Travel isn’t just about seeing places. It’s also about experiencing cultures. But sometimes, these cultures come with customs that might seem totally bizarre. Here are 10 social traditions that leave first-time visitors confused, shocked, or even a little amused.
Spain – Baby Jumping Festival
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, locals celebrate Corpus Christi with a tradition known as El Colacho. Adults dressed as devils leap over rows of babies lying on mattresses in the street.
This tradition, which dates back to the 1600s, is believed to cleanse the infants of sin and protect them from evil spirits. Before the leap, drummers signal the start while the “devils” carry whips and make noise to scare off bad energy. Surprisingly, there have been no reported injuries in the festival’s history, making it a strange yet cherished custom.
Greece – Symbolic Wedding Spitting
Attending a Greek wedding? Don’t be surprised if guests start spitting—sort of. It’s not real spit but a symbolic gesture done to bless the couple and ward off evil spirits.
This tradition is a nod to ancient superstitions and is more common in traditional Greek communities than among Greek-Americans. It’s a cultural inside joke that helps bind the guests and newlyweds in a shared moment of protection and celebration.
Egypt – Salt Means Insult
In Egypt, reaching for the salt shaker at the dinner table can be seen as an offense. It suggests that the host’s food lacks flavor, which is considered rude.
Even though Egyptians enjoy flavorful dishes, adding salt before tasting the food implies judgment. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy meals as served and trust in the cook’s expertise. It’s a matter of politeness, not seasoning.
Finland – Wife Carrying Championships
In Sonkajärvi, Finland, couples train for a race that’s anything but ordinary. The annual Wife Carrying Championship involves men running through an obstacle course while carrying their partners.
The winner’s prize? The wife’s weight in beer. The tradition has official rules: participants must be at least 17 years old and carry someone over 108 pounds. While it started in Finland, the event has gone global, with countries like Australia and the U.S. holding their own versions.
Japan – Slurping Is Good
In most countries, slurping food is considered rude. Not in Japan. Slurping noodles is a way to show appreciation for the meal and even enhances the flavor.
This custom began with soba noodles during the Edo period. The sound indicates enjoyment and also helps cool the noodles down. While Western visitors may feel embarrassed at first, slurping is actually polite in Japanese culture, especially at ramen or soba restaurants.
Greece – Tossing Teeth on the Roof
When Greek children lose a baby tooth, they don’t place it under a pillow. Instead, they toss it onto the roof. This is believed to bring good luck and help the adult teeth grow strong and straight.
This tradition isn’t limited to Greece. Similar customs exist in countries like Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka. It’s a playful way to connect with folklore and superstitions while celebrating a childhood milestone.
Germany – Dish Smashing at Weddings
In Germany, the night before a wedding includes a noisy event called “Polterabend.” Guests bring old porcelain and stoneware to smash in front of the couple.
This act is meant to scare off evil spirits. The bride and groom then clean up the mess together, symbolizing teamwork in their future marriage. In northern regions, they even burn items of clothing at midnight to mark the end of their single lives.
Fiji – Drinking Kava with the Chief
Fijian hospitality includes a traditional drink called kava, made from the root of a local plant. Visitors take part in a kava ceremony upon arrival, often led by the village chief.
Before the ceremony, guests must offer a gift of kava root, known as “sevusevu.” Drinking kava causes a calming, numbing sensation and is shared communally. It’s more than a drink—it’s an experience that fosters respect and bonding among those present.
South Korea – Never Use Red Ink
In South Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink is seen as a serious social blunder. It’s traditionally associated with death, as red ink was used to write the names of the deceased in official records.
While red is a lucky color during celebrations like Lunar New Year, using it to write names implies misfortune. Stick to black or blue ink to stay respectful and avoid offending your hosts.
Indonesia – Finger Cutting for Mourning
Among the Dani tribe in Papua, Indonesia, a now-banned custom called “ikipalin” once saw women cut off parts of their fingers to mourn deceased loved ones.
This painful practice was believed to help ease the spirit’s passage and symbolize deep emotional pain. While no longer practiced legally, the older women in the tribe still carry the visible scars, preserving a history that many find difficult to comprehend.
These customs might sound strange at first, but they reveal the rich and diverse ways people honor tradition, express emotions, and build community. Understanding them not only prevents social faux pas but also helps travelers connect more deeply with the cultures they encounter.
