A sign of belonging

11 religious customs unique in the world

There are thousands of religions around the world, each following unique beliefs and customs. Some practices arise from the cultures associated with a particular faith, others from traditions shaped by historical events, and some can work as a way of showing adherence to a certain religion.

While some practices and beliefs may be shared among different religions, some are distinctive to a particular group. In this article, we will explore 11 customs and traditions that are unique to a religious group.

Sikhism is a religion that originated in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of India. Nowadays, it is estimated that around 30 million people around the world follow the Sikh faith.

As instructed by Guru Gobind Singh, Sikhs uphold five distinctive symbols of their faith, known as the Five Ks. One of these symbols is Kesh, or uncut hair, which Sikh men traditionally cover with a turban. This commandment also applies to facial hair. Sikh women tend to leave their uncut hair down, but some choose to wear a turban or other forms of head covering.

The sign of the cross, also known as signing oneself, is a Christian practice that dates back to at least the 3rd century and signifies the belief in the Holy Trinity. It is performed by touching the forehead, then the chest, and finally both shoulders.

While Catholics and other Christian denominations also use the sign of the cross, Orthodox churches are the main religious group to be identified by this practice performing it from right to left (touching the right shoulder first) and using three fingers to represent the Trinity.

Buddhism stands out for its lack of certain concepts that most Western people would come to expect from a major religion. One of these is the idea of a soul or a permanent, unchanging essence within a person. Instead, the focus is on the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) and the interconnection of all things.

For Buddhists, nothing is isolated. Everything is part of a big system that’s interconnected, and clinging to the notion of a fixed self leads to suffering and disappointment. Letting go of attachments is a way to transcend suffering and move toward enlightenment (nirvana).

Fridays are a special day in the Catholic tradition because they commemorate the day Christ died. This makes it a day of reflection, penance, and sacrifice, as a way to share the hardships and troubles Christ suffered. One common form of penance is by abstaining from eating meat.

Traditionally, not sacrificing an animal to eat was a way to highlight Christ’s death as the major sacrifice on Fridays. Because meat was once the foundation of most diets, giving it up was seen as a meaningful act of self-denial. This tradition only applies to warm-blooded animals, and everything that lives in water is permitted, which sometimes led to people eating beavers and capybaras on Good Friday.

Religious images are an important topic in all Christian denominations. Some use it as a way of honoring God and remembering the saints, while others feel that they can lead to improper veneration, and most Protestant denominations fall into the second category: they believe that it violates the biblical commandment against idolatry.

In following this custom, they prefer not to have images or overtly ornate churches, not only to avoid giving material things the reverence owed only to God, but also as a way to avoid distractions.

Weddings are joyous occasions across all cultures and religions, but Hindu weddings are on a different level. They are known for being colorful, ornate, and filled with dances, good food, and music. But this is not just a cultural trait: the wedding ritual is also ornate and intricate, and is one of the longest wedding rituals in the world.

While Hindu wedding customs vary widely by region, language, and community, they all share a common spiritual foundation. Most include at least three main rituals, each with its own traditions and associated ceremonies, making Hindu weddings multi-day events, often lasting a minimum of three days.

Many cultures and religions designate a specific hand for certain activities, such as eating or drinking, as a way to promote cleanliness. In Islamic tradition, the right hand is considered the appropriate hand for such acts, not only for reasons of hygiene but also for spiritual and symbolic significance.

Many Muslim scholars reference the right hand is associated with purity and blessing, while the left is considered impure and reserved for tasks related to personal hygiene. Some traditions also believe that the devil eats with the ‘impure’ hand, so they recommend using the right hand so as not to imitate him.

Shinto is a nature-based religion with centuries of history, practiced primarily in Japan. It venerates multiple deities, known as kami, which are believed to inhabit natural landscapes, forces of nature, and various aspects of life. By venerating them in their shrines, Shinto followers aim to cultivate harmonious relationships with these deities.

Unlike many other religions, Shinto does not have a central scripture or formal doctrine that dictates how it should be practiced. There is a strong focus on rituals and traditions, which are deeply ingrained in Japanese society and its customs. This means that there are multiple variations of Shinto practice, depending on the region, its history, and its customs.

Judaism is an ethnoreligion, meaning its religious beliefs are closely intertwined with cultural identity, even for Jews who may not consider themselves religious. One enduring tradition is the breaking of a glass by the groom during the wedding ceremony, a custom observed even by many secular Jews.

The breaking of the glass is traditionally understood as a remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the hardships that followed. But why such a sad memento on a joyful occasion? To remind us that life has its ups and downs, and joy is always mixed with sorrow.

Taoism (also known as Daoism) is both a religion and a philosophy stemming from ancient China, but with influences in many Asian societies. It emphasizes harmony with the universe and its energy (Tao or Dao), and has many practices related to meditation and spiritual cultivation.

The Inner Smile is one of these customs. By smiling inwardly, followers of Tao aim to cultivate a sense of gratitude and love for their bodies and, through this connection, release negative energy and promote well-being.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church) observes several dietary guidelines, one of which is the avoidance of coffee and tea. But where does this custom originate?

The Word of Wisdom (a section of LDS scripture) outlines health-related guidelines, including the prohibition of certain substances. Among these, "hot drinks" are forbidden. Traditionally, this has been interpreted to mean hot coffee and tea (excluding herbal teas). For many members, this has extended to avoiding caffeine altogether, though interpretations vary. Some believe that chilled coffee and tea are permissible, while others consume alternative caffeinated beverages, such as soda.

FOOD SLANG FROM AL DENTE TO ZITI

12 Culinary Terms to Show Off to Your Foodie Friends

Image: Kelsey Chance

Whether you really know your way around a kitchen or you are simply a food enthusiast, you probably recognize and even use a few words that belong to the realm of the kitchen, the foodies, or perhaps the high cuisine.

