Asia: Religious Customs March 20, 2012

3 Main Religions in Asia 1.Hindu 2.Islam 3.Buddhist Different Beliefs Hindu – Many Gods – Caste system – MANY writings; beliefs – Cattle sacred Islam – 1 God – All Equal (no caste) – 1 writing (Koran) – Cattle considered FOOD Buddhist – No God

Clashes between the religions – Destroy temples – Force religions Eventually…learn to tolerate each other Caste System Started by the Aryans (4 classes) Based on idea that there are separate kinds of humans HIGHEST CLASS – most PURE Later…new sub-castes added – Untouchables (lowest class): can’t TOUCH them/ impure Rules for Caste levels Rules meant to PURIFY Highest class get MOST rules Need to keep PURE Spiritual pollution if come in contact with lower caste member Example: Shadow/ Lower classes strike clapper to warn coming

Other Rules No sit in presence of Higher Class member Jobs Occupations determined at Birth High classes can only eat food prepared by that class – Avoid pollution Most Higher Class members become cooks – Anyone can eat food that high class prepares Marriage Only allowed to marry within class Interdependence Classes depend on each other Example: Merchants are HIGHER CLASS: water carriers are LOWER CLASS – NEED EACH OTHER to do business

1700s: Life in Asia March 22, 2012

Village Life Headman governed village – Respected landlord – Inherited position Organize villagers to build roads, irrigation ditches, temples, etc. All levels of caste system lived in villages Landless workers gave crops for rent Villagers rely on cattle for (1) plowing (2) transport goods (3) milk – Many believe cattle sacred because of economic importance

Family Life VERY IMPORTANT Extended family under 1 roof (whole family) Patriarchal – Oldest male rules; wisest Family interests more important than individual interests Marriages arranged – Protect/ benefit family – Bride/ groom little or no say Daughter marries – Leaves home to be with husband’s family – Visits once a year Bride’s family pay for marriage ceremony $$$ – Dowry: gift of money/ goods to groom

Women’s Roles Few rights Duties: (1) marry (2) wait on husband (3) have sons Hindu tradition: only son could do rituals for dead father’s soul Women have shakti: creative energy – Men need women to be complete Women need men – Dangerous unless ruled by a man Whole life – women must obey a man Higher caste women have to follow more rules – Seclusion; veils over faces; rarely leave home Widow – no remarry – Unlucky; everyone ignore – Some kill selves on husband funeral fire Wipe away sins of husband & selves