This article was originally published on Kueez
The more you learn about people, the more you might find out that what is normal for you might not be customary for others around the world. There are so many different cultures and traditions that might seem totally bizarre to us; but then again perhaps our cultures and traditions could also be seen as strange to others. To broaden all of our horizons, we found the most unusual things people do in their own countries that you won't find anywhere else around the world. Some of these you'll be glad you don't have where you live, and others you'll be wishing you did. But no matter what, these cultural norms will get you thinking about life in other parts of the world and how it relates to your life.
In Denmark, They Tie You To A Pole And Throw Cinnamon At You If You Are Not Married By Your 25th Birthday
Who else remembers the cinnamon challenge? Why people tried to eat a spoonful of cinnamon, still baffles us, but people in Denmark are showering others with cinnamon for very different reasons. If you aren't married by the time you turn 25, there are some interesting traditions.
When you turn 25, you get tied to a pole, and cinnamon is thrown on you. If you aren't married by the time you are 30, they might throw pepper on you. That seems like a lot of pressure because who would want to get showered with cinnamon? It sounds very uncomfortable.
In Norway, Leaving Your Baby Alone Outside In The Snow Or Rain Is Normal
It's a sad but true fact that some countries have high kidnapping rates, but Norway is not one. In Norway, it is normal for people to leave their strollers outside with babies sleeping in them. It doesn't matter if it's winter or not; you will see them lined up outside most restaurants and cafes.
However, the babies are not cold during the winter because parents pack the stroller with blankets and the children wear many layers. When the children go to kindergarten, during naptime, you will see them sleeping in strollers outside. That probably wouldn't work in America with all those stories about kidnappers on the loose.
Saunas Are A Normal Part Of Homes In Finland
Usually, we only see saunas in gyms or spas. However, if you live in Finland, it is normal to have one in your house or apartment. For Finns, saunas are much more than a place to warm up from the freezing tundra outside; they are a sacred place for ultimate relaxation.
For centuries, saunas have been used as a place for purification rituals before marriage, and it was considered the holiest room in a Finnish home. They even call it the "poor man's pharmacy." They believe the sauna can cure anything, and we wish we had a sauna in our home.
People Keep Fish In Bathtubs Before Christmas In Slovakia
You might be wondering why anyone would put a fish in their bathtub because, where would they shower? But there is a perfect explanation for this. In Slovakia, live fish are kept in the tub before Christmas. They use carp, which lives in muddy waters, so it has to be cleansed before it is eaten on Christmas.
Some people name the fish, and when they have to take showers, they put the fish in a bucket. Imagine going to someone's home in Slovakia for the first time and walking in on a giant carp swimming around the bathtub. That would definitely be the shock of a lifetime.
In Ireland, If Your Friend's Mom Offers You Food, You Have To Say No A Few Times Before Accepting
Next time you go to Ireland and get invited to someone's home for dinner, you might want to remember this rule. In Ireland, they speak English, but there is a different way to accept food. If your someone's mom offers you food, you would say, "Ah, no, sure, I'm grand."
The person's mom will reply, "Ah, go on, you will." Then, you will respond with, "Ah, no, honestly." That will go on a few times even though you might be starving. Don't worry; you will eventually get food, even though it isn't the most time-efficient process.
People Love Flip Flops In Australia, Oh And They Also Call Them Thongs
Australia is known for many things, like its venomous snakes and spiders, but besides the creepy crawlies, Australia has beautiful weather most of the year. Therefore, people there love wearing flip-flops, or thongs, as they call them. They don't care what other shoes are available; they will find a pair of thongs to wear whenever possible.
For example, one Reddit user said her dad couldn't find his thongs, so he squeezed into his wife's shoes just to go into the backyard to grab the laundry. We can imagine that there were plenty of other shoes by the door, but he had to have the thongs.
Women Have To Watch Out On Easter In Slovakia
If you decide to visit Slovakia during Easter, don't wear a white t-shirt, and watch out for groups of men with water. During Easter time, groups of boys roam around the countryside, pouring water over girls and "gently" beating them with sticks. And Slovakia isn't the only place to engage in this custom.
In the Czech Republic, Easter is celebrated by whipping women gently with sticks. And in Hungary, they are splashed with water. All of these traditions were once used to symbolically ensure unmarried women stayed fertile.
