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Additional Sources:Cuba: Geography
Kallmeyer, K. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drakecentral.info/cuba/Geography/resources.htm- This site is particularly informative regarding geography of Cuba.
Rosenberg Matt. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blccuba.htm- This site has maps and information about early history of Cuba
Kallmeyer, K. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drakecentral.info/cuba/Geography/resources.htm- This site is particularly informative regarding geography of Cuba.
Rosenberg Matt. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blccuba.htm- This site has maps and information about early history of Cuba
Historically, Cuba has been the least religious country in Latin America. Due to it's Spanish Colonial past, Cuba had been considered a Catholic Country. Back before the Spanish takeover, the Taino natives were a polytheistic religious tribe with multiple Gods that they called Zemi. Each Zemi was awarded a power over a force. Their religious stories of creation have to do with caves. They also believed in the afterlife, which could be either good or bad. The tainos worshiped their Zemi and their dead, which they referred to as caciques. They thought it was essential for their afterlife. (Rosen, E. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://globalreligion.weebly.com/taino-religion.html)
A large number of people follow the Afro-cuban religion, which can be dated back to the times of slavery. The slaves mixed together their African religion with that of Christianity to make it appear to their Spanish owners as if they were converting. Over a period of time, the Christian aspects that were once added to make it seem that they were converting to Christianity, became a part of the religion itself.
In addition to Catholicism and Afro Cuban religion, there is also the Protestant religion.(Retrieved from
http://globerove.com/cuba/cuban-religion-guide-main-religions-in-cuba/278)
After the revolution in 1959, religion has not played a significant part in Cuban society. The communist movement didn't coincide with religion and nearly half the population in Cuba are atheists. The relations between religion and government has been tense, but recent improvments have helped to better that relationship. Rather than being an atheist state, Cuba is now a Secular state. This was a triumph for Cubans who practice an organized religion. (Retrieved from http://globerove.com/cuba/cuban-religion-guide-main-religions-in-cuba/278)
There are five religious destinations in Cuba. The National Shrine of St. Izarus, The National Sanctuary of El Cobre, The Cathedral of Havana, Church of Holy Trinity of Plaza Mayor and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
All of which are Catholic Churches around the Island, and are known for mostly for their patron saints and art work. The outside of these builidings are nothing spectacular, like you would find in Europe, but still hold a great importance for both the Catholic and Yoruban religions ( Retrieved from
http://blog.cubantouristcenters.com/en/the-5-religious-interest-places-most-visited-in-cuba)
A large number of people follow the Afro-cuban religion, which can be dated back to the times of slavery. The slaves mixed together their African religion with that of Christianity to make it appear to their Spanish owners as if they were converting. Over a period of time, the Christian aspects that were once added to make it seem that they were converting to Christianity, became a part of the religion itself.
In addition to Catholicism and Afro Cuban religion, there is also the Protestant religion.(Retrieved from
http://globerove.com/cuba/cuban-religion-guide-main-religions-in-cuba/278)
After the revolution in 1959, religion has not played a significant part in Cuban society. The communist movement didn't coincide with religion and nearly half the population in Cuba are atheists. The relations between religion and government has been tense, but recent improvments have helped to better that relationship. Rather than being an atheist state, Cuba is now a Secular state. This was a triumph for Cubans who practice an organized religion. (Retrieved from http://globerove.com/cuba/cuban-religion-guide-main-religions-in-cuba/278)
There are five religious destinations in Cuba. The National Shrine of St. Izarus, The National Sanctuary of El Cobre, The Cathedral of Havana, Church of Holy Trinity of Plaza Mayor and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
All of which are Catholic Churches around the Island, and are known for mostly for their patron saints and art work. The outside of these builidings are nothing spectacular, like you would find in Europe, but still hold a great importance for both the Catholic and Yoruban religions ( Retrieved from
http://blog.cubantouristcenters.com/en/the-5-religious-interest-places-most-visited-in-cuba)
The culture of Cuba is very diverse. There are so many influences. In the beginning, Cuba was inhabited by indigenous people who were eventually eradicated by the arrival of Europeans. With the arrival of Europeans, Cuba was introduced to Catholicism. As the Europeans settled in Cuba and established trades, they needed people to help with the farms. They introduced African slaves to the island. All of these factors have heavily influenced Cuba. Cuba is rich in arts. Music, dance and art are an important part of Cuban culture.
The biggest challenge to Cuba's cultural diversity came with the revolution of 1959. The revolution eradicated religion, though the laws are lenient and more than half of Cubans still claim to be Catholic. Since the revolution time seems to have stood still in Cuba. Some say visiting Cuban is like stepping back into the 1950's. North American influence is not apparent here. "Since the revolution there has been no imports of new cars, which is why you see only older model cars from the 50's.Resentment over the two military invasions of 1898 and 1906, the suffocating economic imperialism from 1902-1959, and the internationally-censured economic embargo has caused most Cubans to reject everything North American. Indeed, the more the United States government tries to strangle the Cuban people with its clearly unsuccessful embargo, and the more right-wing the Cuban American Foundation becomes, the stronger Cubans' commitment to the Revolution grows. Even those who might otherwise resist the Castro government are moved to defend the ideal of Cuba Libre. And since the most vehement opponent of the Revolution is the United States, a country which attempted to colonize Cuba just 50 years ago, the Revolution can convincingly claim to be the sole option for freedom."
