As soon as man breaks out of his mothers womb and emerges from the ruins of his sweet infantile world he sees around him a complex world with rich dialects, resplendent art, diverse ideas and beliefs and fascinating rituals and ceremonies.
From his nascent life the child emulates his surrounding and adapts the "culture" of his lineage.
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Anthropologist William D. Haviland said, "Culture consists of the abstract values, belief, and perceptions of the world that lie behind people's behavior and that their behavior reflects. These are shared by the members of society, and when acted upon, they produce behavior considered acceptable within that society. .
The existence and use of culture depends upon an ability possessed by humans alone. As human population increased and the human race was evolving people with similar ancestor , surroundings or even beliefs came together to develop language, tools, art, clothing, food, rituals distinctly different other clan or tribes. Thus societies with disparate culture were formed.
Now the question arises what factors lay the foundations for a particular culture and what factors mould it give its distinct aroma. Religion, historical events and globalization have been deemed as the three main antecedent that influence culture .
Religion has rigid boundaries that cultural values constantly transgress. Infact even at times religion crosses religion boundaries for example the practice of polygamy is allowed in Islam (up till 4 wives) but in our eastern culture the news of a person walking the isle the second time let alone fourth time always raises eyebrows.
This may lead one to belief that religion and culture are independent of each other but that is not always the case. Religious festivals for example became an integral part of any particular culture for example the festival of "holi" has became synonymous with Indian culture.