This Is How People Greet Each Other In The UAE
All around the world, people from different cultures greet each other differently. People in France kiss each other on both cheeks, people in America shake hands, and in the UAE people greet each other by tapping noses twice. However, this is only done between men.
In other cultures, this might seem like a strange thing to see if you are not used to it, but it is very normal to them. We wonder how they adjusted this greeting during the past year with everything going on in the world. It is interesting to see how people do something as simple as saying 'hello' around the world.
In Argentina, When You Graduate University You Are Attacked With Food And Paint
While most people have a family gathering to celebrate their college graduation, there is a messier way to commemorate this achievement in Argentina. When you graduate from university, your friends and family attack you with eggs, flour, condiments, oil, and paint.
They drench you from head to toe as a celebration after you let everyone know when your final exam is, and only if you pass. In the past few years, it has changed from food and paints to foam and confetti as not to waste food. It seems like a strange way to congratulate someone, but who are we to judge?
In Israel Nobody Drives On Yom Kippur Leaving The Streets Completely Empty
Also known in the Jewish faith as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is an important day for Jews worldwide to stop and reflect on the past year. During prayer, they ask for forgiveness for their sins, and make plans to be better people for the future. While this is a common practice for Jews all around the world, it's celebrated a little differently in Israel.
For 24 hours during Yom Kippur, the whole country basically shuts down. For first-timers, it's an odd and almost eerie scene to be in the middle of a major city and see that no stores are open and no cars are driving on the road. Israelis take advantage of this fact by hopping on bicycles and riding around their normally crowded streets. It's every child's dream come true!
Bears Are Actually Spotted On Motorcycles In Russia
We have come to find out that Russia is an interesting country with unique cultural differences from any other country in the world. Somethings that seem like they are too bizarre to be real actually happen in Russia, and bears on motorcycles are one of them.
Bears playing trumpets and riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle might be a regular occurrence there, but in most other countries, people would be running for their lives in fear of the bear. Maybe they have a better understanding of the animal than the rest of us.
Fast Food Battle Of Some Large Size Drinks
It's safe to say that America is known for having much larger things than other countries are used to. While other countries have large drink sizes, America blows them out of the water with their super-sized soft drinks that are enough for multiple people to share.
We don't know anyone who needs 40 ounces of soda but to each their own. If we drank this, our sugar levels would be through the roof, and we would be making trips to the bathroom every few minutes. Maybe they should only offer that size for water.
Everyone In Russia Has Two Passports
While most countries only give you one passport because it makes the most sense, Russia does things a bit differently. Every Russian has a passport for internal use, which is basically like an ID card, except it is the size of a passport book because it has information about citizens, like who your children are and where you live.
The second passport is for international use, but not every Russian has one because they are not cheap. You have to pay between $60-$70 to get one, and this is also where all your visas are stored. We like that our IDs are wallet-sized, unlike Russia.
In Brazil People Put Broken Glass Around Their Walls For Protection
Brazil might be a country obsessed with its hygiene, but they are not up to date with security systems. For a country with a pretty high crime rate, you would think homes would have more advanced security, but this gets the job done just as well.
People will put broken glass bottles on the walls around their homes so burglars can't jump them and rob them. In other places, there aren't even fences around people's homes. It's a much cheaper option than what the people in South Africa do to keep their homes safe.
In Sweden, You Can Find Most Of A Person's Personal Information With A Quick Google Search
While you can Google anyone your want, most of the time, their personal information doesn't come up in a quick search. However, in Sweden, you can google a citizen's name, birth date, where they live, what kind of car they drive, and how much they earn.
That seems like a violation of privacy, but the Swedes must not have stalker issues. We would feel very uncomfortable with strangers being able to access our financial information because that is too personal. Why would anyone want people looking up all their information in the first place?
In Papua New Guinea People Chew This Stuff For Energy
If you ever visit Papua New Guinea, you might be shocked to see people walking around with red-stained teeth. Don't be alarmed; it is caused by chewing on the betel nut. It is a social practice that every Papua New Guinean does, from the elders to the young people.
