Traditions and customs of people of different nationalities. Customs and traditions: the toughest examples

Customs and traditions: the toughest examples

What are customs and traditions? Customs are historically established certain actions and orders that have long become the habit of the whole people. Under traditions, we "decipher" a certain "cultural code" that is passed down by people from generation to generation.

Traditions and customs are very similar in their meaning. Sociologists even point out e. They are closely connected not only with history, but also with religious views. It was with the advent of beliefs that the beginning of customs and traditions was laid.

We all follow some traditions and customs, but not all of us truly know their purpose and history. I believe that people should pay special attention to history, because all traditions and customs are an interesting part of the culture of the people, the history of generations and religion, and are also one of the components of a person’s upbringing and his worldview.

The history of the emergence of customs and traditions

Initially, customs and traditions arose out of the need for survival. Thus was born the so-called hunting magic. It must be understood that people in ancient times were much more dependent on nature than we are. The hunt could be successful - or unsuccessful. Therefore, rituals arose that, it was believed, could bring good luck to the side of the hunters. The elders had knowledge of such rituals, therefore, in ancient times, the elderly were treated with due respect, not like now.

There were other customs and traditions among the ancients: not to wake a sleeping person (his soul may not have time to return from the world of dreams), not to mate during a hunt - this is fraught with uncontrolled births, etc. By the way, it is within the framework of hunting magic that rock painting: people wanted to attract the spirit of the animal to their side.

Such customs and traditions accompanied life ancient man. They have penetrated our culture so much that we do not even notice and do not track them! For example, look at a teenager at a bus stop. He smoked, spat and wiped his grub on the asphalt with his foot. What's this? This is a genetic memory: in fact, he destroyed the trace of himself. After all earlier people believed that through saliva, hair and other remnants of a person, you can bring trouble to him. Don't believe? Read the textbook "History primitive society» for universities!

Wedding traditions are generally a solid antiquity: White color(dress, veil) is a symbol of transition to another state. We wear white according to the rite three times in our lives: when we are born, when we get married or get married, and when we die. Did you even know about all this? Write in the comments!

Food habits. Come on new job- you need to "put down", you go on vacation - the same way. Wedding table, parties - in a word, a lot is connected precisely with eating food. Why? It turns out that in ancient times there was such a custom of potlatch, when the leader of the tribe fed all his community members. This meant that he did them good - we must respond in kind! And today: went on vacation, and we work? We're stressed! Gotta eat! And there is a gap. Did you graduate from high school and get your diploma? Are you stressed? School ball, graduation is again associated with food. Didn't notice

Interesting customs and traditions of the peoples of the world

The peoples of the whole world have many traditions and customs, and they are different for all peoples. For example, Russians have a tradition of celebrating the New Year, a holiday that connects the past and the future. This holiday carries bright feelings and many miracles, but, like most other traditions, the New Year is rooted in antiquity.

An integral part New Year's Eve is a Christmas tree with funny and clockwork toys, bright and glossy balls and flashing different colors, garlands. Do you know why everyone decorates the Christmas tree so quickly before this holiday? Because according to custom, people believed that when decorating a Christmas tree, they make evil forces who surround them are kind. At present, many have forgotten about these forces, and the decorated Christmas tree is still a symbol of new year holiday. This magical holiday is described in many Russian fairy tales and poems, the authors of which are well-known A. S. Pushkin, S. A. Yesenin and others.

The Russian people also have interesting customs which are incomprehensible to foreign residents. For example, on the eve of Easter, a bright holiday that appeared in Russia at the end of the tenth century, in honor of the resurrection of Christ, we paint chicken eggs. And many people dye them with onion peel, because it gives a burgundy-red hue, this shade symbolizes the blood of Christ crucified on the cross. A egg in turn - a symbol of the birth of a new life.

But not only the Russian people are famous for their traditions and customs. Abroad there is the well-known All Hallows' Eve or, as we call it, Halloween. The holiday became a tradition several centuries ago and, as we know from the book "Scarlett" by Alexandra Ripley, this holiday was rooted in Ireland. An attribute of such a tradition is a pumpkin, which symbolizes at the same time the harvest, evil forces and the fire that scares them away.

