they potentially potentially violent violent encounters, encounters, as well as well as being as beingstrong struggle.’ struggle.’ Not Not only docommunities, do the the Akashinga Akashinga have have a in a conservation, conservation, of of having having women women come come out the the animals animals who who they they protect. protect. Petronella Petronella that that the the Akashinga ‘shifts ‘shifts the the strategy strategy onout onalso also have have a deep a deep emotional emotional investment investment in in less less likely likely to Akashinga to accept accept bribery. bribery. Mander Mander believes believes strong strong bond bond to to their their communities, communities, but but they they and and do do what what was perceived perceived to to be be acome malea maleChigumbura, Chigumbura, adeep aleading leading ranger, ranger, discusses discusses conservation, conservation, of was of having having women women come out the animals animals who who they they protect. protect. Petronella Petronella that that the the Akashinga Akashinga ‘shifts ‘shifts the the strategy strategy onout onthe also also have have a deep a emotional emotional investment investment in in only only role.’ role.’ In In addition addition to to focusing focusing on on the the her her connection connection to to the the elephants elephants in in the the and and do do what what was was perceived perceived to to be be a malea maleChigumbura, Chigumbura, a a leading leading ranger, ranger, discusses discusses conservation, conservation, of of having having women women come come outoutthethe animals animals who who they they protect. protect.Petronella Petronella training training of women, of women, the the IAPF IAPF were conscious ofthe ofher documentary, documentary, stating: ‘Ithe love ‘Ielephants love mymy elephants elephants only only role.’ role.’ In In addition addition to were to focusing focusing the her connection connection to leading tothe elephants in inthethe and and do do what what was was perceived perceived to to beconscious be aon maleaon maleChigumbura, Chigumbura, a stating: aleading ranger, ranger, discusses discusses the the sociocultural sociocultural and and economical economical conditions conditions like like Iconnection love Iconnection love mymy children, children, so Imy must Imy must protect training training of women, ofIn women, the the IAPF IAPF were conscious conscious ofthe ofdocumentary, stating: stating: ‘Ithe love ‘Iso love elephants elephants only only role.’ role.’ In addition addition to were to focusing focusing onon the herdocumentary, her to tothe elephants elephants in protect inthethe rangers rangers had had come come from, from, recruiting recruiting them them as as I’m I’m protecting protecting my my children.’ children.’ This This the the sociocultural sociocultural and and economical economical conditions conditions like like I love I love my my children, children, so so I must I must protect protect training training of women, of women, thethe IAPF IAPF were were conscious conscious of ofdocumentary, documentary, stating: stating: ‘I love ‘I love mymy elephants elephants and and empowering empowering disadvantaged disadvantaged women women passion passion for for the the wildlife wildlife and and drive drive for for harmony harmony thethe rangers rangershad had come come from, from, recruiting recruitingthem them I’m I’m protecting protecting my This This sociocultural sociocultural and and economical economical conditions conditions like like I as love I as love my my children, children, somy so Ichildren.’ must Ichildren.’ must protect protect who who have have experienced experienced trauma: trauma: survivors survivors of ofpassion between between them them and and the the community community is is and empowering empowering disadvantaged disadvantaged women women passion for the the wildlife wildlife and and drive drive forfor harmony harmony theand therangers rangers had hadcome come from, from, recruiting recruiting them them asfor as I’m I’m protecting protecting my my children.’ children.’ This This domestic domestic abuse, abuse, abandoned abandoned wives, wives, those those additionally additionally prevalent prevalent in their in their diet, diet, as as they they are are who who have have experienced experienced trauma: trauma: survivors survivors of of between between them them and and the the community community is is and andempowering empoweringdisadvantaged disadvantagedwomen womenpassion passion forfor thethe wildlife wildlife and and drive drive forfor harmony harmony who who have have been been orphaned orphaned by by AIDS, AIDS, or or single single completely completely vegan, vegan, focusing focusing on on a cruelty-free a cruelty-free domestic domestic abuse, abuse, abandoned abandoned wives, wives, those those additionally prevalent prevalent in the their in the their diet, diet, as as they they are have have