Eastern Cultures Organization

11/01/2026

Joyful childhood in Saigon, Vietnam, in the early 1990s
Photo by Hans-Peter Grumpe

28/12/2025

This mural photographed by Zaw Thara (the 2nd photo is a digital restoration) most likely originates from the Po Win Taung cave complex or the Tilawkaguru Cave in Sagaing. These sites are famous for having the best-preserved murals of the Nyaungyan era, characterized by their warm, earthy tones (reds, ochres, and yellows) and elegant, flowing linework.

26/12/2025

The history of Varma Kalai (the "Art of Vital Points") is a rich blend of spiritual legend, ancient Tamil science, and warrior tradition. Originating in Tamil Nadu, South India, it is considered one of the oldest martial and healing systems in the world, predating many modern eastern martial arts.
Varma Kalai was the "secret weapon" of ancient South Indian empires.

The Sangam Period (300 BCE – 300 CE): Early Tamil literature mentions warriors trained in Adimurai (the parent art of Varma Kalai) who could disable opponents with a single touch.

Imperial Usage: The Chola, Pandiya, and Pallava kings utilized Varma Kalai to train their elite soldiers. It was an essential part of the curriculum for royal bodyguards.

Spread to Asia: Many historians believe that the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma took the knowledge of vital points from Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) to the Shaolin Temple in China around the 5th or 6th century, where it eventually influenced the development of Kung Fu and Dim Mak.

17/12/2025

Sathouk - the Head of the Monks in Luang Prabang (Laos) in the late 19th century.

06/12/2025

Grittibänz is a traditional Swiss sponge cake, made on St. Nicholas Day and shaped to look like a human. Over the centuries, its shape and recipe have evolved from a simple loaf to a sweeter, more decorated pastry.

Origins and history
The tradition dates back several centuries in Switzerland and is closely linked to the celebration of St. Nicholas Day (December 6), when bakers and families would make Grittibanz for children. Early versions were made from regular bread dough, but over time the recipe evolved into a product resembling a sponge cake.

Symbolism
The classic Grittibänz is shaped like a person, with the arms and legs made from strips of dough and raisins used for eyes. A traditional accessory is a clay pipe, present in many old-style Grittibänz, connecting with the popular imagery of St. Nicholas.

Cultural significance
Beyond being a tasty dish, Grittibänz represents a practical family tradition: shaping and decorating the small figurines is an activity in which children also participate, thus strengthening family bonds and propagating community rituals.

17/10/2025

Korean sword with an intricate scabbard that symbolizes a guardian creature/spirit - it was believed to imbue the weapon with spiritual power, protecting its bearer from any harm.
The face with bulging eyes, curled brows, and swirling mane patterns represents a legendary lion-like creature believed to ward off evil spirits and protect righteousness.
The curls beneath the face symbolize clouds or divine energy, while the horns and eyes denote strength and vigilance.
Date: 16th-19th century CE
Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art

15/10/2025

A weaver belonging to Mosuo ethnic group (from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces), the last matrilineal society of China.

15/10/2025

The vertical lines on the forehead shows that this priest/brahman is a Vaishnavite, a follower of Lord Vishnu

12/10/2025

11/10/2025

In Laos, the annual Lighted Boat Festival is one of the most beloved traditions that marks the end of Buddhist Lent.
Each province hosts its own ceremony to pay respect to the local river spirits, express gratitude for the gifts of nature, and wish for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
People are decorating their houses with lanterns and candles.

08/10/2025

As Diwali is approaching🙃

07/10/2025

During the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, the Carp-shaped lanterns symbolize prosprity, perseverance, transformation, good fortune, protection, overcoming the difficulties and wishes for success in study and life.