40 Cultural Practices Deemed Strange Elsewhere in the World

Cultural differences can be as unique and wide-ranging as our beliefs and opinions. Though cultural norms are a binding social force, they are also an integral part of our development as individuals, teaching us to respect our own cultural practices and appreciate those of everyone else we meet in life. Though we may learn a lot in school, there’s so much to be said for getting out into the world (either in real life or via the internet) and learning about the customs of other cultures.

The trend in many western countries now is to stay single longer for practical reasons. Many young people want to be financially stable and focus on a career that may otherwise be stalled by the demands of family life. In Denmark, however, such a decision may see you subjected to a rather unpleasant tradition.

Food preparations for the holidays in Slovakia start in the bathroom, where carp, a mainstay in Christmas celebrations, are allowed to swim for a couple of days or so to be cleansed of algae, dirt, and other detritus they may have eaten, being bottom feeders. 

This would be a cause for alarm in most countries, and a policeman would be summoned immediately to investigate why a child had been abandoned outdoors. In many countries, this would be deemed irresponsible behavior on the part of the parent or guardian. 

In countries like America, a nose kiss would be deemed a major invasion of personal space, with a hug or handshake being more widely accepted. However, nose kissing is how male friends greet each other in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with hugging and cheek kisses thrown in for good measure.

The Finns don’t install saunas in their homes merely as an extra feature. They can be costly features, and these amenities are often found in gyms, allowing you to enjoy their benefits at minimal expense. So, why do you find saunas in many homes in Finland? 

The general rule when offered food in Ireland is to be shy about it instead of jumping at the offer. So, if visiting a friend’s home, it would be proper practice to be coy if the family offered you a seat at their dinner table.

The weather in Australia is perfect for those who love the great outdoors, and that’s why many people travel to the country. With its adventure-rich terrain, unique climate, and fascinating wildlife, Australia is like a whole new world. The northern parts of the country are hot and humid, making flip-flops the footwear of choice. The thing is, Aussies don’t call them flip-flops.

To those who are not familiar with ancient Slovakian traditions, the idea of whipping a wet woman with willow sticks is not what you’d call a healthy preparation for the coming season of spring. Indeed, this tradition makes the unfamiliar cringe from the violence that seems to be wrapped up in it.

Academic achievements are a great reason to celebrate, wherever you may be in the world. In countries like America, finishing a degree is a major challenge, filled with many financial and intellectual hurdles, but it’s necessary to enter certain fields, contribute to society, and become better citizens.

In Russia, an internal passport makes it easier for authorities to identify people and track down criminals, just as it was historically used for migration control back in the eighteenth century. It contains verifiable data about each person, like proof of demographic data and citizenship.

In the 21st century, it is almost inconceivable to find a city with not a single person on the streets. Even at the height of pandemic restrictions, there would always be someone off in the distance, going out for their daily exercise.

A real bear hopping on a motorcycle for a ride somewhere in Russia is way up there on the list of the most bizarre things one will ever see. It is strange, cute, and too incredible to take in all at once.

It seems that Swedes have very little to hide from each other and that transparency plays a major role in how they lead their lives. Throughout the world, public officials are generally expected to be open to scrutiny as a deterrent against corruption. However, in Sweden, everyone lives by the same rules.

A 40-ounce cup of soda in America would look like a family-sized pitcher to consumers in other countries. Indeed, they often wonder why there’s no handle for sharing it out. However, in the US, it is common for such a drink to be consumed by only one person.

Brazil is famous for its street dancing and lively parties. These, along with its many white-sand beaches and unique landscapes make it a hot spot for tourism. However, residents will tell you that the country also has its problems, and a high crime rate is one of them.

Switzerland owes its four national languages to its history of decentralization, being composed of the country’s 26 cantons, which essentially makes it a federation. The languages are German, Italian, French, and Rhaeto-Romance, and then there are dialects within these. Travelers don’t have to worry since not even every Swiss person can speak all those languages and dialects. Also, English is widely spoken throughout the country.

A very small percentage of Americans have bidets in their toilets. It just isn’t a fixture that looks like it will catch on in the US. However, when it comes to handheld bidets (also known as “bum guns” or “private jets”), many countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are ahead of the curve.

