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Everybody has heard of strange traditions from around the world, such unconventional ways to invoke good fortune or tomato fights. You may actually be startled by some of these strange customs. The fact remains, nevertheless, that people tend to recall unexpected occurrences the most.
One of the delights of traveling is seeing various cultures and practices, some of which may seem too bizarre to be true. These nine traditions are both unique and strange:1. Celebrating Christmas with Krampus in Central Europe
Though most people associate Christmas with joy and festivity, there is a darker aspect to the holiday in places like Romania, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Introducing Krampus, the grotesque monster that prowls the streets with Saint Nicholas. Krampus is a strange and terrifying Christmas tradition that rewards good deeds but punishes disobedient kids.
- Job Security in Japan, But There’s a Catch
Imagine being free from the fear of losing your work. In Japan, it’s somewhat of a reality. Companies incur significant costs during layoffs because they must provide leaving employees with substantial compensation packages. That sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Not entirely. As an alternative to terminating employees and assigning them tedious tasks to do until they retire voluntarily, some companies utilize room isolation.3. Polterabend: The Breaking of the Good China by Germany
Shortly before the wedding, friends and family of the bride and groom gather in Germany to smash dishes—except glass! This strange custom, called Polterabend, is meant to symbolize the highs and lows of marriage. The pair is then tasked with cleaning up the mess together, which highlights the fact that they will always need to work together to keep everything in order.
- Spitting for Luck in Greece
Spitting on someone is frowned upon in most cultures, but in Greece, it’s considered a lucky charm! At weddings, it is customary for guests to “spit” on the bride in an attempt to fend off bad spirits. Thankfully, people no longer actually spit; instead, they simulate the sound.5. Bone Soup from Venezuela
Even though grief is experienced differently in different cultures, many people might find the Yanomami tribe of Brazil and Venezuela’s custom uncomfortable. They prepare soup in memory of their loved ones using their bones and ashes because they believe that this is the only way the spirit may find rest. For them, it’s a way to connect with the hereafter, even if it’s definitely one of the creepier traditions.
- India: Discharging Infants From Rooftops
In the Indian state of Karnataka, throwing kids from a temple’s roof is one strange tradition! Parents who have pledged their loyalty to the Sri Santeswar temple adhere to this tradition in the hopes that it may improve their child’s fate. This may seem unusual to the outside world, but many superstitions are taken quite seriously by South Koreans.
- At-Work Brazilian Dentist Cleaning Teeth
If you feel that brushing your teeth at work is strange, you should wait till you visit Brazil. Brazilians usually brush after lunch and bring their toothbrush and toothpaste to work. In actuality, restaurants frequently provide out mouthwash! In Brazil, where this odd culture is embedded in daily life, tooth hygiene is very important, despite its peculiar appearance.
- Time Spent at Danish Cemetery
While most of us avoid graves unless they are absolutely necessary, Danes have turned them into popular gathering places. In Denmark, it’s common to have attractive lakes and gardens placed around cemeteries, which serve as gathering spots for people to relax and enjoy picnics. In this part of the world, what was once a terrible location has transformed into a peaceful sanctuary.