Hinduism in India  Reincarnation: born again, Hindus believe in moving up or down the caste (social) system with each life.  The goal is to move to the top of the caste system, then be reborn with the gods.  Hinduism requires each person to fulfill their role in their caste before moving on.

Caste System  Five levels of Hindu society, each one with a specific job or role.  Cannot leave role during lifetime otherwise punished in next life.  Untouchables: bottom caste, treated as subhumans.

Buddhism  Founded by Siddhartha Gautama as a reaction to the strict life of Hinduism.  Live a simple and peaceful life, eliminate suffering.  Goal is to reach Nirvana: a state of peace and happiness.

Buddhism Spreads  Hinduism remains largely in India; however Buddhism spreads throughout southeast Asia.  Buddhism spreads through trade routes such as the Silk Road.  In China, Buddhism shaped the people’s beliefs in community and politics.

Chinese Inventions  During Song dynasty China makes two major inventions: block printing and gunpowder.  Block printing allows them to mass produce documents that used to be hand copied.  Gunpowder is used in warfare to make bombs and propel cannons.

 The Song dynasty also invents paper and the compass during this time.  The compass allows for more accurate exploration and mapping of China’s territory.  These inventions also help China’s economy develop and expand.

Chinese footbinding  Footbinding originated among dancers in China and spread to lower classes.  Process of wrapping woman’s feet to prevent them from growing.  Men saw it as a sign of beauty and that a woman would be a suitable wife.

Process of binding feet  Starts at age 4-7, nails are trimmed and feet are soaked in warm water or blood.  Every toe is broken then foot is wrapped tightly in cloth, arches also broken.  Feet are re-wrapped every few days, ideal foot size was four inches.

 Footbinding often caused disabilities in women later in life.  Prevented women from taking part in politics and made them reliant on men.  Some women were still expected to work in fields and factories with bound feet.

Demise of footbinding  Women began to call for demise of footbinding in 1870s.  Argued it made China look old-fashioned and did not promote equality.  Banned in early 1900s but not completely removed until after World War II.

Seppeku (Japan)  Used by samurai as part of their Code of Honor  Samurai would commit suicide in order to avoid enemy capture.  Could also be performed if committed a shameful act in Japanese society.

 During the Middle Ages, China is more advanced than Europe.  Asia is impacted by religions, many still influence politics in these countries.  Traditions will also impact the culture and mindset of Asian countries.