Putting an "i" in culture

Culture refers to an exposure to intellectual training, fine arts, and a study of the humanities. It also includes the beliefs, customs, values, and way of life of people all around the world. Of course, I also think of the culture grown on a petri dish in the lab for scientific study. And, this time of year, I consider all the tillage happening.

Regardless, incorporating concepts of culture is an integral part of any homeschooling activity. This could include historical, anthropological, or archaeological studies of various peoples, as much as an appreciation for the arts. But, doing so requires some common sense and care. There are inappropriate ways to experience culture - especially when there are potentially negative consequences (e.g. nefarious rites - just Google human sacrifices to get an idea of what I mean). Careful and respectful consideration of culture, though, will provide your child with a well-rounded understanding of the beautiful variety among people.

One way I incorporate cultural practices into my children's lives is to expose them to ways other people celebrate certain holidays or traditions, while still being true to our own religious understandings. At Easter time, for example, the boys and I make lambropsomo, which is a flavorful bread loaf decorated with a twined Byzantine cross and topped with naturally-dyed eggs. We put our own delicate touches into the result by adding alpha and omega symbols, a vine of grape leaves and clusters, etc. Ezra was particularly enamored with creating his own bread roll - carefully rolling bits of vine for his baked good. Russell spearheaded dying eggs by cooking beets and soaking hard-boiled eggs into the colorful water until they glowed dark pink. The final result was quite delightful (and tasty, too).

There are so many ways to explore the wealth of meaning in the world. Find a way to incorporate culture into your family's life and share the results in the comments section. Maybe you practice the Greek custom of giving gifts on your birthday (in lieu of or addition to receiving them). Perhaps the Chinese practice of cleaning your home on New Year's Day is something you do. Or, then again, your family might find meaning in creating your own traditions (e.g. a long-ago friend's parents hid Easter baskets filled with goodies in unlikely places; to find the baskets, they had to follow wandering threads like Theseus in the labyrinth). However you decide to put culture into your family or you into the culture, have fun and share a passion for learning with your child.