Culture Artifacts
SPAN 4000:
Food and Culture
For my class on food and culture, we were assigned a region of Spain to research, focusing on its history, geography, cuisine, and culture. I created a PowerPoint presentation on Aragón with the purpose of giving an oral presentation to my peers to enrich their understanding of this unique region. One tradition that stood out to me was the Fiesta del Pilar, which begins on October 12 and lasts for nine days. This festival honors Nuestra Señora del Pilar with religious processions, concerts, and traditional dances. Fiesta del Pilar reflects Aragóns deep cultural and spiritual roots. Additionally, I explored Aragón’s cuisine, including dishes like ternasco de Aragón which is roast lamb typically served with mashed potatoes. As a Spanish and International Health student, this project helped me gain a deeper appreciation of Aragón’s traditions and identity, enhancing my cultural understanding. This knowledge will benefit my future healthcare career because by understanding cultural traditions, dietary practices, and regional diversity it will allow me to connect with patients on a more meaningful level. This experience also helped me develop skills such as researching, analyzing, and public speaking. Presenting to my peers improved my confidence in public speaking and the research process sharpened my ability to analyze detailed information into engaging content.
SPAN 4000:
Food and Culture
While studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, I took a food and culture class. One of our assignments was to write a paper on the historical and cultural exchanges among the three main religions in Spain: Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The purpose of the paper was to examine how these religions contributed to Spanish culture, specifically Spain’s cuisine and religious practices. For example, I learned that Muslims introduced spices like cinnamon and cumin. While Christians brought wine and bread, both of which became central to their religious practices. Lastly, Jews shared Mediterranean staples like hummus, which were influenced by their dietary restrictions. This paper not only offered me a fresh perspective on these religions and their historical significance but also enhanced my cultural humility. From reflecting on how these groups coexisted and influenced each other, I now have a deeper understanding of how to navigate and respect cultural differences. This understanding will be invaluable in my future healthcare career, particularly when working with diverse patient populations and recognizing the role of religious and cultural practices in care settings.