There are two ways that people chew the betel nut. You can crack it open and chew the flesh, or you can dip the sake, which is the green stem, into the kambang, a white powder to produce the red paste in your mouth. It is basically a stimulant like coffee, which gives you bursts of energy. As a result, people chew it in the morning.
Brazilians Are Obsessed With Oral Hygiene
We should all be taking notes from the Brazilians. They are hardcore about their oral hygiene to the point where it is common to see people brushing and flossing in public restrooms. They also take multiple showers a day because no one wants to be smelly.
Brazilians also eat their pizza with a fork and knife because it is less messy. Not only do they have fresh breath and good hygiene, but they also eat in a polite manner, so props to Brazil for becoming a superior country in those aspects.
Japan's Festival Called Kanamara Matsuri Is A Parade About Fertility With Penises Everywhere
While it might seem confusing to parade through the streets with penises everywhere, there is a whole festival in Japan where this happens. On the first Sunday of every April, the Kanamaa Matsuri festival takes place at the KanAyama Shrine. It is centered on a local penis-venerating shrine.
The legend says that a jealous sharp-toothed demon hid inside the nether regions of a young woman whom the demon fell in love with and bit off the penises of two young men on their wedding night. After that, the woman sought help from a blacksmith, who fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth.
People In Switzerland Are Baffled That Other Countries Don't Have Direct Democracy
Many countries around the world struggle to agree with their government or political system completely, and that is fair because not everyone has the same beliefs. However, in Switzerland, they are shocked that the rest of the world doesn't have direct democracy.
The citizens get to decide on policy initiatives, and they are directly involved in the decision-making process. In most places, people are a few steps removed from actual decisions after someone elects someone else, and it feels like your voice isn't heard.
Everything In Switzerland Is Translated Into At Least 4 Languages
Like many countries around the world, people speak multiple languages in Switzerland. The only difference is that everything in Switzerland has to be translated into at least four different languages: German, French, Italian, or Rhaeto-Romance. If it's a tourist area it's translated into English as well. From road signs to work meetings, everything is translated.
If you have a nation-wide business in Switzerland, the website needs to be translated into four languages, including brochures, instructions, and product boxes. When large companies do presentations, they will actually do it in multiple languages, or people get headphones with live translation. In some places, even cinemas have four sets of subtitles.
Toilets In Iran Have Bidet Sprayers
Bidets are common in many European countries to give you that extra sense of cleanliness in the bathroom. In Iran, they have adapted this idea in a unique way. Instead of having a separate bidet in the bathroom, the normal toilet has a hose attached to it.
If you feel like you need a little extra cleaning power, you can use the bidet sprayer. Some people refer to it as the bum gun, but we will call it a bidet. They have become more and more common in other countries throughout South East Asia as well.
People From Abroad Feel Like The Pledge Of Allegiance Is Creepy And Kind Of Cultish
Growing up, we always thought the pledge of allegiance was a normal thing that everyone did, but we were wrong. Outside of the US, the pledge of allegiance seems creepy and cult-like. Imagine being a foreign exchange student, and first thing in the morning, the whole school salutes the flag.
We say it is the land of the free and home of the brave, but this is pretty forced, and there are students who would prefer not to do this. It gave us a sense of routine, but now that we look back on it, it is pretty strange, and we don't blame people for the judgment.
The US Has The Most Ridiculous Medical Costs
It's sad, but in America, medical care costs are exponentially higher than in any other country. Unlike our northern neighbors, we don't have socialized health care, and it is very frustrating. When people need to go to the hospital for life-saving treatments, they could be in debt for years.
If you are just getting an aspirin, a hospital will charge upwards of $25, and newborn diapers are over $100. Even when you have good insurance, it costs you an arm and a leg to get the treatments needed. The health care industry will take every penny you have.
The UK Uses Both Metric And Imperial When Talking About Measurements
While everyone is going around ragging on the US for using the imperial system, no one is talking about the UK and its inconsistencies. For example, you can buy a pint of milk or beer, but a liter of coke and 25 ml of whiskey. People know how many miles to the gallon their cars get, but you buy fuel by the liter.
Also, the weather forecast is in Celcius, but the wind speed is in miles per hour. It seems like they can't make up their minds about which system to use. The people must be very confused when they go anywhere else in Europe because most places just have one set way of measuring everything.
