How are all countries of the world different from each other? Of course, the geographical location and national composition. But there is also something else. Today we will talk about the most interesting customs and traditions of the peoples of the world.
Turkey
A Turkish man cannot have a second wife until he gives the first one gold jewelry worth at least ten thousand dollars. It is generally accepted that this is how a man can confirm financial viability and prove his ability to feed several wives.
It’s not very civilized to talk at the table without asking permission from the owner of the house, and you shouldn’t choose pieces of food from a common dish too carefully. And if you decide to use a toothpick, then you should do it with your hand covering your mouth, as if you were playing a harmonica.
India
Among the interesting traditions and customs of the peoples of the world, the rituals of India occupy a special place. Let's start with a greeting. Of course, you can just shake hands when meeting. But there are some subtleties here. For example, shaking hands with someone you didn't know before is bad form. Women should not be greeted by the hand either - this is considered an insult in India. How to greet the interlocutor, so as not to offend him? Connect the hands at chest level.
No doubt, many people know about the cult of the animal that exists in Wonderland, as India is also called. The main animal here is the cow. It is they who calmly roam the streets of settlements. Cows die of their own death, usually from old age, because it is forbidden to eat their meat in India.
But not only artiodactyls have the status of sacred animals. Temples for monkeys are erected in this country. The most famous is the Palace of the Winds, which, by the way, is not recommended for tourists to enter. Why? Yes, because there is a huge number of monkeys that can be aggressive. Another animal revered in India is the peacock. They live here literally in clover - they sing their songs everywhere: in temples, in the courtyards of houses and just on the streets.
If you decide to visit a temple in India, be sure to take off your shoes at the entrance. And in general, for the duration of the trip, exclude genuine leather shoes from your wardrobe.
Kenya
If we talk about funny and funny customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, you should pay attention to this African country. Here, the young spouse is obliged to wear women's clothes for a whole month after the wedding and perform all women's duties.
China
Once upon a time in China, such a method of revenge was practiced as revenge through suicide: an offended person came to the house (or courtyard) of his offender and killed himself. In this case, the Chinese said, the soul of the suicide does not ascend to heaven, but remains in the offender's house and brings various misfortunes to him and his family.
Once upon a time in China, such a tradition as bandaging the feet was common. It appeared in the X century. Six-year-old girls had their feet tightly tied with bandages. This was done in order to prevent the growth of the leg. The fact is that in China a small foot is the standard of beauty, girls with miniature legs are easier to marry. Due to the fact that the girls experienced terrible pain and had difficulty moving, in 1912 footbinding was officially banned. But in some regions of the country it is still practiced.
There are also interesting traditions in China today. For example, when going on a visit, you should not take flowers with you. The owners of the house take this as a hint that the house is so uncomfortable and unattractive that the guest decided to decorate it himself.
Many customs and traditions of the peoples of the world are associated with eating. China is no exception. Here, for example, champing is not a sign of uncivilized behavior, but quite the opposite. If you do not champ at the table, this can offend both the hosts of the house where you are invited for lunch or dinner, and the chef in the restaurant. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire consider a quiet meal a meal without pleasure. Do not worry about accidentally put on the tablecloth stains. You should even deliberately stain it, thereby making it clear that the food gave you incredible pleasure.
Thailand
Speaking about the most unusual customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, it is worth noting the so-called monkey banquet, which is customary to arrange in the province of Thailand called Lopburi. This happens as follows: literally thousands of kilograms of fresh vegetables and fruits are brought to the local temple and about two thousand monkeys are invited. These animals are loved here because once a whole army of monkeys helped the god Rama to defeat his enemies.
There are other traditions as well. For example, it is not recommended to point at something (and even more so someone) with your foot. The lower part of the body is considered despicable in this country. By the way, it is for this reason that you should not sit with one leg crossed and pointing your feet towards the Buddha statue. When going to Thailand, it is important to know that the Thais honor absolutely every image of a deity, and therefore you should not lean, step on or climb on the statues to take an unusual photo. Another local tradition says: be sure to take off your shoes before entering someone's house or temple.
Norway
A special place among the customs and traditions of the peoples of the world is occupied by the way of life of the Norwegians. For example, in this country it is not customary to give up seats in public transport to people of age. The fact is that here it is perceived as a demonstration of physical advantage. What else should not be done in Norway? Ask about well-being. It is considered too personal.
It is not customary in Norway to hug when meeting. Usually people just shake hands or barely touch fingertips. When parting, you can pat each other on the back. Another interesting tradition concerns visits: you should not go to someone without warning. In addition, you must definitely inform the exact time of departure. It will not work to leave later than this time - the owners, without a twinge of conscience, will point to the door at the appointed hour.
Denmark
If you are interested in unusual traditions and customs of the peoples of the world, we advise you to pay attention to Denmark. A flag hung in the window means that there is someone in this house who is celebrating a birthday.
A very interesting tradition applies to young people and girls whose age has reached 25 years. They are sprinkled with cinnamon. This is done so that a pleasant smell helps members of the opposite sex understand that this person is lonely and would not mind meeting you.
Japan
Discussing the interesting customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, one cannot but mention the Japanese rituals. It is not customary to leave work until the leader leaves. It is also not customary to greet each other with a handshake, usually they just make a polite bow here.
Local traditions are also spoken about the number of flowers that can be given. Unlike Russia, where only an odd number of flowers are given, in Japan only an even number is given. The Japanese say: a flower without a pair feels lonely, quickly fades. An odd number of flowers is suitable for mourning ceremonies.
Andaman Islands
Getting acquainted with the unusual customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, one cannot ignore the Andaman Islands. At a meeting, one native sits on his knees to another native, hugs him by the neck and begins to cry. No, no, he does not complain about his sad life and is not going to tell tragic episodes from his biography. So he simply expresses the joy of meeting with a fellow tribesman.
Tibet
Among the strangest customs and traditions of the peoples of the world is the Tibetan ritual of showing each other their tongue when they meet. This custom appeared in the 9th century. Then King Landarm ruled Tibet, distinguished by particular cruelty. The main sign of the king was a black tongue. The Tibetans were afraid that the king (or his soul) might move into someone after death, and therefore, for security reasons, they began to show each other tongues.
