Chopsticks

orifice with cotton. They were the only ones to pass the night with her body. The following morning, after the cremation, they fulfilled the family’s role in Picking the Bones. The funeral director oversaw the ritual. He gave them special, long chopsticks. In prescribed language, he informed them that in order to place Waka’s remains in her jar, they would pick out the intact bones from the tray of her ashes. They started by with the bones of her feet. No one loved Waka, but no one wanted her…

The argument over what it means to be American is an old one, yet still lives today. The two texts, "Mericans" by Sandra Cisneros and “In Response to Executive Order 9066: All Americans of Japanese Descent Must Report to Relocation Centers" by Dwight Okita, address this argument. Both of the texts assert that cultural heritage and physical appearance do not define the American identity. However, they make this claim in slightly different ways, as explored in this essay. In the story…

First of all the family in the book has a big feast with all their relatives. “My relatives licked the ends of their chopsticks, and reached across the table, dipping them into the dozen of so plates of food” (Tan 185). Amy Tan did a good job of incorporating the tradition of having a banquet into her book. They had a large meal with their family and friends by inviting…

I first thought about teaching abroad a few months ago. I was studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas working on finishing my last semester. I was graduating that December with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, International Business. However, I was unsure of what to do afterwards. I hadn’t applied for any jobs or received any job offers. I was worried that I’d graduate and have nothing to do. I was twenty years old about to earn a degree with no plan. I received an…

Beeswax Candle Fun Facts There are many beeswax candle around the world. Many with labels such as aromatherapy beeswax candles, beeswax essential oil candles and scented beeswax candles. All made from 100% pure beeswax. Candles have been used for more than 5,000 years. The earliest known candle creations were founded in Egypt in 3000 BC the Egyptians formed a candle that was made out of beeswax. Beeswax candles were made much like any other candle around. But unlike animal-based tallow, beeswax…

their Japanese side. It is not only the adoption of more American ways, it is the total swap of lifestyles, a complete loss of Japanese culture and a forced whole gain of American culture. They are not allowed to speak in Japanese. There are no chopsticks at the mess hall. There are no books in Japanese. They can not worship the emperor. When asked if they were Chinese or Japanese, the mother tells the boy and girl to respond that they are Chinese. Even when they returned home after more than…

are able to also appreciate the beauty of diversity. In the fourth grade, I organized a Chinese New Year celebration where I proudly educated my classmates on the history, lifestyle, and food of my country. I taught my fellow students how to use chopsticks, witnessed their attempts to replicate Chinese calligraphy, and beamed as they admired the culture with wide-eyed appreciation. While the vivacious Chinese New Year celebration was only a small taste of the ample flavors of diversity, the…

her family presented during a Christmas Eve family dinner with her crush Robert, and his family. She also talks about the moment her mother gave her encouraging words about self-love. During the Christmas Eve dinner, Tan’s relatives licked their chopsticks and poked them in different plates of food, her father poked a fish’s cheek and yelling across the table “Amy, your favorite” offering her the piece of fish, and he later belched loudly showing he is satisfied according to Chinese customs.…

picking a few sour notes, I began tuning it. “The high E is still flat,” she observed as she came into the living area carrying a tray of olives, peppers, a sliced baguette, slivered ham and dried apricots. She settled on her sofa and pulled the chopsticks from her hair releasing a tangle of loose…

How people live their lives really shows into the culture and values. Family life and what is important to the Thai family show what people value. The food the people eat also plays a huge roll in the culture a country may have. Family Life and Thai Values. Thailand values are strongly based off the age hierarchy. Which means the younger ones listen to what the older one has to say. Thai values also strongly respect people who are at a certain social standing or who are older than them, such…