Comparison Of Culture In Ireland, Australia, And Japan

There are over one hundred and ninety countries worldwide, each had developed their own personal history, values, and culture. Even though all countries in the world have a slightly different culture, which makes it unique, there can also be similarities amongst those countries. In the light of this interconnectedness, this essay will inspect the ways Ireland, Australia, and Japan compare and contrast in terms of their culture and society. To start with, these countries are situated in different parts of the world, thus giving each nation a different popular religion. Ireland is mainly consisted of Roman Catholics, leaving only around 5% of the population being non-Catholic minorities. Catholicism had become intertwined with Irish nationalism,
ever since the British wanted to eliminate the religion from Ireland before its independence. The people honor St. Patrick since he had, according to legend, rid the land of the plague involving snakes and reptiles. Then he handpicked a three leaf shamrock to enlighten the people of the holy trinity, and how they could become one, thus giving the people Christianity and a symbol-the shamrock. Likewise, Australia is described as a Christian country, even with its religious freedom for the entire nation. Although, it is one of the most religiously diverse societies due to heaps of immigrants; mainly Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, and Hindus. With the younger generations, there has been a deterioration in attendance, as they tend to be more critical of the church policy and practice. Thus creating the New Age Movement and has become increasingly more popular than the traditional religions, spreading into the widespread of alternative health and spirituality. On the other hand, Japanese citizens mostly follow Shintoism and Buddhism, but it doesn’t play a major part in the people’s everyday lives. The two co-exist in harmony, and both aren’t preached like the Western cultures since it is more of a private family affair. Rarely is religion ever conversed in public matters, and the Japanese don’t need to worship regularly or need to claim that they are religious. However, all three nations do follow their own customs and rituals for celebration events such as birthdays, weddings, funerals, and holidays. Each nation has its own key religion(s) followed by minority religions, however, all three are excepting of other religions and follow certain customs for celebrations. Another aspect is that each country has its own meeting and dining etiquette when an individual invites a newcomer.
For example, in Ireland when greeting someone for the first time a handshake and a hello are needed, as well as maintaining eye contact. When invited to dinner bring a gift for the host of either chocolate, wine, or flowers; and always be on time otherwise the meal will be cold. Plus, remember table manners; no elbows on the table, hands remain visible, fork in the right hand and the knife in the left hand while eating. Comparatively, greetings in Australia are also laid back with a handshake and smile, and Aussies prefer to use first names even if it’s the initial gathering. Many times an invitation for dinner will be for a barbie, BBQ, and it is expected that the guests each bring a dish or alcoholic beverages. Table manners are the same as in Ireland, however, when guests are finished or full place the knife and fork parallel on the plate with the handles facing to the right. In contrast, Japan is very formal and ritualized when it comes to meetings, so show respect by bowing and waiting to be introduced. Arrive to dinner before to scheduled time, never arrive late as that is seen as disrespectful, and bring a gift for the host. Dress as if going to to the office, then when entering the home leave shoes by the door and put on slippers at the doorway. The traditional utensil that will be used are chopsticks, but don’t point the chopsticks at anyone and no piercing food with them. For the most part conversation is subdued since the Japanese take the time to savor food, yet don’t start a conversation, guests are only allowed to speak if another engages them first. Similarly, all three countries treasure table manners, gift giving, and respect towards the host are the main actions needed to be a proper guest. Ireland and Australia seem to be more laid back and informal, while in Japan everything is followed by
tradition. Equally important is the fact that these three countries have similar holidays, while still having personal holidays in the country. In Ireland the biggest celebration is St. Patrick’s Day, and the biggest parties are located in Dublin. Usually there are parades through to bigger cities and friends go out to party at pubs that are open until the early hours of the next day. For Australia they have a holiday dedicated to themselves called Australia Day on January 26th. This commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson in 1788, so Aussie’s come together on this day to celebrate their country and culture. During this day the Australian of the Year Award is given to those who made an outstanding contribution to their country. Then in Japan they have this festival called Obon, which is a lantern festival, to pay tribute to ancient spirits. From August 13th-16th lanterns are lit in front of homes to guide the ancestors to their families, and then on the 16th the lanterns will be put on rivers to guide the spirits back to the underworld. All of them celebrate Christmas, by setting up stockings or a tree, decorating their homes, which become available in stores in October, eating a special meal, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Unlike Ireland and Japan, in Australia Christmas is in the middle of the summer school holiday so many families go to beaches with a barbeque or have picnics in the parks. These nations have many unique holidays in their country, but they also have many of the same holidays as each other it’s just the matter of how they celebrate them. As can be seen from these countries, Ireland, Australia, and Japan generally have differences in their culture and society that make each of them unique. However, when taking a closer look there are similarities between these three nations with their religious practices, meeting/dining etiquettes, and holidays. Thus making the point of no matter how faraway countries are from one another, they will constantly have similarities with each other.