National traditions of Pakistan. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Despite the fact that Pakistan appeared on the world map only recently, the country has deep historical roots. The mixing of indigenous cultures is reflected in local traditions. The majority of the population is Muslim. Religion plays a leading role in the political and social life of the republic. All canons of the Sharia are strictly observed. The locals are very religious. Prayers are performed six times a day. There are a huge number of mosques in the country. Believers pay special taxes. The Islamization of society has affected local traditions. Any work stops during prayer. You cannot extend your left hand to the interlocutor and take food with it. This hand is used for ablutions. It is considered impure. Religion forbids touching another person. Do not touch the child's head. The head is considered the receptacle of the soul. It is unacceptable to enter the women's part of the home. You must take off your shoes when entering a mosque or house.

Pakistanis are very friendly. The table with the best treats is always set for guests. People will be happy with small gifts but only not with alcohol. Despite strict prohibitions, Pakistanis are very friendly. They treat well everyone who comes to their country and respect local laws.

Family values are of great importance in Pakistan. Senior family members have unquestionable authority. Elderly parents almost always live with their children. Representatives of all generations gather together on holidays traditionally. The attitude to children is special here. They are considered a gift from God. They are pampered, especially boys. However, the status of women in the family is ambiguous. Despite the fact that women participate in political and public life, they are subject to Sharia law in their everyday life. Clothing should be as closed as possible. A handkerchief or long scarf is a mandatory element. Women are educated and employed in the central districts. However, many women do not have the right to leave the house without a man's permission in rural areas. Sad statistics show that domestic violence is widespread in Pakistan. Even if a woman has received a good education, her main task is to take care of the house and children. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Despite the fact that the population of Pakistan spends a lot of time in prayer, sports are very popular here. The favorite sport is cricket, inherited from the British Empire. Everyone from Ministers and residents of central cities to ordinary Pakistanis in remote regions plays it. There is a Committee that monitors the development of this sport. The national cricket team is one of the strongest in the world. It has repeatedly won the most prestigious international tournaments. The national field hockey team has also achieved great success. It won ten Olympic medals. Polo is a sport atypical for a Muslim country. However, it is popular in Pakistan. Numerous tournaments are held throughout the country in late summer and fall. The Pakistan national team took part in the World Championships. Pakistanis are also very fond of football and tennis.

The difficult historical legacy has affected the character of Pakistanis. The intertwining of the strict customs of Islam and the philosophical religion of India affected the behavior of the indigenous population. Strict observance of Sharia law at home and free secular behavior outside of it are inherent to all residents of the country. The local mentality is a complete contradiction. Peace-loving sermons are mixed with speeches full of hatred for ideological enemies. The head of the family becomes a woman against the background of archaic relationships. The authorities speak about freedom of thought and speech in the country. However, any person who dares to speak unflatteringly about the political structure of Pakistan is being persecuted.

The attitude to marriage is special in Pakistan as well as in the Muslim world. Marriage is not just a union of men and women for the local population. It is a union between families. Parents make the major decisions. The wedding will not take place without their approval. Rigid traditions are gradually softened in cities. Communication and courtship between young people before the wedding is allowed. Muslim laws are strictly enforced in rural areas. Polygamy is allowed. However, a man can bring a new wife into the house only with the permission of the first wife. A wedding in Pakistan resembles an Indian wedding ceremony. The bright dresses of the bride and groom, the decoration of the house with flowers, the tradition of decorating the hands with henna patterns – all this came from India. Marriages between close relatives are very common here. This is how the property of a family or clan is protected.

December 25 is a special day for Pakistanis. The entire Catholic world gathers at the Christmas table on this day. But Pakistanis celebrate the birthday of the founder of the Republic. Holiday decorations appear in cities. No one works on this day. However, you can see palm trees with Christmas toys and portraits of Santa in some areas. Despite the fact that more than 90% of the country's inhabitants are Muslims, there are Christian communities in the central cities. Mass in the church is held in two languages: first in English, then in official Urdu. The local population in cities understands and speaks English well. The authorities do not support discrimination on religious grounds.