There are no less interesting traditions in the countries of the East. For example, polygamy. Polygamy also came into life from the ancestors and is preserved in the countries of the East to this day. For example, the Book of Mormon can tell us a lot about such a tradition. It is known from the book that in ancient times, with a nomadic lifestyle, considerable care was required for numerous herds of horses or camels, so the owner forced to have several women who could provide care for mares or camels. Camel fur made it possible to have warm and light blankets, and camel milk was highly valued. Only a woman could do all this, men had no time to do housework, they were the earners. At present, in the Eastern countries, polygamy determines the prestige of a man, which is no less important for the inhabitants of the East.

Moving away from stories of plural marriage traditions Eastern countries, one cannot help but recall the monogamy of the Caucasus. No matter how sad it may sound, there are always wars in countries, after which the number of men decreases sharply. Girls, as a rule, are born more than boys, and in the future, many adult girls do not have enough husbands, and as a result, families and children.

In general, if you recall, there have been cases in history when only one survivor from the male population of the village returned to the village from the front. However, after some time, the population again became at the same level.

So during Caucasian war nineteenth century primate Caucasian highlanders Imam Shamil, facilitated the fate of widows and single women. They were allowed to choose a husband at their own discretion, which actually legitimized the existing relationship. As S. Essadze wrote: "The named man, single or married, was obliged to marry the one who chose him."

I propose to recall the customs and traditions of the inhabitants of such interesting country like Thailand. Thailand is famous for its exotic customs. During the calendar year, the native Thais have many customs and traditions that delight tourists. Solemn holidays celebrated throughout the kingdom of Thailand. In general, some of the most interesting rituals can be observed in the "backward" cultures, whose carriers live in.

An example of this is one of the most beautiful holidays in Thailand - Loy Krathong, dedicated to the spirits of water. This day falls at the beginning of November on the day full moon. Thais, floating their boats along the rivers - krathongs, in which candles burn brightly and fresh flowers, coins, various incense lie. Thais firmly believe that with the help of these boats that night, the spirits of water will wash away all the sins of the previous year from them.

In every country of our vast world have their own special customs, traditions that determine the way of life and culture of people How often do we hear about the customs and traditions of China? One of the most special traditions in China is the greeting. In the old days, the Chinese greeted each other by bowing with their hands folded across their chests. At the same time, it was considered: the lower the bow, the more people shows respect. The modern Chinese today simply make a slight bow with their heads. However, if they want to show respect, they can bow lower.

The customs and traditions of all the peoples of the world inhabiting the Earth are very extensive and multifaceted. They are directly related to factors that are rooted in the very depths of history, and with religion, which helps a person to realize and perceive the world believing in the supernatural. It is necessary to respect and honor not only the customs and traditions of your country, your people, but also other countries and its inhabitants.

Interesting article? Like, write what you think about all this in the comments. .

© Sokolova E. A.

Editing Andrey Puchkov

The customs and traditions of other peoples are interesting, surprising, and sometimes strange and even shocking. People of a different nationality may express their feelings or mood in a completely different way than is customary with us. Also among peoples different countries of the world, there are unique rituals, beliefs and holidays that reflect their history or beliefs. Knowing all these nuances, you can better understand how people live in a particular country. Learning national customs is not only entertaining, but also useful if you are planning to travel.

The strangest and most original traditions of the peoples of the world

Undoubtedly, one of the important aspects of any culture is its rules of etiquette: the way of greeting, farewell, behavior at the table, etc. For example, it is customary among Russians to shake hands, loving and friendly Spaniards can generally kiss when they meet. But in Japan, it’s better not to do this - they value personal space and only let close friends in.