experienced experienced trauma: trauma: survivors survivors of ofadditionally between betweenthem them and and community community isare is mothers. mothers. Mander Mander considers considers those who have havecompletely who who have have been been orphaned orphaned bythose by AIDS, AIDS, orwho or single single completely vegan, vegan, focusing focusing on on adiet, cruelty-free aascruelty-free and and sustainable sustainable lifestyle. lifestyle. domestic domestic abuse, abuse, abandoned abandoned wives, wives, those those additionally additionally prevalent prevalent in their in their diet, as they they areare mothers. mothers. Mander Mander considers considers those who have haveand who who have have been been orphaned orphaned bythose by AIDS, AIDS, orwho or single single completely completely vegan, vegan, focusing focusing onon a cruelty-free a cruelty-free and sustainable sustainable lifestyle. lifestyle. mothers. mothers. Mander Mander considers considers those those who who have haveand and sustainable sustainable lifestyle. lifestyle. “With “With thethe women, women, (the (the rifle) rifle) is is more more ofthe of athe tool. awomen, tool. With With the(the the men, men, it’s “With “With women, (the rifle) rifle) isit’s is more more of a of toy,” a toy,” tool. tool. With With the(the the men, men, it’s “With “With thethe women, women, (the rifle) rifle) isit’s is more more of a oftoy,” a toy,” tool. tool. With With thethe men, men, it’sit’s - IAPF - IAPF founder, founder, more more of a oftoy,” a toy,” Mander Mander -Damien IAPF -Damien IAPF founder, founder, Damien Damien Mander Mander - IAPF - IAPF founder, founder, Damien Damien Mander Mander
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Yokai, Monsters of Japanese Folklore Written and designed by Rochelle Leslie
In western culture we have pretty iconic monsters like vampires, werewolves and zombies but what about some less well-known monsters from the east? Have you ever heard of yōkai, a term meant to describe all kinds of spirits, ghosts and ghouls found in Japan? Probably not. These spooky critters are hidden all through Japanese pop-culture and are shown in a variety of comics, tv shows, movies etc. To help introduce you to this world of yōkai, here’s 12 spooky new creatures.
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Some anime recommendations for people interested in the world of yōkai: A Letter to Momo, The Eccentric Family, Elegant Yōkai Apartment Life, The Morose Mononokean, Natsume’s Book of Friends , Nura: Rise of the Yōkai Clan, Poko’s Udon World, Pom Poko, Sarazanmai, Spirited Away, To the Forest of Firefly Lights Yōkai Watch.
Gashadokuro When you think of this guy imagine giant spooky skeleton. Gashadokuro are giant skeletons made from the bones of people who starved to death. Despite their size they are almost impossible to hear coming. The only thing you’re likely to hear is a slight rattling in your ears. These skeletons are impossible to kill and always hungry, so they are just as dangerous as an oni. If you do manage to spot one before it sneaks up on you, HIDE! The most famous Gashadokuro appears in an old traditional ukiyo-e painting, where it is shown towering over a poor young girl. Jizo These little yōkai are mostly found in the form of child or buddha like stone statues. Jizo are the guardian spirits of children and travellers, They help the souls of lost children make it safely to the afterlife by hiding them away from evil yōkai in the folds of their cloaks. In winter months people dress Jizo in red hats and bibs to keep them warm and make their job easier. Helping out a Jizo is considered good karma so if you see one looking cold, lend them a hat. Kappa These little guys are child-like turtle monsters, mostly found around rivers. They have a beak, shell, webbed hands and most importantly a bowl-shaped dip in the top of their head. This bowl is filled with water and is the source of a kappa’s power. If you ever come across a kappa you should bow to it in greeting. When the kappa bows back it will spill water from its bowl and give you a chance to escape while it’s weak. Or, if you’re feeling brave you could try giving the kappa its favourite food, cucumber, and ask to be friends. If that doesn’t work then at least the kappa has something to season you with. Kitsune They may look like any other fox, but you have to be careful as there are good and bad kitsune out there. The good type of kitsune are messengers of the god Inari. They bring wisdom and help to humans in need. Many shrines in Japan feature statues of these kitsune, often with red scarves around their necks. The bad kind of kitsune however can be devious tricksters. They enjoy and good prank and can shapeshift like tanuki, but they are also more likely to steal your money or possess you too. Despite their wicked streak kitsune keep their promises, remember friends and repay all favours in kind.
