Influence Of Culture On Vietnam Culture

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Recommended: Buddhism today in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very diverse country that has many different cultural influences that will impact the food choices of individuals which has both positive and negative impacts on their diets. The wide range of beliefs and religion that are practiced in Vietnam depict what individuals can and can’t eat and how they live their lives. The countries history throughout time and other residing countries has influenced both the culture and the food choices. And, how the socio economic status affects the affordability and accessibility of food, and the difference between north and the south regions of Vietnam, and how this geographically effects what is grown and produced.

Religion and its influences

Figure 1:Buddhist monk in Vietnam (Nguyen Huy Kham 2007)

Religion plays a dominant role in Vietnam, a wide range of religions are practiced and are all interpreted differently. According to Bryant (p.228) Religion provides individuals with an ‘emotional and intellectual commitment’ based on belief and faith which affects everyday life. The most predominant religions in Vietnam, which are practiced, are Buddhism, Catholic and Taoism (Diverseicare 2009). For example a Buddhist aim to live their life harmoniously and in peace, nuns, monks and laymen aim to reach enlightenment, fasting is a big part of this ritual, which includes fasting for three days on Buddha’s birthday (LaBorde 2010). A Buddhist would typically avoid eating red meat, as most are vegetarian. Seafood, chicken and eggs are avoided for the first day of each lunar month (Diverseicare 2009), and only foods, which are considered foods of the earth, are to be consumed (Nelson 2014). A Buddhists diet is quite healthy, however because red meat is avoided and dairy is not nor...

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...ication of food influenced it (Tu 2001). The yin meaning ‘cold’ and the yang meaning ‘hot’, it is believed that certain foods may bring heat to the body such as mango, garlic and beef which in which they create undesirable effects in the body like pimples, nosebleeds and rashes (Tu 2001). When over consuming food, which are, classified ‘cold’ like pork, melon and greens, it can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain and chillness. It is believed that the yin and yang in the body is incorrect when someone comes ill, so finding a balance between the two is a challenge (Tu 2001).

Overall, Vietnam is a diverse country, which has many influences affecting the culture of individuals. Religion, history, socio-economic status and geography are just a few of the major influences, which in turn affects the food choices which then impacts ones diet either positively or negatively.

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