This is the first in a new series of collaborative posts, where we explore different social situations from the point of view of our contributors around the world.
Today’s topic: how to greet people in different countries.
The Hand of God can have many different meanings.
And although soccer is like a religion for some, it has nothing to do with divine intervention in this case. It is, rather, the name of a controversial goal scored by Argentina’s Diego Maradona against the English side in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Footage shows Maradona touching the ball with his hand; however, the goal was allowed and Argentina went on to win the match 2-1 and eventually the tournament. The name was coined when, during a press conference, Diego Maradona said the goal was scored “un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios” (“a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”)
Petya, a Bulgarian living in the USA, just posted about what she loves about Bulgarians:
“What I really like about Bulgarians is our complete disregard for personal space: we are nosy neighbors, tell people how to raise the children, take a lot of group trips, talk to our parents several times a week, show up uninvited, pick fruit off any tree that’s within our reach. When I am in Bulgaria, I feel very connected. I love that.”
We got chatting about it, and decided it would be cool to hear your answers too. We know you’re an international bunch, so tell us:
What do you really like about your country?
And if you’re an expat:
What do you really like about your adoptive country?
Today is Good Friday and in the UK it’s traditional to eat hot cross buns. We eat them toasted with butter – perfect with a cup of tea.
Happy Easter!
We love food photos from all over the world. If you have a great pic to contribute, go ahead and join our Flickr group where we are always looking for delicious things to post.
Read more:
Everyone’s Irish on March 17th
Cafe culture in Buenos Aires
Canadian maple toffee
Aside from the religious aspect, British people love to celebrate Christmas. Part of the reason is that it takes our minds off the terrible weather – when it doesn’t snow, the weather at this time of year is often cold, grey and wet. We’re always dreaming of a white Christmas, even though it only happens about once every ten years. Hopes are high this year though.
Coloured lights used to decorate the streets are a lovely way to light up the long, cold winter nights.
Inside the house we decorate our living rooms with a Christmas tree. We also decorate our houses with lights and tinsel.
We exchange presents and stack them under the tree, unless there are children in the house. Children hang out a big sock on Christmas Eve (24th December) and Father Christmas, also called Santa, comes in the night to fill it with presents. Children who want to impress Santa leave out a mince pie, which mysteriously disappears in the night.
Not many people know this, but it’s illegal to eat mince pies in England on Christmas day! During Oliver Cromwell’s rule (in the 17th century) Christmas was banned, and for some reason this law has never been changed.
Christmas day in the UK is celebrated on 25th December. On that day families exchange presents and then prepare and eat a special lunch. The most traditional food is turkey, but it’s not compulsory. Many people change from time to time. But one thing we never skip is Christmas pudding. It’s a very heavy pudding full of dried fruit. It must be a very British taste because I have never met anyone from outside the UK who liked this pudding!
For practising Christians, it’s traditional to go to church late on Christmas Eve for a service called midnight mass. For those who can’t stay up that late, there is another service on Christmas morning.
Come back tomorrow for Christmas in Costa Rica, by Nuria.
Read more:
Christmas around the world
Windy Christmas – Christmas in Costa Rica
Regained Christmas – Christmas in Romania
Cheese on toast is a favourite snack for anyone who grew up in the UK. Thanks to Orlipix for sharing this one.
Do you want to share photos of your country’s food? Join our photo group on Flickr and show us your photos.
Read more:
Kenyan celebration lunch
The cappuccino rule – Italians and their coffee habits
Food British people cook – the top 10 recipes of British people
Picture Postcards: Colours of Argentina
The Netherlands – a country of many names
Bucharest Seen From the Arch of Triumph
From our contributors: week of May 13
Familiarizing the World with Assam.
From our contributors: week of April 23
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