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Oni The equivalent of an ogre, these yōkai are always shown as being tall and muscly with a pair of horns on their heads. Their skin colour is usually red or blue and they carry around a large spiked club. In spring the Japanese throw a festival called Setsubun, where children throw beans at people in oni masks to chase out bad luck. Oni are the most dangerous yōkai you can come across so if you ever see one RUN! It is said that oni are created when a person’s soul becomes extremely wicked and corrupt. They are always, always shown as an enemy of the living so beware!
Rokuro Kubi These yōkai look like women with long snake like necks, only they aren’t yōkai at all. Rokuro Kubi are in fact women fallen ill to a curse, which at night causes their necks to stretch and twist unnaturally. It is also said that they feed on lamp oil at night but normal food by day. The saddest part of this curse is that while it only effects women, the curse can be caused by the evil deeds of their husbands, fathers or other close male companions without them ever suspecting a thing. Some people claim they are evil while others say they are just mischievous. Either way let’s not find out ourselves.
Tanuki Known in English as “racoon dogs”, tanuki are in fact real animals. (They do look like a cross between a small dog and a racoon but don’t let that fool you. It is believed that some tanuki have the power to shapeshift and take on human form, using their powers to play tricks on humans. While tanuki are mischievous the worst they can do in trick you into touching an enchanted object that will transport you somewhere else. Inconvenient yes, but not evil. As far as monsters and spirits go, tanuki are the least concerning and most entertaining by far.
Tengu This yōkai is a bird like warrior yōkai and is often portrayed as either an old man with red skin, a long nose and black wings or as a crow with a human-like body. Tengu used to be seen as evil demons and a sign of war however this has changed to the role of protective spirits of the mountains and forests. They are often shown wearing clothes similar to the old priests that lived in the forests they protected. Some people also consider tengu to be gods of protection and have statues of them in scary, battle poses.
Tsukumogami It is believed that once an inanimate object lives over 100 years old it becomes an “artifact spirit” with a conscience. These objects could be anything from a child’s doll to a teacup. The most common tsukumogami’s however are kasa-obake and chōchin obake which literally mean umbrella and lantern monster. Both these monsters have one eye and a big mouth, but only the kasa-obake can hop around. Unlike its friend the kasa-obake has a leg so it’s the only one you really have to run from. If you want to avoid these guys stay away from old and tattered looking items. There might be a spirit in them! Yūrei These are the phantom like ghosts of the yōkai world. Usually they are shown as people in white kimono with a small white triangle shaped cloth on their head. The other way to tell if they’re a spirit is how their kimono is folded. If the right side of a person’s kimono is on top, then they are a ghost. Only the dead fold that side on top! Don’t let their human appearance fool you, yūrei are souls still tied to the world of the living. While they may seem harmless some are still around for revenge, so stay back!
Yuki Onna The features of a yuki onna or “snow woman” are blue skin, long black hair, a white kimono and other worldly beauty. They are as cold as ice and a single touch will freeze you to the bone. Some yuki onna feed on people’s life force but they can eat normal food too. In fact on occasion they have been known to stop at inns disguised as humans. If you don’t want to run into one of these yōkai then stay in the tropics, they prefer the snowy alpine mountains and forests.
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Anime for Young Audiences Written by Ben Robison Designed by Rochelle Leslie
Anime is a term that refers to animation from Japan, with a distinct art and animation style originating from manga, Japanese comics. Anime became popular with kids in the west during the 90s and nowadays its popularity has extended to adult audiences, but while most anime is aimed towards teenagers and adults, here are some the whole family can enjoy together. Most or all of the anime listed here are also available as manga, which in most cases are available in English, however anime tends to be more mainstream and accessible to a bigger audience so that’s the medium primarily referred to in this article. But first...
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Glossary / Legend Animelab: An anime focused streaming service. Requires the creation of an account and can be accessed for free or as a paid subscription. Free trials are available. Crunchyroll: An anime, manga etc focused website. It is known mostly for it’s anime streaming which can be viewed from free with ads or through a paid subscription. Free trials are available. Magical Girl: Known as Mahou Shoujo in Japanese, this genre features female kid/teenage protagonists using magical powers to fight villains. Netflix: A subscription based streaming site for tv shows, movies and anime. Free trials are available. Shounen: The Japanese word for boy. Shounen manga/anime is a genre that is primarily targeted towards male viewers, usually featuring mostly male characters, with a focus upon action. Shoujo: The Japanese word for girl. Shoujo manga/anime is a genre that is primarily targeted towards female viewers, usually featuring mostly female characters and a focus on slice of life/romance. Note that there is nothing wrong with girls watching Shonen anime or boys watching Shoujo anime. Slice of life: A genre of manga/anime that centres around mundane, everyday situations, usually comedic but not always. Similar to the sitcom genre.
