Cultural Observations - Anthropology Final Project

Intermingled Traditions - A Cultural Differences Observation

Samantha (Jasper) Wade
Fall 2023

My father shaking his dad's hand while smiling at his wedding.
- Jasper Wade Apr. 2023

Project Goals and Background Research

My main research project is to explore interpersonal dynamics and differences between cultures. This idea comes from my differing cultural ties and genealogy, sparked by my mother's family which are Native American and have different cultural patterns than my dad’s Celtic traditions. I can explore the differences between both traditional and modern day traditions between them to further my and their understanding of the other’s cultures. 

Methodology

My field methodology came from from websites such as https://www.muscogeenation.com and https://www.gaelicmatters.com/celtic-religion.html respectively. This, in combination with https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/204463, a study by Angela Piccini, along with asking family members about their traditions and the traditions I have grown up with, helped further my own understanding into the different sides of my family and our traditions.

One example is wedding traditions that I hope to one day follow, which stem from orthodox Celtic traditions, as opposed to the more modern equivalents seen in my father's traditions. In addition, Muskogee wedding traditions are quite opposite than Celtic — modern or orthodox.

Results

Some traditions in Hitchiti culture, or Muskogee (Wind Clan) are smudging, typically done to cleanse a space, or used to symbolize purity in a wedding. While this is not commonly found in modern Celtic traditions, historical ones involve the act of cleansing a space to promote sanctity and a general protective well-being. 

My mother follows the act of smudging to protect herself and her space, while my father does not. In addition to being from different cultures, they also differ from following Orthodox traditions versus modern ones. 

 

 My father's wedding traditions being that of a typical wedding in modern society 

- Jasper Wade, Apr. 2023

Palo Santo,  found within Native cultures used to cleanse 

- Sennit + Sauvage, 2022

Discussion and Conclusion

I discovered a lot about Celtic culture, both in the past and modern day, which can help with seeing the differences between mine and my father’s traditions when it comes to our culture. I tend to lean into the historical approach to my culture, while he uses modern-day examples of Celtic culture. Within my mother's culture, we both use a traditional approach to further our ties to the culture and world around us.

This can be used in a more formal and researched environment to develop an understanding of cultures, both modern and traditional. In addition, it can help create a better understanding about and for people with multiple cultural identities like me.

Works Cited/References/Acknowledgements:  

Matters, Gaelic. “Celtic Religion and Beliefs.” GaelicMatters.com, 2022. https://www.gaelicmatters.com/celtic-religion.html. 

Nation, Muskogee. “Muskogee Nation.” The Muscogee Nation, October 20, 2023. https://www.muscogeenation.com/. 

Piccini, Angela. Filming through the Mists of Time - Celtic Constructions and the Documentary, 1996. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/204463.