Ancient cultures in a modern world

I have been reflecting on my travels over the past 3 weeks now that I am home. We covered a lot of miles and truly travelled round the world. We will get our photographs developed ( we do digital of course but my husband still likes nothing better than leafing through an old fashioned photo album) and these will certainly prompt loads of great memories.

Part of the pleasure of travelling for me is being able to observe the day to day lives of people who live in the countries we visit. What really stuck with me this time was how much ancient culture and beliefs impact on the lives of both New Zealanders and those living in Hong Kong.

In New Zealand we heard stories from a lovely Maori guide at the Treaty House in Waitangi. She made each member of her party feel like a treasured friend. She told us about her ancestors and tales of how they ended up in NZ. In the sophisticated world we live in now some of those stories sound strange but I was totally convinced by them because she told them with such passion. The Maori language is obvious throughout the islands – with many place names still in their original form.

When we arrived in Hong Kong we discovered moon cakes everywhere ahead of the Chinese Moon Festival – one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. We visited a factory with a shrine to a god in the foyer and were told that dragons were on the columns at either side of the door to our hotel to protect the guests. On a much larger scale we saw a modern building which had a huge hole built into the middle so that the mountain dragon could get down to the sea to drink. Again – in modern times living somewhere like Scotland this seems unbelievable.

But like the First Nation people we met when in Canada some years ago from across North America, Polynesia, NZ and Austrailia those traditions and stories are real, important , and a fact of daily life.

I am sure that this may cause problems – politically and in doing business.

I feel honoured to have been part of those cultures for the short time in my travels.

As I reflect though, you know, right here at home Ramadan is upon us and we have harvest festivals in our churches here with Christmas coming soon.