French Culture: Customs & Traditions

Most people associate French culture with Paris, which is a center of fashion, cuisine, art and architecture,
but life outside of the City of Lights is very different and varies by region. France doesn't just have
different cultures; the word "culture" actually comes from France. "'Culture' derives from the same
French term, which in turn derives from the Latin colere, meaning to tend to the earth and grow,
cultivation and nurture,"

Historically, French culture was influenced by Celtic and Gallo-Roman cultures as well as the Franks, a
Germanic tribe. France was initially defined as the western area of Germany known as Rhineland but it
later came to refer to a territory that was known as Gaul during the Iron Age and Roman era.

Languages

French is the dominant language of the countrys 66 million residents, but there are a number of variants
based on region. French, the official language, is the first language of 88 percent of the population,
according to the BBC. French is the second most widely learned foreign language in the world, with
almost 120 million students.

French cuisine.
Food and wine are central to life at all socioeconomic levels, and much socializing is done around lengthy
dinners.

While cooking styles have changed to emphasize lighter fare, many still associate French cooking with
heavy sauces and complicated preparation. Some classic French dishes include boeuf bourguignon a
stew made of beef braised in red wine, beef broth and seasoned with garlic, onions and
mushrooms.Currently, traditional French cooking is on the decline. Seventy percent of the restaurants in
France are using prepared meals instead of fresh cuisine that is a cornerstone of the culture.

Clothing

Paris is known as the home to many high-end fashion houses, such as Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and
Chanel. Many French people dress in a sophisticated, professional and fashionable style, but it is not
overly fussy. Typical outfits include nice dresses, suits, long coats, scarves and berets.

The term haute couture is associated with French fashion and loosely means fancier garments that are
handmade or made to order. In France, the term is protected by law and is defined by the Paris Chamber
of Commerce

French art Art is everywhere in France particularly in Paris and other major cities and Gothic,
Romanesque Rococo and Neoclassic influences can be seen in many churches and other public buildings.

Many of historys most renowned artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro,
sought inspiration in Paris, and they gave rise to the Impressionism movement.
The Louvre Museum in Paris is among the worlds largest museums and is home to many famous works
of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

* In France must never talk about money on the table. You do not have to share the bill with someone.
Pay all or nothing. Otherwise you're no longer considered sophisticated. In France you shouldnt leave
food on your plate or take it to go. That means that you didnt like the food. In France is rude to gobble
food.

American Culture: Traditions and Customs of the United States

American culture encompasses the customs and traditions of the United States. "Culture encompasses
religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or
wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other
things,"

The United States is sometimes described as a "melting pot" in which different cultures have contributed
their own distinct "flavors" to American culture. Just as cultures from around the world have influenced
American culture, today American culture influences the world. The term Western culture often refers
broadly to the cultures of the United States and Europe.

American style

Clothing styles vary by social status, region, occupation and climate. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps,
cowboy hats and boots are some items of clothing that are closely associated with Americans. Ralph
Lauren, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Victoria Secret are some well-known American brands.

American fashion is widely influenced by celebrities and the media, and fashion sales equal around $200
billion per year, according to a paper published by Harvard University.

American food

American cuisine has been influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history. Today,
there are a number of foods that are commonly identified as American, such as hamburgers, hot dogs,
potato chips, macaroni and cheese, and meat loaf. "As American as apple pie" has come to mean
something that is authentically American.

There are also styles of cooking and types of foods that are specific to a region. Southern-style cooking is
often called "American comfort food" and includes dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, black-
eyed peas and corn bread.
The Arts

The United States is widely known around the world as a leader in mass media production, including
television and movies. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States comprises one-
third of the worldwide media and entertainment industry.

The television broadcasting industry took hold in the United States in the early 1950s, and American
television programs are now shown around the world. The United States also has a vibrant movie
industry, centered in Hollywood, California, and American movies are popular worldwide. The U.S. film
industry earned $31 billion in revenues in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sports

The United States is a sports-minded country, with millions of fans who follow football, baseball,
basketball and hockey, among other sports. Baseball, which was developed in colonial America and
became an organized sport in the mid-1800s, is known as Americas favorite pastime, although its
popularity has been eclipsed by football for the past three decades, according to the Harris Poll.

Mexican Culture: Customs & Traditions

The culture of Mexico has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past few decades and it varies
widely throughout the country. Many Mexicans live in cities, but smaller rural communities still play a
strong role in defining the countrys collective vibrant community.

Languages of Mexico

The overwhelming majority of Mexicans today speak Spanish. According to the CIA, Spanish is spoken
by 92.7 percent of the Mexican population. About 6 percent of the population speaks Spanish and
indigenous languages, such as Mayan, Nahuatl and other regional languages. Indigenous Mexican words
have even become common in other languages, including English. For example, chocolate, coyote,
tomato and avocado all originated in Nahuatl.

Values of the Mexican People

Mexicans put a high value on hierarchy and structure in business and family matters. Especially outside
of cities, families are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to
immediate family members and extended family such as cousins and even close friends.

Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a
large part of the values and customs of the country.
Mexican food

Mexican culinary norms vary widely based on income level and social class. The diet of working-class
Mexicans includes staples such as corn or wheat tortillas, along with beans, rice, tomatoes, chili peppers
and chorizo, a type of pork sausage. Empanadas, which are handheld pasty pockets, can contain savory or
sweet fillings. Many Mexicans love spicy foods full of heat.

Mexico is known for its tequila, which is made from agave cactus that is well suited to the climate of
central Mexico. Soda is a very popular drink in Mexico, as the country has a well-developed beverage
industry.

Mexican clothing

Many may not think of Mexico as a place that fosters high fashion, but many fashion designers hail from
Mexico, such as Jorge Duque and Julia y Renata. There is also a Mexico Fashion Week. In the cities,
fashion in Mexico is influenced by international trends, so the typical urban Mexican dresses similar to
people in Europe and the United States.

In more rural areas, a typical womans wardrobe includes skirts, sleeveless tunics called huipils, capes
known as quechqumitls and shawls called rebozos.

Mexican art and literature

Clay pottery, embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls and outer garments with angular designs,
colorful baskets and rugs are some of the common items associated with Mexican folk art.

The country is closely associated with the Mariachi style of folk music. Originated in the southern part of
the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century, it involves a group of musicians playing violins,
guitars, basses, vihuelas (a five-string guitar) and trumpets and wearing silver-studded charro suits and
elaborate hats. "La Cucaracha" is a well-known Mariachi staple.

Two of Mexico's most famous artists are Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Their paintings include vibrant
colors and depictions of life in Mexico.

*When you see someone eating in Mexico, foreign or not, tell him "provecho" (n.r. "good appetite").Do
not avoid this habit, because it means having manners and in addition, it will give a good spirit.

*At the restaurant. Dont leave the table immediately after you have finished eating.And while you eat
take your hands above the table. Drinking in excess is not exactly an ideal behavior. Not in Mexico, and
especially not for women. Mexicans have a habit of approaching than when you speak. It is perfectly
normal to be late to an event. In fact, if you'll be punctual you will have to wait coming others.