9 Traditions Around the World That May Surprise Even the Most Seasoned Traveler

There are more than 3,800 different cultures in the world and each of them has its own peculiarities. Although some groups have left old habits and practices behind with the advancement of modernity, there are still somewhat ‘different’ customs that can be found around the world.

We, from awesome.clubwe decided to present you with a summary of the most unusual traditions around the world.

On the night before Easter, people in Germany light huge bonfires in different parts of the country. This custom is very old and with it the Germans welcome spring and ward off the evil spirits of winter. In some parts, notably in Westphalia, a large wooden wheel is set on fire and rolled down the slope to ensure a good harvest.

While snorting is considered offensive in most countries, in Japan, the habit is viewed differently. In fact, it’s rude if you don’t make any noise while eating pasta.

In Bolivia, people mark the end of the year and welcome in the new year by baking sweets with coins. It is believed that whoever finds the coin will be lucky in the coming year.

In Greece, there is no tooth fairy. Instead, when a child’s tooth falls out, they throw it onto the roof. When they throw this tooth, the Greeks consciously want their permanent teeth to be strong and healthy.

La Tomatina is a festival marked by the custom of throwing tomatoes at each other. This fun festival actually isn’t that old; it began in 1945. It is currently held every year on the last Wednesday of August. The story started when some children were trying to get to a festival when they accidentally bumped into some people and those, in a fit of rage, started a war with the vegetable. There are some rules that must be followed, such as squeezing tomatoes before throwing them and respecting others so that everyone can have fun.

While here in the West we love to eat ice cream on hot summer days, in Mongolia locals prefer to eat it during the coldest winter days. There are street vendors who offer ice cream in paper boxes, without the need for refrigeration, as the temperature can reach −30ºC.

Koreans give a special meaning to the baby’s first birthday, because it is the day when the child will choose his destiny. It is a ritual called “doljabi”. Various objects are placed in front of the child, such as books, money and paintbrushes. The choice can define your future. For example, if the baby chooses money, he will be rich; if he picks up a book, he will be smart.

Most countries have a specific New Year tradition. It could be eating pomegranate, lentil soup, jumping waves…. Well, in Denmark there is one too! Just before the clock strikes midnight, people climb onto chairs and get ready to jump the second the new year begins. It is believed to be bad luck if you forget to jump.

Huangluo Red Yao is a village in China known for the women with the longest hair in the world. They usually keep their hair curled under headscarves. However, during some specific situations, they release it, wash it and comb it. Their average hair length is approximately one meter. Yao women grow their hair long because they believe it will bring them a long life. They cut once in their lives, at age 18, and this act symbolizes the rite of passage and shows that the girl is ready to get married.

Which tradition did you find most interesting? Perhaps you have witnessed these things happen. Do you follow any custom that surprises other people? Tell our team!