At first sight, Colombia and India seem to have very few things in common in contrast with the many differences: the language, the artistic and visual representations, the music, the food, and many others.
But if we take a deeper look, into its social structure and etiquette customs we will find that our cultures have plenty of similarities.
10000 miles and 17 hours away from Colombia located in the South Asian region, India and its 1240 million habitants posses one of the most ancient and significant cultures in the world. Its impact on western civilization can be reflected in many areas from math to the creation of fabrics and even gambling games.
Everything from their food, their language, and their artistic expressions are deeply influenced by millenarian traditions that have survived through many conflicts and thousands of years.
It is possible that its most famous holiday is the Holi Festival. With deep religious roots, this festival marks the beginning of spring and the victory of the good over the evil.
Just like in Colombia, India offers an astonishing diversity in virtually every aspect of its social life.
Social and family roles
Both India and Colombia are hierarchical societies: This classification is noted amongst social classes, economic status and even gender roles. But unlike the later, this division is much more noticeable in the Asian country, where some areas the caste system is still prevailing. In both countries, individuals are often ranked according to their wealth and power.
Between genders, the pre-established roles play an important part in the lifestyle of a person, India and Colombia are conservative countries, so women often assume a passive role, limited to housework and motherhood where their education is often underestimated and attacked.
Meeting and Greeting
The universal handshake is very common in both countries. Nonetheless, women in India usually don't shake hands with men when greeting. They may shake hands with a foreign woman but not with a man, local or foreigner.
Also, for westerns greeting with "Namaste" while placing both hands together and a slight bow, is appreciated and shos respect for Indian customs.
In Colombia, greetings can be as effusive as both parts allow, and may include hugs and kisses if trust is mutual.
Etiquette
But if we take a deeper look, into its social structure and etiquette customs we will find that our cultures have plenty of similarities.
10000 miles and 17 hours away from Colombia located in the South Asian region, India and its 1240 million habitants posses one of the most ancient and significant cultures in the world. Its impact on western civilization can be reflected in many areas from math to the creation of fabrics and even gambling games.
Everything from their food, their language, and their artistic expressions are deeply influenced by millenarian traditions that have survived through many conflicts and thousands of years.
It is possible that its most famous holiday is the Holi Festival. With deep religious roots, this festival marks the beginning of spring and the victory of the good over the evil.
Just like in Colombia, India offers an astonishing diversity in virtually every aspect of its social life.
Social and family roles
Both India and Colombia are hierarchical societies: This classification is noted amongst social classes, economic status and even gender roles. But unlike the later, this division is much more noticeable in the Asian country, where some areas the caste system is still prevailing. In both countries, individuals are often ranked according to their wealth and power.
Between genders, the pre-established roles play an important part in the lifestyle of a person, India and Colombia are conservative countries, so women often assume a passive role, limited to housework and motherhood where their education is often underestimated and attacked.
Meeting and Greeting
The universal handshake is very common in both countries. Nonetheless, women in India usually don't shake hands with men when greeting. They may shake hands with a foreign woman but not with a man, local or foreigner.
Also, for westerns greeting with "Namaste" while placing both hands together and a slight bow, is appreciated and shos respect for Indian customs.
In Colombia, greetings can be as effusive as both parts allow, and may include hugs and kisses if trust is mutual.
Etiquette
- Indians value personal space. Don't stand to close to them.
- In India, public displays of affections are not proper, unlike in Colombia here people are very open.
- You need to use your right hand to pass money or important things. The left hand is considered unclean in India.
- Because of hierarchy, when doing business in both countries, decisions are mostly influenced from the top and just one person makes the decisions, even if you are working as a team.
- Is okay to be late. Arrive 15 - 30 minutes late to any gather.
- Allow your host to serve you. In both countries is considered very rude to refuse the host's attention, especially if you are welcomed in their household.
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