If you also decide to join this tradition, make sure that you have not eaten anything before that that could stain your tongue in a dark color.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, it is not customary to look into the eyes of your interlocutor. There are two reasons for this: the first is the shyness inherent in the Vietnamese, the second is that the interlocutor may be a more respected person, may have a higher rank. Speaking about the interesting traditions and customs of the peoples of the world concerning children, it is worth noting the Vietnamese ban on praising a newborn child. In this country, it is believed that an evil spirit, located nearby, can hear about the value of the baby and steal it.
It is not customary in this country to argue loudly. The Vietnamese are distinguished by self-discipline and good upbringing, and therefore the heated discussions of guests from Europe cause disapproval among the locals. If we talk about rather mysterious national customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, we can’t help but mention the tradition of the Vietnamese to hang mirrors on the front doors (from the outside). What for? Everything is very simple - a dragon who wants to get into the house will see his reflection and think that the dragon already lives in this house.
Tanzania
In Tanzania, as, indeed, in other regions of Africa, it is customary to consider the left hand dirty, and the right hand clean. That is why it is not customary to eat or give gifts with the left hand. The method of accepting gifts is also interesting: first you need to touch the gift with your right hand, and then you need to hold the donor by his right hand.
USA
In the United States of America, it is customary to celebrate almost any event. This list includes birthdays, weddings, childbirth or pregnancy, and more. For the heroes of the occasion, for example, guests usually arrange a procedure called shedding.
What gifts are showered? It all depends on the occasion. These can be items useful in the household (towels, pancake pans or vases), but you can also receive very frivolous gifts.
wedding customs
Well, and as a bonus - wedding traditions and customs of different peoples of the world. For example, every inhabitant of Andalusia with even a little self-respect before the wedding is simply obliged to jump from a cliff upside down. It's just that ancient traditions say: only a man with a strong skull can marry. But the most interesting thing lies elsewhere: the height of the rock depends on the number of relatives of the future wife - the more of them, the higher the height you have to jump.
It may seem funny wedding tradition, which is observed in some parts of India. Some states prohibit third marriages. You can lead a woman to the altar twice, four times, too, but three times is strictly forbidden. Moreover, only marriage with a living person is prohibited. Therefore, men who decide not to stop at two marriages are forced to marry a tree for the third time. The wedding ceremony is usually not so magnificent, but there are guests and gifts. After the completion of the wedding celebrations, the invitees help the newly-made spouse become a widow - all together they cut down the bride. Problem solved, you can get married again.
Speaking about the wedding traditions and rituals of the peoples of the world, one cannot lose sight of the Greek traditions. Here, during the entire wedding celebration, the young wife seeks to step on her husband's foot. The best way to do this is to dance. Such a maneuver, according to local beliefs, suggests that a woman has every chance of becoming the head of the family.
In the Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, a man who expressed a desire to marry a girl had to become her slave for some time (usually from six months to a year). During this time, the girl had to think it over and give an answer. If she agrees to marry, the village council declares the couple husband and wife. In case of refusal, the man was forced to return home.
One of the most interesting wedding traditions and customs of the peoples of the world can safely be called the rituals of Central Nigeria. Here, girls of marriageable age are locked in separate huts and fattened. Only the mothers of these girls are allowed into these huts. For several months (or even years), parents bring their daughters a large amount of starchy foods to make them stout. The fact is that curvy women are highly valued in these places, which means that it is easier for fat women to successfully marry.
It is customary for Vietnamese newlyweds to give two gifts. Here it is believed that one gift symbolizes a quick divorce. Therefore, it is better to present two inexpensive gifts than one expensive one.
Despite the efforts of historians and ethnographers, the history of these peoples still keeps its mysteries.
1. Russians
Yes, Russians are one of the most mysterious peoples. Scientists still cannot come to a consensus either about when the Russians became "Russians", or about where, in fact, this word came from. The question of the origin of the people remains controversial. Normans, Scythians, Sarmatians, Wends, and even the South Siberian people of the Usuns were recorded as the ancestors of the Russians.
We do not know the origin of the Mayan people, nor where they disappeared to. Some scientists trace Mayan roots to the legendary Atlanteans, others believe that the Egyptians were their ancestors. The Maya created an efficient system of agriculture, had deep knowledge in the field of astronomy. The calendar developed by the Maya was used by other peoples of Central America. They used a hieroglyphic writing system, partially deciphered. The Mayan civilization was very advanced, but by the time the conquistadors arrived, it was in deep decline, and the Mayans themselves seemed to have disappeared into history.
3. Laplanders
The Laplanders are also called Sami and Lapps. The age of this ethnic group is at least 5000 years old. Scientists are still arguing who the Laplanders are and where they came from. Some consider this people to be Mongoloid, others argue that the Laplanders are Paleo-Europeans. The Sami language is classified as a Finno-Ugric language, but the Laplanders have 10 dialects of the Sami language, which are so different from each other that they can be called independent. This even makes it difficult for some Laplanders to communicate with others.
4. Prussians
The very origin of the name of the Prussians is shrouded in mystery. The first time it occurs only in the 9th century in the form of Brusi in the draft of an anonymous merchant, and later - in Polish and German chronicles. Linguists find analogies for it in many Indo-European languages and believe that it goes back to the Sanskrit purusa - "man". Sufficient information about the language of the Prussians has also not been preserved. Its last carrier died in 1677, and the plague of 1709-1711 exterminated the last Prussians in Prussia itself. Already in the 17th century, instead of Prussian history, the history of “Prussianism” and the kingdom of Prussia began, the local population of which had little in common with the Baltic name of the Prussians.
5. Cossacks
The question of where the Cossacks came from is still unresolved. Their homeland is found in the North Caucasus, and in the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov, and in Western Turkestan. The genealogy of the Cossacks is traced back to the Scythians, to the Alans, to the Circassians, to the Khazars, to the Goths, to the wanderers. Supporters of all versions have their own arguments. Today, the Cossacks are a multi-ethnic community, but they themselves like to insist that the Cossacks are a separate people.
6. Parsis
The Parsis are an ethno-confessional group of followers of Zoroastrianism in South Asia, of Iranian origin. Its number now is less than 130 thousand people. The Parsees have their own temples and the so-called "towers of silence", where, in order not to desecrate the sacred elements (earth, fire, water), they bury the dead (corpses are pecked by vultures). Parsees are often compared to Jews, they were also forced to leave their homeland and are meticulous in matters of observance of cults. The "Iranian League" in India at the beginning of the 20th century promoted the return of the Parsi to their homeland, reminiscent of the Zionism of the Jews.
