Traveling exposes us to new cultures, ideas, and traditions that can be fascinating, bewildering, or even shocking. What is considered normal in one country may be seen as odd or even absurd in another. From peculiar greeting habits to bizarre food traditions, cultures around the world have developed customs that can leave travelers scratching their heads. In this article, we’ll explore some of the weirdest travel customs and traditions from various countries and the fascinating stories behind them.
1. Japan – Slurping is Polite
In many Western countries, slurping soup or noodles is considered bad manners, but in Japan, it’s a sign of appreciation. When eating ramen, udon, or soba, slurping loudly is encouraged as it shows you’re enjoying the meal. The louder the slurp, the greater the compliment to the chef. So, if you’re dining in Japan, embrace the noise—it’s a cultural sign of respect!
2. Thailand – No Head Touching
In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and touching someone’s head, even playfully, is highly disrespectful. This belief is rooted in Buddhist traditions that regard the head as the seat of the soul. If you accidentally touch someone’s head, it’s important to apologize immediately to avoid offending locals.
3. Greece – Spitting to Ward Off Evil
Greeks have a peculiar way of keeping bad luck at bay: spitting. It’s common to hear people utter “ftou, ftou, ftou” while pretending to spit three times. This practice is believed to protect against the evil eye, which can bring misfortune. You might witness this custom at weddings or when someone receives a compliment to prevent jinxing their good fortune.
4. India – Eating with Your Hands
In India, eating with your hands, specifically the right hand, is a long-standing tradition. Using cutlery is considered unnecessary, and many believe that eating with your fingers enhances the connection to the food. However, the left hand is regarded as unclean and should not be used for eating. Travelers should practice using only their right hand when dining in India.
5. South Korea – No Tipping
In South Korea, tipping is not only unnecessary but can also be considered rude. In many restaurants, bars, and taxis, service charges are already included in the bill, and additional tipping may be seen as an insult. This is a stark contrast to Western cultures, where tipping is customary and expected.
6. Mongolia – Passing the Snuff Bottle
Mongolia has a unique custom of greeting guests with a snuff bottle filled with powdered tobacco. When receiving the bottle, you must take it with your right hand while using your left hand to support your right elbow, then sniff it before passing it back. This tradition is a sign of hospitality and respect.
7. Scotland – Blackening the Bride
In Scotland, some brides-to-be undergo a bizarre pre-wedding ritual known as “blackening the bride.” Friends and family douse the bride (and sometimes the groom) in a mix of flour, soot, and sticky substances like treacle. This messy tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple.
8. Philippines – The Kissing Hand Gesture
In the Philippines, a respectful greeting for elders involves taking their hand and pressing it to your forehead, known as “mano.” This custom is a way of showing respect and seeking blessings. If you’re visiting the Philippines, expect to see this traditional gesture in family gatherings and religious settings.
9. Denmark – Cinnamon Bombing for Singles
In Denmark, if you are still single on your 25th birthday, your friends may cover you in cinnamon powder from head to toe. This playful tradition can get even messier at 30 when the spice escalates to pepper! While it might seem like an odd punishment, it’s all in good fun and a quirky way to celebrate birthdays.
10. Japan – Crying Baby Contests
Japan’s “Naki Sumo” festival is an unusual event where sumo wrestlers compete to make babies cry. The belief is that a crying baby is a healthy baby, and the louder the cry, the better. The sumo wrestlers hold the babies and try different techniques to encourage tears, ensuring good fortune and a long life for the child.
11. Spain – La Tomatina Festival
Spain is home to one of the world’s messiest traditions—the La Tomatina festival in Buñol. Thousands gather to throw tomatoes at each other in a massive food fight. This chaotic yet exhilarating tradition is held annually on the last Wednesday of August and is purely for fun and entertainment.
12. Finland – Wife-Carrying Race
Finland hosts an annual “wife-carrying” championship where men race through an obstacle course while carrying their wives on their backs. The prize? The winner receives the wife’s weight in beer. This quirky tradition has inspired similar competitions around the world.
13. China – Breaking Bowls at Weddings
In China, some wedding traditions involve intentionally breaking bowls or plates. This act symbolizes breaking away from past misfortunes and ensuring a happy and prosperous marriage. Guests at a wedding may participate in this custom, contributing to the couple’s good fortune.
14. Mexico – Day of the Dead Celebrations
Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant celebration where families honor deceased loved ones. Instead of mourning, people create colorful altars, offer food, and hold lively parades. Skulls made of sugar, marigolds, and skeleton-themed decorations are central to the festivities.
15. Italy – Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain
When visiting Rome, tourists partake in a peculiar custom at the Trevi Fountain—throwing a coin over their left shoulder with their right hand. This tradition is said to ensure a return to Rome. The fountain collects thousands of euros daily, which are donated to charity.
16. Brazil – Avoiding Purple Gifts
In Brazil, gifting purple flowers or items is considered bad luck, as the color is associated with mourning and funerals. When giving gifts, it’s best to avoid anything purple to prevent unintended offense.
17. Venezuela – Arriving Late is the Norm
In Venezuela, arriving on time for social events can be considered impolite. Being fashionably late, often 15 to 30 minutes after the scheduled time, is the norm. This custom contrasts sharply with cultures where punctuality is valued.
18. Madagascar – Turning of the Bones
The Malagasy people in Madagascar practice “Famadihana,” or the Turning of the Bones, where families exhume the remains of their ancestors, wrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with them before reburying them. This ritual is done every few years to honor the deceased and strengthen familial ties.
19. Germany – Smashing Porcelain Before Weddings
In Germany, wedding guests partake in a tradition called “Polterabend,” where they break porcelain dishes the night before the wedding. The newlyweds must clean up the mess together, symbolizing teamwork and resilience in marriage.
20. New Zealand – The Haka War Dance
New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people perform the Haka, a powerful war dance, during significant ceremonies. The dance involves rhythmic stomping, shouting, and exaggerated facial expressions. Today, it is famously performed by New Zealand’s rugby team before matches to intimidate opponents and show cultural pride.
Traveling the world introduces us to customs and traditions that may seem strange at first but are deeply rooted in history and cultural identity. These unique practices offer a fascinating glimpse into the values, beliefs, and humor of different societies. The next time you travel, keep an open mind—you never know what weird and wonderful traditions you might encounter!