From the ubiquitous to the obscure, the following list compiles a few of these terms and idioms, their origins and meanings, for your perusal. So, go ahead and read. Perhaps you'll even learn something to impress an annoying food snob uncle or the high-brow sommelier of your local wine bar.

Image: Bozhin Karaivanov

In the lexicon of food enthusiasts, the phrase al dente reigns supreme. In its original Italian, it means "to the tooth" describing pasta cooked to a firm, slightly resistant texture. In the modern foodie world, achieving the perfect al dente is considered an art.

Al dente pasta showcases the chef's mastery over timing and precision. It's a departure from the overcooked, mushy noodles, with foodies embracing the authentic bite and texture that al dente brings to the table.

Image: Luca Lago

In today's culinary landscape, the term "artisanal" has become a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship. Derived from the word "artisan" which refers to a skilled craftsperson, artisanal signifies a return to traditional, handcrafted methods.

Whether it's beer, bread, cheese, chocolate, or coffee, consumers seek out artisanal options for a more intimate connection to the food they consume. Unlike mass-produced items, artisanal goods often involve small-batch production, emphasizing quality over quantity.

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Derived from the French word chiffon, meaning "rag" or "cloth" this technique involves finely shredding or cutting greens and herbs into delicate ribbons. While originally applied to herbs like basil, mint, or sage, the concept has expanded in the contemporary food world.

Chiffonade offers a visually appealing way to incorporate herbs into dishes. Beyond aesthetics, the method enhances the flavor profile by ensuring each bite carries a bit of the herb’s essence.

Image: Manek Singh

The term "confit" brings a sense of indulgence and culinary mastery. It originates from the French verb "confire," which means to preserve meats slowly cooked in their own fat. Today, the term has evolved beyond its preservation roots, becoming a hallmark of refined flavors in the modern foodie world. Confit techniques extend beyond meats, encompassing fruits, vegetables, and even garlic.

As the foodie movement evolves, confit remains a symbol of the pursuit of exquisite tastes in every gastronomic endeavor.

Image: Amanda Lim

The term "braising" describes the art of transforming tough cuts into tender masterpieces. This slow-cooking method involves searing meat and then simmering it in a flavorful liquid. Braising has become a staple technique in the modern foodie's repertoire, offering a perfect balance of convenience and culinary excellence.

The beauty of braising lies in its ability to turn humble ingredients into culinary triumphs. Often overlooked tough meats become succulent and infused with the deep, savory notes of the braising liquid. This method not only tenderizes but also intensifies flavors, resulting in amazing dishes.

Image: Rob Wicks

While French in origin, it can be translated to "mouth amuser": those bite-sized appetizers that serve as a prelude to a culinary journey, awakening the palate with unexpected flavors and textures.

Chefs experiment with diverse ingredients, drawing inspiration from seasonal produce, global cuisines, and avant-garde techniques. From foams to edible flowers, the amuse-bouche has become a canvas for culinary artistry, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary gastronomy.

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Yet once again, originating from French cuisine, roux is a simple mixture of flour and fat, often butter, cooked to varying degrees of color. While its roots lie in classic French sauces, the contemporary foodie world has embraced roux as a versatile and indispensable culinary tool.

Roux plays an all-important role in thickening sauces and stews. Its ability to transform liquids into velvety, rich textures, elevates dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Modern chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the complex flavor and depth that roux imparts to their creations.

Image: Rudy Issa

Translating to "everything in its place," this culinary philosophy emphasizes meticulous preparation and organization before cooking. Beyond a practical approach, mise en place has become a mantra for the contemporary foodie, symbolizing a mindful and systematic approach to the culinary journey.

Mise en place is more than just chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients, it embodies a mindset. Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the discipline it instills, generating a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. This methodical preparation not only enhances efficiency but also allows for greater creativity and focus on the artistry of the kitchen.

Image: Liuda Brogiene

Originally associated with raw minced meat, typically beef, modern cooks have embraced the "tartare" concept, expanding it to include variations like fish, vegetables, and even fruits.

Tartare signifies a departure from traditional cooking methods, emphasizing the purity and quality of ingredients. The modern food enthusiast appreciates the raw, unadulterated flavors showcased in a well-prepared tartare. From tuna tartare to avocado tartare, this dish has become a canvas for inventive combinations, celebrating diverse textures and tastes.

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It is no wonder why so many of the words in this list have a French origin. After all, that noble country is home to a great deal of culinary inventions that transcended its borders and have since become universal.

Demi-glace is a culinary alchemy that elevates dishes with its deep, savory essence. This reduction serves as a foundation for sauces, gravies, and braises, imparting a complexity that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Image: Hyeonyoung Yang

This cooking technique involves sealing ingredients in parchment paper or foil, creating a pocket that steams and infuses flavors. Beyond its classic roots, "en papillote" has become a favorite among modern foodies, celebrated for its ability to produce moist, flavorful dishes with minimal effort.

This method not only enhances the taste but also preserves the nutritional value of ingredients, making it a go-to choice for health-conscious cooks. The sealed package allows for gentle cooking, resulting in dishes that are not only delicious but also vibrant and nutrient-rich. A win-win foodie invention, so to speak.

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One of the few non-French terms in this list, ziti will bring memories of The Sopranos to some and memories of home comfort food to others.

Ziti is a versatile and beloved pasta shape among food enthusiasts. Originally hailing from Southern Italy, ziti's tubular form, often with ridges to capture sauces, has made it a favorite in contemporary kitchens. Its hollow, cylindrical shape pairs well with a variety of sauces, from traditional marinara to inventive, contemporary concoctions.