Traditions and customs from around the world

1. Introduction
We all have many things in common, we work, eat, sleep and love. But at the
same time we have curious traditions or customs that are very different. Some of
them may be rare and exotic for us however it may be as normal for others. It is
important to know some customs and traditions of other cultures because this
information could be useful if you want to travel to some of these places or simply
because it is a way to know more about the world.

2. Traditions:
Brazil and Venezuela: tribe
Yanomami

People usually eat the ashes of the

dead. They do it because they believe
that this will save the soul of the
person, and all family members
participate by eating a part.

Some regions of China, Indonesia and

The Philippines
People hang coffins in caves, from very
high walls. It is thought that in this way
the beasts will not reach the corpses, and
it is a way to bless the soul of that person.

China
Girls at the age of 4 or 5 years are bandaged their feet to prevent growth, and
cannot walk or perform any other physical activity. Formerly it was believed that
small feet were a sign of beauty, and these women are considered sensual and
beautiful. Evidently it is very painful.
Africa: tribe Masai
They have a celebration where they spit
on their acquaintances. In addition, they
spit out their hands as they greet the
elders of the tribe and also salivate over
the children, to give them a good future.

India
People often throw themselves at newborns from a height of 15 meters, because
it is thought that this will bring prosperity and intelligence.

Thailand: tribe Kayan

Women wear hoops around their neck to lengthen it more and more. This type of
appearance is considered beautiful and elegant, something that many fail to
understand.
Spain
Tomatina: It consists of throwing tomatoes all over the place in absolute chaos.
In any other place in the world, this would be considered totally strange, but for
Spaniards it is a tradition that cannot be missed.

Czech Republic:
Men gently beat women with a stick, which
according to belief, brings fertility. This happens
on Easter Monday, and it is a tradition spread
among all the inhabitants.

Some African tribes

In some African tribes, female genital mutilation is practiced, which consists of
removing most or only a part of the female genitalia to women. It is currently
considered a cruel tradition, but there are those who defend it as a specific
cultural practice.

United Kingdom
The magpies are birds of ill omen in the United
Kingdom so to mitigate the bad luck it brings, people
greet them with a, "Good morning, mister magpie,
and how is your wife today?"
 Holland:
Congratulations to the family of the birthday
boy, as well as to the birthday boy. And at the
birthday party, everyone sits in a giant circle
drinking tea and eating cake.

Poland:
They applaud when the plane lands: Nobody seems to know exactly why it is a
peculiar characteristic of the Poles. Maybe simply because the terrain is quite
impressive.

Austria:
The pulse-to-finger competition is a serious sport, with very strict rules. Athletes
of the finger must drag their opponent across the table with only their finger.

Denmark:
Throw cinnamon to singles: If you have not married by the
time you turn 25, you can expect your friends to ambush
you with cinnamon showers all day long. That's bad
enough, but if you're still single at 30, they'll cover you
with pepper.
 France:

Divulge your singleness: On November 25, all 25-year-

old unmarried women are given elaborate green and
yellow hats, which they must wear all day.

Germany:

If you turn 25 and do not get married, your friends will hang a garland of socks
from your house to the place of your birthday party, and after a certain number of
socks, they will encourage you to drink an alcoholic beverage.

Finland:

Wife Carrying Competition: Carrying the Wife is a

fully supported sport in Finland, with competitors
from around the world who congregate in
Sonkajarvi every year for the Wife Carrying
Championship. It is said that sport itself exists
since the 19th century.
Finland:
Athletic release of boots: It has been
around for a long time that it is taken very
seriously and considered as a
championship sport in Finland (although
it is known that competitors drink during
the event to improve their game).

3. Customs:
Australia

 Australians only eat a sánguche around 1 pm. They wait until 5 or 6 p.m.
for the main meal. His favorite dish is breaded chicken with melted cheese
and tomato sauce.
 If you go to a restaurant or bar, they will give you a bottle of water and a
couple of glasses to share, if you are accompanied. This is free.

France

 If you are going to eat in a group, the label says that only one person pays
and then, the others make accounts with that person. That of dividing
expenses on the table is frowned upon.
 On the other hand, you have to have patience to eat in Paris. It is usual to
wait a good amount of minutes for the dishes.

Italy

 It is almost a crime to ask the waiter to give you a pizza that carries
pineapple or pasta accompanied by chicken.
 The word 'ciao' is used both to say hello and to say goodbye.

Japan:
 In Japan making a noise while chewing is synonymous with a taste for
food. Some women cover their mouths with their hands to not show what
they eat.
 Before using a bathroom, ask to be taught how. The toilets work with an
electronic console.
United States:

 It's a bad idea to haggle the taxi or a purchase. The prices are fixed and
there is no opportunity to obtain discounts.
 It is very bad seen not to leave tip. It is generally between 10% and 20%
of the consumption.
Brazil

 When eating, do not wait for the plate to be brought to you. In homes it is
normal for everyone to be served.
 If they ask you about your 'sobrenome' they are not asking for your
nickname, but your last name. But if they inquire about your 'apelido', they
do want to know your 'badge'.

Mexico

 In some towns, when greeting older people you have to say: "Good
morning or night, uncle (a)".
 What would happen if you fall in love with a Mexican and want to get
married? The custom says that women should do the shopping for the civil
wedding and the men for the religious.

South Korea
 The consumption of alcohol is a serious thing here. Soju (rice distillate) is
typical and if you are invited, you can not refuse.
 If you want to show your love, then wear clothes equal to your partner's.

Colombia
 If you are going to buy something, you will have to ask for 'gifts'. It is typical
to say something like: "Would you give me a coffee?"
 Say hello to your interlocutor by shaking your hand or kissing your cheek?
No, here you will learn to say: "Que hubo, parce?" It means: How are you
doing?

Turkey
 When visiting the house of a local, you cannot leave without being invited
to a çay (Turkish tea). It is the emblematic drink.
 To the acquaintances it is customary to greet with a handshake. Friends
are given three kisses on the cheeks that mean: I know you, I love you and
I accept you.