Photo Voice Project

The largest Hasidic Jewish groups are located in Israel and the U.S. I live in crown heights one of three of the largest Hasidic Jewish neighborhoods in NY. I consider them a part of my culture because they are my friends and neighbors. Iv been taught some words, and was always told by my friend Nahami to check up on her on Fridays in case she needed some electrical thing turned on. After sunset on Fridays they cant touch anything electrical. This is the Brooklyn Jewish children's museum, just a couple of blocks away from me. It houses their material culture and their non material culture.

This is a picture for the norms of Hasidic Jewish woman, very long modest clothing. The ssymbol's I use to know if they are married, is that the mothers head is fully covered her collarbone is covered and her shirt and skirt are long. I know her daughter is single because, her hair is out her skirt is shorter but still must be below her knees and her sleeves are short.

A cultural object that I use now is sage. Sage is dried out sage plants wrapped together with string as you can see above. The man is holding a shell so that the pieces that fall off, don't go on the ground and you can use a feather which is common, or your hand to push the smoke were you want it to go. My Taino friend taught me, sagings roots are also with Native Americans. The belief is that you make sure to go around house with the smoke, hitting every corner and it will rid your house of bad spirits and bad energy. It cleanses your home. You would also put smoke around yourself and it will cleanse you. I feel whenever I do it my house feels brighter and lighter and my energy is restored. The smell can be a bit strong at first but after a while you don't even notice it.

All Puerto Ricans have Taino Indian in the, its there native people from there land. Some Puerto Ricans are really into the Taino culture, so iv learned some dialect from them. Taino Ti means blessings, go with god or be safe always. Its a sign of respect. Puerto Ricans who aren't really into it just say Bendicion, both mean the same thing. A folkway I like to participate in is called sweat lodging. Basically its a hut mad from different things like clay,branches,cornmeal or rocks. You go there to sweat all the bad energy, and vibes out its very spiritual. Its like a sauna with hot rocks in the middle, there is a specific person who gets the rocks and pours water on them and keeps the steam going.

I experienced culture shock in Costa Rica when i realized they have roaming dogs EVERYWHERE! The barrios, la playa and it was accepted. I didn't see one dog on a leash. A person and a dog would pass each other on the sidewalk like nothing. I always crossed the street tho.In the end i realized they were all pretty nice, never aggressive and would let you pet them especially if you had some food.

In Costa Rica i gained knowledge from the people that you only take red cabs, especially from the airport. Anything else and you could be kidnapped or charged outrageous fees or worse.