Hinduism in India Reincarnation: born

again, Hindus believe in moving up or down the caste (social) system with each life.

The goal is to move to the top of the caste system, then be reborn with the gods.

Hinduism requires each person to fulfill their role in their caste before moving on.

Caste System Five levels of Hindu

society, each one with a specific job or role.

Cannot leave role during lifetime otherwise punished in next life.

Untouchables: bottom caste, treated as subhumans.

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama as a reaction to the strict life of Hinduism.

Live a simple and peaceful life, eliminate suffering.

Goal is to reach Nirvana: a state of peace and happiness.

Buddhism Spreads Hinduism remains

largely in India; however Buddhism spreads throughout southeast Asia.

Buddhism spreads through trade routes such as the Silk Road.

In China, Buddhism shaped the people’s beliefs in community and politics.

Chinese Inventions During Song dynasty

China makes two major inventions: block printing and gunpowder.

Block printing allows them to mass produce documents that used to be hand copied.

Gunpowder is used in warfare to make bombs and propel cannons.

The Song dynasty also invents paper and the compass during this time.

The compass allows for more accurate exploration and mapping of China’s territory.

These inventions also help China’s economy develop and expand.

Chinese footbinding Footbinding originated

among dancers in China and spread to lower classes.

Process of wrapping woman’s feet to prevent them from growing.

Men saw it as a sign of beauty and that a woman would be a suitable wife.

Process of binding feet

Starts at age 4-7, nails are trimmed and feet are soaked in warm water or blood.

Every toe is broken then foot is wrapped tightly in cloth, arches also broken.

Feet are re-wrapped every few days, ideal foot size was four inches.

Footbinding often caused disabilities in women later in life.

Prevented women from taking part in politics and made them reliant on men.

Some women were still expected to work in fields and factories with bound feet.

Demise of footbinding

Women began to call for demise of footbinding in 1870s.

Argued it made China look old-fashioned and did not promote equality.

Banned in early 1900s but not completely removed until after World War II.

Seppeku (Japan) Used by samurai as

part of their Code of Honor

Samurai would commit suicide in order to avoid enemy capture.

Could also be performed if committed a shameful act in Japanese society.

During the Middle Ages, China is more advanced than Europe.

Asia is impacted by religions, many still influence politics in these countries.

Traditions will also impact the culture and mindset of Asian countries.