What other oddities are there in the world? Here is a ranking of the 10 most unusual traditions of other countries:

1. On the streets of India, you can see men holding hands. This does not mean that they are romantic relationship. This is how they show their friendship. But Indian couples in love never express their love in public.
2. In Germany, they don't clap their hands when they want to applaud. To express their feelings, the Germans used to knock on the table.
3. The people of some Asian countries, such as China, Korea or Japan, consider it good form to slurp while eating at a party. Thus, they show the owner that the dish is very tasty.
4. In Japan, it is considered indecent and rude to blow your nose in public. If someone needs to clean their nose, then they do it away from everyone and very quietly.
5. For residents South Korea writing someone's name in red is taboo, and all because red ink was previously used to write the names of dead people.
6. In Malaysia point to something index finger- it's rude and insulting. Instead, it is customary to point at things with the thumb.

One more interesting feature: while in many countries people shy away from cemeteries, in Denmark they are turned into a kind of parks where you can socialize. Pretty pragmatic use of space, right?

Holidays are part of the culture of the people. Often they use unusual rites and customs, which can be very funny, and sometimes frightening.

monkey banquet

In Thailand, the Monkey Banquet festival is held annually, dedicated to the god Rama, who, according to legend, was helped by monkeys to defeat enemies in a big battle.

In the last month of November, the monkeys, who live in the province of Lopburi and are considered sacred among the locals, set tables in the middle of the temple with a huge amount of fruits, vegetables, sweets and drinks.

They say that more than half a thousand primates gather there and it takes about 2 tons of food to feed them! Their feast looks very funny: uncivilized guests throw food, fight for the right to get the most delicious fruit, tease the tourists who have come.

tomato fights

Snowball fight - last century. In Spain, tomatoes are used for these purposes! At the Tomatina festival, which is held there every August, thousands of people gather to take part in the tomato battle. Vegetables are brought on wagons and all participants in the action throw each other for an hour, turning everything around into red goo. In total, about 15 tons of tomatoes are used in the battle!

Officially, the holiday is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Louis, but in fact it has long been a lure for tourists.

goose day

On the occasion of this Spanish holiday, held in the city of Bilbao, a goose is chosen, greased and tied over the water with a rope. Competitors swim up to him on a boat and jump up to catch him. The goal is to tear off the animal's head. The winner receives his carcass and universal respect.

It is worth mentioning that a live goose was previously used, but then, at the request of the Society for the Protection of Animals, it was replaced with a dead one. To some, the competition may seem cruel, but for the Spaniards it is an indicator of the strength, endurance and dexterity of men.

cobra festival

Indians have worshiped snakes since ancient times, especially cobras are considered sacred. In Indian temples there are images and statues of these reptiles, they pray and make sacrifices.

In some cities and villages of India, a festival is held in honor of the worship of snakes "Nag Panchami". It passes in the middle of summer. Just then, heavy rains flood the burrows of reptiles and they crawl out.

Nag Panchami is directly dedicated to the god Shiva, who is depicted with cobras around his neck. During the festival, people dance to the music while carrying snakes in pots on their heads. The procession goes around the whole village and moves to the main temple. After chants and prayers, snakes are sprinkled with turmeric, they are given honey with milk to appease them, and they are released into courtyard temple. Animals crawl, performing peculiar dances. The holiday looks spectacular and bewitching, which attracts crowds of tourists.

It is noteworthy that people are often bitten during the holiday, and some snakes are poisonous, but no one suffers from this. Phenomenal!

Krampus night

This terrible holiday is celebrated in the first 2 weeks of December before Christmas in Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland. About a thousand men dress up as Krampus - devilish creatures with horns and hooves, which are the antipode of Santa Claus. They walk the streets, scaring children and adults. Caught "pranksters" Krampus beat with rods.

The celebration is accompanied by mass fairs, processions and competitions. Residents of cities compete for the best and scariest costume. They are not afraid of evil!

Rites and rituals

Especially unusual and strange are the customs and traditions of the peoples of the world associated with religion, marriage and various initiation rituals. Some of them may seem absurd, but the natives believe that this is important, so you should not consider them stupid. Perhaps some of the traditions of our country also seem to someone devoid of meaning.

