Webster, "culture" is defined as "patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or thought". This is the definition that if asked what "culture" is, most people would agree with. There are many different types of culture that we witness every day. Within each of these cultures, there are common bonds that are shared and related among different types of cultures. These bonds can range from all types of things. A person's ethnic background, values, community, traditions, beliefs, customs etc. Although cultures sometimes share a common bond, it is obvious to say that each culture has its own identity. Two completely different cultures in today's society are the Greek culture and the Chinese culture.
I am proud to say that I was raised to recognize and be a part of the very valued reek culture. I would have to say that one of the many important customs of the Greek culture is the marriage customs. When a man decides to marry a woman, it is customary to ask for her hand in marriage from her father. The engagement rings, which are the wedding bands as well, are then blessed by a priest and placed on the left hand of the couple. The rings remain on the left hand until the wedding day in which then are placed on the right hand. The most symbolic moment of a Greek wedding is that of the wedding crowns, "stefana"". These crowns denote that the bride will become the queen and the husband the king of the household. After the ceremony the bride and groom exit the church while the guests shower them with rice and almond candies, "koufeta"", for good luck.
In the Chinese culture the marriage and engagement customs are carried out differently. Although arranged marriages were common on China, it is now rare and viewed as old-fashioned. However, once the couples have chosen each other, the arrangements are usually taken over by the parents thus observing customs, traditions and superstitions.
