BEAUTY BY CULTURAL DEFINITION

Haven't written something scholarly in a while. Well, here's one for you guys.

I have always been fascinated with the cultures of the world, specifically with how they define beauty. In this post, we will examine how the different cultures of the world define beauty. And you'll be surprised to know that it's not all about wearing the latest lipstick shade or having that runway- worthy body.

Truth is subjective. And so is beauty. If this is the case, then there is no universal metrics for real beauty, if beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I'd like to assume that our culture adheres to what I would like to call as the 'Popular Beauty': round, big eyes, small nose, silky, long hair, slim body, and perfect teeth, and clear skin. Our perception of beauty is purely that of the West. A woman who has a symmetrical face and a standard waist-hip ratio is an epitome of beauty. In fact, a lot of us believe that if a baby stares longer at a face, it is an indication that that person's face is symmetrical, therefore, beautiful.

Cindy Crawford is hailed as one of the people with a symmetrical face and body

Think of this. Whatever facial feature we have befits our cultural conditions, preferences, and environment. I'd like to believe that this is essential in finding the perfect mate and partner. Some of you might ask why some foreigners would prefer a Filipina or an Asian, or why Filipinas would prefer some Chinitos or mestizos. This all boils down to preference clouded by media influence. Believe it or not, a majority of Filipino men still prefer the Filipina woman. A majority of a race will still prefer someone from their own circle because behavior and religious beliefs still factor in when it comes to defining beauty. But for this entry, let us focus on the different aspects of physical beauty.

While a lot of us struggle to get clearer skin, perfect facial features, leaner bodies, and bigger bosoms and butts, these cultures think otherwise.

THE KAMAYURA WOMAN OF THE AMAZON

- The Kamayura woman believes that beauty lies on a well- tattoed body, so women would paint their bodies all the way up to their faces.

THE MASAI WOMAN OF SOUTH AFRICA

- Beauty is all about having a bit of masculinity. Masai women would shave their heads, remove two of their middle teeth on the lower jaw, and would make their earlobe pierces rounder and bigger.

THE MURSI WOMAN OF SOUTH AFRICA

- The bigger the better. Women from the Mursi tribe place big plates on their mouths so that they will look attractive.

THE KAYAN WOMAN OF THAILAND

- A long neck is considered as a beautiful asset. And these Kayan women take it seriously. While still young, a Kayan woman wears neck plates to fully stretch her neck muscles until she reaches womanhood.

THE MAURITANIAN WOMAN

- The bigger, the better. Men in Mauritania prefer rounder and bigger women. According to this thousand- year old belief, roundness and plumpness is a sign of fertility and femininity. So men would literally feed their wives until they become obese.

THE MAORI WOMAN OF NEW ZEALAND

- Black is the new red for these Maori women. Maori women would paint there lips in black paint and create a symbolical tattoo on the chin part.

THE BEDOUIN WOMAN OF THE MIDDLE EAST

- A Bedouin is a type of clothing made for women in the Middle East. Middle Eastern people find beauty in the unseen. Women would only reveal their eyes and paint it beautifully with Kohl. It is believed that the well- painted eyes of a Bedouin woman is a taste of what's more beautiful that's hidden under the layers of clothing.

THE GEISHAS OF JAPAN

- When they say pale, the Japanese really mean PALE! The Geisha is a thousand year- old standard of beauty in East Asia. This practice is also prominent in ancient China. White skin is a symbol of beauty, and they take it literally by applying white powder all over the faces of the Japanese women.

Photo Credits:

http://environmentalgrafitti.com

http://1browngirl.blogspot.com

http://thefashioninsider.com

http://egyalleys.com