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Cardcaptor Sakura (1998-2000) + Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card (2018) A staple magical girl anime, this one starring a young pre-teen heroine who’s an ideal role model for little girls who will love this cute and charming series.
Fruits Basket (2001, 2019-Present) A heart-warming slice of life romance with themes of friendship, spirituality and inner strength. Viewers can choose between the original 2001 anime or the modern reboot.
Haikyu!! (2014-Present) A wholesome and motivational shounen sports anime that’s just about teenagers playing volleyball. Perfect for kids who are into playing sports, or it may motivate those who aren’t already!
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K-On! (2009-2010) A cute music anime about high school girls forming a band. Kids who are into playing music might be inspired by this series, and it may even encourage them to pursue music themselves in future!
Little Witch Academia (2017) Think Harry Potter, but as a light-hearted shoujo anime starring all girl protagonists getting into wacky and magical adventures and forming friendships. Even if you’re not into Harry Potter you might still like this.
Monthly Girls Nozaki Kun (2014) A funny slice of life high school anime that gives a good insight into the manga scene. It has themes of teenage romance, but it’s mostly just wholesome, light-hearted humour.
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Pokémon (1997-Present) If your kid likes the Pokémon video games, they’ll get plenty of mileage out of the long running anime series. Or watching the anime could introduce them to the series and make them want to play the games!
Room Camp (2020) + Laid Back Camp (2018-2021) This adorably wholesome slice of life anime is about a group of teenage girls experiencing the wonders of camping in the Japanese countryside in a story of friendship and maximum comfort.
Sailor Moon (1992-1997) + Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016) The pioneer of the magical girl anime and one of the quintessential anime of the 90s, Sailor Moon is the perfect show for girls as it has action, romance and comedy starring five teenage girls, and can appeal to viewers of all ages and genders.
Squid Girl (2010-2011) This endearing slice of life comedy is about a humanoid squid getting into comedic antics on the surface world. The beach setting and wacky humour makes it similar to Sponge– Bob, so perfect for fans of that classic show.
Teasing Master Takagi-San (2018-2019) A light-hearted romantic slice of life about a girl who loves teasing her classmate. Good wholesome fun with comedic characters and situations.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Series (2000-Present) A classic anime series about duelling with cards and monsters. Throughout its 20 year history there have been many seasons with different names, but start with Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters, the original and most iconic.
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Death and Cultures
Sammar Bassal
Content warning: The following article contains discussion around death and related practices and activities. The following content may be triggering to some. Further note the following information may have been altered or no longer applicable due to the COVID19 pandemic.
No matter how we live in life, everyone will taste death. Some think of death as a distant, natural phenomenon that comes with old age, others see it as something closer. Nonetheless, each culture has their tradition of celebrating and/or mourning the life of a person who has passed. Some beliefs and practices overlap due to historical and religious influences and over time some practices will either be refined to suit changing lifestyles or will potentially disappear altogether. The following is a highlight of a few cultures, some of their processes of dealing with the dead and further mention of festivals celebrated in tribute to the dead.
1. AUS Australian Indigenous
I would like to acknowledge that we are on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and I extend my respects to the elder’s past, present and emerging. It’s difficult to narrow down the rituals and funeral practices of the native Australian people. Funeral traditions will differ, but a common idea is that the death rituals aim to ensure the safe passage of the spirit into the afterlife, and to prevent the spirit from returning and causing mischief on land1.
In modern times, many families choose to use a funeral director to help them register the death and plan procedures1. Funerals and mourning are very much a communal activity in the native culture where families, friends and members of the larger community will come together to grieve and support each other1. There may be a series of ceremonies including dancing and singing which can last for days or even weeks instead of a singular funeral service1. Some communities have a strong tradition of not speaking the name of a dead person or depicting them in images (photos, videos etc) because It is believed that doing so will disturb their spirit1.