7. Hutsuls
The meaning of the word "hutsul" is still debated. Some scientists believe that the etymology of the word goes back to the Moldavian "gots" or "guts", which means "robber", others - to the word "kochul", which means "shepherd". Hutsuls are also called "Ukrainian Highlanders". Among them, the traditions of quackery are still strong. Hutsul sorcerers are called molfars. They can be white and black. Molfars enjoy unquestioned authority.
8. Hittites
The Hittite state was one of the most influential forces on the geopolitical map of the Ancient World. The first constitution appeared here, the Hittites were the first to use war chariots and revered the double-headed eagle, but information about the Hittites is still fragmentary. In their "tables of courageous deeds" of the kings, there are many notes "for the next year", but the year of the report is unknown. We know the chronology of the Hittite state from the sources of its neighbors. The question remains: where did the Hittites disappear to? Johann Lehmann in his book The Hittites. The people of a thousand gods ”gives the version that the Hittites went north, where they assimilated with the Germanic tribes. But this is just a version.
9. Sumerians
The Sumerians are the most interesting and still one of the most mysterious peoples of the Ancient World. We do not know where they came from, nor what language family their language belonged to. A large number of homonyms suggests that it was tonal (as, for example, modern Chinese), which means that the meaning of what was said often depended on intonation. The Sumerians were one of the most advanced peoples of their time, they were the first in the entire Middle East to use the wheel, created an irrigation system, invented a unique writing system, and the knowledge of the Sumerians in mathematics and astronomy is still amazing.
10. Etruscans
The ancient people of the Etruscans suddenly appeared in human history, but also suddenly disappeared into it. According to archaeologists, the Etruscans inhabited the northwestern part of the Apennine Peninsula and created a fairly developed civilization there. It was the Etruscans who founded the first cities in Italy. Historians also believe that Roman numerals can also be called Etruscan. It is not known where the Etruscans disappeared. According to one version, they moved to the east and became the ancestors of the Slavic ethnic group. Some scholars argue that the Etruscan language is very close to Slavic in its structure.
11. Armenians
The origin of the Armenians remains a mystery. There are many versions. Some scientists correlate Armenians with the people of the ancient state of Urartu, but the genetic component of the Urartians is present in the genetic code of the Armenians in the same way as the genetic component of the same Hurrians and Luwians, not to mention the proto-Armenians. There are Greek versions of the origin of the Armenians, as well as the so-called "Hayasian hypotheses", in which Hayas, the territory to the east of the Hittite kingdom, becomes the ancestral home of the Armenians. Scientists have not given a final answer to the question of the origin of the Armenians and most often adhere to the migration-mixed hypothesis of Armenian ethnogenesis.
12. gypsies
According to linguistic and genetic studies, the ancestors of the Gypsies left the territory of India in an amount not exceeding 1000 people. There are about 10 million Roma in the world today. In the Middle Ages, gypsies in Europe were considered Egyptians. The very word Gitanes is derived from the Egyptian. Tarot cards, which are considered the last surviving fragment of the cult of the Egyptian god Thoth, were brought to Europe by the gypsies. They were not in vain called "Pharaoh's tribe." It was also striking for the Europeans that the gypsies embalmed their dead and buried them in crypts, where they laid everything necessary for life after death. These funeral traditions are still alive among the gypsies today.
13. Jews
Jews are one of the most mysterious of the living peoples. For a long time it was believed that the very concept of "Jews" is more cultural than ethnic. That is, that "Jews" were created by Judaism, and not vice versa. In science, there are still fierce discussions about what the Jews originally were - a people, a social stratum or a religious denomination.
There are many mysteries in the history of the Jewish people. At the end of the 8th century BC, five-sixths of the Jews completely disappeared - 10 out of 12 ethno-forming genera. Where did they go is the big question. There is a version that Finns, Swiss, Swedes, Norwegians, Irish, Welsh, French, Belgians, Dutch, Danes, Irish and Welsh, that is, almost all European peoples, come from the Scythians and Cimmerians, as descendants of 10 tribes. The question of the origin of the Ashkenazim and their closeness to the Jews of the Middle East also remains debatable.
14. Guanches
The Guanches are the natives of Tenerife. The mystery of how they ended up in the Canary Islands has not yet been solved, since they did not have a fleet and did not have sailing skills. Their anthropological type did not correspond to the latitudes where they lived. The rectangular pyramids on the island of Tenerife, similar to the Mayan and Aztec pyramids in Mexico, also cause controversy. Neither the time of their construction nor the purpose for which they were erected is known.
15. Khazars
Neighboring peoples wrote a lot about the Khazars, but they themselves left practically no information about themselves. How unexpectedly the Khazars appeared on the historical stage, just as suddenly they left it. Historians still do not have sufficient archaeological data about what Khazaria was like, nor an understanding of what language the Khazars spoke. It is also unknown where they eventually disappeared. There are many versions. There is no clarity.
16. Basques
The age, origin and language of the Basques is one of the main mysteries of modern history. The Basque language - Euskara, is considered the only relict pre-Indo-European language that does not belong to any existing language family. As for genetics, according to a 2012 study by the National Geographic Society, all Basques contain a set of genes that significantly distinguishes them from other peoples around them.
17. Chaldeans
The Chaldeans are a Semitic-Aramaic people who lived at the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st millennium BC. in southern and middle Mesopotamia. In 626-538 BC. in Babylon, the Chaldean dynasty ruled, which founded the Neo-Babylonian kingdom. The Chaldeans were a people still associated with magic and astrology. In ancient Greece and ancient Rome, priests and fortune-tellers of Babylonian origin were called Chaldeans. The Chaldeans made predictions to Alexander the Great and his heirs Antigonus and Seleucus.
18. Sarmatians
The Sarmatians are one of the most mysterious peoples in world history. Herodotus called them "lizard-headed", Lomonosov believed that the Slavs descended from the Sarmatians, and the Polish gentry called themselves their direct descendants. The Sarmatians left a lot of mysteries. They probably had a matriarchy. Some scientists lead the roots of the Russian kokoshnik from the Sarmatians. Among them, the custom of artificial deformation of the skull was widespread, due to which the human head took on the shape of an elongated egg.
