Have you ever wondered about bizarre cultural norms and practices around the world? From greeting with nose kisses to drinking blood of freshly slaughtered animals, the world is full of surprising customs that vary greatly from country to country. Let’s take a closer look at ten of the most bizarre cultural norms around the world that will leave you stunned!
1. The Finger Cutting Ritual in Papua New Guinea
The finger cutting ritual, also known as “sanguma,” is a brutal practice in Papua New Guinea where young boys must cut off their little fingers with a knife to prove their manhood. This ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits and make the boys tougher, but it is definitely not for the faint of heart.
2. The Baby Jumping Festival in Spain
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, locals celebrate the annual Baby Jumping Festival where men dressed as devils jump over babies lying on the streets. This bizarre tradition dates back to the 1600s and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bless the babies with good luck.
3. Nose Kissing in Oman
When greeting someone in Oman, it is customary to kiss them on the nose instead of the cheek. This tradition dates back centuries and is still widely practiced today, especially among family members and close friends.
4. The Red Headed Bride Ritual in China
In some parts of China, it is believed that red hair brings good luck and wealth. As a result, some brides dye their hair red or wear a red wig for their wedding day to symbolize prosperity in their future lives.
5. The Blood Drinking Ritual in Kenya
In some tribes in Kenya, it is not uncommon to drink blood from a freshly slaughtered animal. This practice is believed to provide strength and vitality, and is often reserved for warriors or those recovering from illness.
6. The Ear Lobe Stretching Ritual in Africa
In some African tribes, large ear lobes are considered a sign of beauty and status. As a result, young girls have their ear lobes gradually stretched over time using weights or large earrings.
7. The Blackening of the Bride in Scotland
Before a Scottish bride gets married, she is covered in flour, treacle, feathers, and other sticky substances by her friends and family. This tradition is meant to symbolize the bride’s endurance and strength in the face of adversity.
8. The Finger Trap with Women in Bali
In Bali, it is customary for young women to be confined to their houses during their menstrual cycles. To break this isolation, their fingers are trapped inside an ornate wooden box called a “canang sari” containing flowers and other offerings from their family members.
9. The Hanging Coffins of China
In some Chinese villages, it is believed that hanging the dead on cliffs will bring them closer to heaven. As a result, their coffins are hung from the side of cliffs and only accessible through a difficult climb.
10. The Teeth Filing Ritual in Bali
In Bali, it is customary for young adults to have their teeth filed to rid them of any impurities and promote good hygiene. This tradition is believed to improve one’s physical and spiritual appearance and is often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood.
Bizarre cultural norms are just one of the many ways that humans express their creativity, spirituality, and customs. While they may seem shocking or even disturbing to outsiders, they are an essential part of each culture’s unique identity and heritage. Understanding and respecting these differences can help us connect with people from all around the world and appreciate the diversity that makes our planet so beautiful.
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