India
By: Raven Duncan & Shelby Smith
India is a country in south Asia. It is a very diverse country, containing over a dozen languages and several religions. Of these, India's main religion is Hinduism. Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. It is a monotheistic religion. They believe in one supreme god, one cannot really describe this supreme being because it has no form, God is neither male of female, or is both and beyond.
Hinduism Food
An example of a lunch served in India
Deities
This is a painting of the deities, or God forms that Hindus worship.
Hinduism Customs
- Hindus eat using their hands
- When Hindus greet each other they say Namaste
- They do not wear footwear inside homes and temples
- They also don't enter temples after consuming alcohol or nonvegetarian food
- They tie a black doll over the front door of their house to keep bad powers away
- They pierce and put golden rings in the ears of babies
- Pictures of deities can not face south
- Married women wear a mangalstura around her neck, bangles in her hair, and toe rings.
Food in Hinduism
Dietary restrictions vary by sects. However there are some general guidelines:
- Cows are sacred and never to be eaten
- Onions, garlic and all other members of the Allium genus are forbidden
- Mushrooms are avoided due to the fact that they grow in "unclean ground"
- Meat is not consumed on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, as well as on holidays and festivals. Meats such as Snails, crocodiles, crabs, numerous birds, and sometimes pigs can not be eaten regardless of the day
- Some Hindus take it further, with 30% being vegetarian and 5% being Vegan
- Most Sects do not drink Alcohol