1. Japanese warriors still adhere to the code of Bushido, according to which, in case of defeat, he must commit suicide. Better to die than fall into the hands of the enemy.
2. In Muslim countries, 2 days before the wedding, a girl is covered with temporary henna tattoos - mehendi, which symbolize femininity, fertility and good luck. They should only be worn by a woman who is happily married. Mehendi is usually painted on the feet and hands. The longer the tattoo lasts, the better, so the bride is even exempted from housework.

Chinese brides, namely the residents of the city of Fujii, have to cry for a whole month before the wedding. This is how they prepare for married life. Maybe they think that they will cry out all the tears and will not have to cry in the future?

• And here is another unusual folk rite. When a man of the Tanomani tribe (Brazil) dies, his body is cremated. Relatives of the deceased mix the ashes with a decoction of plantain and drink. They believe that this pleases the dead soul, which finds a resting place in their bodies.
• The Greeks have a strange custom of spitting on everything. In their opinion, such a ritual brings good luck and scares the devil away. They perform rituals with spitting in different special occasions such as christenings or weddings. V old days the guests were supposed to spit on the bride's dress, but now everything is quite symbolic. It is enough to say "tfu tfu tfu".
• Young guys in Brazil undergo an extraordinary rite of passage. To prove their courage and strength, members of the Satare-mawe tribe put their hands in a glove filled with poisonous ants. You need to hold out for 10 minutes, but the bites are unusually painful, and the pain lasts for a whole day! There have even been deaths.

In fact, every culture has a lot to offer. Some may consider these practices inhumane. Others still look for meaning in them, because even the strangest customs and traditions in the world have an explanation.

Unusual traditions and rituals of the peoples of the world

Planet Earth is inhabited by many various peoples and nations that differ from each other in traditions, religion, culture, language of communication, which cannot be said about rituals. It is they who are mostly repeated among many peoples, causing surprise in full or partial similarity. In their execution, the rites have differences, but carry the same meaning.

What is the relationship between the customs and religious characteristics of peoples?

Many religions are known, but the main and more common are Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Thanks to faith, wars of liberation, enmity and conflicts between different peoples were waged. It would seem that such beliefs have nothing in common. But in reality, everything is not so clear.

Putting boundaries between peoples according to their religious affiliation, humanity moves away from higher reason. It is no coincidence that the rites of one nation have many common features with the traditions of other nations. In most cases, the customs of African tribes are similar to Eurasian ones. There is a lot in common in wedding or funeral rituals, as well as in conspiracies, prayers, and communication between relatives.

Why are the rituals of different peoples repeated?

The answer to this question must be sought in the distant past. Before modern man news came that most of peoples used to be classified as pagans. People believed in various gods, in extraterrestrial civilizations that patronized humanity in the old days.

Higher powers bestowed on the ancestors many covenants, a store of knowledge aimed at teaching the right way of life. If there were violations of such rules, then the time of retribution and punishment would come.

With the development of civilizations, the customs of the pagans gradually faded into the background, but this was not always the case. Their transformation took place in the culture of certain states, they united with a new religion.

It is worth noting that Muslim celebrations can be a copy of Christian ones. For example, rituals Tatar people, whose religion is Islam, in many respects have something in common with the traditions of the Russian people. Customs are passed on from one generation to another, improved, modified, even supplemented, or some details are canceled. Taken together, the purpose of any rite clearly reflects its importance and relevance today.

Many traditions and rituals continue to exist today in their original form.

Slavic rites and holidays

The traditions and customs of the Slavs have passed through many centuries, have undergone certain changes, but still survived, and today they continue to live and delight the people. The most ancient rites are related to paganism, which was considered necessary for man. Indeed, according to such a religion, the destiny of the individual on earth was explained.

One of the ancient and famous rites of different Slavic peoples associated with the deity Makosh. They celebrated the celebration between October and November. Gatherings during this period were starting, so that you could prepare for the winter season.

It was in the name of Makosh that festivities were organized. Representatives of the Slavic peoples bowed before this deity, performed a ritual of sacrifice, and brought various gifts. People did everything to ensure that Makosha provided her assistance in obtaining a rich harvest needed next year.

For the most part, the rituals of the Slavs were related to agriculture, since people in those days took care of their lands and therefore the main thing for them was the harvest necessary for life.

