Cultural Concepts of Kindness

We all know what kindness means. But if you were to ask different people what kindness looks like, you might get quite a variety of answers. In keeping with Mental Health Awareness Weeks’ theme of kindness, I've researched some eye-catching examples from around the world. Which one would you like to see brought to the UK?

Ubuntu
Known by many different names throughout southern Africa, Ubuntu is the concept that ‘I am because we are’. The idea is that individuals can thrive when the group succeeds. Speaking at Nelson Mandela’s memorial, Barack Obama said: “There is a word in South Africa – Ubuntu – a word that captures Mandela’s greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”

Philoxenia
Though almost every culture has its own form of hospitality, it is largely thought to have originated in Ancient Greece with Philoxenia. Literally translated as ‘love of strangers’, Philoxenia is about welcoming in guests with open arms, making them feel at home as if they were part of your family. Though this isn’t exactly possible in a time of lockdown, even something as simple as dropping off some food to a neighbour would capture this generosity of spirit.

Senbetsu and Omiyage
If a Japanese person were to go on a trip, it wouldn’t be uncommon for them to receive Senbetsu. Usually coming in the form of money, Senbetsu is a farewell gift given to someone as a way of wishing them good luck. When the traveller returns, they are then expected to bring back Omiyage. These obligatory souvenirs often take the form of regional food that can be easily shared out among friends, co-workers and family.

Wall of Kindness
Though it only started in Iran in 2016, this simple act of charity has sparked a movement around the country and even further afield. Passers-by are invited to ‘leave what you do not need’ and ‘take if you need’. Some have hooks to hang clothes, shelves for shoes and books and baskets for food, all painted in a bright colour with ‘Wall of Kindness’ written across the top. A simple concept that has a massive impact on Iran’s more than 15,000 homeless citizens.

Caffѐ Sospeso
Literally translated as ‘suspended coffee’, caffѐ sospeso allows Italians to pay for two coffees, but only drink one. Then, should a person walk into the café, unable to pay for their coffee, they can order a sospeso and receive one for free. This movement has become relevant again in recent years, and even a well-known coffee company has got involved.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 and why they chose the theme ‘kindness’.