Passport to Culture.

Based on multiple sociological studies, music is widely enjoyed by people from diverse backgrounds and by numerous cultures.   I find it unique that various cultural activities can bleed into music and as a result make music a welcoming part of that culture.  Patsy Cline sings in her 1958 single "Come On In (And Make Yourself At Home)":  "If I had one wish, I wish I could / Go back to my old neighborhood / Where the good folks they all love you as their own / Then I'd go over to my neighbor's house / Knock on the door 'n they'd all sing out / Come on in and sit right down and make yourself at home". 

Bon Iver sings on his new 2016 song "33 'GOD,'" “I'd be happy as hell, if you stayed for tea”.  I have been listening to this song a lot lately and upon arriving in New York City recently, the first thing I was offered by my friend/host/ was a cup of tea.  She is originally from Ireland, and I have learned that for her, having tea in the house is a top priority.  Offering the visitor a cup of tea is the backbone of Irish hospitality.  In fact, I have heard that Irish homes must never run out of either tea bags or toilet paper. 

Other countries have different, but no less important, customs.  Most Asian cultures from Vietnam to India and Singapore to Japan have deeply entrenched traditions about removing shoes before entering homes.  Although he is of Czech and Slovak lineage, Jason Mraz sings in a 2014 song, "Whatever mama say / You better listen to your mama . . .Take your shoes off at the door / Don't track no mud along that floor".   In Asian countries, the entrance to a living space is usually lower than the rest of the home. You step up into the house and this design allows for all dirty and wet gear to be left in the entrance, hence the house stays clean.  According Asian Lifestyle and Design, "this has a physical and psychological purpose: the motion of stepping up to a different level, allows one to be aware that they are entering someone’s private space".

Another way that culture and music can intersect is with spiritual song.  L'chah Dodi is a Judaic song recited Friday at sundown to welcome Shabbat prior to evening services.  It is part of the Kabbalat Shabbat ("welcoming of Sabbath").  L'chah Dodi means "come my beloved," and is a request of a mysterious "beloved" that could mean either God or one's friend(s) to join together in welcoming Shabbat that is referred to as the "bride": likrat kallah ("to greet the [Shabbat] bride"). During the singing of the last verse, the entire congregation rises and turns to the open door, to greet "Queen Shabbat" as she arrives.

There is nothing like the feeling of being comfortable either in your home or when traveling.  And if your host is willing to introduce you to the blend of South Asian samples, London slang and U.S. hip hop music of the Swet Shop Boys, featuring Heems (ex-Das Racist) and Riz MC (actor Riz Ahmed), I think you will find a way to relax and feel welcomed.

Thanks for reading.