19. Kalash
The Kalash are a small people living in northern Pakistan in the Hindu Kush mountains. He is probably the most famous "white" people of Asia. Disputes about the origin of the Kalash continue today. The Kalash themselves are sure that they are the descendants of the Macedonian himself. The Kalash language is called phonologically atypical; it has retained the basic composition of Sanskrit. Despite attempts at Islamization, many Kalash retain polytheism.
20. Philistines
The modern name "Palestine" comes from "Philistia". The Philistines are the most mysterious people mentioned in the Bible. In the Middle East, only they and the Hittites owned the technology of steel smelting, marking the beginning of the Iron Age. The Bible says that this people comes from the island of Caphtor (Crete), although some historians correlate the Philistines with the Pelasgians. Both Egyptian manuscripts and archaeological finds testify to the Cretan origins of the Philistines. Where the Philistines disappeared to is still not clear. Most likely, they were assimilated by the peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The cultures of different peoples have traditions and customs that have been practiced by these peoples for thousands of years, but at the same time seem completely wild for representatives of other peoples and religions. And what is most interesting is that these customs, which, it would seem, have no place in the 21st century, are still alive today.
1. Thaipusam Piercing Festival 
A strange tradition: Thaipusam Piercing Festival.
India, Malaysia, Singapore
During the religious festival of Thaipusam, Hindus demonstrate their devotion to the god Murugan by piercing various parts of their bodies. This is mainly seen in countries where there is a significant Tamil diaspora such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar. 
Member of the Thaipusam festival.
In Tamil Nadu, Tamil believers celebrate the birth of the god Murugan and his slaying of the demon Surapadman. They do this by painfully piercing various parts of the body, including the tongue. Over time, these rituals became more dramatic, colorful and bloody.
2. La Tomatina 
A strange tradition: La Tomatina.
Spain
La Tomatina, the annual tomato throwing festival, takes place in Bunol, Spain. It is held on the last Wednesday of August and during this festival, participants throw tomatoes at each other purely for fun. There are many theories regarding the origin of Tomatina. 
This fun La Tomatina.
In 1945, during the parade of giants and cabezudos, young people who wanted to participate in this event organized a fight in the main square of the city - Plaza del Pueblo. There was a vegetable table nearby, so they grabbed tomatoes from it and started throwing them at the police. This is the most popular of the many theories about how the Tomatina festival came about.
3. Stinging gloves 
Strange tradition: stinging gloves.
Brazil
The most painful initiation ritual exists among the Satere-Mawe tribe, who live in the Amazon jungle. Here it is impossible to become a man if you do not take part in this ritual. When a young boy becomes sexually mature, he, along with the shaman and other boys of his age, collect bullet ants in the jungle. The bite of this insect is considered the most painful in the world and is often compared in sensations with a bullet hitting the body.
The collected ants are fumigated with the smoke of special herbs, from which they fall asleep, and placed in a woven mesh glove. When the ants wake up, they become very aggressive. The boys must put on gloves and keep them on for about ten minutes, while dancing to distract themselves from the pain. In the Satere-Mawe tribe, to prove that he is already a man, a boy needs to endure this 20 times.
4 Yanomami Funeral Ritual 
Strange Tradition: The Yanomami Funeral Ritual.
Venezuela, Brazil
Funeral rituals performed with dead relatives are very important in the Yanomami tribe (Venezuela and Brazil), as the people of this tribe want to provide eternal peace and rest for the soul of a dead person. 
For the past 11,000 years, the Yanomami have had little to no contact with the outside world.
When a member of the Yanomami tribe dies, their body is burned. Ashes and bones are added to the plantain soup, and then the relatives of the deceased drink this soup. They believe that if you swallow the remains of a loved one, then his spirit will always live inside them.
5. Teeth filing 
A strange tradition: filing teeth.
India/Bali
One of the biggest Hindu religious ceremonies is of great importance in Balinese culture and symbolizes the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This ritual is for both men and women and must be completed before marriage (and is sometimes included in the marriage ceremony).
This ceremony is performed by filing the teeth so that they run in a straight line. In the Hindu belief system of the Balinese, this holiday helps people free themselves from all invisible evil forces. They believe that teeth are a symbol of lust, greed, anger and jealousy, and the custom of cutting teeth strengthens a person physically and spiritually.
6. Tidun bathroom ban 
A strange tradition: the ban on the bathroom in Tidun.
Indonesia
Weddings in the Indonesian community of Tidun boast some truly unique traditions. According to one of the local customs, the groom is not allowed to see the bride's face until he sings some love songs for her. The curtain separating the couple is lifted only after the songs have been sung to the end.
But the strangest of customs implies that the bride and groom are not allowed to use the bathroom for three days and nights after the wedding. The people of Tidun believe that if this custom is not observed, then this is fraught with dire consequences for marriage: divorce, infidelity, or death of children at an early age.
7. Famadihana 
A strange tradition: famadihana - dancing with the dead.
Madagascar
Famadihana is a traditional festival celebrated in both the cities and rural areas of Madagascar, but it is most popular among the tribal communities. This is a funerary tradition known as "turning the bones". People carry the bodies of their ancestors from the family crypts, wrap them in new clothes, and then dance with the corpses around the tomb.
In Madagascar, this has become a common ritual, usually performed once every seven years. The main motive of the festival arose from the belief of the locals that the dead return to God and are reborn.
8. Cutting off fingers in the tribe of Dani 
Strange tradition: cutting off fingers in the Dani tribe.
New Guinea
The Dani (or Ndani) tribe is an indigenous people who inhabit the fertile lands of the Baliem Valley in West Papua New Guinea. Members of this tribe cut off their fingers to show their grief at funeral ceremonies. Along with amputation, they also smear their faces with ashes and clay as a sign of sadness.
Dani cut off their fingers to express feelings for someone they love very much. When a person from a tribe dies, his relative (most often, a wife or husband) cuts off his finger and buries it along with the dead body of his husband or wife, as a symbol of love for him.
9 Abandoning Babies 
Strange tradition: throwing babies.
