Significance of Teaching Culture to the Next Generation
Culture is our way of life which includes our traditions, food, festivals, literature, and so much more. We live in a country where we are immersed in a beautiful and long standing culture. There are thousands of years of history attached to our religion
However, in today’s fast-paced and modernized world, it is often easy to forget about our own culture and heritage. Culture has such deep-rooted meanings and holds monumental importance in our communities which makes it so it cannot be overlooked. Especially in a country with a diverse population, culture is what makes us unique and gives a sense of unison within our own societies. It needs to be preserved and passed on to the next generation.
I talked to ten people about the importance of traditions. I asked them about the significance of culture and why it has to be passed on to the next generation. This is what they said.
Our culture is what gives us our identity. It is what our people know and have been doing for long periods of time. Values, attitudes, and ethics all derive from the culture we are taught and are brought up in. It shapes us as a person and how we perceive the world.
Behind every practice, there is history and cultural significance which has to be taught to future generations. Nepal is a country that is very rich in culture. We should know the history of the country and its land. It is our responsibility to pass down our heritage and culture so it will be remembered.
Even within the same country, there are hundreds of different traditions. The distinctive traditions shared by certain families or groups are what makes them unique. Additionally, it creates bonds within a community that cannot be created otherwise. Without culture, the same type of communities won’t exist. To illustrate, without the Newari language, literature, and festivals to connect the people, the Newari community wouldn’t exist.
Our culture has been passed down for generations; from our parents, grandparents, and ancestors. It is a part of us and our history. Although cultural experiences may not remain the same, they are improvised, learned, and practiced.
Everyone has memories of their culture that they will carry on. Specific traditions like wearing tika and receiving blessings from elders during dashain, certain pujas during festivals like kukur puja, the worship of the dogs, planting jamara, mother’s day festivities are practiced after generations of being passed down. They should not be forgotten as it would delete the history and significance behind it as well.
Even though I talked to people of different ages and backgrounds, they all agreed on one thing. Culture is a part of our identity and it has to be preserved. With an increasing influence of the internet and global culture, traditions and local culture can be undermined. When culture is lost or deprived, people can lose the bonds within their people and a sense of identity. How would you feel if the next two generations lost their culture?
