2 HISTORICAL BACKGROOUND

Peaceful modern country filled with sights and sounds as old as time, in Jordan you can step in the very place where Jesus was baptized, wander one of the world's great wonders, float in the Dead Sea and dine with friends under desert stars.

From the Red Sea in the south to the desert East, Jordan River West, Amman, and Irbid in the north. it is easy to follow your own path in this historic and biblical land, so many already have.

In Jordan, every step forward takes you back, back in time to the people and places of antiquity, its where you can follow your feet to wherever your heart leads.

2.1 What Is Culture

The term culture is varied in its definition, as such, it cannot be limited to one singular explanation. Instead, a few definitions that captured a sociological understanding of the term will be briefly presented.

Culture refers to the sum total of social life. It includes language, beliefs, customs, norms, food, dress, and music. It is a set of normals held by a group of people, this group of people may live in the same geographical place, share nationality, ethnicity, or beliefs. (Hofstede 2003)

Sir Edward Burnett Tylor defined culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.” culture may also refer to the shared knowledge beliefs, and values of members of society and may be passed on from generation to generation through the process of socialization. (Hofstede 2003)

For symbolic interactionists, culture refer to systems of human meaning, in other words cultures created by human interactions it is a structured and organized framework upon which human beings attach meanings and understandings to symbols and their interactions.

So, it necessitates a lot of effort to study culture, and social scientists like anthropologists and sociologists undertake it to better understand human behavior patterns. Social scientists have defined two essential categories to define objects produced by a society, despite the fact that there are an infinite number of ways that individuals can express their culture. (Eagleton 2016)

2.1.1 Tangible culture

Tangible culture is physical things that are created by a society. In Jordan we have a strong material culture based on production of certain items food, crafts, and agricultural product. Culture does not mean that it is an object that is bought and sold it can also be something we all make for instance, different handicrafts art is a common thing we all experienced, it is something that is common enough to unite us and therefore part of our tangible culture.

(Spencer-Oatey 2012)

2.1.2 Intangible culture

The intangible aspects of culture, or the elements of culture that are not perceptible by touch, taste, or hold. Common examples include social rules, ethics, beliefs, or even language.

(Spencer-Oatey 2012)

2.2 Jordanian Culture

Jordanian culture is one of the richest cultures in history, it’s the result of centuries of cultures overlapped to form the current culture. Arabic and Islamic cultures have a significant impact on Jordan's culture. The culture of Jordan blends elements from the past and the present, as well as elements from the Islamic history and contemporary culture. In addition to being a continuation of the local Arabian culture, including its cuisine, even if it has its own distinctive features, it also accepts both eastern and western civilizations.

2.2.1 Music

Patriotic songs, which honor the nation and the king and are heavily influenced by Bedouin culture, are arguably the most well-liked genre of music in Jordan.

Additionally, there is a style of Bedouin music that mostly utilizes the rebab or AlRababa (a stringed instrument), and sporadically the Mijwiz (reed pipe). Songs of this genre frequently have a sad mood and focus on topics like raids, wars, and kindness.

The Dabke or Dabka, a group dance that involves stomping one's feet, is Jordan's most well-known traditional dance. Both men and women can perform this dance, which uses a number of regionally specific steps.

2.2.2 Traditional arts

Islamic motifs are used in Jordan's traditional ceramics and famed mosaics, which are exclusively handcrafted. Some ceramics feature calligraphy that represents Umayyad and Mamluk art.

Another well-known traditional Jordanian art form is embroidery. Traditional embroidered garments are created by women of Palestinian descent utilizing a variety of colors and patterns that are primarily based on geometric designs.

2.2.3 Food

Since there is evidence of human activity there dating back to the Paleolithic era, the history of Jordanian food may be established. It has changed through decades of social and political advancement (c. 90,000 BC).

In addition to its historical significance, Jordanian cuisine is highly valued for its preparation methods and experiences. The majority of traditional recipes need group effort to prepare, which provides an opportunity for interaction.

2.2.4 Handicrafts

Jordan is renowned for its handicrafts, which include weaving carpets, manufacturing rugs, baskets, pottery, and ceramics. Traditional crafts made in the nation have been handed down through the generations. Jordanian crafts have been influenced by Islamic and cultural influences, particularly in terms of pottery and ceramic ornamentation. Sand bottles with decorations, sculptures, and individually made silver jewelry are examples of crafts done on a smaller scale.

2.3 Selected handicrafts

The crafts activities in the project were carefully selected based on specific criteria to be safe for unprofessional users, easily learnt, and the final product could be kept as a souvenir.

These crafts include sand bottles, calligraphy, jewelry making, soap making, weaving, embroidery, and straw crafts. Another main experience is a cultural kitchen where users can participate in food making experience for traditional Jordanian dishes. Some of the crafts can take place outdoor such as pottery making.