India
The bizarre ritual of throwing newborn babies from a 15-meter-high temple and trapping them in cloth has been practiced in India for the past 500 years. A similar thing is done by couples who have received the blessing of a child after taking vows at the Sri Santswara temple in the vicinity of Indy (Karnataka).
The ritual is observed by both Muslims and Hindus every year and takes place under tight security measures. The ritual takes place during the first week of December and is believed to bring health, prosperity and good luck to the newborn. Every year, about 200 children are "dropped" from the temple to the songs and dances of the crowd. Most children are under two years of age.
10. Mourning of Muharram 
A strange tradition: the mourning of Muharram.
Iran, India, Iraq
Mourning of Muharram is an important period of mourning in Shia Islam, held in Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar). It is also called the Memory of Muharram. This event is held in honor of the death of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, who was killed by the forces of the second Umayyad Caliph Yazid I.
The event reaches its climax on the tenth day, known as Ashura. Some groups of Shia Muslims flagellate their bodies with special chains with razors and knives attached to them. This tradition is practiced by all age groups (in some regions even children are forced to take part). This custom is observed among the inhabitants of Iran, Bahrain, India, Lebanon, Iraq and Pakistan.
At all times, the attention of researchers studying ethnic formations in the aggregate of their origin, material and spiritual culture, way of life and traditions has been riveted to different peoples of the world, among which there were truly amazing communities. What collectives, united by a common territory, language and customs, can be called the most amazing of all?
The first in the list of the most amazing peoples of the world will be real travelers leading a nomadic lifestyle. People belonging to this group refer to themselves as "Pavies", although they are also known as Irish "wanderers", "wanderers" or shelt (after the name of the unwritten language). They represent an ethnos with an unexplained historical origin. So, some researchers believe that the Irish gypsies are the descendants of the nomadic Celts. Others think they came from the landless peasantry of the 1840s. The latter insist on the version of the appearance of payvies from one, albeit extensive, gypsy clan, which is confirmed by the common traditions of the “wanderers” with their Western European “brothers”.
It is interesting! One thing is known for sure - the representatives of the Shelty have long become native Irish, which was confirmed by a once conducted genetic study.
"Travellers" prefer to live in vans that are easily driven from place to place, and also coexist in communities. The population of Ireland, Great Britain and the USA, where the proportion of such gypsies is 23,000, 15,000 and 7,000 people, respectively, is wary of "wanderers". This is quite justified: payvies can easily cheat or deceive, sneak into the cinema without paying, take a room in a hotel and, violating any rules, call their numerous relatives there. They are very quick-tempered, which is why their disputes often turn into fistfights. At the same time, the gypsies try not to disturb other people.
One of the most amazing traditions of Shelta is the organization of the annual fair. All representatives of the ethnic group come here to trade in horses and thoroughbred puppies. There are also informal shows. Young people dressing up for an important occasion get to know each other, as a result of which many weddings take place at the end of the bazaar.
Padaung
The next most amazing people in the world, about which the story will go, will be the Thai ethnic group called "padaung", numbering only 50,000 representatives. Living in highland villages, the men of the collective are engaged in growing rice, keeping and training elephants, reading prayers and slaughtering sacrifices in the name of the supreme female spirit of the tribe. However, this was not at all the reason for the increase in the popularity of padaung.
The women of the community gradually become like giraffes, as many tourists who saw them concluded. The thing is that the fair sex begins to wear copper spiral rings with a diameter of about 1 cm around their necks from the age of 5 - this is the custom of local villages. Over time, the number of turns of the strange “decoration” only increases, and the neck seems to stretch in length. In fact, in women there is a deformation of the shoulder girdle. By adulthood, wearing rings can become more than 2 dozen with a total weight of 4-5 kg. Their accumulation stops only with marriage, however, even then the newly-made spouse does not have the right to remove the spirals from her neck.
Padaung women continue the amazing tradition of their people, passed down to them from their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers since the creation of the world itself, and it seems that they do not even think about its unnatural essence. It is believed that once the rings protected the fairer sex from the bites of tigers. According to another version, this is how families protected their savings - precious metals. However, today these explanations are defeated by an ordinary calculation - an unusual feature of the inhabitants attracts many tourists from all over the world here, and, therefore, allows them to derive practical benefits from the custom.
Berbers
Some associate the African continent exclusively with the Negroid race or the Arabs who appeared on these lands in the 7th-8th centuries AD. What will be the surprise of these people when they learn about the Berbers, once nicknamed by their neighbors because of the incomprehensibility of the language, or the Amazighs (self-name, which translates as “free people”). Many representatives of this group are not only the original and ancient inhabitants of the mainland, but also the owners of fair skin and a European type of appearance! Today, the Berbers are understood as a whole complex of tribes, occupying territories from western Egypt to the Atlantic and from the Niger River to the Mediterranean Sea.
The amazing traditions of this people could not be fully explained by the best ethnographers of the world. For example, it remains unclear why clothes, jewelry, tattoos (harkuzu) and ancient ornaments of this large group use motifs similar to Slavic and Aryan ones: similar embroidery on fabrics, symbols of motherhood and fertility, signs of military success. Scarves tied around the head, flowing scarves, kokoshniks and the predominance of red and white colors in costumes also fit the features of Russian or Ukrainian, and not at all African, historical culture.
Perhaps the reason for the similarities is the common origin, because a number of researchers suggest that many years ago the Berbers left Eurasia, and, in particular, became the descendants of the Gauls.
Who should not be forgotten
In addition to the aforementioned ethnic groups, there are some other nationalities on the planet that can amaze the imagination of modern man with the eccentricity of ways and customs. Here is their listing:
Nenets, Russia. This "frost-resistant" tribe lives on the Yamal Peninsula right next to the Arctic Ocean. Desperate nomadic reindeer herders, migrating 1,000 km a year, have long since adapted to temperatures that would seem prohibitive to others – -50°C in winter and, in rare cases, up to +35°C in summer.
Mustangs, Nepal. This autonomous community tried to stay away from any possibility of contact with the rest of the world until 1991. Mustangs who practice something like early Buddhism are extremely devout. Most of them believe that the earth is flat.
Himba, Namibia. These Africans are distinguished by ingenuity and the ability to adapt to the most difficult conditions. In the places inhabited by them, there is a catastrophic lack of water, so they are forced not to wash themselves, but to smear themselves with a home-made mixture that paints their bodies in a golden-red palette.
