40 Facts About Customs

Customs Around the World

Customs are fascinating traditions that vary widely across different cultures. They reflect the values, beliefs, and histories of the people who practice them. Here are some intriguing facts about customs from around the globe.

1. In Japan, slurping noodles loudly is considered a sign of appreciation for the meal. It shows that you are enjoying the food.

2. In Greece, it's common to smash plates during celebrations. This tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits.

3. In India, touching someone's feet is a sign of respect. Younger people often do this to show reverence to elders.

4. In Russia, giving an even number of flowers is considered bad luck. Odd numbers are preferred for happy occasions.

5. In South Korea, writing someone's name in red ink is taboo. It symbolizes death and is considered very disrespectful.

Unique Wedding Customs

Weddings are a significant event in any culture, and the customs surrounding them can be quite unique and interesting. Here are some wedding customs from different parts of the world.

6. In China, brides often wear red dresses. Red symbolizes good luck and happiness.

7. In Scotland, there's a tradition called "blackening the bride." Friends and family cover the bride in soot, flour, and feathers to ward off evil spirits.

8. In Kenya, the Maasai people spit on the bride's head and breasts as a blessing. Spitting is seen as a sign of good fortune.

9. In Germany, couples saw a log in half together. This symbolizes their ability to work together and overcome obstacles.

10. In India, the groom's shoes are often stolen by the bride's sisters and friends. The groom must pay a ransom to get them back.

Food Customs

Food is an integral part of any culture, and the customs surrounding it can be quite fascinating. Here are some interesting food customs from around the world.

11. In Ethiopia, it's customary to feed each other during meals. This practice, called "gursha," symbolizes love and friendship.

12. In Italy, it's considered rude to ask for cheese if it's not offered. Italians believe that the chef knows best how the dish should be served.

13. In Thailand, using a fork to eat is considered impolite. Forks are used to push food onto a spoon, which is then used to eat.

14. In Mexico, it's customary to eat tacos with your hands. Using utensils is seen as unnecessary and even pretentious.

15. In France, bread is placed directly on the table, not on a plate. It's also common to tear the bread with your hands rather than cut it with a knife.

Greeting Customs

Greetings are an essential part of social interactions, and the way people greet each other can vary widely across cultures. Here are some unique greeting customs.

16. In New Zealand, the Māori people greet each other with a "hongi." This involves pressing noses and foreheads together.

17. In the Philippines, younger people often take the hand of an elder and press it to their forehead. This gesture, called "mano," shows respect.

18. In Tibet, sticking out your tongue is a traditional greeting. It shows that you are not the reincarnation of a cruel 9th-century king.

19. In Botswana, people greet each other by lightly tapping their hands together. This is known as the "Kgotla" greeting.

20. In Zambia, clapping hands is a common way to greet someone. The rhythm and number of claps can vary depending on the situation.

Funeral Customs

Funeral customs can be deeply rooted in a culture's beliefs about life and death. Here are some unique funeral customs from around the world.

21. In Ghana, people often have elaborate coffins shaped like objects that represent their lives. These can be anything from cars to fish.

22. In Madagascar, there's a tradition called "famadihana" or "turning of the bones." Families exhume their ancestors' remains, rewrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with the corpses.

23. In South Korea, it's common to have a "death bead." The deceased's ashes are turned into beads, which are kept by the family.

24. In Tibet, "sky burials" are practiced. The deceased's body is left on a mountaintop to be eaten by vultures, symbolizing the return of the body to nature.

25. In the Philippines, the Tinguian people dress the deceased in their best clothes and sit them on a chair, often with a lit cigarette.

Holiday Customs

Holidays are celebrated with various customs that can be both fun and meaningful. Here are some holiday customs from different cultures.

26. In Spain, people celebrate New Year's Eve by eating 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year.

27. In Japan, people celebrate "Setsubun" by throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits. This is often done while shouting, "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" meaning "Out with the demons! In with good fortune!"

28. In Sweden, "Midsummer" is celebrated by dancing around a maypole and wearing flower crowns. It's one of the most important holidays in the country.

29. In Mexico, "Día de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" is celebrated by creating altars with offerings for deceased loved ones. This includes food, drinks, and photos.

30. In India, "Holi" is celebrated by throwing colored powders and water at each other. This festival marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Birth Customs

Birth customs can be deeply symbolic and vary widely across cultures. Here are some interesting birth customs from around the world.

31. In Bali, a baby's feet must not touch the ground for the first 105 days. This is believed to protect the child from evil spirits.

32. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people have a naming ceremony called "Ila Omo." The baby's name is revealed to the community, and various symbolic items are used to bless the child.

33. In China, a "red egg and ginger party" is held when a baby turns one month old. Red eggs symbolize happiness and renewal.

34. In Brazil, new mothers receive a "birth bracelet" from the hospital. This bracelet is worn to ward off evil spirits.

35. In Turkey, a special drink called "lohusa şerbeti" is served to visitors who come to see the newborn. This sweet drink is believed to help the mother recover and bring good luck.

Coming of Age Customs

Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, and the customs surrounding it can be quite unique. Here are some coming-of-age customs from around the world.

36. In Japan, "Seijin no Hi" or "Coming of Age Day" is celebrated when young people turn 20. They dress in traditional clothing and attend ceremonies.

37. In the United States, a "Sweet 16" party is a common way to celebrate a girl's 16th birthday. This often involves a big celebration with friends and family.

38. In the Amazon, the Satere-Mawe tribe has a painful initiation ritual for boys. They must wear gloves filled with bullet ants, whose sting is incredibly painful.

39. In South Africa, Xhosa boys undergo a traditional circumcision ceremony called "ulwaluko." This marks their transition into manhood.

40. In Jewish culture, a "Bar Mitzvah" for boys and a "Bat Mitzvah" for girls mark the age of religious responsibility. This involves reading from the Torah and a celebratory party.

Customs Around the World

Customs shape our experiences and understanding of different cultures. From Japan's bowing etiquette to India's vibrant festivals, these traditions offer a glimpse into the values and history of a place. They can be as simple as a handshake or as elaborate as a wedding ceremony. Knowing these customs not only enriches travel experiences but also fosters respect and appreciation for diversity.

Whether you're planning a trip or just curious, understanding customs helps bridge cultural gaps. It's fascinating how something as small as a greeting can carry so much meaning. So next time you encounter a new tradition, embrace it with an open mind. You might find yourself gaining a deeper connection to the world around you. Customs aren't just rituals; they're a way to connect, learn, and grow.