Cross-Cultural Temple Tour Instructions
What should I bring?
A note pad and pen; Camera (optional)
Bring your own scarf for head covering, wear socks, no shorts, no excessive jewelry and no excess perfume
Etiquette Guidelines & Dress Code
Etiquette at unfamiliar places of worship is a combination of basic good manners, cultural sensitivity, and respect for others. Good manners are important as an expression of respect for the religious communities involved.
These guidelines are to help you feel more comfortable in unfamiliar settings and avoid offending your hosts.
● First, don't worry too much! The people you meet at these places of worship are good and understanding people. As Americans, they understand Americans, and will forgive small mistakes.
● If you are unsure about what is appropriate in an unfamiliar cultural situation, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. It will not hurt to say "May I ask you some questions?" Of course, careful observation also helps.
● It is very important to dress appropriately and modestly. Shorts, T-shirts, and other overly casual clothing should be completely avoided. Clothes should always be modest. For most situations, legs and upper arms should be covered. For women, long skirts are often preferable to pants. Ask your instructor for details about particular sites.
● Note that, for temples and related sites, the standard of dress is typically a bit less formal than at mainline Christian and Jewish places of worship. "Sunday best" is typically not required.
● In many settings, you will typically have to sit cross-legged on the floor, so again, dress appropriately. Try to retain a posture indicating attentiveness. Note that pointing one's feet toward the altar or teacher is regarded as disrespectful, so if possible, avoid extending your legs. If you need to stretch your legs, be sure to point your feet away from other people and sacred objects. Under no circumstances should you assume a lying posture, which again would be considered disrespectful. These points may sound excessively restrictive, but they are important.
● Avoid smoking, public displays of affection, loud talking, boisterous laughter, physical contact, and imposing on your host's hospitality. Be mindful of body language, especially around members of the opposite sex.
● If you are invited to stay for food, try to observe the manners of your hosts. Wasting food may be frowned upon, so try to take just as much as you can eat.
●Please attend orientation and debriefing sessions to maximize your cross cultural temple tour experience.
●All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall, will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.
●It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. It may be a good idea to practice this at home if possible before your temple trip.
What should I bring?
A note pad and pen; Camera (optional)
Bring your own scarf for head covering, wear socks, no shorts, no excessive jewelry and no excess perfume
Etiquette Guidelines & Dress Code
Etiquette at unfamiliar places of worship is a combination of basic good manners, cultural sensitivity, and respect for others. Good manners are important as an expression of respect for the religious communities involved.
These guidelines are to help you feel more comfortable in unfamiliar settings and avoid offending your hosts.
● First, don't worry too much! The people you meet at these places of worship are good and understanding people. As Americans, they understand Americans, and will forgive small mistakes.
● If you are unsure about what is appropriate in an unfamiliar cultural situation, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. It will not hurt to say "May I ask you some questions?" Of course, careful observation also helps.
● It is very important to dress appropriately and modestly. Shorts, T-shirts, and other overly casual clothing should be completely avoided. Clothes should always be modest. For most situations, legs and upper arms should be covered. For women, long skirts are often preferable to pants. Ask your instructor for details about particular sites.
● Note that, for temples and related sites, the standard of dress is typically a bit less formal than at mainline Christian and Jewish places of worship. "Sunday best" is typically not required.
● In many settings, you will typically have to sit cross-legged on the floor, so again, dress appropriately. Try to retain a posture indicating attentiveness. Note that pointing one's feet toward the altar or teacher is regarded as disrespectful, so if possible, avoid extending your legs. If you need to stretch your legs, be sure to point your feet away from other people and sacred objects. Under no circumstances should you assume a lying posture, which again would be considered disrespectful. These points may sound excessively restrictive, but they are important.
● Avoid smoking, public displays of affection, loud talking, boisterous laughter, physical contact, and imposing on your host's hospitality. Be mindful of body language, especially around members of the opposite sex.
● If you are invited to stay for food, try to observe the manners of your hosts. Wasting food may be frowned upon, so try to take just as much as you can eat.
●Please attend orientation and debriefing sessions to maximize your cross cultural temple tour experience.
●All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall, will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.
●It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. It may be a good idea to practice this at home if possible before your temple trip.