Students in the United States recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school, mindlessly performing the ritual before the flag. Some mumble the words and many don’t really understand the meaning of what they’re saying. 

Sweden is blanketed in snow during winter. Outside, everything looks practically the same, and many people are forced to stay at home for long periods, watching the trees’ branches bow under the weight of the snow.

Most countries have chosen to use the metric system because it is more accurate and easier to convert due to its being based on decimals. The imperial system is, by contrast, full of oddities. Instead of completely shifting to be more efficient, the UK has chosen to use both systems of measurement, which can be confusing.

A peek inside the kitchen of a typical Filipino household reveals the usual set of plates and utensils, just like any house elsewhere in the world. However, those knives, forks, and spoons aren’t always used.

From the outside looking in, people are in awe at how Switzerland’s pure democracy works. Its citizens have a direct say on policy formulation, and they are allowed to vote on issues large and small, suggesting changes from the municipal level and up.

Since the start of the pandemic, people around the world have gradually grown accustomed to the use of face masks. This measure has been implemented out of necessity, and we have to admit that it’s not easy and can be quite uncomfortable.

One of the ironies of living in a superpower nation is that many Americans do not feel like first-class citizens when it comes to their healthcare system. The pricing is astronomical and only seems to keep rising each year. 

Since boys are separated from girls growing up, unlike in western countries, they learn to share their affection with their friends. This can seem strange to people from cultures in which there is no gender segregation. Afghani men often hold hands in public as a sign of warm friendship.

Gated communities in South Africa are practically castles, complete with giant walls, windows overlaid with grills, razor wire, and other extreme fortifications. However, it’s hard to blame house owners for this standoffish position considering that the country has a very high crime rate.

Despite the enormous popularity of coffee all over the world, tea remains unaffected as the top hot drink in the UK. Even children are accustomed to drinking tea, and the average Brit drinks at least two cups daily. 

Expect Brazilians to excuse themselves after every meal for their regular oral hygiene routine. Not only are they fashion-conscious, but they also like to be very neat throughout the day. It’s not about being especially finicky. Rather, it’s just the way they’re used to doing things.

Heading down to the cashier’s counter, a tourist may think they’ve scored an incredible bargain in the US. However, they’re generally in for a sad surprise as price tags are exclusive of taxes and other charges.

Riding a bicycle is the preferred mode of transportation in the Netherlands, especially in the capital of Amsterdam. The roads are more favorable to bikes, and this was deliberately planned as a way of avoiding car dependency.

Social gatherings are often decorated with many pleasantries and talk of the weather and other banal topics. Though it can serve a positive purpose, this is just the type of talk that Polish people generally avoid.

Citizens from other nations have found it odd to witness an American reality star be voted in as the commander in chief. These two industries aren’t generally mixed, having only the concept of popularity in common. Yet many American actors and public personalities have turned to politics. Trump, Reagan, and Schwarzenegger have been the most successful so far.

New Zealand may be a small island nation, but that doesn’t mean it should be left off the map. Despite this, they have been excluded from so many maps, even those displayed on airport murals, that they even made an ad campaign about it.

The recent rise of Karen memes demonstrates just how unforgiving people can be when employees get something wrong. Rather than remembering that we all make mistakes, some people choose to let loose and take their anger out on the poor staff member.

To give people more reasons to pick up trash and keep their neighborhoods clean, the German government implemented a system in which people who recycle get paid. These quick, real-time transactions are done through a vending machine.

Waking up early for work in the wintertime in Canada can be a struggle. Outside every home, the roads and the hills are covered in snow. Doors may need shoveling and windscreens de-icing. It is coldest in Eureka, with the average temperature hovering at around -15° Celsius (5° Fahrenheit).

Valentine’s Day is a big deal in Japan, especially for young adults. However, the onus of gift-giving is upon the girls who usually give chocolates to their crushes and their close friends.

Foreign guests in America often find restroom stall designs unusual, with their doors and walls that don’t extend all the way to the ground. A user’s shoes and dropped trousers are visible, and this is disconcerting for many travelers who aren’t used to it.