The Culture of Daily Life Similarities and Differences Paper

Team B

Span/110

12/3/2015

Introduction

When it comes to the daily life of people, each culture and country have their ways of going about things. There are many similarities and differences between Cuba and Peru in the daily life of their people. This paper will cover each countries cultural customs such as their religious practices, traditions, and familial structures. It will enlighten others on the understanding of these customs and how they view the importance of each one.

Family Structure

During early settlement in Cuba, the family structure was based around status and wealth. However, early settlers began having children out of wedlock with slaved women and the definition of family changed. Men denied fathering children with slaved women but with time men began to recognize them as their own although it frowned upon (Morrison, 2010). In the present day, the family structure of a typical Cuban family primarily revolves around women. It is common for a Cuban family to have the grandmother live in the same home and help take care of all the small children.

In Peru, it is normal for an immediate family to live with extended family members. An example would be if a man were to live with their partner yet, are not officially married due to the lack of financial resources. They will reside with parents until they are financially stable to live on their own. The man of the household holds high power, yet women have a say in family matters like how the children will be raised. Most Peruvians are Catholic and might marry through the church but divorce is not likely and if it does happen it is looked frowned upon to remarry again after a religious ceremony ("Peru", 2015). Much like the settlers in Cuba the Spanish settlers had children with the indigenous women of Peru but would not recognize children as their own. Similar to Cuba many homes in present times are led by single mothers making the best they can to provide for their children ("Peru - Explanations", 2015).

Religious Practices

Cuba and Peru have some similarities when it comes to religion and the practice that follows. Both of these countries have strong religious ties to Roman Catholicism but in their way practice it in different manors.

Cuba is a country that has a strong belief in Christianity yet is primarily Roman Catholic. Cuba is home to a variety of religions that are from a large African cultural origin. One of these religions is known as Santeria or (Yoruba), which developed from a tradition of African people who were imported to Cuba in the 16th century through the 19th century. The Santeria religion is a blend of elements from within Christianity and West African beliefs. The La Virden de la Caridad Del Cobre (Our Lady of Charity) which is of Catholic patroness in Cuba is what some refer to as the symbol of Cuban people. There is a religious festival each year in Cuba for the month of September on the 8th to celebrate "La Virgen a la Caridad.

Peru's constitution in ways provides for freedom of religion. However, Peruvians have a strong belief in the religion of Roman Catholicism, which plays a significant role in the cultural society. The Peruvian law has mandated that all schools public or private must impart the Catholic religion through their curriculum and educational process. In Peru, the Catholic religion is everywhere you see and in every town no matter how big or small there is a church present. Catholic religious symbols are found within Peru on all the public and government buildings and areas. The Catholic tradition has lived on for centuries and still does were all the male priest including Bishops and archbishops are still in demand and carry out an enormous amount of respect and authority. Through this tradition of Catholicism, the Nuns come in second and as they are Women they are very well respected for what they do in communities for the poverty stricken, religion obedience, sexual abstinence, rituals and Holy places. In Peru, it seems that 90% of the people are of Roman Catholic religion and the other 10% are in between the Evangelists, Adventist, and Mormons.

Traditions

Cuba and Peru share more similarities than they do differences with their traditions. In both countries, sporting events are very popular and have become a way for citizens to show their pride. They also share traditions with clothing, cooking, and a special holiday that they celebrate each year. In Cuba, wedding traditions are different they are more civil than a religious event. Another thing is when a girl turns fifteen it means she is considered an adult and they do a celebration called "Quinze Fiesta." In Peru arts and crafts, festivities are a huge tradition for them it shows the world their skills of Peruvian craftsmen. They also have different kinds of Carnivals that take place in February. Cuban traditions brings together religions, music, arts, cultures, foods, drinks and more. Many of the festivals, and rituals are actual ways of life that are from pre-Columbian time. Peru is full of customs that maintain the legacy of its ancient cultures, from traditional clothing, popular art expressions, their belief systems, and their daily routines such as work and cooking.

Summary

En conclusión Perú y Cuba cada uno tiene similitudes en ciertos aspectos de la vida diaria que ayuda a guiar a su pueblo también tienen sus diferencias. Las similitudes son el hecho de que cada país pone la familia, las tradiciones y las creencias religiosas en la parte superior de su lista de prioridades. Tanto en Perú y Cuba es común que los miembros extened a residir con los demás. Sin embargo, en el Perú por lo general este tipo de problemas financieros sólo circunstanciales. El catolicismo romano es la religión principal en ambos países, sin embargo, Perú pone más presión sobre las zonas públicas del gobierno de seguir y enseñar creencias . Tradiciones son también importantes. Cuba y Perú celebran muchas cosas, como cumpleaños, bodas y fiestas. Sin embargo, Perú prefiere seguir con el mantenimiento de su patrimonio, mientras, Cuba es más relajado y une a las personas.

References

Morrison, K. Y. (2010, March). Slave Mothers and White Fathers: Defining Family and Status in Late Colonial Cuba. Slavery and Abolition, 31(1), 29-55.

Cuba. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html

Peru. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Peru.html

Peru - Explanations. (2015). Retrieved from