Tea Is The Cure For Everything In The UK
Speaking of strange things in the UK, they might be the only country that thinks tea is the cure for everything. Upset? Have a cup of tea. Happy? Have a cup of tea. Bored? Have a cup of tea. Feeling any type of way? Have a cup of tea.
We didn't know tea could solve all of our problems, but if we knew it was that easy, we would have been drinking much more tea. It's like it has magical powers that only people from the UK understand. They would probably laugh at southern sweet tea.
In The Philippines People Eat Exclusively With Their Hands
While some countries take pride in using different utensils for every food course, other countries ditch the rules and eat with their hands. In 1969, during the preliminary questioning for Miss Universe, Gloria Diaz represented the Philippines, and they asked her, "Is it true that you Filipinos use your hand when you eat?"
Taken aback by this question, she replied, "Why? Do use your feet?" She then went on to win the crown, and people stopped questioning why they eat food differently. Who are we to judge how a country eats its meals?
Swedish People Utilize The Snow As A Drink Cooler
Sweden is known for its snowy winters, and people take advantage of that. Instead of wasting space in their refrigerators, they keep drinks in the snow outside because it keeps them perfectly chilled. They might as well utilize all that snow.
Next time there is a massive snowstorm and your fridge is too full or stops working, use the snow as a fridge because it does that same job. You can even mold the snow to look like a fake refrigerator. These people are clearly looking to have a boozy snowstorm.
In The US Tax Isn't Included On The Price
If you visit any other country, the sales tax is included unless you are shopping in the United States. They like to make life harder by including the price of the item before tax is added. You only find out how much the tax is when you get to the register.
If you are trying to figure out how much something is, you have to whip out your calculator and start adding everything up to be prepared before you get to the register. There are a few states though that don't have sales tax, so it isn't like this in 100% of the US.
People Wore Masks In Asia Even Before The Pandemic
While we are now used to wearing masks every time we leave the house these days, there used to be a time where that would be so strange. It might be hard to remember those days because it seems like it has been years; however, this has always been a norm in most Asian countries.
In places like Hong Kong, even if you are slightly sick, you wear a mask. Japanese women wear them when they don't have time to put on makeup, and people also wear them for environmental reasons. Most people grew up knowing that as a society, they need to protect each other.
South Africans Take Their Home Security Seriously
Like Brazil, there is a lot of crime in South Africa, so people try to keep their homes as safe as possible. You can find many middle-class properties with 6-foot walls, electric fencing linked to an alarm, automated gates, and garage doors, and even barbed wire fencing.
Some people go as far as having infra-red sensors linked to armed response with a reaction time of under three to four minutes. It seems like a terrifying place to live if they have to take such drastic measures just to feel safe at home. It sounds more similar to a prison than a house.
Imagine Having Had A Reality Show Host As President
Well, it was funny at first until it wasn't funny anymore. Whatever side you might be on, we can all admit that it is pretty strange to see a TV personality in office. When Kanye West decided to run for president, we all questioned that a lot more than Trump because at least Trump was a businessman.
In the past, we have seen celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan have successful careers in politics. However, we don't know if this is such a great idea moving forward. Maybe politicians should stay in politics, and celebrities should stay in Hollywood.
Men In Afghanistan Hold Hands All The Time
It might be strange to see male friends holding hands in public in some places, but in Afghanistan, it is the norm. People in other countries find this very strange, but it is their way of showing their platonic friendship. It seems stranger because being open about your gender or sexuality can get you in trouble with the law in Afghanistan.
Not everyone is into holding hands for personal reasons, but this is a nice way to show your friendship. Maybe it is an easier way to hide their sexuality since that is so frowned upon there. We wish more people would walk around holding hands.
People In The Netherlands Bike Ride Everywhere
While it might be hard to bike everywhere in places like the United States or Canada, in the Netherlands, this is the common practice. Cars are less common in the cities, and people use bikes as their main source of transportation. Even for longer distances, people use trains or public transportation.
When you visit the Netherlands, be prepared to ride a bike everywhere you go in the cities. This is not to say that cars are nonexistent because families still need a way to get around together, and sometimes biking isn't an option.
When A Polish Person Asks How You're Doing, They Mean It
In many places around the world, small talk is just a common courtesy. We ask people how they are, or talk about the weather, but no one is really interested in those conversations. However, Polish people are actually quite sincere with their small talk.