(Hodge, C. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html)
In conclusion, I have discovered that Cuba is incredibly diverse and the biggest threat to cultural diversity may be coming from what Cuban's so strongly oppose, American influence. With the coming changes in embargo laws, will come an influx of things American, and with that big changes to both cultural and biodiversity.
Sources:
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/cuba/
Media Maps. Culture of cuba [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.mapsofworld.com/cuba/culture-of-cuba.html
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/cuba-the-accidental-eden/introduction/5728/
Tulchin, J. Retrieved from http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Cuba.pdf
Hodge, C. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html
The biggest challenge to Cuba's cultural diversity came with the revolution of 1959. The revolution eradicated religion, though the laws are lenient and more than half of Cubans still claim to be Catholic. Since the revolution time seems to have stood still in Cuba. Some say visiting Cuban is like stepping back into the 1950's. North American influence is not apparent here. "Since the revolution there has been no imports of new cars, which is why you see only older model cars from the 50's.Resentment over the two military invasions of 1898 and 1906, the suffocating economic imperialism from 1902-1959, and the internationally-censured economic embargo has caused most Cubans to reject everything North American. Indeed, the more the United States government tries to strangle the Cuban people with its clearly unsuccessful embargo, and the more right-wing the Cuban American Foundation becomes, the stronger Cubans' commitment to the Revolution grows. Even those who might otherwise resist the Castro government are moved to defend the ideal of Cuba Libre. And since the most vehement opponent of the Revolution is the United States, a country which attempted to colonize Cuba just 50 years ago, the Revolution can convincingly claim to be the sole option for freedom."
(Hodge, C. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html)
In conclusion, I have discovered that Cuba is incredibly diverse and the biggest threat to cultural diversity may be coming from what Cuban's so strongly oppose, American influence. With the coming changes in embargo laws, will come an influx of things American, and with that big changes to both cultural and biodiversity.
Sources:
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/cuba/
Media Maps. Culture of cuba [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.mapsofworld.com/cuba/culture-of-cuba.html
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/cuba-the-accidental-eden/introduction/5728/
Tulchin, J. Retrieved from http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Cuba.pdf
Hodge, C. D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html
Cuban Cuisine:
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Taino, Spanish, Carribean, African and some Asian influence. A typical meal consists of rice and beans cooked either together or apart with a main course of mainly pork or beef. Rice and beans are the staple of the country,often prepared differently according to which part of the Island you are on. The criollo way of cooking leaves out fruits, except large plantains which are usually prepared together with the rice and beans. Each region has their own tradition of preparing their meals as well as unique names, such as Arroz Moro or Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) as a name for black beans and rice.
Spain has had the most influence in Cuban cuisine, with the conquest of Cuba, the Spaniards brought with them their culinary influences. As well as Spanish influence, with the arrival of African slaves shortly after the Spanish came also African influence.
With Cuban being an island, seafood is also a staple of Cuban cuisine.
Cuban cuisine uses citrus, tomato, vinegar, onion, garlic, peppers, white wine or beer (depending on region and dish), raisins and olives/capers to flavor almost every savory dish. This combination of flavor results in a mix of flavors with sweet, salty and acidic components. Cuban desserts are known for their sweetness and many desserts use citrus peel, cinnamon and/or anise seed to add flavor. Tropical fruits are often cooked in a sugar syrup with cinnamon and citrus peel and served on white cheese for contrasting flavor or baked in pastries.
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Taino, Spanish, Carribean, African and some Asian influence. A typical meal consists of rice and beans cooked either together or apart with a main course of mainly pork or beef. Rice and beans are the staple of the country,often prepared differently according to which part of the Island you are on. The criollo way of cooking leaves out fruits, except large plantains which are usually prepared together with the rice and beans. Each region has their own tradition of preparing their meals as well as unique names, such as Arroz Moro or Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) as a name for black beans and rice.
Spain has had the most influence in Cuban cuisine, with the conquest of Cuba, the Spaniards brought with them their culinary influences. As well as Spanish influence, with the arrival of African slaves shortly after the Spanish came also African influence.
With Cuban being an island, seafood is also a staple of Cuban cuisine.
Cuban cuisine uses citrus, tomato, vinegar, onion, garlic, peppers, white wine or beer (depending on region and dish), raisins and olives/capers to flavor almost every savory dish. This combination of flavor results in a mix of flavors with sweet, salty and acidic components. Cuban desserts are known for their sweetness and many desserts use citrus peel, cinnamon and/or anise seed to add flavor. Tropical fruits are often cooked in a sugar syrup with cinnamon and citrus peel and served on white cheese for contrasting flavor or baked in pastries.