Every nation that exists in our world has its own traditions, customs and rituals. And how many of these peoples, so many traditions - very different, unusual, funny, shocking, romantic. But whatever they are, they are honored and passed down from generation to generation.
As our reader could already guess, today we will introduce the most unusual greetings of the peoples of the world, as well as their traditions and customs.
customs
Samoa
Samoans sniff each other when they meet. For them, it is rather a tribute to their ancestors than a serious ritual. Once upon a time, in this way, the Samoans tried to find out where the person they greeted was from. The smell could tell how many people had walked through the jungle or when they had last eaten. But more often than not, a stranger was identified by smell.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the indigenous people, the Maori, touch each other with their noses when they meet. This tradition goes back centuries. It is called "hongi" and symbolizes the breath of life - "ha", ascending to the gods themselves. After that, the Maori perceive the person as their friend, and not just as a visitor. This tradition is observed even at meetings at the "highest level", so do not be surprised if you see on TV how the president of a country rubs his nose with the representative of New Zealand. This is etiquette and should not be broken.
Andaman Islands
A native of the Andaman Islands sits on the knees of another, hugs his neck and cries. And do not think that he is complaining about his fate or wants to tell some tragic episode from his life. Thus he rejoices in meeting his friend, and tears are the sincerity with which he meets his fellow tribesman.
Kenya
The Maasai tribe is the oldest in Kenya and is famous for its ancient and unusual rituals. One of these rituals is the welcome dance to Adam. It is performed only by the men of the tribe, as a rule, these are wars. The dancers stand in a circle and begin to jump high. The higher he jumps, the brighter he will show his courage and courage. Since the Maasai are subsistence farmers, they often have to jump like this when hunting lions and other animals.
Tibet
In Tibet, when they meet, they show each other their tongue. This custom has been going on since the IX, when Tibet was ruled by the tyrant-king Landarma. He had a black tongue. So the Tibetans were afraid that the king, after his death, might settle in someone else, and therefore they decided to show their tongue in order to protect themselves from evil. If you want to follow this custom as well, make sure you don't eat anything that turns your tongue dark, or misunderstanding may occur. The arms are usually held crossed over the chest.
Traditions
In Japan
And not only in Japan, but everywhere in the East, you must be prepared for one of the main traditions of the peoples of the East - to immediately take off your shoes. In Japan, you will be offered slippers to cover the distance between the front door and the living room, where you will again have to remove your slippers before stepping onto the tatami (reed mat). Of course, you need to make sure that your socks are spotlessly clean. And when leaving the living room, be careful not to put on other people's slippers.
China or Japan
The chopsticks should be leaning against the dish and lifted up two-thirds. You should never spear chopsticks, cross each other on a plate, stack them on opposite sides of a dish, point chopsticks at people, use chopsticks to pull your dish closer or, worst of all, stick them into rice. This is exactly what the Japanese do at funerals, leaving rice with sticks vertically stuck in it near the deceased. The traditions of the people of Japan do not allow a frivolous attitude towards death.
Thailand
In those countries where the majority of the population professes Buddhism, the head of a person is considered a sacred repository of the soul, and touching it is considered a serious insult even for a baby. Another well-known gesture in the tradition of these peoples - pointing at some object with a finger - this is considered rude in Malaysia, for this purpose the Malaysians use a clenched fist with a protruding thumb to indicate the direction. The Filipinos are even more restrained and modest in pointing out an object or direction of movement, they are more likely to indicate the direction to you with the movement of their lips or eyes.
Funny wedding traditions of the peoples of the world
The wedding tradition of some regions may also seem unusual and even funny to us. India. The fact is that there are places in India (for example, the state of Punjab) where there is a ban on a third marriage. You can choose a wife twice, four times is also not forbidden, but three times you can’t. However, the prohibition applies only to marriage with a living person, and therefore those men who did not limit themselves to a second marriage marry ... a tree. Yes, on an ordinary tree, but with all the necessary ceremonies and honors (maybe, perhaps, a little more modestly). After the wedding celebration is completed, the guests help the happy groom to be "widowed" by simply cutting down this very tree. And now there are no obstacles to the third marriage!
A similar custom is used when the younger brother decides to marry before the elder does. In this situation, the older brother chooses a tree as his wife, and then just as easily frees himself from the bonds of marriage.
AT Greece the young wife is not at all afraid to seem incompetent, stepping on her husband's foot during the dance. On the contrary, this is exactly what she tries to do throughout the holiday. If the newlywed succeeds in this maneuver, it is believed that she has every chance of becoming the head of the family.
And in Greece, children appear on their wedding night. No kidding! There is a custom - in order for everything to be safe in the family, it is necessary to put children into their bed before the newlyweds. Let them run, jump on the bed - and then the young people will definitely have everything right.
AT Kenya It is customary to dress an accomplished husband in women's clothes, in which a man must walk for at least a month. It is believed that in this way the husband will be able to fully experience the difficult and difficult female lot and treat his young wife with more love in the future. By the way, this wedding custom is observed in Kenya quite strictly and no one objects. Especially the wife, who takes a photo of her husband with pleasure and saves the resulting photos in a family album.
AT Norway Since ancient times, the bride's porridge has been an obligatory treat for a wedding celebration - it was prepared from wheat with cream. Porridge was served after the bride took off her wedding attire and changed into a suit of a married woman. Many jokes and amusements have always been associated with porridge in Norway, a boiler with it could even be stolen and demanded a ransom.
On the Nicobar Islands, for example, if a guy expressed a desire to marry a girl, he must become a "slave" in the girl's house, and this can last from 6 months to a year. During this time, the chosen one is determined whether she wants such a husband or not. If the girl agrees, the village council declares them husband and wife. Well, if not, the guy returns home.
AT Central Nigeria marriageable girls are placed in separate fattening huts. Only their mothers are allowed to visit them, who for many months, or even a whole year (depending on success) bring their daughters a huge amount of flour food so that they get fat. Fullness in their tribe is highly valued and is a guarantee of a successful marriage.
India
Let's start with a greeting. You can say hello by simply shaking hands, as we are used to. But there are some subtleties. It is considered bad manners to shake hands with someone you have never met before. In addition, women should not shake hands with Indians, as this may be considered an insult. The most respectful greeting among Indians is namaste - these are joined palms at chest level.
