ETHNIC GROUPS OF ASIA

Han  Where: China  Religion: Primary religions—Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism (religion is banned though)  Culture:  Largest single ethnic group in the world  Many historical contributions  Chinese holidays—importance of dragon  Large rectangular houses for extended family  Rice staple food  Last name first, first name second  Three classes in society—mandarins, peasants, “mean people”  Languages: Han, Mandarin, Cantonese

Han Lantern FestivalChinese language

Han Traditional Han ClothingChinese house

Mongols  Where: Mongolia  Religion: Buddhism  Culture:  Primarily nomadic  Superstitious  Haircutting ceremony for children  Great oral tradition  Eat a lot of meat & dairy  Very decorative clothing  Ger is traditional home  “Horseback people” & festivals

Mongols GerTraditional clothing

Mongols Haircutting CeremonyHorse races

Hmong  Where: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar  Religion: Animism & ancestor worship  Culture  Least likely to assimilate in America  They have their own language and religion  Organized into clans  Marriage kidnappings  7 souls  Most foods are boiled, steamed or stir-fried  Strict housing rules

Hmong Hmong girlsInside a Hmong house

Indo-Aryan (Indian)  Where: India & Pakistan  Religion: Hindu & Islam  Culture:  Arranged marriages  Lots of festivals & ceremonies  Traditional sari  Known for spicy food  Indian dance very important  Bollywood

Indo-Aryan SarisScenes from Bollywood

Indo-Aryan Indian FoodHoli Festival

Bengali  Where: Bangladesh & India  Religion: Islam & Hinduism  Culture:  Language is Bengali, but also speak English & Urdu  Entire community celebrates festivals regardless of religion  Arranged marriages  Similar to Indian food  Saris & Kurtas

Bengali CuisineKurta

Maylay  Where: Malaysia, parts of Indonesia  Religion: Muslim and animism  Culture:  Lots of Indian influence  Language influences most of SE Asia  Combat arts  Kite flying  Housing accommodates the climate

Malay Traditional HouseMalay Kids

Korean  Where: North & South Korea  Religion: Religion banned in NK, primarily Christian in SK with some Confucianism & Buddhism  Culture  Family oriented/ancestor honor  Family homes  Some marriages still arranged  Fish & meat eaten, with barley replacing rice in some places  Folk dancing  Gardens are important  Tea ceremonies

Korean Traditional HouseBridal robes

Ainu  Where: Japan  Religion: traditional tribal religion  Culture:  Language: Ainu  Were racially discriminated against for many years  Fierce fighters  Men have full beards & mustaches  Women often tattooed  Traditional dress is long robes  Primarily eat meat and fish  Reed thatched huts

Ainu (Japanese) Traditional HouseAinu clothing & tattoos