Lebanon vs Comoros

Lebanon versus Comoros Islands

Since the age of 6 years old, I used to live in Moroni, Comoros which are islands located between Africa and Madagascar. I lived there for 5 years and then came back to Lebanon. Growing up, I realized that both cultures are related in many ways but also they are so unique in their own way.

            

Lebanese flag                                                  Comorian flag

Source: Wikipedia                                          Source: Wikipedia

Language:

Lebanon:

In Lebanon, the official language is Arabic and the second language is French. Most Lebanese are either bilingual or trilingual (many people speak English now). Language is the foundation of a country’s culture which means that since we speak many languages meaning we are inspired by many cultures (the French culture for example).  Language is what brings the Lebanese people together and differentiate them from other people. For example, a Lebanese person is recognized by others because he/she is used to speaking 2 or 3 languages at the same time and it is what identifies them.

Comoros Islands:

The official language in Comoros is Comorian but many people also speak French.  Comorian language looks like Swahili but is not related to it. In fact, the language contains many words from Arabic and French origin. There is no specific way to write in Comorian, they learn to write their language in Arabic letters but formal education is given in French. Comoros used to be a French colony, which means that their culture is also inspired by the many aspect of the French culture and the Arabic culture too.

Symbolism:

Lebanon:

The Lebanese flag symbolizes many things. The red bands symbolize the blood shed for the independence, the white band symbolizes peace and the snow in the mountains and finally the green cedar epitomizes eternity, stability, happiness and prosperity.

Comoros:

The Comorian flag contains a lot of history behind its symbol. The green color is for Islam and four white stars that represents all the four islands in Comoros islands (Grande Comores, Anjouan, Mayotte, and Moheli). The country’s motto is “Unity, Justice and Progress”.

Food:

Lebanon:

Lebanese food consist of meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits. The Lebanese specialties are falafel, taboule, Shawarma and hummus. The Lebanese diet contains a lot of olive oil and garlic. Lebanese love to have nuts as snack. The traditional desert is Baklava which is puff pastry filled with nuts served with date or honey. Meghli is a desert prepared for a special occasion to celebrate the arrival of a baby.

Source: Wikipedia

Comoros:

In Comoros, an everyday meal is always composed of rice with manioc, fish and coconut milk. Comorians also love grilled beef kebab (“Brochette”) with French fries. Gruel is also a traditional dish that they eat in parties usually, it is composed of corn and milk. They also love to have nuts as a snack, in the streets many people sell them freshly made.

Both people, Lebanese and Comorians, love nuts, sweets, meat and French imported food.

Religion:

Lebanon:

The main two religions are Islam (54% of the population) and Christianity (46% of the population). Muslim people are divided evenly between Shia and Sunni. Christians include Maronite, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant. 5.5% of the population is Druze.

Comoros:

The dominant religion is Sunni Islam, most of them receive a Koranic education. These beliefs come from Arab and African traditions.

Literature and Arts

Lebanon:

Art is very important in Lebanon, music, dance, theatre and literature take a vital role in the culture. At school, students read French and Arabic stories, poetry (Gibran Khalil Gibran) and proverbs. Many performances (music, dance) are organized in UNESCO.

Comoros:

Just like in Lebanon, literature includes novels and poetry, stories about the creation of villages, war and many others. Many sculpted wood coconut graters are produced everyday. Also, henna tattoo is a huge part of the culture.

The view

Lebanon and Comoros are both very exposed to sea view.

Source: Wikipedia

Raouche Rocks in Beirut

The beach in Moroni, Comoros. Taken by my mother

To conclude, both countries have a lot in common they both share the French and Arabic culture