Ancient rites and church holidays

To this day, customs associated with visiting the graves of deceased relatives have been preserved. People go to the cemetery on church holidays such as Trinity, Radunitsa, and Dmitrievskaya Saturday. From here came the tradition of commemorating the dead, while candles should be lit on their graves, food and drinks should be left.

Among the ancient rites should be attributed the current Christmas time, in honor of which people at home commemorate their dead relatives and friends. Holy Thursday is also relevant. V this case rituals associated with cleanliness. On this day, it is necessary to clean the whole house, wash all family members. The essence of the tradition is that this is how the souls of dead people are cleansed and warmed.

Mankind celebrates today also the ancient Slavic holiday called Maslenitsa. This solemn event is closely connected with commemoration, and therefore, today, as in the old days, they continue to cook pancakes, which are taken to the grave of deceased relatives, they perform a commemoration ritual.

In the process of celebrating Maslenitsa, fisticuffs were held in the air, other competitions were also taken under open sky. Among the ancient Christian rites, there was a place to commemorate a dead person. Customs such as wedding, baptism came to modern world from the distant past.

Popular holidays and traditions associated with religion

With the retreat of paganism, holidays and rituals began to appear, incorporating teachings from religion. Every religion has its own special traditions, which are daily, weekly, and also annual. There are episodic rites that are performed only once in a lifetime. Usually, they are related to such life processes as the birth of a child, marriage, or the death of a person.

Major Traditions in Christianity

Among the important and basic customs in Christian world it is customary to consider such as birth, baptism, marriage with an accompanying wedding, death followed by a funeral service. The brightest and most important celebration in the Christian world is the bright holiday of Easter. This tradition ends with Lent.

Another colorful holiday is the Nativity of Christ, before which comes the Advent.

Major Traditions in Islam

Every Muslim is required to read a prayer called Namaz. A person must pray 5 times every day, regardless of where he is. V Muslim world several major celebrations are adopted, which have their own meaning. This is Eid al-Adha - the ritual of sacrifice, Uraza-Bayram - the holiday of breaking the fast, including Miraj - the night on which the seer Muhammad is raised to heaven, Mawlid - the birth of the prophet.

Solemn events are held according to the Muslim calendar.

The main traditions of Buddhism

This religion places a special place on the death of a person. An unusual burial ritual is performed, which includes several stages in its organization. Here it is necessary to read prayers, illuminate the places of burial, and also bury the dead person.

Vesak is an important holiday in Buddhism. It's bright solemn ceremony held on the occasion of the birth, enlightenment, and departure of Gautama Buddha from the world of the living.

Significant New Year in Buddhism. He is more famous as Tsagan Sar. It is celebrated differently, depending on which school or direction. For Buddhists, such a celebration is associated with renewal, a new period in life. This celebratory event carried out quite brightly, beautifully.

Major Traditions in Judaism

Considering important holidays and customs related to religion, it is worth noting the features of the traditions and solemn events of Jewish Jews. The main and significant in Judaism is the day of God - Saturday, that is, Shabbat. According to tradition, one commandment out of ten is fulfilled.

At this time, you can not work on the seventh day of the week. Shabbat is a very important ritual, which is considered the main part of the life process of the Jews. To such significant day there is a greeting - Shabbat shalom.

Hupa - beautiful holiday in Judaism, relating to the moment of marriage. The name of the solemn event came from the canopy of the same name, which serves to hold a wedding ceremony under it. At the same time, people sing songs, dance, and perform ancient rituals aimed at protecting and well-being of the newlyweds.

Pesach is another important and interesting holiday, which in Russian means - Easter.

Shavuot is a festive event organized in honor of the memory of how God gave Moses the Ten Commandments from the Bible.

Diverse and amazing is the world of traditions, rituals, holidays, religions of various peoples coexisting on the same planet.

How are all countries of the world different from each other? Of course geographic location and national composition. But there is also something else. Today we will talk about the most interesting customs and traditions of the peoples of the world.

Turkey

A Turkish man cannot have a second wife until he gives the first one gold jewelry worth at least ten thousand dollars. It is generally accepted that this is how a man can confirm financial viability and prove his ability to feed several wives.

