identifying cultural pattern
We will work with patterns.
Patterns are understood in a double sense: as visible patterns (including patterns of clothing, patterns for the structure of spaces, buildings, rooms, gardens, etc.) and as patterns of behaviour.
We can say that patterns also structure what happens in time, when we think of religious rituals, dance or sports games such as football, soccer, etc., not to mention the patterns of work, war and funeral rituals. More important for us will be the pattern of preparing meals and eating together.
In other words, patterns give a common rhythm to our individual existence.
Identifying a pattern - at the level of the visible or behavioural or temporal - means identifying cultural specificities. Getting to know another culture happens involuntarily by comparing the foreign pattern with one's own.
What patterns are
Patterns are the recurring arrangements of elements or events that exhibit regularity, order, and predictability and form the backbone of how we interpret the world around us. These repetitions, whether visual, behavioral, or conceptual, provide a framework for recognition and meaning. By recognizing patterns, we make sense of our environment and discover coherence in what might otherwise appear random. From the spirals of a sunflower to the flow of social norms, patterns help us understand both the distinctions and the behavior embedded in the systems we inhabit.
Patterns arise from a variety of processes, both natural and human-made. In nature, they arise from physical laws, evolutionary dynamics, and environmental forces. The spirals of a sunflower, for example, follow Fibonacci sequences, while the fractal geometry of river networks reflects the underlying principles of physics and fluid dynamics. In human contexts, patterns are often deliberate creations, shaped by design, tradition, or habitual behaviors shaped by culture and societal norms. Over time, these patterns become deeply embedded in systems or environments, serving as a reflection of the rules or functions that underlie them. Whether organic or constructed, patterns reveal the logic and order inherent in their origins.
Aesthetic patterns, in particular, are abundant in human creativity, offering not only visual appeal but also symbolic meaning. In architecture, geometric patterns-such as those found in Islamic tilework-are characterized by symmetry, repetition, and intricate interlocking shapes. These designs evoke harmony, balance, and even a sense of infinity, often symbolizing divine or cosmic order. Floral patterns, often seen in textiles, emphasize the elegance and vitality of natural beauty, sometimes reflecting specific cultural identities through their style and motifs. Meanwhile, wave-like patterns in graphic design suggest fluidity and movement. Gentle, flowing waves can evoke calm and serenity, while sharp, irregular rhythms suggest dynamism and energy. Each aesthetic pattern carries an interpretation that draws on our shared psychological and cultural associations.
Behavioral patterns also play a critical role in shaping social contexts and interactions. For example, the handshake is a widely recognized behavioral pattern in professional and formal settings that symbolizes respect, agreement, or mutual recognition. This gesture reflects social norms that emphasize courtesy and trust. Similarly, queuing in public spaces is a behavioral pattern rooted in values of fairness and organization that ensures order in shared environments such as public transportation or retail stores. Applause after a performance, another familiar pattern, arises from cultural expectations of collective appreciation, signifying shared recognition of talent or effort. These behaviors are not just habits; they are rituals that reflect the values and structures of the societies in which they occur.
Despite their similarities, it is important to distinguish patterns from structures. While patterns describe the outward appearance or rhythm of elements, structure refers to the underlying framework that creates or supports those patterns. For example, the stripes on a zebra are a pattern - observable and repeatable - while the biological and genetic mechanisms that determine their formation constitute the structure. Structure is the scaffolding, the foundation upon which patterns are built, while patterns are the visible manifestation of these deeper mechanisms. Understanding this distinction enriches our understanding of how systems work, allowing us to appreciate both the observable regularities and the invisible forces that shape them.
Ultimately, the study of patterns-whether in aesthetic forms or human behavior-offers profound insight into how regularities define our experiences and interactions. Patterns in art and design evoke emotional responses, connect us to cultural traditions, and provide visual coherence. Behavioral patterns guide our social exchanges and reinforce collective values. Beneath these patterns, structures work silently to create and sustain them, revealing a deeper order in the systems we encounter. By exploring the interplay between patterns and structures, we deepen our understanding of the world and discover the inherent beauty and logic that connects us to it.