Lifestyle
Family
The family is the center of social life and support. Although increased modernization has brought many woman into puplic life men continue to act as head of their homes. It is common for an extended family. The elderly are highly respected and there will often be three generations living together. Family honor is very important to many ethnic groups, and some groups woll kill a woman who has become pregnant out of wedlock or has otherwise brought shame to the family name. Islamic law premits a man to have as many wives as he can. The avarage family works hard for a basic living which does not include the luxary of modern conveniences.
Housing
A typical urban dwelling is a brick house or apartment that 3 generations share. Most homes in the city have electricity and pluming but many urban residants live in mud houses in over crowded squatter settlements without services.
Dating&Marrige
Boys and girls have little contact with each other. They usually attend separate schools and are not allowed to date except among westernized urban Pakistan. Individual choice of marriage partners is far less common than arranged marriages. In many cases the bride and the groom will meet for the first time on their wedding day. Wedding rituals are elaborate, with three days of expensive celebrations.
Life Cycle
Friends, neighbors and family members congratulate a family on the birth of a child. They bring traditional gifts for the baby and the mother, and the family ditributes sweets among their neighbors and the poor. However the newborn is not normally shown to anyone outside of the immediate family until 40 days after the birth. On the seventh day after the baby is born its hair is cut and weighed and the cost of the equivalent amount of gold is calculated this amount of money is distributed among the poor. When someone passes away, the body must be buried as soon as possible, family members will not eat until the deceased is buried.
Diet
The mainstay of the Pakistani diet is chapati which is an unleavened bread similar to pita bread. Pakistani food is generally hot and spicy, and curry is one of the most popular spices. Islamic law forbids the consumption of pork and alcohol. A type of yogurt is a common ingredient in meals. Rice is also part of most meals. The most common meats are lamb, beef, chicken and fish. Although only the wealthy families eat them regularly. Tea with milk is the most popular drink.
Recreation
Cricket, field hockey and squash are some of the most popular sports in Pakistan. Soccer and tennis are also a popular activity. Going to movies, watching television, having picnics, listening to native music, and visiting friends and family are other forms of recreation.
The Arts
Islam greatly influences Pakistani art. Islamic art is based on intricate, brightly coloured geometrical designs. Common craft such as woodwork, stonework, leather work, carpets, calligraphy and basketry are influenced by islamic arts. Literature, particularly poetry, is one of the nation's most respected art forms and readings are common. Pakistani painting is gaining prominence and began when important literary and religious works were illustrated with brightly coloured designs.
Holidays
Secular holidays include Pakistan Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Defense Of Pakistan Day and The Anniversary of the death of Quaid Azam. Islamic holidays are determined according to the lunar calendar. The most important holiday is Eid-ul-Fitr, the three day feast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The family is the center of social life and support. Although increased modernization has brought many woman into puplic life men continue to act as head of their homes. It is common for an extended family. The elderly are highly respected and there will often be three generations living together. Family honor is very important to many ethnic groups, and some groups woll kill a woman who has become pregnant out of wedlock or has otherwise brought shame to the family name. Islamic law premits a man to have as many wives as he can. The avarage family works hard for a basic living which does not include the luxary of modern conveniences.
Housing
A typical urban dwelling is a brick house or apartment that 3 generations share. Most homes in the city have electricity and pluming but many urban residants live in mud houses in over crowded squatter settlements without services.
Dating&Marrige
Boys and girls have little contact with each other. They usually attend separate schools and are not allowed to date except among westernized urban Pakistan. Individual choice of marriage partners is far less common than arranged marriages. In many cases the bride and the groom will meet for the first time on their wedding day. Wedding rituals are elaborate, with three days of expensive celebrations.
Life Cycle
Friends, neighbors and family members congratulate a family on the birth of a child. They bring traditional gifts for the baby and the mother, and the family ditributes sweets among their neighbors and the poor. However the newborn is not normally shown to anyone outside of the immediate family until 40 days after the birth. On the seventh day after the baby is born its hair is cut and weighed and the cost of the equivalent amount of gold is calculated this amount of money is distributed among the poor. When someone passes away, the body must be buried as soon as possible, family members will not eat until the deceased is buried.
Diet
The mainstay of the Pakistani diet is chapati which is an unleavened bread similar to pita bread. Pakistani food is generally hot and spicy, and curry is one of the most popular spices. Islamic law forbids the consumption of pork and alcohol. A type of yogurt is a common ingredient in meals. Rice is also part of most meals. The most common meats are lamb, beef, chicken and fish. Although only the wealthy families eat them regularly. Tea with milk is the most popular drink.
Recreation
Cricket, field hockey and squash are some of the most popular sports in Pakistan. Soccer and tennis are also a popular activity. Going to movies, watching television, having picnics, listening to native music, and visiting friends and family are other forms of recreation.
The Arts
Islam greatly influences Pakistani art. Islamic art is based on intricate, brightly coloured geometrical designs. Common craft such as woodwork, stonework, leather work, carpets, calligraphy and basketry are influenced by islamic arts. Literature, particularly poetry, is one of the nation's most respected art forms and readings are common. Pakistani painting is gaining prominence and began when important literary and religious works were illustrated with brightly coloured designs.
Holidays
Secular holidays include Pakistan Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Defense Of Pakistan Day and The Anniversary of the death of Quaid Azam. Islamic holidays are determined according to the lunar calendar. The most important holiday is Eid-ul-Fitr, the three day feast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.