If someone says, "what's up," you can tell them exactly how you are feeling. You don't have to hide your emotions just to make it seem like you are doing well. Maybe we could all be a little more open and honest, and people would seem less fake.
New Zealanders Are Used To Being Left Off Maps
There are plenty of small countries in the world, but that doesn't mean they deserve to be left off the map. New Zealand can normally be found right next to Australia on the map, but they are sometimes left off. Even the New Zealand government posted a map that left out their country.
We understand that it is a small country next to Australia, but that doesn't mean it should be left off the world map. People probably don't even know where New Zealand is because it is always the forgotten country.
In The UK People Cheer When A Waiter Drops Everything
As a waiter or waitress, did you ever feel so embarrassed when you dropped a whole tray of food or drinks? While some people would be mad that you dropped their order, they almost celebrate a waiter or waitress's mistakes in the UK.
When a waiter or waitress drops a glass or plate, the whole restaurant cheers, "Wheyyyyy." Some cultures scream other words, but it is a nice testament to the fact that people can make mistakes, and they are trying hard.
During The Winter, There Is Almost No Sun In Canada
Canada is known for its freezing winters, and with that comes a few months without sun. Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, and without it, people can become vitamin D deficient. Therefore, people will start taking vitamin D supplements.
It doesn't matter if you are feeling sad, have the flu, or missing limbs; someone will ask you if you are taking your vitamin D. Make sure to go outside once a day when it is sunny to keep your vitamin D levels stable.
You Get Money When You Recycle Bottles In Germany
In Germany, you can get money when you recycle your plastic bottles. There are machines in the grocery stores where you can bring bottles, and it gives you money in return. It has actually become more popular in other countries, such as Norway and the United States, and you can make 25 cents per bottle depending on where you are.
This is a great idea to get people to recycle rather than people littering. However, it's not just for plastic bottles; it is for glass as well. It should be implemented in every country, so people actually want to recycle. Let's save the planet together.
In Japan, Men Don't Give Presents On Valentine's Day
In most places, the tradition on Valentine's Day is for the man to give his partner chocolates or flowers. But in Japan, they break the stereotypical gender norms because women are the only ones giving gifts. They only give chocolate, though.
Even if they don't have a man in their life, women also get chocolates for their male co-workers. A month later, on March 14, the men reciprocate with chocolate, jewelry, nice clothes, or time. The money he spends correlates to the amount of chocolate he received.
People In Romania Eat Almost Every Part Of An Animal
Food traditions are some of the things that vary most between countries. In Romania, instead of just eating the traditional parts of the animal, they eat most of the organs, including the brains and heart. If you have ever eaten Chick McNuggets, you've eaten all the parts of the chicken.
While we may think some country's food delicacies are bizarre, it is delicious to them, and no one should judge that. Maybe we would like these things if we traveled there and tried them. You'll never know until you taste something, whether you like it or not.
Restroom Stalls In America do Not Have Enough Privacy
People worldwide are always shocked when they come to America and realize how poorly the bathroom stalls are constructed. The stalls are made in a way that you can pretty much see everything through the large cracks in the doors.
People are also always confused that we call them "public" restrooms when they are actually in private businesses that sometimes make you purchase something just to use it. If there were genuinely public bathrooms, the streets would smell a lot less like pee and other things.
People Line Up Politely In England
In some countries, we have all given up on manners, and lines are none existent. Instead of lining up one by one, some people will cut or jump ahead because they don't think they have to wait their turn. However, in the UK, they do things differently.
In England, people politely line up and wait their turn wherever they go. In times where social distancing was required, they followed the marked placers on the ground and have no trouble staying far away from each other. That is a foreign concept where we live.
In Australia, People Make Strange Scarecrows To Keep The Magpies Away
There are scarecrows in many places with farms, but Australians like to be unique in that sense. They put cable ties, branches, fake eyes, helmets on buckets, and many other wacky things to keep the birds away. The magpies are a vicious bunch.
These must be effective, but imagine how scary it would be to see one of these things at night. You would be in for the scare of your life and have nightmares for a while. They might look funny in the daylight, but once the sun goes down, that's when the terror begins.