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Feature Writer Articles in Cultural Anthropology

 		The History of Marriage Customs in Japan
Marriage patterns in Japan have shifted dramatically through time. The majority of wedding ceremonies, however, have always followed Shinto traditions.
Druze, the Mysterious People of the Middle East
The Druze are a minority religious community founded in 1017 C.E. in Egypt. They keep their beliefs and cultural practices secret, and not much is known about their ways.
Who Were the Medes of Ancient Persia?
The term "magic" is derived from the Median priestly tribe, the "Magi," who were the same as the Magi spoken of in the Biblical Nativity story.
Japanese Table Manners
Japanese table manners are very different from Western etiquette customs. Here are a few tips to set you at ease and make your transition into the culture of Japan.
Khamsa, an Ancient Middle Eastern Amulet
A popular talisman in the Middle East, the Khamsa hand guards against the potential threats from the Evil Eye or envious thoughts of others.
Inari Okami, Japanese Rice Deity
Oinari, or Inari Okami is a prominent deity in Japan for agriculture, prosperity, and fertility. Worship of Inari goes back at least to the 8th century C.E.
The Japanese Maneki Neko Beckoning Cat Doll
Maneki Neko, the Beckoning Cat doll or statue with a raised paw, is a common and popular good luck charm in Japan, and now becoming more fashionable worldwide.
Japanese Daruma Dolls
The Daruma doll of Japan is a traditional Buddhist charm used in setting goals and wishing for good luck. They are fashioned after the Zen monk Bodhidharma.
Japanese Torii, the Gateway to a Shinto Shrine
The monumental standing gates of Japan are known as torii and mark the entrance to the sacred area of the kami (Shinto deities).
The Debate over Male Circumcision
Is circumcision good for men or is it just a cultural remnant of ancient practices? The WHO and CDC promote the practice as partial protection against HIV infection.
Female Circumcision in Egypt
Female circumcision may go back to the time of the Pharaohs. While unlawful in most countries today, the practice continues in Egypt and other areas.
Who are the Pashtun People of Afghanistan?
The Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and the second largest in Pakistan. What are their unique characteristics and what are their origins?
The Three Sacred Shinto Treasures of Japan
Three sacred objects have been traditionally held by the Emperor of Japan representing valor (sword), wisdom (mirror) and benevolence (jewel).
The Birth of Japan's Shinto Goddess Amaterasu
The legends of Amaterasu Omikami tell much about the cultural history and status of gender in Japan, a country which still holds a goddess as the chief deity of Shinto.
Ise Jingu Sacred Shinto Shrine of Japan
Ise Jingu is a unique and fascinating complex of shrines, holding the holiest Shinto temple in Japan, and dating from the late 7th century C.E.
Ancient Animism in Shinto
Shinto, the state religion of Japan for over 1200 years, has a foundation of animism - a belief in spirits living in many natural phenomena.
Ancient Origins of the Kurds
The Kurds remain a distinct ethnic group in many Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, despite attempts at ethnic cleansing. What is the origin of their culture?
The Jews of Afghanistan
Jews may have lived in Afghanistan since the 8th century B.C.E., leaving behind traditions of their possible ancestry of the Pashtun people. Now only one Jew is left.
The People and Cultures of Afghanistan
Afghanistan is like a jigsaw puzzle comprised of various ethnic groups. The majority populations are Pashtun and Tajik, each speaking their own Indo-Iranian languages.
Temporary Marriage in Modern Iran and Iraq
Among the modern Shi'ites in Iran and Iraq, temporary marriage is allowed, giving men the opportunity to marry an unlimited number of women.
Indigenous Religion of Okinawa Japan
The people of the Ryukyu Islands, or Okinawa, Japan, have an animistic and shamanistic belief system that predates the influences from Shinto, Buddhism, and Taoism.
Culture of the Ainu People of Hokkaido Japan
The Ainu, the indigenous people of Northern Japan, strive in all they do to be in harmony with nature and their gods.
Religion Among the Ainu People of Hokkaido Japan
The religion of the Ainu people of Hokkaido Japan, although animistic, is distinctively different from Japanese Shinto religion.
