Strange Cultural Customs from Around the Globe

Photo Credit (Pixeles)

Just as fascinating to me as the collective names for various animals that come from Victorian nobles, such as a parliament of owls or a sleuth of bears, are distinctive and varied cultural practices. I’ve compiled a list of odd practices from Tokyo to Texas, Israel to Italy, based on my own experiences, conversations with others, and some research to satiate this curiosity.

1. In Brazil, the “A-okay” hand gesture that many Americans use so frequently to indicate that “everything is well” signifies something completely different. It means “up your ass,” whereas in Japan it means “money,” and in the South of France it means “zero” or “worthless.”
2. Most people in Tokyo don’t lock their bikes, and if you misplace something on a public bus, someone will use a small clothes line-like device that is hung at a stop to pin it up. I once observed a credit card hanging out with a clothespin, waiting for its owner to find it, and 100,000 yen, or roughly $100.
3. Americans typically carry flower bouquets upright, whereas Eastern Europeans typically carry them upside down by their sides. During the Cold War, this was one of the specialized techniques the CIA employed to find spies.
4. Because running is frowned upon and considered as drawing attention to oneself, the Hasidim of Israel will not run. Instead, when they are late or in a hurry, they will walk quickly with their heads down, avoiding any onlookers who might catch them stumbling.
5. After losing a tooth, Spanish children receive a gift from a mouse named Perez, but American children receive a reward (often money) from the tooth fairy.
6. You will see big bottles of yellow-tinted water on the street next to homes and flats in Andalusia and Malta. This is to prevent stray cats and dogs from urinating in your garden or on the side of your house. The brilliant yellow color of the water is caused by the modest quantity of sulfur that many people add to it. There is a lot of debate over whether this is effective or not. The cats won’t contaminate pure water, according to some, while the animals are scared of the bottles, according to others.
7. Despite the fact that practically everywhere experiences cold weather for a few months, most homes in Southern Europe lack built-in heating equipment.
8. A lot of people in Colombia and Nicaragua point with their lips rather than their hands or fingers. They point with their pucker and purse their lips. I’ve read that Filipinos do this as well.
9. It’s common in some regions of France to give someone you’ve just met up to five kisses, moving from cheek to cheek. “La Bise” is the term for this technique. Depending on proximity and relationship, this amount can range from two to four times in different areas.
10. Because servers in the United States often earn only $2.13 per hour, the statutory minimum wage for tipped labor, a 20% gratuity is generally expected at restaurants. The servers, not the restaurant owners, are paid by the patrons.
11. Inquiring about someone’s age when you first meet them is common in Japan, but it is frowned upon in many Western nations, particularly when it comes to women. “Hello, this is Blair. What is your age?
12. In Malaysia, touching someone’s head is regarded as extremely impolite. Unless, of course, you’re cutting their hair, don’t do it because you risk upsetting them.
13. Eggs are not refrigerated in Europe. There are free cartons of six or ten eggs available in Germany, however you frequently have to place your eggs in the carton yourself. In Spain, six, twelve, and twenty-four egg counts are offered in one-sided cartons with a plastic lid. Eggs are typically sold in cardboard or plastic cartons by the dozen and are kept in the refrigerator in the United States. *May 5, 2021: I guess I’m mistaken regarding the number of eggs in the United States. I was reminded by readers that you can get them in stores in numbers 6, 12, 18, and 24.
14. You have to use both hands to give someone money, a credit card, a business card, or a present in Korea and Japan. It is considered impolite to do so with one hand. Additionally, the person receiving the item you’re handing must acknowledge it by giving it a close inspection.
15. In Europe, resumes (CVs) typically include your date of birth and a recent photo, but in the US, UK, and Ireland, where we wish to be anonymous and ageless, this is prohibited.
16. In India, male pals clasp hands. They don’t think it’s strange, and you shouldn’t. Additionally, I’ve seen that male teenage pals in Spain frequently go hand in hand.
17. When it comes to their health and mortality, Italians are extremely superstitious (cross yourself if you see a nun or a hearse drive by). Whatever it is, a mild breeze could result in circulatory collapse or a sore esophagus. Nobody is able to explain.
18. Americans prefer wider, open areas for dining and shopping because they feel uneasy in small cafes, restaurants, and stores. Go to Texas if you don’t believe me.
19. While it is considered odd in France, Spain, the UK, and the US (save for Hawaii), Germans and the majority of Northern Europeans expect you to remove your shoes as soon as you enter their home. Just as in Japan, where you are frequently given house slippers, Russians also demand no shoes.
20. In an effort to combat the country’s decreasing birth rate, Russia declared September 12th to be the Day of Conception, a state holiday during which you are expected to have sex with your spouse.
21. Generally speaking, slurping is considered impolite during dining, with the exception of Japan, where it is seen as a compliment to the chef, particularly when consuming udon or ramen.
22. Almost all Brazilians take at least one shower every day, compared to just over 50% in the UK. In Brazil, home guests are frequently asked if they would like to have a shower first thing in the morning.
23. The squillo is a phenomenon that occurs in Italy. Calling someone and hanging up before they answer is what this entails. This is done when both parties agree that the call’s topic is clear, like “I’ll be ten minutes late for lunch” or “I’m waiting outside for you.” It can also be used to express your concern for someone.
24. You simply walk slowly into the traffic to cross the street in Vietnam and many other Asian cities. Drivers of cars and motorcycles should ideally avoid you like water surrounding a fish. Starting this strategy requires a lot of confidence, and you should avoid making any rash or surprising decisions.
25. It is customary in Latin America to give each individual at a dinner or party their own time while saying goodbye, spending a few minute with each person individually. Any other action can be interpreted as offensive.