Our Traditions
A showcase of family traditions from around the world
Our Traditions
A showcase of family traditions from around the world
Highlight Reel
Highlight Reel
We asked ArtLink students and their families to share a family tradition that was important to them.
Watch the “Our Traditions” (3-minutes) video featuring the highlights from all video submission. Then dive deeper into each family tradition with full length videos below.
We thank all of the families who helped make this project a success.
Apologies in Uganda
Apologies in Uganda
Meet this family from Uganda
Family describes tradition: “When we disagree, quarrel or fight, we were told to sing this song. Its last note is ridiculously prolonged, which makes us all laugh. Despite our bitter feelings before we sing, we laugh, apologize and forgive one another after singing it. This song praises the unity among people and the beautiful village from which they came. Singing this song is very important for us because we learn the value of apologizing and forgiving one another.”
Family’s key takeaway: “Treat all your family members with respect. They are the most important gift life gives us. We will disagree with them from time to time. However, it is only with them that we shall find true acceptance of who we are; they will be the only ones to love us unconditionally. Always tell the truth and apologize when you make a mistake or wronged someone. Forgive those who have wronged you. A united family is a stronger family.”
Tika in Nepal
Tika in Nepal
Meet this family from Nepal
Family describes tradition: “Tika, made from red powder mixed with water and rice it is applied on the forehead during religious, cultural activities, at the beginning of new work, birthday, and so on in the Nepali Hindu tradition. It is also a symbol of good luck and an escort. It has been followed for a long time and passed from one generation to another. Worshiping God early in the morning is one of our practice and putting tika after worship is part of the process.
Tika is a belief in good luck and escort. It helps to build confidence to start new work, or a long journey. It [reflects] an emotion that connects older and younger people of the family, which keeps building a relationship of respect and love. It is a sign of being a Nepali as well.
Singing, dancing, and playing folk music are also practices for preserving history and culture. Doing such activities is an escape from a busy life schedule. Living in the moment and creating memories with friends and family. This helps the bond between friends and family to become more substantial.”
Family’s key takeaway: “Nepal is affluent in culture and tradition. We have 123 languages, 126 castes, more than fifty ethnic groups with diverse music and dance form, varied food menu, and so on. After all, living in love and harmony is one of the best parts of Nepal and our culture.”
Food in Kenya
Food in Kenya
Meet this family from Kenya
Family describes tradition: “The tradition presented here is about the local food in our culture called “githeri” which is a mixture of boiled corn and peas. The preparation of food in our culture is mostly done by the girls and women. Githeri is the staple food in our community and it is easy to prepare.”
Family’s key takeaway: “Githeri [a Kenyan traditional meal] can be prepared with either dry or green corn as well as any other type of cereal.”
Waltz music in Ireland
Waltz music in Ireland
Meet this family from Ireland
Family describes tradition: “We have a long history of playing music together. Even on a creative connections music tour of Connecticut! We grew up playing irish music because our dad (Denis Liddy) has been playing all his life and is heavily involved in Fleadh’s (Irish music competitions) every summer.”
Family breakfast in Colombia
Family breakfast in Colombia
Meet this family from Colombia
Family describes tradition: “Our traditional breakfast has arepa [cornmeal cakes], eggs, bread, hot cocoa or coffee. This is a tradition we have had since the times of our grandparents. It is very easy to prepare, and we always make it as a family activity. This tradition is important to us because it was taught by our grandparents. It is delicious and it helps us spend time as a family.”
Family’s key takeaway: “We would like to invite you to visit Colombia to enjoy our simple but delicious traditional meals such as this breakfast. Next time, we would like to teach you how to prepare Bandeja Paisa [includes beans, white rice, chicharrón (fried pork), carne en polvo (powdered beef) chorizo, fried egg, ripe plantain, avocado and arepa], which is another delicious and well-known meal in our culture.”
Kahk al-Eid in Jordan
Kahk al-Eid in Jordan
Meet this family from Jordan
Family describes tradition: “My family makes Kahk al-Eid, and they prepare coffee, new and beautiful clothes and decorate the house. On the day of Eid we visit our relatives and grandparents, share our joy with them, eat Kahk al-Eid and drink coffee while we are happy. This is important to my family because it reflects the joy of the Eid.”