5 Odd Cultural Traditions From Around the World That Will Leave You in Awe
When it comes to cultural traditions, every country has its own set of weird, strange, and sometimes scary practices. From the sleeping habits of the Chinese to the mesmerizing nose flutes of the Solomon Islands- Let’s delve deep into five of the oddest cultural traditions from around the world that will surely trigger your curiosity!
The Baby-Jumping Festival of Spain
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, near Burgos, every year during the Corpus Christi Festival, men dressed as the devil jump over babies born in the previous twelve months of the year. This strange tradition is called El Colacho and has the assumption of banishing evil spirits from the infants to ensure their good health and wellbeing.
The baby-jumping festival is a captivating spectacle that attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.
The Skara Brae Settlement of Scotland
The settlement of Skara Brae in Scotland is known for its well-preserved Neolithic houses which date back to around 3180 BC. This ancient village, on the Bay of Skaill, in the Orkney Islands, is a fascinating testament to the life of the residents who lived there.
Despite the harsh climate of the island, the Skara Brae settlement features subterranean homes with intricate heating and drainage systems, showing the resourcefulness and innovation of the Neolithic people.
The Nose Flute of the Solomon Islands
The Nose Flute, a traditional musical instrument in the Solomon Islands, is played by inserting a hollowed-out reed stamen or bamboo tube into one nostril and closing the other with a finger. When the player blows air through the tube, the sound waves create a musical note that can vary in sound.
Playing the nose flute is not just a pastime activity for the Solomon Islanders but is also linked to ancient cultural beliefs. The melody that is produced through the flute represents the voice of ancestors who still reside within the community.
The Walking Marriage of China
In the remote region of Yunnan, China, a unique practice of the Mosuo tribe exists known as walking marriage or ‘Tisese.’ In this tradition, girls are allowed to have romantic relationships with multiple partners throughout their lives. The men responsible for fulfilling these romantic companionship needs of the girl visit her at night. The woman has her own home, and the family name is passed down through her, with the man only playing the role of a father figure.
The Mosuo tribe has an age-old belief that the blending of two different bloodlines results in strong and healthy offspring. Moreover, they believe that this practice helps in balancing gender roles within society.
The Day of the Dead of Mexico
The Day of the Dead of Mexico is a unique celebration that honors the departed souls. This tradition has a mix of native Aztec and Christian Catholic customs.
During this day, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the earth to reconnect with their loved ones. People display offerings of food, flowers, and other material items to attract their loved ones’ spirits. Colorful altars are set up with photos of the deceased, candles, and marigold flowers- the path that they can follow to return back to the afterlife.
Summing It Up
These are just a few examples of the strange yet fascinating cultural traditions practiced around the world. These traditions carry a deep cultural and historical significance that reflects the minds and views of people of that particular society. Understanding and respecting such traditions help us understand humankind’s vast nature, heritage, and superior capacity for innovation and creativity.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)