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The diversity in Nepal in
terms of ethnicity again makes room for various sets of customs.
Although some customs have merely been converted to habits without
thought, ancient texts justify them with far-fetched reasons,
sometimes making sense and sometimes not.
Most of these customs go back to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Among them, the rules of marriage are particularly interesting. In
traditional families marriage deals are arranged by parents after the
boy or girl come of age. Child marriage and polygamy that were once
upheld and accepted with glee are not allowed by the law anymore.
However, these customs are still carried out in some parts of Nepal.
Nepalis do not eat beef. There are several reasons for this, one being
that the Hindus worship cow. Cow is also the national animal of Nepal.
Buffalo meat is a good substitute but is only eaten by a certain
section of the population.
Another interesting concept among Nepalis is the division of pure and
impure. 'Jutho,' referring to food or material that contains another's
saliva, is considered impure by Nepalis. Nepalis consider cow dung to
be pure for cleaning purposes. During menstruation women are
considered impure and hence, are kept in seclusion until their fourth
day purification bath. |