It’s not very civilized to talk at the table without asking permission from the owner of the house, and you shouldn’t choose pieces of food from a common dish too carefully. And if you decide to use a toothpick, then you should do it with your hand covering your mouth, as if you were playing a harmonica.

India

Among the interesting traditions and customs of the peoples of the world, the rituals of India occupy a special place. Let's start with a greeting. Of course, you can just shake hands when meeting. But there are some subtleties here. For example, shaking hands with someone you didn't know before is bad form. Women should not be greeted by the hand either - this is considered an insult in India. How to greet the interlocutor, so as not to offend him? Connect the hands at chest level.

No doubt, many people know about the cult of the animal that exists in Wonderland, as India is also called. The main animal here is the cow. They are the ones who roam the streets. settlements. Cows die of their own death, usually from old age, because it is forbidden to eat their meat in India.

But not only artiodactyls have the status of sacred animals. Temples for monkeys are erected in this country. The most famous is the Palace of the Winds, which, by the way, is not recommended for tourists to enter. Why? Yes, because there is a huge number of monkeys that can be aggressive. Another animal revered in India is the peacock. They live here literally in clover - they sing their songs everywhere: in temples, in the courtyards of houses and just on the streets.

If you decide to visit a temple in India, be sure to take off your shoes at the entrance. And in general, for the duration of the trip, exclude genuine leather shoes from your wardrobe.

Kenya

If we talk about funny and funny customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, you should pay attention to this African country. Here, the young spouse is obliged to wear women's clothes for a whole month after the wedding and perform all women's duties.

China

Once upon a time in China, such a method of revenge was practiced as revenge through suicide: offended person came to the house (or yard) of his offender and killed himself. In this case, the Chinese said, the soul of the suicide does not ascend to heaven, but remains in the offender's house and brings various misfortunes to him and his family.

Once upon a time in China, such a tradition as bandaging the feet was common. It appeared in the X century. Six-year-old girls had their feet tightly tied with bandages. This was done in order to prevent the growth of the leg. The fact is that in China a small foot is the standard of beauty, girls with miniature legs are easier to marry. Due to the fact that the girls experienced terrible pain and had difficulty moving, in 1912 footbinding was officially banned. But in some regions of the country it is still practiced.

There are also interesting traditions in China today. For example, when going on a visit, you should not take flowers with you. The owners of the house take this as a hint that the house is so uncomfortable and unattractive that the guest decided to decorate it himself.

Many customs and traditions of the peoples of the world are associated with eating. China is no exception. Here, for example, champing is not a sign of uncivilized behavior, but quite the opposite. If you do not champ at the table, this can offend both the hosts of the house where you are invited for lunch or dinner, and the chef in the restaurant. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire consider a quiet meal a meal without pleasure. Do not worry about accidentally put on the tablecloth stains. You should even deliberately stain it, thereby making it clear that the food gave you incredible pleasure.

Thailand

Speaking about the most unusual customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, it is worth noting the so-called monkey banquet, which is customary to arrange in the province of Thailand called Lopburi. This happens as follows: literally thousands of kilograms of fresh vegetables and fruits are brought to the local temple and about two thousand monkeys are invited. These animals are loved here because once a whole army of monkeys helped the god Rama to defeat his enemies.

There are other traditions as well. For example, it is not recommended to point at something (and even more so someone) with your foot. The lower part of the body is considered despicable in this country. By the way, it is for this reason that you should not sit with one leg crossed and pointing your feet towards the Buddha statue. Going to Thailand, it is important to know that the Thais honor absolutely every image of a deity, and therefore you should not lean, step on or climb on the statues to make unusual photo. Another local tradition says: be sure to take off your shoes before entering someone's house or temple.

Norway

A special place among the customs and traditions of the peoples of the world is occupied by the way of life of the Norwegians. For example, in this country it is not customary to give up seats in public transport to people of age. The fact is that here it is perceived as a demonstration of physical advantage. What else should not be done in Norway? Ask about well-being. It is considered too personal.

