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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development with the Faculty of Education

May 15, 2023

Held every year on 21 May, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlights not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

We would like to invite you to share your cultural heritage with us through short videos, photos, or written pieces. Whether it's about your traditions, art, music, food, language or anything else, we welcome it all. Our team will review all submissions, and we will be posting them throughout the next week, leading up to Friday, May 26.

Share your cultural heritage

An Ode to Ie

Light as a feather, stitched by hand, and with delicate silvery embroidery running down its front and the sleeves, this blouse is one of my most prized possessions. It reminds me of my hometown and my early years. It is a symbol of folklore and art history, and it is also associated with the revival of national identity in post-communist Eastern Europe.

Ie (pronounced “eeeyeh”) has been in existence since ancient times in Romania and my native Moldova. It is also known as the “Carpathian Shirt,” with embroidery motifs varying from one geographic region to the next. One blouse can take up to three weeks to stitch together and embroider, and in the olden days women would come together at traditional fall and winter gatherings to pass this art from generation to generation.

Inspired by the beauty of ie, Henri Matisse created a painting “La Blouse Romaine”, and more recently it was recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. When I look at my ie, I think of its unique story and all the talents that it has come to represent. And I will proudly wear it on Saturday, June 24, the Universal Day of Ie.

Submitted by: Natalia, Staff.

I am (Adam in Canada)

Video Submission by: Adam, Student.

DHAKA TOPI – Nepali Tradition

Dhaka Topi (Hat/Cap) is an iconic part of Nepali culture and tradition which is worn as a part of Nepali National Dress. It is made of cotton and has a circular shape with a slight dome. It is worn by all Nepalese men, especially, during festivals and special occasions to represent national pride and loyalty. It is also taken as a symbol of respect and politeness towards others and is also believed to be a sign of honor and good manners.

Talking about the history of Dhaka Topi in Nepal, this fine piece of ‘Dhaka cloth’ was exclusively imported from Dhaka during 1950’s – Capital of Bagladesh. Dhaka topi is still made with a combination of cotton and silk or wool threads to create a beautiful and durable design. The material used to make these traditional hats varies depending on the occasion, but is usually chosen based on the wearer’s preference.

If you ever visit Nepal to try Dhaka Topi or you receive one as a gift, here’s a quick guide to wear Dhaka Topi properly.

- First, hold the Topi with both hands to find the front and back on the cap.
- Place the front of the cap on your forehead and let the back of the cap hang down.
- Adjust the Cap so that it fits tighly around your head. The Topi should fit comfortably securely without slipping off.

Submitted by Shovan, Staff.

An Alphabet of Longing and Diaspora Dreams

Video Submission by: Dr. Celeste Nazeli Snowber, Faculty.