Tonight was the local Christmas parade in my small town. It’s a fun, joyous affair – decorated fire trucks, swarms of kids running around, music playing, and a big Christmas tree lit up on the lawn of the elementary school. Like many such local celebrations, there were people in costumes – Santa, reindeer, the Grinch, even Jack Skellington. Oh, and there was Dominick the Donkey!
Did you not know that last one? Then I can probably guess what culture you’re not from.
Because if you’re an Italian-American and/or you’re from the NJ/NY area, you definitely know who that is. But if you’re not either, then there’s a good chance you don’t. It’s a funny little cultural quirk, one I love dearly (probably because of how much my father did).
But I love funny little cultural quirks in general! I love the big things too – language, faith, dress, food – but I really love the little tidbits. The weird little rituals that aren’t even big enough to think of as “your culture” until you meet someone who doesn’t know them. Those are the real personality of a place, of a people. The rough edges and third dimensions. I hope we never forget them.
Hee haw!
The Opportunity Machine 