5 Unusual Cultural Traditions from Around the World

5 Unusual Cultural Traditions from Around the World

Every culture is unique, and people around the world have been practicing various traditions for centuries. From the way they communicate to the festivals they celebrate, here are five unusual cultural traditions from around the world that will fascinate you.

1. The “Sky Burials” of Tibet

In Tibet, the ancient tradition of “sky burials” is still practised in some rural areas. This tradition involves exposing the corpse of a deceased person to the elements as a form of reverence towards nature. The body is typically cut into small pieces by a dagger before being left on a mountaintop for the vultures to eat. This practice is seen as a final act of benevolence, as the soul of the dead is believed to be carried to higher realms by the birds.

2. The “Crying Children” of Borneo

In some indigenous communities of Borneo, it is customary for the family members of a deceased person to hire “crying children” to mourn the deceased. These children are usually between five and eight years old and are paid to cry for hours at the funeral. The tradition is believed to appease the spirits of the dead and help them move into the afterlife.

3. The “La Tomatina” Festival in Spain

Every year on the last Wednesday in August, the town of Buñol near Valencia, Spain, becomes the site of the famous “La Tomatina” festival. This tradition involves a fierce tomato fight, where participants throw tomatoes at each other for an hour. The origins of the festival are unknown, but it is believed to have started in the 1940s. Today, it attracts thousands of tourists from around the world.

4. The “Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake” in England

In the town of Brockworth, England, people gather every year on Spring bank holiday to participate in the “Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake” festival. This bizarre tradition involves competitors chasing a nine-pound wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The first person to cross the finish line wins the cheese. The event is known for its dangerous and often chaotic nature, with participants often suffering injuries.

5. The “Hanging Coffins” of the Philippines

In some remote tribal regions of the Philippines, it is customary for the dead to be buried in “hanging coffins.” These coffins are hung on the sides of cliffs, and the higher the coffin is, the greater the prestige of the deceased. The tradition dates back over 2000 years, and it is believed to have originated from the tribes’ belief that burying the dead in high places brings them closer to their ancestral spirits.

Conclusion

These unusual cultural traditions from around the world highlight the diverse and unique nature of different cultures. They serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage and traditions, no matter how unusual they may seem to outsiders.