When meeting a Hindu, one must remember that their names consist of several parts. First is his own name, then the name of his father, then the name of the caste in which he belongs and the name of the locality of his residence. For women, the name contains her own name and the name of her spouse.
When saying goodbye, Indians raise their palms and wave only their fingers. We also sometimes use a similar gesture, only in India they say goodbye to a girl like that. If you say goodbye to a man - just raise your palm.
The following gestures should not be used:
* as well as with us, it is considered impolite to point somewhere with the index finger;
* Don't wink at a pretty girl. This gesture is indecent and speaks of a specific proposal. If a man needs a representative of an ancient profession, it is necessary to point the nostril with the index finger;
* No need to snap your fingers to get someone's attention. This is taken as a challenge;
* vibration with fingers clenched into a bundle - a sign to the interlocutor that he is afraid;
*double clapping is a hint of a different orientation.
AT India exists animal cult. Some representatives of the animal world are elevated to the rank of sacred. Temples are built especially for monkeys. For example, the famous Palace of the Winds, where monkeys live in such numbers and are so aggressive that tourists are not even recommended to go there! Other sacred animals, cows, walk the streets of settlements. They live their own lives and die a natural death, as they are forbidden to be eaten.
Another animal is the peacock. They literally live in clover - they sing their noisy songs everywhere: in temples, on the streets and in the courtyards of private houses.
When visiting the temple, you must take off your shoes at the entrance and enter barefoot. It is better to exclude products made of genuine leather from your wardrobe altogether. This is considered blasphemy.
Japan
* When you're giving a gift, it's good to be humble again by saying something like, "I'm sorry it's such a trifle" or "You might not like the gift."
* When guests arrive, they are sure to be offered some kind of treat. Even if the person showed up unexpectedly, he will usually be offered a snack, even if it is just a cup of rice with pickled vegetables and tea. If you are invited to a Japanese-style restaurant, unforeseen situations may arise from which the invitee will be happy to help you find a decent way out. For example, tell you when and where to take off your shoes.
It is not necessary to sit in the Japanese manner with your legs tucked under you. Most Japanese, as well as Europeans, quickly get tired of this. Men are allowed to cross their legs, while women are subject to more stringent requirements: they must sit with their legs tucked under them, or, for convenience, moving them to one side. Sometimes a guest may be offered a low chair with a back. Stretching your legs forward is not accepted.
* When you are offered a drink, you need to raise the glass and wait until it is filled. It is recommended to render a return service to your neighbors.
* In both a Japanese home and a conference room, the place of honor is usually located further away from the door next to the tokonoma (wall niche with a scroll and other decorations). A guest may, out of modesty, refuse to take a seat of honor. Even if this causes a slight hitch, it is better to do so that later you will not be spoken of as an indiscreet person. Before you sit down, you have to wait until the guest of honor sits down. If he is delayed, then everyone rises upon his arrival.
* Before the start of the meal, an oshibori is served - a hot, damp towel, they wipe their face and hands. Meals begin with the word "Itadakimas!" and bow slightly, this is said by everyone who sits at the table and takes part in the meal. This word has many meanings, in this case it means: "I'm starting to eat with your permission!". The first to start the meal is the host or the one who, say, invites you to a restaurant. As a rule, soup and rice are served first. Rice is generally served with all dishes. If you need to rearrange cups or plates yourself, use both hands to rearrange them.
Vietnam
The Vietnamese never make eye contact when talking. Perhaps because of their inherent shyness. But the main reason is that, following tradition, they do not look into the eyes of those who are respected or who have a higher rank.
Vietnamese smiles can often cause foreigners to misunderstand and even lead to embarrassing situations. The fact is that in many eastern countries a smile is also a sign of grief, anxiety or awkwardness. Smiling in Vietnam is often an expression of politeness, but it can also be a sign of skepticism, misunderstanding, or rejection of a misjudgment.
Loud arguments and heated discussions are frowned upon and are rare among the Vietnamese. Well-educated Vietnamese are well-trained in terms of self-discipline as well. Therefore, the loud voices of Europeans are often perceived with disapproval.
In a conversation, the Vietnamese very rarely go straight to the goal. To do so is to show a lack of tact and delicacy. Straightforwardness is highly valued in the Western world, but not in Vietnam. The Vietnamese do not like to say "no" and often answer "yes" when the answer should be no.
There are many different taboos in the daily life of the Vietnamese. For example, the following:
* Do not praise a newborn child, as evil spirits are nearby and may steal the child because of its value.
* Going to work or on business, avoid seeing the first woman. If the first thing you see when you walk out the door is a woman, go back and postpone the event.
* Mirrors are often hung on the front doors from the outside. If the dragon wants to get into the house, he will see his own reflection and think that there is already another dragon there.
* Do not put one bowl of rice and one pair of chopsticks on the table. Be sure to put at least two. One bowl is for the dead.
* Don't let your chopsticks touch other chopsticks and don't make noise with them unnecessarily. Don't leave chopsticks in your food.
* Do not give anyone a toothpick.
* Never buy one pillow and one mattress, always buy two. * Do not use your relatives' towels.
* Do not turn musical instruments upside down or hit both sides of the drum at the same time.
* Do not cut your nails at night.
* In a restaurant with a Vietnamese, it is not customary to pay "in half". Let him pay, or pay the bill yourself. The person of higher rank always pays.
Gifts for the bride and groom are always given as a couple. One gift symbolizes the imminent end of marriage. Two cheap gifts are always preferable to one expensive one.
* Educated people and all who are not peasants do not do manual labor. To do so is to take away a job from a poor peasant and is considered unworthy.
Thailand
The head of any person in Thailand, regardless of age, gender and social status, is considered sacred. According to centuries-old Thai belief, the spirit of a person who guards his life is located in the head. Therefore, stroking the head, ruffling the hair, or simply touching the head of a person is perceived as a real insult.
In principle, Thai women should not be touched without their consent, since most of them hold conservative views, and may also take this gesture as an insult.
You should not point at anything, and even more so at someone with your foot, the lower part of the body, which is considered “despicable” here.
