Similarities and Differences Between of Australian Culture and Indian Culture (Essay Sample)

Similarities and differences between of Australian culture and Indian culture
Customer’s Name:
Customer’s Course:
Tutor’s Name:
Introduction
There have been various distinct definitions of culture as cited by various sociologists. According to Schaefer culture is defined as the quality in a person or society obtained through learning, and is a socially transmitted behavior. Culture is what individuals think is right and important as they interact. Culture grants us the back ground that we apply to interrelate with others in the society. It defines the precincts that we use to differentiate us from them. (Schaefer, 1992). Robertson cited that culture is categorized into material or nonmaterial concepts (Robertson, 1989). Material culture includes; machines, eating utensils, jewelry, art, clothing and many more. Nonmaterial aspects of culture refer to abstract human creations. Included in this category are; language, beliefs, religion, governments, values and the like (Hall, 1976).
This essay sets out to compare and contrast between two cultures that is the Australian culture and Indian culture. In discussing the cultures we will major on the cultural features such as language, religious beliefs, social structure and cultural complexities and a few other aspects.
Differences between the two cultures
Religions which are practiced in the two countries are very diverse. In India, there is an amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. According to Gama India allows all religions to be practiced. Religion in India remains dominated demographically by Hinduism with 80.5% of the total population practicing it whereas religion in Australia remains dominated demographically by Christianity. Indians in their religion worship many gods and goddesses and believe that bathing in the gangues will wash their sins away whereas in Christianity Aussies worship only one God and they believe that the only way to wash away sins is through salvation. Indians in their religion believe that Brahma is the creator, that Vishnu/Krishna preserves all that Brahma created, and Shiva is the destroyer (Gama 2009). Aussies in their religion believe that God is the creator and preserver of all reality in earth and Satan is the destroyer. Indians place of worship are the temples while Christians place of worship is the church. Thus religions in the two countries are very different (Hall 1979).
Another major difference between the two countries is the architecture. In the Tilak encyclopedia, Indian monuments symbolize one of the most exceptional aspects of Indian culture. Each Indian Architecture is an outstandingly impressive illustration of amazing creativity that covers a sense of mystery, intrigue and romance, Indians monuments reflect their past and present glorious moments as per to their culture. They are the protectors and supporters of India’s cultural heritage. Australian Architecture depicts its history. Local and international tourists can tour them and get a taste of the history of the country (Tilak 2011). Monuments in Australia are intended to honor events and people who have sacrificed for and served their country (Hall 1979).
The attires worn in the two countries also depict a major difference between the two countries. According to Tarlo & Emma, the people of India have a wide range of colorful and different attires. These attires include traditional clothing such as Dhoti Kurta for men, Salwar-kameez for women, sari is a precious dress, Sherwani is a unisex outfit and a headdress referred to as turban (Tarlo, Emma 1996). Australia has some pretty amazing clothing too to help people cope with the different climate and conditions. These include Aboriginal T-shirts, Australiana T-shirts (has funny messages written on them that poke fun of the Aussie people and culture) and many more. Many traditional clothing items like Blundstones and Akubra hats are now popular mementos in Australia (Craven, 1994).
Wedding ceremonies;
Another difference is in the manner which wedding ceremonies that are celebrated. According to the Tilak encyclopedia, after a Hindu marriage ceremony, a jewelry refered to as Mangal Sutra is worn by a woman to signify that she is married. During the ceremony a ritual known as Mangalya Dharanam which involves the groom tying of the Mangal Sutra around his body. This event symbolizes understanding, love and sacrifices in the future of the husband and wife. The Mangal Sutra is a symbolic attire ritually and it is only after the death of a husband that the The Mangal Sutra is worn off by the deceased wife. Mangal Sutra is equivalent to western wedding ring. During the wedding ceremonies in India the bride wears bangles, locket and a vermillion mark on the fore head to symbolize that she has just wedded (Tilak, 2011). In a Christian wedding, the couple exchanges rings and make vows. This It symbolizes an unbroken bond (Craven 1994).
Another notable different is in the type of food eaten in the two countries. In India their cuisine are characterized by their classsical and fine use of lots of spices and herbs (Gama, 2009). On the contrary Australian food includes seafood, meat, and other staple aboriginal foods with very few spices.
The cultures are also different in terms of greetings. In the Tilak encyclopedia Namaste form of greetings is famous in India. It is the universal acknowledgment of a visitor, or bidding someone farewell. In Namaste both the palms are positioned together and hoisted beneath the chin to greet somebody. It is believed that both palms symbolize one mind or the self meeting the self. The right hand stand for a higher nature, whereas the left hand represents the lower nature (Tilak 2011). Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed. Shaking hands with a smile, looking directly at one another is and saying good day is enough as described by Robertson (Robertson 1989).
Gama noted that Indians show a sense of respect to their parents, elders, teachers and righteous souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses by placing his or her hand on their heads. It is a manner of respectfully acknowledging the magnitude of another and creates an atmosphere of mutual love and respect amongst the society (Gama 2009).
Similarities
The similarities between Australian and Indian culture include the form of governm...