Good Morning/Aftenoon/Evening to all here on DT.....As we all know every culture has it's own customs, traditions, mannerisms, and even stereotypes that make them unique and one must admit that many of these can be very funny at times...lol; For example, I find it hilarious that to this day at my 26 years of age my mom will still warn me about opening the refrigerator if I'm hot and sweaty because I'll have some type shock/spasm: "No abra' la nevera si estas caliente porque te vas a pasmar" lmao....Or how about how Dominicans clap so fervently whenever the plane lands lol...that's just two of many examples.

Anyone else have any funny anecdotes about Dominican culture or their own culture?


xoxoxoxo

Well since you've said any culture mannerism will do then I will gladly comment on my culture JEM. I can say that Haitians also fervently applause when the plane lands, lol. I believe its just that for some strange reason, we islanders are very engrossed in the concept of good and bad luck, something that is supposedly determined by God and forms a major part of our countries' common religion (Christianity). Therefore whenever we land safely, I believe we actually are clapping as an ode of thanks to God for allowing us to travel safely and to the "efficient management" of the airplane crew (who technically have our lives in their hands). This is just my theory!

Actually HAY, I'm not surprised that you mention that Haitians do the same clapping ovation when the plane lands...lol. I agree with you wholeheartedly when you say that we both do it mostly out of superstition and also because we are thankful to the flight crew, pilot, and God for allowing us to land safely; Not to mention that we are excited to be visiting our wonderful islands too!

Clapping also occurs while laughing. If you hear laughs and a clap at the end, it's Dominican

Hey JEM I got this link from facebook from the group called "i LOVE Dominican Republic". On their page they have a whole list about "You know you're Domincan if...". Being that I am not Domincan but Haitian I don't know too much about some of the things. You probably know about it a whole lot more than I do. check it out.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2345834651

These are some of the things I found funny from a Haitain facebook group and I could relate to.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204582445

• "Your parents still put you "a genou" (kneel down) even though you are 19. "(I.O.W. - you're in big trouble!)
  

• "To get out of trouble with a fellow Haitian, you use the phrase: 'bon sa-ou genyen la?, se Ayisyen nou ye mon(ma)che.'" (this one's too funny- too true, translation: "what's going on here, come on we're haitains sweetie/sweetheart/darling"
  

• "Once the temperature gets below a certain level, you lose all concepts of coordination when it comes to things like snow boots, winter coats, scarves, and hats often doing things like wearing two different color hats at the same time."
  

• "You have a bunch of expensive perfumes on your dresser but prefer to use the cheaper ones because you don't want to waste your good stuff."
  

• "You point at things and people with your lips"
  

• "Your house is so packed with meubles (furniture) and *biblos* (paintings) that you can't even take two steps, and there are entire rooms in your house that no one is allowed to go in because they are reserved for company. "
  

• "The weakest old woman can strike fear into your heart with just one look. " (sometimes my own grandma)
  

• "All soda is called "cola" and all chewing gum is called 'Chicklets'."
  

• "You have either Jean or Marie placed somewhere in your name and you know someone named Roro, Fanfan, Pouchon or Marie Rose." (Not in my name but in about a half-a-dozen of my relatives).
  

• "You go to work as though you were dressed for Church, you go to Church as if you were dressed for a wedding, and you go to a wedding as if you were dressed to meet Queen Elizabeth. "
  

• "If someone says that the party starts at 8pm, then you know not to show up until 11PM!"
  (hey that doesn't just go for Haitians, there's a reason why they call it carribean time, l l)
  

These are just some thing I've noticed frequently in my own experiences and many other Haitians have agreed. Not out to make stereotypes or offend any Haitians on here, but these are some of our "interesting" commonalities. I luv em' nonetheless.

"You point at things and people with your lips"

- "Oye manito, a donde que fue coso?"
- Miralo ahi (pointing with the lips)!

Well,

Both of my family on both sides on the Island no matter how much they have expressed criticism and slight hatred innuendoes for each other have this one thing in common.

I think even if they both were passing in front of a Church or when the sound of the bell goes off especially at noon that they would both stop for second to do the very same thing which is the cross sign that they do with their hands by touching the forehead, the center of the chests , the left shoulder and the right then kiss the hand as though they were actually holding the cross in their hand and kiss it, then I feel that they would resume their fights right after doing so. I mean, can you picture or imagine that in a movie (lol)?

I know my Nana in DR always carry rosary beads and she holds them all the time when she prays and have a picture of the Virgin mary at the head of her bed.

Espaniola siempre hasta muerte,

Will

P.S: Oh, the colors of the houses is a marginal trend that both Nations have in common. The salmon rose colors, the greens you name the colors... (lol)!

That is true DaniDr....I do it and now that you say it, I realize it... it is really funny

The urgent need that almost anybody on this country have of letting the neighbors know what song they're listening on the freaking radio. Be it on their homes or driving on the streets, the majority of the dominican populace can't stand the idea of listening to music without the world knowing they're doing so. This being specially annoying when the country is on political campaigns, or when the tigueres are at the colmadones drinking a couple of frías.

The dreaded "cuco".