A Blending of Cultures

March 24, 2008

Author: ROJA HEYDARPOUR

Source: The Times-Tribune

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417582&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6

Holidays can be a reminder for some immigrants that they are in a land different from the ones of their ancestors, as they create a new, hybrid culture that is ultimately very much American.

They gather on national American holidays, when everyone is off from work, and they assimilate. They push back their own celebrations to the closest weekend as they add and omit rituals.

“We are always thinking about two flags,” said John Tabatabaie, 30, an Iranian-American who has been living in Lackawanna County for almost 20 years.

But this year, the spring holiday season has coincided for many different nationalities and faiths.