Costa Rica
The
Culture I chose to do my blog on is the Costa Rican culture. I chose this
culture mainly, because I plan to study there next summer on my study abroad
internship. I hope to learn about their customs, beliefs and traditions by the
end of this activity. I am most interested in learning about their cuisine,
music, and forms of entertainment.
- What
is culture? Why is it important to a society?
Culture is
the customs, beliefs, and traditions of a society. Culture is important because
it’s what differentiates us from one another and make us unique.
- Look
up a definition of culture. Does your definition correspond with a
dictionary’s definition? (please remember to cite your source)
The quality in a person
or society that arises from a concern for what is
regarded as excellent in arts, letters,
manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.
Culture. (2005). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/culture
- What
is your personal culture? What has happened in your life to shape
your personal culture?
My
personal culture consist of staying healthy and fit, going to school, working
to pay bills and having fun on the weekends. My parents and the people around
me have shaped my lifestyle through trail and error, life lessons and maturity.
- Are
you aware of any aspects of culture of the country you have chosen?
If yes, please describe. If no, please discuss common
Hispanic/Latino cultural aspects in general.
I am
unaware of any specific aspects of the Costa Rican culture, other than their
use of some Spanish words differently. I am quite sure that family, tradition,
and religion play a big role in this culture just as it does in most Latino
cultures.
“Costa Rican Music”
Costa Rican music is a big part of the culture as a whole. The birth of Costa Rican music date back to colonial times. The Spanish overtime, introduced European rhythms in their music. Spanish beats are harmonized with indigenous tempos to create folkloric music that make the Costa Rican music scene unique. Folkloric dancing and classical music are two of the main aspects of Costa Rican music culture. In 1970 Costa Rica became recognized for its classical music with the formation in the National Symphony Orchestra. Costa Ricans hosts an International Festival of Music during the last two weeks of August in which they display the roots of Costa Rican music. Through the years Costa Rican have nationalized their taste in music with the additions of American and British contemporary rock. Though they have nationalized their music outlook in some aspects they still stay traditional in their music as it pertains to dance.
1.
How does this artifact relate to
the Spanish culture?
The
artifact relates to the Spanish culture because, it shows the origins of
specific type of Spanish music. It also shows how festive and lively the Spanish culture is.
2.
How does this artifact have meaning for the
Spanish culture? And how does it have
meaning for you (why did you choose it)?
They
still compose music in the ways of the old with added elements making it a
unique aspect of this culture. I chose this artifact, because music plays a
major role in my personal culture. I haven’t gone a day without listening to
music. Music is food for the soul in my opinion and it expresses the emotions
and thoughts of the composer.
3.
Discuss its importance to the
Spanish culture.
Costa
Rican music is important to the Spanish culture because it plays a role in the
dancing element of the culture (salsa, meringue, cumbia, and bolero). Music plays a key role in expressing the traditions of the culture.
Costa Rican Music. (2012). Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-music/
“Costa Rican cuisine”
In the Costa
Rican culture they serve their food in modest portions opposed to American’s
“eat until your stuffed” method. Black bean and Rice is the standard dish of
Costa Rica. This dish is also used in most Latin cultures. San Jose is the
Capital and center of fine dining in Costa Rica.
1. How does this artifact relate to the Spanish culture?
Latino cuisine
usually involves family and tradition in every dish made, showing its importance.
Many Latino foods are used just the same as they were many decades ago by their
ancestors.
2. How does this artifact have meaning for the Spanish culture? And how does it have meaning for you (why did you
choose it)?
Cuisine plays a
major aspect in every culture, because the type of food and how it’s prepared
is unique to every culture. The cuisine in Costa Rica is generally healthy
aside of the oils and saturated fat, when paired with an active lifestyle. Cuisine
is important to me because I love to eat and I enjoy cooking in my spare time. I've recently began trying to cook Latino foods aswell.
3. Discuss its importance to the Spanish culture.
The cuisine of a
culture brings together family, friends and traditions in my opinion which is
why it’s an important component of any and every culture.
Food & Drink. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html
