Tag Archives: History

56. KNOW YOUR NEW COUNTRY: National and Local Symbols

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Ask what the colors and emblems on the national flag mean. Is there any other national standard used, such as a seal or a coat of arms? If so, ask the meaning of these and how and when they are used. Are there regional flags? Ask the same questions concerning them.

Does the country have a national emblem, like an animal, plant, slogan, or national hero? What about your city? town? region? Do any of these have nicknames, like The Buckeye State, the Windy City?

Learn the national anthem. Find out who wrote it, when it is sung, and how one should stand when it is sung. How universally is it known and recognized?

Is there a national flower? animal? bird? tree? sport? dress? What about food or drink? Are any of these recognized on a local level?

What is your area famous for? a beverage? a particular food? climate? a natural scene or occurrence? a festival?

57. KNOW YOUR NEW COUNTRY: The Capitol City

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What is the capitol city of your adopted country? Does the name hold a special meaning? What are the advantages of its location within the country (a port city, central, good climate, etc.)

What administrative buildings are present? Are they all in one general location, or scattered around the city? Are there other buildings which are considered national buildings, as museums, monuments, parks, mausoleums?

Obtain a map of the city and highlight the various buildings.

Are tours available to see the capitol building? If so, take one, and note seating arrangements, color schemes, pictures hung or painted on the walls, any other decorations. Do the pictures depict national heroes, war victories, ethnic groups, or anything else that would give a clue as to what is considered important in the culture and history of the nation? Is there a balcony or other area where observers can come and watch proceedings? Is this only open for citizens, or can foreigners also watch?

59. KNOW YOUR NEW COUNTRY: Geography

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What is the general terrain in your immediate area? Possibilities: hilly, mountainous, plateau, level, ravines and gullies, etc. How does this differ from the rest of the country? Draw a topographical map showing elevations. Find out what each feature is called. Are any of them of historical importance?religious importance? economic value? Do any of these delineate borders? Are they considered dangerous? Why or why not?

Are there water sources in your immediate area, like a stream, a river, a lake? What are the local names for these? Look at a map, or draw your own, and name each of the rivers and lakes throughout the country. Are these navigable? If so, for what purpose? Did any of these figure in historical events? How are rivers and streams crossed? Are they considered boundaries between ethnic groups? Is a river the border of another country? Is the “other side” enemy territory? What economic value does the water source have for the community? for the country?

Are there legends or folk tales associated with any of these topographical features? Find out about those that are commonly known in your area. Are these areas regarded with fear or are they considered mysterious? Are there stories of origin associated with them?

60. KNOW YOUR NEW COUNTRY: History

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How far in the past does national history go? If the nation is a relatively new one, are there local traditions of past history, like the origins of the tribe, the clan, the first settlers?

How important is genealogy? How far into the past can anyone go with his personal history?

What are considered the main events in the history of the nation, or of your local group?

Find out the heroes involved and their exploits. When did the country become a nation? What were the circumstances concerning that event?

What historical sites can tourists visit? Where are they and what do they commemorate? Are they visited often, or just on certain significant dates? Who visits them—foreigners? local people? Are any of the sites of international importance? Explain. If possible, visit one and talk about what you observed about the site itself and what the people who were present did while there.

How many languages are spoken in your area? in the entire country? Which ones are of importance in communicating on international or national levels?

66. RELIGIOUS PRACTICES: Places of Worship

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Find out all you can about the places of worship in your town or neighborhood.

  • Are there many kinds, accommodating different faiths?
  • Are there many of each kind? Why? [Reasons could be distance parishioners or members have to travel, or sects and denominations involved, or some other reason].

Ask about the history of each place of worship.

  • Who built it and when?
  • Why is it in this particular location?
  • How many monks/priests/imams/pastors are there?
  • Are they local people, or have they come from another area of the country, or even from another country?
  • Must they have had religious training and be ordained or set aside for such work?
  • Are there interesting legends or stories about any of these buildings?
  • Are any of these the repository for relics or other sacred objects or icons? Are any saints or martyrs associated with any of them?

Are there restrictions as to who can enter?

  • Any rituals which need to be accomplished before entrance?
  • Does special clothing need to be worn?
  • Do people stand or sit during any part of the service?
  • Is any other activity a part of the service?

Choose two centers—the one in which you are worshiping, and one of another faith—and compare them as to:

  • Length of time in the neighborhood – history
  • Number of parishioners, members, or attendees
  • Number of clergy who minister to the congregation
  • Number of lay leaders, teachers, assistants
  • Method of financial support
  • Types of programs used to reach the surrounding community
  • Description of the interior—color, decor, size of the worship area, etc.
  • The place of musical instruments, including bells
  • Interesting people associated with it
  • How many services are held in a week, a month, a year
  • Sample of the order of service – singing, preaching, announcements, etc.
  • Instruction for the younger generation
  • Anything else of interest

How often do your local friends and their families go for worship or for meetings?

  • Who goes? What is taken?
  • How much of the family budget goes for expenses relating to the worship center?