Module 3 Task 9
Read the description below of one cultural tradition specific to Latvia, then answer the questions. Compare with the comments in Ponder Point 4.
SITUATION 2:
Many Latvians still follow what is said in their beliefs to avoid misfortunes. It is believed that placing a bag on the table could provoke family scandals or financial instability. For women, this action may bring disagreements with a loved one, while both men and women are believed to risk financial challenges by placing a bag on the table. Traditionally, the table is respected as a gathering place for the family. Sitting on the table, according to this belief, brings trouble or even illness. For a young woman, sitting on the table is thought to decrease her chances of marriage or to attract a husband who does not respect his wife. Additionally, sitting at the table is believed to reduce financial opportunities. Modern perspectives also discourage this due to hygiene considerations.
Why do you think these traditional beliefs continue to influence behaviour in modern Latvian society? Explain your answer.
Do you know a belief coming from your own cultural background that may be surprising to foreigners? What does this belief allow or restrict?
Imagine you are a foreigner visiting Latvia. How might understanding these beliefs and traditions help you navigate social interactions more smoothly?
PONDER POINT 4
Cultural traditions frequently guide acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, expressing pragmatic reasons and deeper symbolic meanings. In Latvia, traditional beliefs regarding the table integrate respect for cultural heritage with practical advice, including promoting family unity and hygiene. Actions such as placing a bag on the table or sitting on it are avoided, not just due to superstition but because they symbolise respect for the table's role as a central, sacred family space. These beliefs persist because they connect Latvians to their cultural heritage and provide symbolic meaning to everyday actions. They promote respect for family values and social harmony, which remain integral to Latvian society. Additionally, practical aspects, like hygiene concerns, reinforce these traditions in a modern context.
In some other cultures, stepping over someone’s legs is believed to bring bad luck or stop them from growing taller. This belief may seem surprising to foreigners, but it acts as a way to instill mindfulness about personal boundaries and social behaviour. Awareness of these beliefs helps avoid behaviours that may unintentionally offend or surprise locals, such as placing a bag on the table. Respecting these customs shows cultural sensitivity and fosters positive relationships, allowing a foreigner to engage with locals in a respectful and considerate way of their values.
Comprehending these customs can help foreigners navigate permissions and avoid unintentional disrespect, which promotes smoother social interactions. These traditions illustrate how cultural beliefs influence behaviour and social expectations, offering insights into a society's values.