Culture of Bhutan
Bhutan has three main ethnic groups known as Sharchops, Ngalops and the Lhotshampas. Sharchops are the earliest residents of Bhutan who reside in the eastern region.
Bhutan like many other counties has a unique culture, lifestyles, languages and belief systems. In a country with a population of just over half a million, as many as 19 different dialects and several languages are spoken. This is attributed to the fact that in the past, Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication. It is for the same reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.
Rice is the main staple diet for the Bhutanese living in the lower regions, and wheat, buckwheat, and maize make the staple diet for the central and eastern regions.
The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humor. Hospitality is a built-in social value in Bhutan. People wear colorful clothing. Men wear a Gho, a long robe tied around the waist by a slim fabric belt, or Kera. The Kira, the main women’s garment, is an ankle-length wrap- around dress secured by a belt around the waist and fastened at the shoulders with silver brooches called Korma.
There is no class system in Bhutan, and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men. Both men and women are free to choose their partners for marriage and both can initiate a divorce.
Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. Representatives of the monk body are present at all important occasions. In the past, it was common for one son from each family to enter the monastic order, a custom that is less prevalent today.
Culture
Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct, and historical structures are not remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago. Vibrant festivals are celebrated, and social principles like the Driglam Namzha (age-old etiquette and code of conduct) are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.
Bhutanese languages and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture, and basic social and cultural values derive their essence from Buddhism. Just as the Kingdom’s history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious, institutions, prayer flags, and prayer wheels mark the countryside, providing a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.
Bhutan’s traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music, which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. In addition, secular performances, such as dance, songs, traditional instrumental music, and drama based on biographies of religious personalities hold a special place in the lives of national, village, or domestic functions and festivals.
Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, color, and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving are being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors, and users.
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