- Malaysians Point with Their Thumbs
In certain nations, pointing with the middle finger is considered impolite. While pointing the finger is certainly considered impolite in many cultures, it is considered extremely offensive in some, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. There, making thumb gestures toward objects is regarded as far more courteous. Pointing is only appropriate for inanimate objects—not people—in many African nations. - Lipstick Pointing Nicaraguans
People in certain nations make gestures with their mouths twisted. For instance, pointing with the lips rather than the thumb or index finger is typical in Nicaragua. Are you wondering how this is done precisely? All of it begins with a sort of duck face puckering up. The person can then express what they are trying to point out by moving their lips forward or sideways. In order to signal that something interesting is happening nearby, this gesture is typically coupled by a directed head movement.
- The French Approach for a Kiss
Most cultures have particular ways of greeting each other, ranging from grins to hand gestures. A typical greeting custom among many cultures is to give someone a cheek kiss. The French, however, have elevated this to a completely new plane. For example:
French kissing customs differ for men and women.
Whether or not they know the person arriving at a party, it is customary for the French to greet them with a kiss.
Different cultures have different requirements for how many kisses to complete the greeting.
- When greeting, Nigerians prostrate or kneel
The Yoruba tribe, a Nigerian ethnic group, takes greeting customs seriously, especially when it comes to their elders. Traditionally, young people will bow their heads in greeting when an adult approaches. More precisely, men prostrate themselves, and women kneel. These customary motions are expressions of reverence and esteem for the community’s elders. In Nigeria, this tradition is not followed by other ethnic groups. View a YouTube video of Yoruba greeting poses.
- At Greek weddings, people might spit on the bride
It may surprise you to learn that Greeks believe spitting to be lucky. It is regarded as a customary lucky charm for occasions like weddings. Spitting on the bride by wedding guests is not customary anymore. Rather than causing harm to the wedding dress, the custom changed to the more sanitary and symbolic act of people yelling “ftou ftou ftou.” Greeks also recognize the baby’s health and beauty by doing this at other important events, such baptisms.
- September 12 is observed as the Day of Conception in Russia
Every culture has its own approach to marriage, sex, and procreation. For instance, Russia has frighteningly low male lifespans, dropping birth rates, and an uneven distribution of women to men. The Russian government declared September 12 to be a public holiday in order to enable couples take time off work to have children. Successful parents who give birth to their baby about nine months later are awarded prizes.
- Danes Congregate in Graveyards
In many nations, cemeteries are eerie places, but not in Denmark. The Danes have turned their graves into social hubs rather than meeting in parks. When the weather warms up after winter, Danish cemeteries are well-kept and full of residents. You will have excellent company when hanging out in the nation’s capital, Copenhagen. Hans Christian Andersen is among the many well-known Danes interred in city cemeteries.
- Slurping Is Fun for the Japanese
Table manners are governed by customs in most cultures. Making a lot of noise when eating is frowned upon in western cultures. Slurping sounds during eating are, nevertheless, accepted in Japan. This most likely has to do with how noodles are consumed. Before placing your noodles in your mouth, you swirl them around on a spoon or fork in Western nations. The Japanese do not wound their noodles around utensils; instead, they suck them up. Eating noodles this way is by nature noisier. In Japan, making slurping noises while eating noodles is a sign of satisfaction. Slurping noodles, according to some, intensifies their flavor.
- It May Be Rude to Use Your Left Hand
Using your left hand for eating or performing other tasks is frowned upon in several nations. The left hand is regarded as filthy in these countries because people clean themselves with their left hands after using the restroom. Much of the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and portions of Africa follow this ritual. When greeting people, exchanging money, handling items, and, of course, eating, always use your right hand when you are in these parts of the world.