Breaking the Norms: Unusual Cultural Practices Across Different Countries

Breaking the Norms: Unusual Cultural Practices Across Different Countries

Introduction:

Every society and culture has its own unique set of norms and traditions. These norms are a set of rules that define what is acceptable behavior within a society. However, some cultures have practices that may seem unusual or even shocking to outsiders. In this article, we will take a look at some of the unusual cultural practices that exist across different countries.

Body:

1. Finger Cutting in Papua New Guinea:

In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, finger cutting is still a common practice among the native tribes. The purpose of this ritual is to demonstrate the courage of young men as they transition into adulthood. During the ritual, a young man must endure the cutting of one or more fingers. This is done without any anesthetic, and the wound is left to heal naturally.

2. The Thaipusam Festival in Malaysia:

The Thaipusam Festival in Malaysia is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by piercing the body with hooks and skewers. The festival is held in honor of the Hindu god Murugan, and devotees use the body piercing to show their devotion and to seek blessings from the deity.

3. The Baby Dropping Ceremony in India:

In some parts of India, the Baby Dropping Ceremony is still a common practice. As part of this ritual, a baby is held by its legs and dropped from a height of around 50 feet. The child is then caught in a sheet held by people below. The belief is that this will bring the baby good luck and protect it from diseases.

4. The Kissing Festival in Bali:

The Kissing Festival in Bali is a unique celebration of love and affection. During this festival, young people and unmarried couples gather in the streets to kiss each other. The festival is meant to celebrate love and to promote healthy relationships.

Conclusion:

The unusual cultural practices mentioned above may seem strange and even shocking to outsiders. However, they are deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of their respective cultures. It’s important to understand the cultural practices of different societies and to respect their traditions, no matter how different they may be from our own. By learning about and appreciating these practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of our world.