3. Dim Sum in China

The custom:

Imagine an epic feast and you will know what modern dim sum looks and feels like. The tables are all covered with dozens dishes. The tradition takes roots from the times of the Silk Road. Back then teahouses put in exhausted travellers and farmers from nearby provinces, towns and villages. It is still practiced all around the world, especially by people who are proud of their roots.

The lesson:

We cannot claim that dim sum was created by traditional families. However, the custom teaches people to interact and connect with each other. Dim sum is a wonderful way to form a sense of family and community in general. Simply invite your family, friends and neighbors over and have a meal! Get to know each other, create stronger bonds with people surrounding you and have fun.

4. Communal Meals in France

The custom:

In France people love delicious foods. They know how to prepare various dishes too. The French cuisine is world-known. French families love having meals together, which makes them different from most families living in the United States or any other English-speaking countries. It is a usual practice for French people to spend at least an hour at the dinner table. During this time, the French tend to fully engage with friends and families. No TV is allowed!

The lesson:

Dinner is considered the culminating event of the day. This is one of the activities to look forward to. Learn to enjoy the company rather than the food in front of you. Take time and talk to the people at the table, invite you family members to join you and make it your tradition. It might take some time to get used to a new habit. But it is definitely worth trying! You will be pleasantly surprised with all the wonderful people whom you have known for ages yet never had the chance to properly to talk to.