For the same reason, in no case should you sit cross-legged with your feet pointing towards the Buddha statue. Thais honor every image of him, so beware of climbing or leaning on statues to take pictures.
According to the traditions in Thailand, before entering a temple or a Thai dwelling, you should take off your shoes, even if the hosts hospitably assure you that you can keep your shoes on.
In communication, a restrained, calm, friendly tone and an unchanging smile are welcome. Avoid familiarities and raising your voice.
superstition
Lunar eclipses- special days when the evil spirit Rahukin-chan ("Rahu - eating the moon") eats the moon. Sleeping on such a night is not recommended, but you need to go outside and make a lot of noise to drive the bastard away from the home. At the same time, they call for the help of good spirits, who must fight with Rahukin-chan. Pregnant women should definitely stick a needle in a shirt in order to save the unborn child from trouble.
Fear of falling stars due to the legend of the spirit phiphungtai, who thus tries to return to our world. This spirit is a collective image of all the dead who are trying to return through unborn children. Pregnant women should not look at shooting stars and should not even talk about it.
Wednesday is the worst day when evil spirits come out into our world. You can’t start business, you can’t travel and even go to the hairdresser. Away from major cities, on Wednesday, many do not work, so as not to bring trouble.
You can't drive nails into your home floor your stomach will hurt.
Thais don't like owls, considering them harbingers of misfortune. Well, if the owl somehow already flew past the dwelling, then only monks can avert trouble, who should be invited into the house and treated well.
Sand accidentally found in the house brings good luck.
You can not play the pipe in the house, it irritates evil spirits.
Cross the threshold of the house so as not to offend the good spirits.
Tanzania
One of the most important rules of conduct for visitors is the ban on smoking in public places. Smoking is allowed only in hotel rooms and in a number of restaurants in a special area. On the street, in clubs, cinemas, beaches, smoking is strictly prohibited, up to several hours of arrest.
The island of Zanzibar is known for its strictest conservation law, one of the points of this law is the ban on the use of plastic bags. All goods here are issued in paper.
In most hotels, even in the most expensive rooms, there will be kerosene lamps - power outages are the main trouble of modern Tanzania.
Despite sometimes even too courteous treatment of foreigners, the local population has an unspoken tradition of making fun of them. You should not ask the first person you meet for directions, smiling sweetly, he will show you a completely wrong path. Experienced tourists recommend introducing yourself as a journalist in such situations, English is well understood here, then the chance of deception decreases.
Greeting etiquette is very important. The type of greeting depends on the status of the person and his age. A common greeting among Swahili tribes among well-known people is “Khujambo, habari gani” (“How are you?”, “What's the news?”) Or simply “Jambo!”. A group of people are greeted with the word "hatujambo". The word "shikamu" is used to greet respected people. Young children are taught to greet their elders by kissing their hands or kneeling before them. Friends who meet after a long separation usually shake hands and kiss each other on both cheeks. In communicating with foreigners, they often use a handshake and the traditional English “hello”.
In Tanzania, as in many other parts of Africa, the right hand is considered "clean" and the left hand is considered "dirty." Therefore, the right hand is used for eating or for exchanging gifts. The polite way to receive a gift is to first touch the gift with the right hand, and then the right hand of the giver.
Behavior at the table is also determined by many norms. Usually a traditional meal is held on mats on the floor, food is placed on low tables. But in many continental families, the meal is held in a European way - at the table. You can take food from a common plate with your hands and put it on your own plate, or you can eat from a common dish. The main thing is to ensure that food crumbs do not fall into a common dish and onto other people's plates. In Zanzibar, it is customary to give guests fresh clove shoots to flavor the mouth before eating. The sequence of dishes is traditional for East African countries - soup is served first, and then appetizers and hot dishes. Lunch ends with coffee and sweets. Light snacks and greens are usually on the table for the entire lunch.
You can not bypass the worshipers in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses.
The general lifestyle of Tanzanians can be characterized by two phrases - “hakuna matata” (“no problem”) and “field-field” (“calmly”, “slowly”). These phrases can describe the attitude of Tanzanians to everything around them. Service in a restaurant or travel agency is extremely slow. If a Tanzanian said "one second", then it could mean 15 minutes or half an hour. At the same time, local residents smile radiantly at all attempts to hurry them up and continue to act at a leisurely pace. It is useless to somehow influence this, you just need to put up with it and try to live in this rhythm yourself.
Spanish customs
To express their admiration, the people of Spain fold three fingers, press them to their lips and play the sound of a kiss.
Spaniards express a sign of disdain with a hand that is waved away from themselves at chest level.
Touching the earlobe is regarded by the Spaniard as an insult.
To show someone the door, the Spaniards use a gesture quite similar to our snapping fingers.
The appeal to "you" is used by them in most situations, even students in schools often refer to their teachers this way. This is an ordinary story. But the appeal to “You” can even offend a person from time to time.
When they meet, they greet each other noisily and cheerfully. The most common greeting is "Hola" - "Hi". When meeting and parting, they press cheek to cheek, imitating a kiss and embrace. For Spaniards, a short communication distance means that you are a pleasant conversationalist for him. But if you, for example, as in Germany, keep an arm's length distance while talking, then the Spaniard will understand this as a sign of disdain.
Everything always happens later than planned. There is no fixed time for breakfast, it all depends on when the Spaniard comes to work. They do not have the habit of having breakfast at home, except for a cup of coffee, because the 2nd cup, together with a sandwich, will be drunk at the beginning of the working day. Soon it will be time for lunch.
Here it is necessary to emphasize such a paradox as the Spanish siesta. It starts at 1pm and lasts until 5pm. At this time, all the shops are closed, office staff crawling home for lunch and afternoon naps. Not every tourist is able to understand this, standing in front of the closed doors of the gift shop. He is surprised, upset and even angry, but... Siesta!
For the Spaniards, there are certain topics - taboo. They prefer not to talk about death, not to ask people their age. It is also not customary to talk about money, especially when you have it. No one says: “I earn a lot” or “I get enough”. Instead, you will hear: “I can’t complain” or “I live small.” On other topics, the Spaniards talk a lot and, as foreigners say, too loudly.
For them, it is absolutely not necessary to know a person well in order to chat with him for hours. And from time to time it happens that a long conversation is over, and the name of the interlocutor remains unknown ... These are Spaniards.
