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Cultures of Southeast Asia - Coggle Diagram
Cultures of Southeast Asia
Sports
In Thailand,
Muay Thai
is a national sport. It is known as Thai kickboxing. In the past, Muay Thai was taught to the royal military as a martial art. It was also often taught in Buddhist monasteries when these soldiers retired and became monks.
Soccer, which is called
football
, is very popular. Volleyball is another favorite team sport.
Popular games in Cambodia include soccer and
kicking a sey.
A sey used to be made out of four feathers attached to a rubber sole. Today many are made using plastic discs. A similar game is played in Vietnam.
Education
Education is highly respected. People go to great lengths to obtain an education.
China has influenced the testing styles used in both education and in hiring for a job. Other influences include the former Soviet Union and Cuba.
However, those who can afford it often now try to attend college in the United States, Canada, or Europe.
Clothing
Clothing and costumes are one way in which people show their cultural identity.
One of the traditional female garments of Vietnam is the áo dài (pronounced ow zai). This is worn as a school uniform and for weddings. While primarily worn by women today, many men will wear a version of this for special occasions such as weddings.
However, most men and women throughout Southeast Asia wear Western style clothing for everyday life.
Food
The most important food in Southeast Asian cooking is rice. It can be prepared in many different ways.
Fish from the Mekong River and local lakes forms an important part of the Cambodian diet. Some of the fish are dried for long term storage.
Overall, Cambodian food is similar to Thai and Vietnamese cooking.
Music
Vietnamese music varies by region: the North, Central, and South. Northern music is the oldest form. It is considered the most traditional Vietnamese music.
Laotian music is dominated by the
khaen, a type of bamboo lute
.
Cambodian folk music
is influenced by many ancient styles. Religious dancing tells stories and myths. Traditional instruments are played to accompany the dancing.
Thai music
reflects its many influences from China, India, Indonesia, and Cambodia...
Religion
Since Vietnam is a communist country, it does not officially recognize religion. However, it has a long history of Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
In Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, Theravada Buddhism is the main religion.
Christianity is practiced by less than 10% of the population in most areas.
Festivals
Festivals are an important part of the cultures of mainland Southeast Asia.
One of the biggest takes place in Cambodia. It is the Festival of Boat Racing and it is an annual rowing contest. It is held every year at the end of the monsoon rains. It takes place before the Mekong River goes back to its pre flood level.