Travel Curiosities: Strange Customs Around the World

Strange customs around the world. Traveling isn't just about stunning landscapes or historical monuments – it's also about immersing yourself in cultures that defy our understanding.

You strange customs around the world reveal traditions that, at first glance, may seem absurd, but carry deep meanings for those who practice them.

From rituals involving animal blood to festivals where babies are literally thrown into the air, every country has its own eccentricities.

According to a study by Journal of Anthropological Research (2024), 73% of travelers say that unusual cultural experiences are more memorable than visits to traditional tourist attractions.

Get ready for a journey through the most peculiar habits on the planet – some funny, some disturbing, but all fascinating.

1. Eating Insects is Just the Beginning, Strange Customs Around the World

While in the West the idea of eating insects is repulsive, in many cultures they are considered nutritious and even gourmet delicacies.

In Thailand, fried water bugs are sold at street stalls as a snack crunchy. In Mexico, chapulines (crickets seasoned with garlic and lemon) are a traditional snack in Oaxaca.

But why eat insects? In addition to being rich in protein, their farming is sustainable.

The FAO (Food Organization of the United Nations) estimates that entomophagy (insect consumption) could be a solution to global food security.

Where to try it?

• Thailand: Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.
• Mexico: Fairs of Oaxaca.
• South Africa: Mopane worms (dehydrated caterpillars) in local markets.

2. Spitting to Bless: When Saliva is a Sign of Respect, strange customs around the world

For the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people of Kenya and Tanzania, spitting is not a disgusting act, but a way of showing respect.

During traditional ceremonies, warriors spit on their hands before greeting elders.

But the most curious thing? Parents usually spit in the face of newborns to bless them and protect them from the evil eye. For the Maasai, saliva symbolizes life and energy.

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Why does this persist?

• Ancestral culture: The tradition comes from generations and resists globalization.
• Spiritual meaning: Saliva is seen as a vehicle of blessings.

3. Silence in the Elevator? Only in Finland, strange customs around the world

In Finland, talking in an elevator is considered unnecessary – and even embarrassing. Finns value silence in public spaces, and casual conversation can be seen as intrusive.

In India, however, the opposite is true: negotiating prices in markets involves shouting and dramatic gestures. For Indians, bargaining loudly is a sign of honesty.

How to adapt?

• Finland: Keep quiet and just smile.
• India: Get in the game and bargain with enthusiasm.

4. Breaking Plates to Celebrate: The Danish Tradition

In Denmark, breaking dishes on someone's doorstep is not an act of vandalism, but a gesture of good luck.

During New Year's parties, guests bring old dishes to throw at the host's entrance.

Origin of the custom:

• Symbolism: The shards represent prosperity.
• History: It comes from ancient Nordic rituals to ward off evil spirits.

5. Lip Pointing: The Filipino Secret Code

In the Philippines, pointing fingers is considered rude.

Instead, locals use their lips to indicate directions – a subtle movement that can go unnoticed by tourists.

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How it works?

• Gesture: Simply project your lips in the desired direction.
• Context: Used in markets and busy streets.

6. Paying to be “Kidnapped”: The Romanian Wedding

In Romania, the “bride kidnapping” (kidnapping the bride) is a theatrical tradition.

The groom “kidnaps” the bride before the wedding, and her family demands a symbolic ransom.

How does it happen?

1. The groom arrives with friends to “take” the bride.
2. The family bargains for a ransom (usually booze).
3. Everyone celebrates afterwards.

7. Cow Dung as Sacred: India and Its Rituals

In India, cow dung is not just a fertilizer – it is used in religious rituals, to purify homes, and even as fuel.

Unusual uses:

• Medicinal: Mixed with herbs in Ayurvedic remedies.
• Architectural: Floors in rural houses are covered with a mixture of manure and clay.

8. El Colacho: The Festival of Flying Babies, strange customs around the world

In Spain, the El Colacho involves men dressed as devils jumping on mattresses where babies are lying. The ritual is believed to ward off evil.

Controversy:

• Reviews: Some consider it dangerous.
• Defense: There have never been any accidents recorded.

9. Cow's Blood as a Superfood

The Samburu people of Kenya consume a mixture of cow's blood and milk as a source of protein. The blood is collected without killing the animal.

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Nutritional benefits:

• High iron content.
• Fast source of energy.

10. Kopi Luwak: The World's Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Poop

In Indonesia, the Kopi Luwak It is made from coffee beans excreted by civets. The digestive process enhances the flavor, creating a smooth, bitter-free coffee.

Price: It can reach US$ 700/kg.
Controversy: Some farms keep civets in captivity, raising ethical questions.

Conclusion: What Do These Customs Teach Us?, strange customs around the world

You strange customs around the world show that normality is relative. What seems absurd to some is sacred to others.

Traveling with an open mind allows us to not only observe, but respect these differences.

Which of these traditions surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do some cultures eat insects?

Insects are rich in protein and their farming is more sustainable than traditional livestock farming.

2. Is the “bride kidnapping” in Romania real?

It is symbolic and combined, part of a cultural tradition.

3. Is Kopi Luwak coffee safe?

Yes, as long as the beans are properly washed and roasted.

4. Why do Maasai spit on babies?

Saliva is considered a vehicle of blessings and protection.

5. Are there other dangerous festivals like El Colacho?

Yes, like the Cheese Rolling in the UK, where people roll down a hill after cheese.

Enrique Medeiros Updated April 29, 2025