Sun culture Timor-Leste

What is East Timorese culture like?

Craftsmanship and weaving is also widespread. Many woven handicrafts are made including the tais which is worn at traditional ceremonies as well as wooden carved sculptures including crocodiles. Around 97% of the East Timorese population is Catholic, 2% Protestant, 0.3% Muslim, 0.5% have other religious beliefs.

What influenced Timor Leste's culture?

Timor Leste’s culture is heavily influenced by Austronesian legends. For example, East Timorese creation myth has it that an ageing crocodile transformed into the island of Timor as part of a debt repayment to a young boy who had helped the crocodile when it was sick.

What is East Timor known for?

The first president of East Timor, Xanana Gusmão, for example, is a distinguished poet. In terms of architecture there are still Portuguese-style buildings which sit alongside the traditional totem houses of the eastern region. The totem houses are known as uma lulik (sacred houses) in Tetum. Craftsmanship and weaving is also widespread.

What influenced Timorese culture?

Timorese culture is heavily influenced by Austronesian legends and its culture is a melting pot of numerous influences including Portuguese & Indonesian.

How can Timor Leste tackle malnutrition?

Addressing malnutrition in Timor Leste, including stunting, which affects one out of every two children, starts with prevention. The crucial first 1000 days of a child, from conception to the second birthday define not only health and resilience, but also cognitive hardware.

Why is Timor shaped like a crocodile?

As a result of that transformation, the island is shaped like a crocodile and the boy’s descendants are the native East Timorese who inhabit the island. To read the whole story click here There is also a strong tradition of poetry in the country.