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2.MAO Maori
Traditional Maoris believe that when someone passes away, their spirit will continue after death and continue to be a part of the traditional meeting place also known as Marae2. Prior to the funeral the family gather and a ritual called Tuku Wairua (release of the spirit) is said over the deceased, to ease the passage of the spirit into the afterlife3.
The night before the burial , family and friends gather to sing songs to remember the dead2. Traditionally, the body will be prepared in fine clothing and the deceased’s hair is oiled, combed decorated with feathers 2. The body is not left alone until burial where a Karanga (call out)4 is performed. Once the burial has taken place the family is welcomed back onto the Marae and everybody gathers for a big feast2. The family’s house is then blessed to make sure the spirit of the deceased does not linger within it2.
3.POL Poland
Most polish funeral ceremonies have a strong Polish RomanCatholic influence, whether the deceased was religious or not13, The body will typically remain in place where the death has occured for some time13. However now as times have changed, people fit ceremonies to themselves rather themselves to tradition13. Funeral homes deal with most things related to the funeral and body on behalf of the family in urban areas13. Relatives and friends are notified of the death and a special notice is put on the house, local church and in the newspaper13. In some traditional rural areas, there are three “stops” in a funeral ceremony13. The body lies in the house of the deceased where friends and family gather and pray for around three days13. The coffin is then carried to the church for a remembrance service and lastly it is carried to the cemetery 13. When the body is lowered each mourner throws a handful of dirt before the grave is filled13. The doors and windows of the house of the deceased are kept open because it’s believed that the soul needs a path to go to the spiritual world. Additionally, mirrors are covered, and clocks are stopped4.
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4.JAP Japan
Throughout the history of Japanese culture people have traditionally believed that when a person dies, their soul lives on in the land of the dead or the spirit world8 . Japanese funeral traditions are derived from the Shinto faith and Buddhism rituals8 which have complementary rituals. When death occurs, the altar and shrine are closed and covered to keep the spirits of the dead out1. After informally alerting other family members and civil authorities, they will then perform a purification ritual consisting of 20 steps9. The Shinto religious tradition insists that the ceremony is carried out in an exact manner. Families are not allowed to deviate by adding any personal touches10. A small table, decorated with simple flowers, incense and a candle is placed next to the bed of the deceased10.
The Japanese also have the Obon (or Bon) festival which commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors11. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives11. Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed11. Families have reunions and visit the graves of their relatives and make food offerings at altars and temples11.
5.MEX
Mexico
Mexican culture has a strong acceptance of death as part of life13. The culture has a Catholic influence which can be seen in rituals such as holding a wake or velorio prior to the burial13. Mexican tradition encourages mourners to spend time with the corpse before burial, most families spend up to 48 hours with their deceased loved ones13. The body is kept in the house, usually laid in a simple coffin, or sometimes covered with just a sheet13. Objects important to the deceased are buried with them so that they can be of use to them in the afterlife as they were during their living13. Candles are important in velorio ceremonies and remnants of burnt out candles are kept as good luck13. Following the burial, family members continue to pray for the deceased for nine consecutive days13. Mexico has the Day of the Dead to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on13. It is festival that spans three days from October 31 to November 2. On the first day, All Hallows Eve, children invite the spirits of children to visit the earth by building altars for encouragement13. On the second, All Saints day, the spirits of adults also join in the festivities. Lastly, All Souls Day, the third day is where people build more altars for the spirits.
6.MON
Mongolia
Similar to Japanese culture, funeral services in Mongolia are influenced by Buddhist thinking and have adapted through modern life over time6.
Mongolian culture is famous (along with Tibetans) for sky burials where the body of the deceased is left in a high unprotected place to be exposed to the elements and devoured by wildlife6. The sky burials are highly influenced by the Vajrayana Buddhist outlooks regarding the needlessness of “respecting” the body after death6. To assist the soul in moving on and preparing for reincarnation, the objects that were commonly used when the person was alive are destroyed or given away6. Like other cultures there isn’t a singular method for the burial process. Another example of the process, as documented, can involve the body of the dead initially being prayed on with a llama with incense lit within the hospital12. Mourners come and show respect to the deceased and their family, initially circling where the body rests three times12. The body in the coffin is covered with milk, rice, sweets and mostly covered in blue silk12. On the way to the grave, the body is driven in circles to confuse evil spirits before heading to the cemetery12. The casket is covered in colours of mourning (red and black) and lowered into the headstone where milk and rice have been sprinkled 12. The hole is then covered with clean sand instead of the dirt dug out12.
