Firstly, we would like to thank you all for providing all the information you could to help us learn more about your countries.

By now harvest season has come to an end. From your answers we have seen that people from all over the world celebrate the gathering of the harvest; and that the harvest celebrations as well as housing and clothing reflect treasured cultural values in our countries. 

A)

As far as traditional houses are concerned, we can draw the conclusion that our cultures have adapted to and made good use of our surroundings. Traditional dwellings utilize natural materials from the environment, always the ones that were or are available for the builders. Decorations, on the other hand, reflect people's need for harmony and sense of beauty.

Ukrainian houses were so similar to our traditional Hungarian farmhouses that we wouldn't be able to tell one from the other. South African homes are the most interesting for us because they are so exotic and different. We were surprised to see the wonderful Lebanese villa and the stunning Moroccan house.

The most astonishing thing that we had to face was the use of cow dung, a natural material, the revival of which we may soon witness, as some organisations are suggesting to make use of this waste.

B)

We also asked you about traditional clothes worn by your ancestors and the pictures and descriptions that we have received from you are even more interesting than those of the houses. Different patterns of embroidery, various types of and designs were listed. Among them it is worth mentioning the Lebanese sherwel which is just the opposite of what Hungarian shepherds wore. Traditional Hungarian pants were baggy from the waist to the ankle.

We have found that one of the most characteristic features of traditional costumes is the headdress. The type of head covering worn by men or women can indicate social or marital status. In Europe wreaths, crowns, caps, bands, ribbons, shawls and hats were worn. In Morocco they wear turbans or tarbouches, which are kinds of a fez. Lebanese were  kafeyyehs, headscarves or hats called labbadehs.

Several types of typical, traditional footwear could be listed as well, including the world-famous Dutch clog or the Moroccan baboosh, which are soft leather slippers with no heel.

C)

In all of the countries harvest season is a very important part of the year. However, South-African seem to be the luckiest ones because they say harvest season is practically the whole year for them. Hand-made tools such as sickles were used, and these tools are exhibited nowadays in open -air museums.

D)

People celebrate the gathering of the harvest by dancing, singing and playing games. Thanks for telling us about some of your most popular festivals, such as the harvest festival in Elden or the holiday called obsinki in Ukraine and the Cape town festival in South Africa.

It was most interesting to read your answers and we hope we could write a detailed but brief and useful summary of what we have learned from you.