What Is Culture?
Why do we say the Germans are boring, the Italians hot headed, the Swiss secretive, the French awkward and the Dutch rather nice? This is a description of people but not the culture of a nation, which can be defined as ‘civilisation, customs, life style and society’.
A Spanish guide taking a coach tour of Germans, Scandinavians, Swiss and some British to Gibraltar described it as ‘typically English’. When pressed he said the pubs, the fish and chips shops were a way of life in England. That’s how others see the Brits! It may not be liked, but that’s how it is. Incidentally Gibraltar, in addition to pubs and fish and chip shops, is full of tax free electrical and liquor outlets. The tourist attractions play patriotic songs such as ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.
What we are after is a flavour of Spain. Not the artificial tourist Spain of sun, sea, sand and sangria, but the real Spain, of the urban and rural dweller, of Andulucia, Aragon and Asturias.
Es Bueno Descansar Y No Hacer Nada Despues!
Spaniards have a zest for living and commonly put as much energy into enjoying their lives as they do into their work. Time is flexible, many people organise their work to fit the demands of their social life, rather than let themselves be ruled by work or the clock. All big cities have a buzz and all rural areas have their tractors and carts, but two undisputed facts support the view that a slower pace of life prevails in Spain.
One is the intense midday summer heat which makes even small movement impossible. The other is mañana, a deeply rooted Spanish attitude which frustrates the British and does permanent damage to German relationships. Mañana means tomorrow or perhaps the day or week after, but certainly not today. Spaniards know they do it. They also know it causes difficulties but in truth it is a way of life that says ‘time is not important, tomorrow will do’.
There is an old Spanish proverb which goes along the lines ‘It is good to do nothing and rest afterwards’ (es bueno descansar y no hacer nada despues). While this cannot be applied in all situations, and indeed many may take offence, there are times where the words are wholly appropriate.
Religion
Catholicism is still an influence over Spanish society. Although church attendance is falling, on a Sunday around midday, families can be seen dressed in their best attire strolling home from their place of worship. The images of saints watch over shops, bars and drivers’ cabs. Traditional fiestas mark church feasts.
The Family Group
The family group is strong with sometimes two or three generations living within one house. The Spanish love of children is well known. Children will be beautifully dressed with a confidence that befits offspring in the new millennium. Mother and father will be proud parents with a deep sense of honour. Grandparents will be friendly, courteous, generous, not fully comprehending the staggering changes which have taken place since their childhood.
The young macho male will study in the evening for personal advancement, will watch football and own a fast scooter. The beautiful dark haired senorita will be slim, wear flared trousers, and somehow be one foot taller and one foot narrower than her mother. Traditionally the man expects his wife to be the provider of love and affection and keep a clean home worthy of her husband. But this is changing fast, with Spanish women seeking more freedom and equality alongside their more worldly sisters.
At the weekend the family group will come together along with an assortment of aunts and uncles. With military precision, in a long line, they will make their way to the edge of the sea, each carrying an essential item for the day’s outing. Parents will be first, loaded down with food, grandparents next with deck chairs, uncles with umbrellas, aunts and children with buckets, spades and balls. They will have a great time with a babble of excited conversation, interspersed with a shout, a wave of the hand, a shake of the shoulder, or a kiss in greeting or farewell.