7.GHA Ghana
Ghanaians believe that the best way to honour a loved one is throwing a party7. Funeral services in Ghana usually take place on a Saturday7 and the dress code is either black, or black and red clothing7. When mourners arrive to a procession, they are expected to express their condolences to the head of the family and then other family members7. After handshakes, guests are expected to give donations that will be used for the funeral costs (which are expensive)7. One aspect of the funeral tradition in Ghana that has come to light on social media, is that the pallbearers - the men who carry the coffin on their soldiers - will dance7. Another aspect that has drawn attention to Ghanaian funerals is the fantasy coffins. Fantasy Coffins are hugely popular in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana8, where it’s not unusual to bury someone in a giant replica Coke bottle, race car or cigarette packet8. Caskets are handcrafted by local carpenters to reflect the life, passions and social status of the person who has passed away8.
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8.SOU
South Africa
Rituals are an important part of African culture. For the dead they are a catalyst for putting the soul of the dead to rest5. Without a proper burial the soul becomes a wandering ghost, instead of rising to nest with its ancestors. In South Africa, the house where a death has occurred is smeared with ash5. The beds are removed from the dead person’s room so that mourners can enter, send prayers and occasionally offer a ritual sacrifice to please ancestors5. After the funeral, everybody may wash off the dust and dirt from the graveyard before they enter the house, to wash off bad luck5.
9.IRA Iran
Iran’s funeral rituals are heavily derived from the country’s Islamic faith6. Although Iran is specifically mentioned, many Islamic countries share a very similar processes of burying the dead. The body is prepared for burial by being washed nine times, wrapped in a white cloth and then tied with cords (around the cloth and body)6. It’s considered highly holy to help carry or touch the coffin, so funeral processions often involve huge crowds around the coffin itself6. During the burial, the body is placed in a grave facing Mecca and is surrounded by weeping mourners reciting prayers from the Quran6. The burial occurs within 24 hours of the death in contrast to how Mexicans spend time with their deceased. The mourning afterwards is split into significant days: the third, the seventh, the fortieth, and one-year afterwards6. On the third day, a memorial service is held with huge flower arrangements6, halvah, and rosewater sprinkled everywhere6. On the seventh day, the grave is visited, and food is given to the poor6 and on the fortieth, the mourners, who typically wear black, begin wearing normal clothes again, and a gravestone is put on the grave.
Each culture has their unique take on death ceremonies with overlaps in beliefs of the soul, external influences such as faith and the inevitable change of how some of these traditions may change over time.
Reference 1. https://www.funeralguide.net/help-resources/arranginga-funeral/religious-funerals/aboriginal-funerals 2. https://lmrpcc.org.au/admin/wp-content/ uploads/2011/07/Customs-Beliefs-Death-Dying.pdf 3. https://teara.govt.nz/en/tangihanga-death-customs/ page-3#:~:text=A%20ritual%20called%20tuku%20 wairua,were%20chanted%20by%20a%20tohunga. 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karanga_(M%C4%81ori_ culture) 5. https://www.joincake.com/blog/death-in-differentcultures/ 6. https://www.businessinsider.com/the-interesting-ways5-different-countries-celebrate-death-2015-7?IR=T 7. https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/blog/death-aroundthe-world-funerals-in-ghana#:~:text=Mourners%20 will%20arrive%20dressed%20in,died%20will%20 wear%20more%20red.&text=One%20lively%20 tradition%20in%20Ghana%20is%20dancing%20 pallbearers. 8. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2019/06/ how-different-cultures-deal-with-death.html 9. https://www.joincake.com/blog/japanese-attitudetoward-death/ 10. https://www.econdolence.com/learning-center/ religion-and-culture/shinto/shinto-funeral--burialcustoms/ 11. https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/obon-festival-in-japan 12 https://www.interserve.org/story/80-a-mongolianfuneral/ 13. https://beyondthedash.com/blog/cultural-spotlight/ mexican-funeral-traditions/6262 14. https://blogs.transparent.com/polish/polish-deathand-burial-customs/
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Sammar Bassal
PHONE CHARM CULTURE
Phone charms first originated in Japan and later in the United States. They are gradually becoming popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland1. 1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_charm All designs included were reffered from existing phone charms.