Looking at the aged traditions that were intact countless years ago in Asia, many changes have been undertaken and modern Asia is somewhat different in various aspects. However, many ancient traditions are still thriving in the contemporary world. Major holidays and festivals are remembered and still celebrated. A number of traditions passed on have been altered to fit in more easily with the modern world. Although traditions are still performed in the modern world, there are many that have been forgotten or discarded.

Popular and renowned Asian holidays are still celebrated by Asians all around the world. Even the modernized world can’t stop holidays from being important. One of the hugest holidays of the year is the Chinese New Year. Basically, as one can tell from the name, it is the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Vast celebrations are held throughout the world and are attended by countless people, both Asians and non-Asians. Abundant performances and delicious foods are served and enjoyed by all who attend. A similar festival is the Mid-Autumn Festival, where there are also huge gatherings and performances. There is a long list of Asian celebrations but those are just some of the more popular ones. These celebrations offer a glimpse into China’s history and a faint idea of how China was many years ago.

Some of the more popular and widespread traditions are related to food and forms of entertainment. An example of food is “dim sum”, a traditional Chinese meal that consists of a lot of small dishes containing a great variety of food. Tea is also a popular tradition that was passed along from generation to generation. It represents harmony, purity, respect, and tranquility and is a form of merging the body and the mind together. The majority of Oriental Asian restaurants serve tea. Origami, the folding of paper into shapes and animals, is a form of entertainment still present. The most well-known form to be made was the crane, which symbolized peace, happiness, and eternal youth. Origami was regarded as a great hobby back then, and it is still a pleasurable pastime for many. Aside from the traditions just mentioned, there are a great many other traditions that have survived.

There are also traditions that have been discarded, and accordingly are no longer celebrated. An old tradition the Chinese used to have was footbinding. Back then, extremely tiny feet were considered beautiful and in-style for the female. Basically, this is how footbinding worked. When the girl was three to five years old, their feet would be wrapped very tightly with binding. It caused their toes to bend under, breaking the bones and forcing the back of the foot together. The end result, a three-inch long foot, was considered to be simply lovely and exquisite. However, the pain of having to hobble around on two crippled feet does not seem to be worth it. Thankfully, that tradition has long diminished and footbinding is not part of the Chinese society anymore.

Traditions from ancient Asia have changed a great deal, but not all are completely lost. There are traditions still performed in the modern world, but there are also many that have faded. And in the middle of those, there are the traditions that are still existing, but have been altered a bit to appear more appealing. The fear of losing all Asian traditions is unnecessary, for the diverse yet interesting customs will never cease to interest anybody, even of the modern world. Old traditions add flavor and spice to the contemporary world and will continue to be passed on from generation to generation.