It is not customary in Norway to hug when meeting. Usually people just shake hands or barely touch fingertips. When parting, you can pat each other on the back. Another interesting tradition concerns visits: you should not go to someone without warning. In addition, you must definitely inform the exact time of departure. It will not work to leave later than this time - the owners, without a twinge of conscience, will point to the door at the appointed hour.

Denmark

If you are interested unusual traditions and customs of the peoples of the world, we advise you to pay attention to Denmark. A flag hung in the window means that there is someone in this house who is celebrating a birthday.

A very interesting tradition applies to young people and girls whose age has reached 25 years. They are sprinkled with cinnamon. This is done so that a pleasant smell helps to understand the representatives of the opposite sex that this person single and not averse to getting to know each other.

Japan

Discussing the interesting customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, one cannot but mention the Japanese rituals. It is not customary to leave work until the leader leaves. It is also not customary to greet each other with a handshake, usually they just make a polite bow here.

They say local traditions and the number of flowers that can be given. Unlike Russia, where they give only odd number flowers, in Japan they give only an even number. The Japanese say: a flower without a pair feels lonely, quickly fades. An odd number of flowers is suitable for mourning ceremonies.

Andaman Islands

Getting to know unusual customs and traditions of the peoples of the world, the Andaman Islands cannot be ignored. At a meeting, one native sits on his knees to another native, hugs him by the neck and begins to cry. No, no, he does not complain about his sad life and is not going to tell the tragic episodes from the biography. So he simply expresses the joy of meeting with a fellow tribesman.

Tibet

Among the strangest customs and traditions of the peoples of the world is the Tibetan ritual of showing each other their tongue when they meet. This custom appeared in the 9th century. Then King Landarm ruled Tibet, distinguished by particular cruelty. The main sign of the king was a black tongue. The Tibetans were afraid that the king (or his soul) might move into someone after death, and therefore, for security reasons, they began to show each other tongues.

If you also decide to join this tradition, make sure that you have not eaten anything before that that could stain your tongue in a dark color.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, it is not customary to look into the eyes of your interlocutor. There are two reasons for this: the first is the shyness inherent in the Vietnamese, the second is that the interlocutor may be a more respected person, may have a higher rank. Speaking about the interesting traditions and customs of the peoples of the world concerning children, it is worth noting the Vietnamese ban on praising a newborn child. In this country, it is considered evil spirit, who is nearby, can hear about the value of the baby and steal it.

It is not customary in this country to argue loudly. The Vietnamese are distinguished by self-discipline and good upbringing, and therefore the heated discussions of guests from Europe cause local residents disapproval. If we talk about rather mysterious national customs and the traditions of the peoples of the world, one cannot but say about the tradition of the Vietnamese to hang mirrors on the front doors (from the outside). What for? Everything is very simple - a dragon who wants to get into the house will see his reflection and think that the dragon already lives in this house.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, as, indeed, in other regions of Africa, it is customary to consider left hand dirty, and the right - clean. That is why it is not customary to eat or give gifts with the left hand. The method of accepting gifts is also interesting: first you need to right hand touch the gift, and then you need to hold the giver by his right hand.

USA

In the United States of America, it is customary to celebrate almost any event. This list includes birthdays, weddings, childbirth or pregnancy, and more. For the heroes of the occasion, for example, guests usually arrange a procedure called shedding.

What gifts are showered? It all depends on the occasion. These can be items useful in the household (towels, pancake pans or vases), but you can also receive very frivolous gifts.

wedding customs

Well, as a bonus - wedding traditions and customs different peoples peace. For example, every inhabitant of Andalusia with even a little self-respect before the wedding is simply obliged to jump from a cliff upside down. It's just that ancient traditions say: only a man with a strong skull can marry. But the most interesting thing lies elsewhere: the height of the rock depends on the number of relatives of the future wife - the more of them, the higher the height you have to jump.

