“The five senses are the ministers of the soul.”
– Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, and is widely considered one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
EVERY week, as I write an article for this column, I reflect on the exquisite tapestry of existence that weaves together our diverse experiences of the world.
This week, I’m particularly excited to delve into the intricate connection between our cultural backgrounds and physical sensory experiences. It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion – each layer reveals something unique and precious about how we perceive the world around us.
Why am I discussing cultural narratives and landscapes in the context of physical senses? You see, each one of us lives within a narrative shaped by our culture, environment and personal history – a narrative that informs how we taste, hear, smell, see and feel.
The senses aren’t just biological experiences; they’re deeply intertwined with memory, identity and culture. Understanding this connection can help us uncover hidden treasures in how we understand our shared humanity.
Growing up in Sarawak, surrounded by the lush greenery of rainforests and the mellifluous sounds of the Borneo rivers, I was immersed in a world of sensory wonders.
The sharp tang of wild fruits, the warm embrace of a tropical sun, and the fragrant aroma of native dishes wafting through my home – these experiences formed the core of my being.
Yet, after moving to China 20 years ago and travelling across many provinces, I began to grasp the depth and richness of cultural narratives that shape our physical sensory experiences.
This week, I wish to delve deeper into this enchanting topic to understand and appreciate how our backgrounds redefine our engagement with the world around us.
When we discuss culture, we often think of language, traditions, or even art forms. However, one of the quietest yet profoundly impactful aspects of culture is its influence on our physical senses – the way we perceive taste, sound and touch.
The narratives rooted in our cultural backgrounds intricately weave together our sensory fabric, creating a unique tapestry of experiences that can often feel alien to others. This brings to mind an anecdote from my early days in China.
On my first visit to Chengdu in 2008, I was introduced to my “infamous” Sichuan hotpot. As the numbing spiciness danced on my palate, I found myself in the throes of a sensory explosion that was entirely new to me.
My Sarawakian taste buds, accustomed to the freshness of green herbs and local delicacies, were unaccustomed to such intensity. Yet, there was a beauty to the culinary chaos.
As I engaged with locals, they spoke with reverence for their spicy cuisine, intertwining stories of family gatherings and festivals around the dinner table.
Suddenly, the heat of the dishes transformed into a cultural narrative that aligned with their history – a poetic blend of taste and community.
I learned during my travels that each culture has its own way of expressing and experiencing sensory information. There’s a reason why certain spices like turmeric and lemongrass dominate Sarawakian cuisine while Sichuan’s culinary landscape thrives on an array of spices that create sensations of heat and numbness.
Culinary experts and social scientists note that cultural evolution influences palate preferences. Studies reveal how the historical exchange of spices, ingredients and recipes has shaped regional cuisines, reflecting the environment, history and people’s ingenuity.
Let’s look at sound – one of the physical senses that often goes understated. In Sarawak, the gentle rustling of palm fronds filtered by the breeze or the echoing calls of cicadas form a tranquil backdrop to daily life.
In China, I have found metropolitan sounds that shock the senses: the cacophony of honking cars, animated chatter in markets, and the rhythmic clinking of chopsticks.
This auditory experience shapes not only our environment but also our mood and mindset. As I stood amidst the vibrant street markets of Shanghai, the sounds enveloped me in a “chaotic” embrace, both invigorating and disorienting.
Through this sonic lens, I began to understand how urban life in China contrasts with the serene ambience I had grown up in, adding layers to my emotional and sensory experiences.
In lending meaning to our sensory experiences, storytelling becomes a powerful medium. Every dish we consume or every sound we hear has a narrative attached.
I recall visiting a small village in Hang Zhou, known for its tea. There, I sat with an elder who shared the origins of their renowned Longjing or commonly used dragon well tea amidst the comforting aroma that filled the air.
He recounted how every harvest season not only celebrates the duty of picking tender leaves but strengthens community bonds. The ceremony highlights touch, taste and sounds woven into stories told for generations.
This experience redefined my understanding of sensory engagement. It pushed me to consider how other cultures have their narratives, often tied to fundamental practices and daily routines that ground them in their heritage.
I started to appreciate that sensory experiences are like hidden treasures, layered and complex, waiting for someone to unveil their richness through storytelling.
The beauty of exploring diverse sensory experiences lies in their ability to foster connection. By understanding how our backgrounds shape our perceptions, we can bridge cultural gaps that often feel insurmountable.
Take, for example, an impromptu cooking class I attended in Seoul, Korea. The instructor started by introducing the essential ingredients of kimchi while animated discussions unfolded about childhood memories tied to homemade meals.
The simple act of cooking transcended barriers; my Sarawakian perspective intertwined with the Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh and Indian culinary art as laughter echoed over a shared experience.
Such moments appeal to our humanist senses and remind us that despite differences in our cultural narratives, we all seek similar joys and connections.
Sensory experiences are universal; they invite us to come together, allowing empathy to flourish through shared laughter, feasting and celebration.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise that asserting my identity as a Sarawakian in a foreign land has opened my senses to profound experiences I never anticipated.
I often ponder the dance between familiarity and newness, such as the rich taste of Sarawak laksa that I yearn for, juxtaposed against the inventive fusion cuisine of Guangzhou, China.
Each dish, each flavour, serves as a beautiful reminder that we take our cultural identities with us, painting our sensory encounters and shaping our views along the way.
As we traverse this globe of diverse landscapes – each with its vibrant cultural narratives – we encounter a playground of sensory experiences that tell stories.
The spice markets of Budapest, the soundscapes of bustling cities, the serene landscapes of Scandinavian forests, and the intoxicating aromas of Peruvian street food all contribute to a sensory atlas of the human experience.
And so, how do we embrace this rich tapestry of sensory diversity? It begins with understanding that our perception of the world is inherently shaped by our cultural narratives.
Every experience, whether tasting, hearing, or feeling, adds a thread to the complex fabric of our lives.
Ultimately, cultural narratives and practices shape our engagement with the world. They define how we taste, touch, hear and experience life in all its beauty and chaos.
Our hearts, just like our senses, hold stories – stories that can connect us deeply with another’s experience. As we engage with one another’s stories – through friendship, travel and shared meals – we can cultivate empathy and appreciation for our differences.
And let’s not forget, we can learn to savour moments that become not just physical sensations but also heart-warming treasures that deepen our lives profoundly.
By exploring these narratives and reclaiming the treasures they hold, we can recognise that our senses are not confined to their physicality. They are a canvas of culture, tradition and humanity, waiting to be shared, understood and celebrated.
So, may we cherish the whispers of our diverse landscapes and the unique tapestries of our stories as we journey through life, hand in hand, embracing the sensory adventures that make us beautifully human. Let’s unlock the hidden treasures of our collective human experience together!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