Origins of the Ainu People of Northern Japan
The origins of the Ainu people of Hokkaido have long been a mystery. Their culture and appearance is unique. Where did they come from?
Ancient Japan – the Yayoi Period
The Yayoi culture, which came to Japan from the north of China, replaced the Jomon people, leaving a new language, religion and social structure in Japan.
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Contributing Articles in Cultural Anthropology

 		Comparative Religion – the Apocalypse
Many religions and traditions around the world believe in a time when everything will end. Learn what different cultures say about the end of times.
Origins of Irish Folklore
The symbols celebrated on Saint Patrick's Day represent a wealthy history for Ireland and its people, telling stories of good luck, love & friendship and strong faith.
Comparative Religion – Resurrection and Rebirth
Resurrection and reincarnation became two different concepts but their symbolic meaning share common roots. Learn similarities and differences here.
Unique Ancient Amulets
The adornment prepared from white and red threads is part of a protective strategy against all kinds of misfortune at a time of transition from winter to spring.
Animal Worship in Ancient Religions
Ancient traditions often involved animals in their rituals but the philosophy behind the rites have been misunderstood for centuries.
Origins of Easter Holiday Traditions
Common Easter holiday symbols, including the bunny, egg and basket, began with the blending of pre-Christian pagan traditions and religious Christian beliefs.
Honey, Propolis and Wax, Nature's Precious Gifts
After the onion, honey is the world's commonest non-staple food but scientific research has uncovered other wonderful and unexpected qualities in it of value to mankind.
Comparative Religion – Heaven and Hell
Although there are many belief systems in the world, nearly all of them have a position regarding paradise and purgatory, only with different names and characteristics.
Valentine's Day traditions from around the world
Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world, but each country has its own traditions and customs. See how different countries differ from your own celebration!
How to Behave During a Powhiri
As Maori culture becomes more entwined into everyday life for all New Zealanders, it is likely that everyone will have the chance to experience a powhiri at some point.
How to Behave and What to Expect on a Marae
A chance to experience life at a marae offers an unparalleled glimpse into Maori customs and traditions. Knowing what to expect will enable the visitor to fully enjoy it.
What to Do and How to Behave at a Tangi
Participating in unknown Maori customs may be a source of anxiety in non-Maori who have been invited to a Tangi. This guide reviews and explains what to expect.
In Search of Respect - East Harlem Culture
The value of respect in East Harlem's crack economy subculture dictates the structural forces its culture creates and maintains.
Changes in Anthropology Fieldwork over Time
Attitudes towards fieldwork have changed considerably over the past century.
John Wesley Powell's Tribal Education
While J.W. Powell explored the canyons of the Colorado River for future agricultural purposes, he became intrigued with native people within the canyon lands.
Valentine's Day Traditions Across the Globe
There are many commonalities in the ways different cultures celebrate Valentine's Day. Flowers, candy, and greeting cards are among many universal symbols of the holiday.
Culture - What is its Meaning?
Since the sociological perspective differs from the historian's and psychologist's views on the matter, nobody should accept one definition of culture as valid.
Inca Death Rituals
The elaborate mortuary practices of the ancient Inca were an important part of their culture and was even partially responsible for the expansion of the empire.
Australian New Year Traditions are British
Not surprisingly, old Australian New Year customs closely follow British traditions, especially those of hogmanay. New Year celebrations are almost universal.
New Years Around the World
January 1st is the beginning of the New Year for most cultures. New Year traditions and New Year celebrations stem from older dates and cultural traditions.
The History of Women's Lingerie
Lingerie has evolved from practical or restrictive undergarments into symbols which define the feminine ideal of an era.
Reincarnation and Superstitions with the Makuna
Columbian Amazonian tribe, the Makuna believe in the concept of reincarnation, but to obtain it properly the ceremonies must be done right.
How Art Has Kept History Alive
The HMS Bounty, an obscure armed merchant ship from which the crew mutinied is immortalized on film.
Gender Constructions in a Ford F-150 Commercial
Gender identities are socially constructed and reinforced in advertising and other media. A 2009 commercial for the Ford F-150 truck reinforces a violent masculinity.
Cultural Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology
Cultural anthropology cannot attempt to define a society's culture without studying the very people that belong to it.
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