It may seem funny wedding tradition, which is observed in some parts of India. Some states prohibit third marriages. You can lead a woman to the altar twice, four times, too, but three times is strictly forbidden. Moreover, only marriage with a living person is prohibited. Therefore, men who decide not to stop at two marriages are forced to marry a tree for the third time. The wedding ceremony is usually not so magnificent, but there are guests and gifts. After the completion of the wedding celebrations, the invitees help the newly-made spouse become a widow - all together they cut down the bride. Problem solved, you can get married again.

Speaking about the wedding traditions and rituals of the peoples of the world, one cannot lose sight of the Greek traditions. Here during everything wedding celebration a young wife wants to step on her husband's foot. The best way to do this is to dance. Such a maneuver, according to local beliefs, suggests that a woman has every chance of becoming the head of the family.

In the Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, a man who expressed a desire to marry a girl had to become her slave for some time (usually from six months to a year). During this time, the girl had to think it over and give an answer. If she agrees to marry, the village council declares the couple husband and wife. In case of refusal, the man was forced to return home.

One of the most interesting wedding traditions and customs of the peoples of the world can safely be called the rituals of Central Nigeria. Here, girls of marriageable age are locked in separate huts and fattened. Only the mothers of these girls are allowed into these huts. For several months (or even years), parents bring their daughters a large number of flour food to make them stout. The fact is that curvy women are highly valued in these places, which means that it is easier for fat women to successfully marry.

It is customary for Vietnamese newlyweds to give two gifts. Here it is believed that one gift symbolizes a quick divorce. Therefore, it is better to present two inexpensive gifts than one expensive one.

From time immemorial, every nation has surrounded its life with regulated rules, hoping who will protect themselves from evil spirits, and who will negotiate with the forces of nature in their favor. They are usually associated with religious beliefs, economic and social restrictions adopted in this society. It seemed to people that only by performing ancient rituals, they could achieve all sorts of benefits from fate, the goodwill of the gods, ensure the health of all the descendants of their kind up to the tenth generation. Therefore, most of these rituals are associated with the most important episodes life: with the position and status of a member of a family or tribe among relatives, with the stages of sexual maturation, with childbirth and with a funeral, with invocations of a rich hunt or catch, a large harvest ...

Many of these traditions today seem devoid of elementary meaning and monstrously cruel, if not misanthropic! However, they still exist in the world, they are studied by ethnographers and, surprisingly, they find logical explanations for even the most strange and dangerous rituals.

The most unusual traditions, rituals and customs. Top 5

1. Here Africa, and the Masai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. In the life of the hunting community, the most important qualities of every mature man are endurance and stamina. Boys stay there until they are almost 30 years old. To become recognized man, you must go through a special initiation rite, which is called "emuratare". It takes place every 10-15 years and is attended by ten to twenty-year-olds.

For its implementation, the population of the whole world erects an entire village. On the appointed day, solemn dances and ceremonial singing, a feast take place, and the boys must drink a "cocktail" of bull's blood, milk and alcohol, after which the elders circumcise them. This is the most crucial moment in the male life of this tribe. After circumcision, the boy is considered a man and a warrior who has proven his fearlessness, willpower and contempt for mortal pain.

The wound heals for three months, and all this time the circumcised walk in black clothes and live separately, in huts built for them by women. It is believed that these women express their respect for the new warriors. But the ceremony does not end there: for ten years the young men live in camps-villages, where they study the military wisdom adopted in their tribe and the traditions of their ancestors, learn to hunt and protect their village, and also raise livestock. Then follows the second part of the initiation: "eunoto". This great holiday during which the mother young man shaves his head. From now on, he is considered a senior warrior, and only after that he is allowed to marry.

3. But in Japan women are treated differently. A girl's first menstruation is celebrated as a great day in the life of both herself and her family. Among the treats, there must be red rice - but not because of the color, but for the reason that this is the most expensive variety of rice. Agree, wise and beautiful tradition glorify a woman and her power of procreation!

4. What can not be said about some European countries. Here is an unexpected example - a rich and respectable Switzerland. The purest air, excellent ecology, famous ski resorts, the most authoritative banks ... Well, who would have thought that in this most civilized country such a wild tradition is to roll the bride in the mud? Yes, yes, in the literal sense.