There are too many nations, religions, tribes, and cultural traditions in the world for everyone to agree on everything. While civilization has advanced greatly since its inception, certain tribes are still bound by long-standing customs. Some of these can be magical, while others are just plain stupid. Here are 10 interesting customs from throughout the world that will keep you hooked and wondering for long.
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1. Red Fanta offering to god in Thailand
The Indian subcontinent has a strong influence on traditional Thai culture. Blood, animal, and human sacrifices have all been a vital element of daemonic worship for thousands of years to appease the spirits and prevent them from interfering with ordinary people’s lives. Such sacrifices were eventually outlawed as societies advanced. And a different option developed in each area. It first appeared in Thailand as crimson Fanta, which has a color so similar to blood! And the contemporary Thai community began worshipping the gods with crimson Fanta!
Thailand consumes a lot of Red Fanta these days. And the majority of it is given to the gods. It’s interesting to note that if a Thai drinks red Fanta, he is ridiculed in his neighborhood for displaying “daemonic symptoms”!
2. The Khasi community of Meghalaya, India
The majority of the indigenous population in the Indian state of Meghalaya is Khasi. It is a matrilineal society. The youngest daughter of the family is the rightful owner of this property. The mother’s last name is given to the children. Matrilocal residence is another aspect of it, which refers to the husband moving in with the wife’s family following the marriage. Due to all of these factors, Khasis have a distinct way of life from their counterparts on the Indian mainland.
3. Make the bride black in Scotland
It’s fine to have some fun before the wedding, but the bride doesn’t seem to have much fun during this Scottish pre-wedding tradition. Throwing eggs, spoiled milk, and essentially anything else repulsive at her is customary. After that, the “blackened bride” is paraded through the town. The tradition serves as a symbol of the challenging life the bride may face following the wedding. The custom gets her ready for the new chapter because after going through it, any marital issues would seem minor.
4. Satire-Mawe tribe: Bullet Ant glove
This Amazonian tribe’s boys must undergo a terrible and terrifying tradition to demonstrate their manhood when they reach puberty. The young guys capture poisonous bullet ants, which a medicine man then sews into woven mitts after drugging them. It is stated that a bullet ant’s sting is similar to a bullet striking flesh. The young men must then dance for ten minutes while wearing the gloves on their hands to distract themselves from the discomfort. At least 20 times during their lifetime, Satire-Mawe men must perform this ceremony.
5. Bathroom ban after marriage
Another ludicrous custom is the restroom restriction, which is practiced by the Tidong tribe in northern Borneo. The couple is not allowed to use the restroom for three days following the wedding. Yes, bathing, urinating, and defecating are not included. The tribe claims that it leads to good marriages. They will have poor luck in their marriage, such as stillbirth and death, if they violate the norms of the observance. The tribe claims that it leads to good marriages. If you’re wondering how it’s feasible, the family controls how much food and liquid the couple consumes. Family members of the couple watch over them for three days before bathing them and may attend to their toilet needs.
6. Funniest face competition in England
Gurning, as can be seen in the amusing expression below, has been a rural English custom since 1267. There was even a World Gurning Championship in England when competitors would put on their most horrifying look. If you believe this is a foolish custom, you could not be more mistaken. Peter Jackman, a four-time world gurning champion, had his teeth removed to improve his facial expressions. Talk about commitment!
7. The Torajas and their unique funeral ways
There is a valley on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi that is encircled by mist-covered mountains. This valley is known as Tana Toraja, which means “Toraja land,” and it is where the Toraja people call home. This valley is one of the most distinctive areas in the archipelago because these mountains have long protected the Toraja people and their way of life.
The water buffaloes owned by the Torajas, one of the most fascinating societies on earth, are their most prized belongings. As you tour the valley, you’ll find guys grooming their buffaloes and adorning their horns and ears with flowers and vibrant leaves. Buffalo horns served as inspiration for the design of the Toraja people’s elaborately ornamented homes.
The complex funeral rites of Toraja country are its main claim to fame. The Torajas just see a person’s death as a sickness, and the body will stay in the house (inside a coffin) with the family. While waiting for a suitable send-off, which might occur a year or longer after the family member has died away, the family will begin saving money and making preparations.
8. The Tartan culture of Scotland
When someone is asked to describe Scotland, they will likely use words like tartan, music, kilts, and haggis. The people are what make the place, in addition to the breathtaking scenery (some of the world’s most gorgeous drives are in Scotland). It is hard to separate their history, traditions, and hospitality from the fabric of the entire nation.
Each clan is extremely proud of its tartan design and colors. They take this thing seriously, and wearing the “wrong” tartan is a major insult. Every Scot treasures the memory of receiving their first kilt (for boys) or dress/sash (for ladies) as a part of growing up. Every formal social function, as well as several parties and events throughout the year (the Scots LOVE to party!), calls for tearing oils or traditional dress. Every Scotsman I know is accustomed to having people inquire about their undergarments.
9. The Himba tribe from Africa
One of Namibia’s 13 ethnic groups, the Himba is arguably the most well-known abroad. They are a semi-nomadic tribe that originally lived in Namibia’s northwest but has now moved to other regions of the nation where visitor centers have been established to let travelers learn more about their culture and history.
These actual visitor centers have been constructed in such a way as to attempt and conserve the ancient Himba culture without too much intrusion from the outside world, which is an interesting aspect to observe. These centers’ distance from any large city or town is one way they manage to escape being influenced by the contemporary world.
10. Camel fighting in Turkey
Bullfighting is something you’ve probably heard about, but camel fighting? Not at all. The event, which features two male camels engaging in combat, is eagerly anticipated throughout Turkey. Whoever does not retreat or run away prevails. The camels have a built-in instinct to fight off the other male during mating season when this ritual is organized.
