Results: 12 strange customs and traditions around the world
Published on 04/16/2018
Strange customs and traditions around the world

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1.
1.
Pictured: Tomato craze in Spain. Which strange customs and traditions from around the world have you heard of (Part One)?

Tomato craze in Spain: La Tomatina is the biggest tomato fight that exists. It is a strange culture among the Valencians in Bunol where tomatoes are used as weapons.
38%
898 votes
Sardine burial in Tenerife: A custom tradition among Spaniards is actually burying a sardine, with a funeral procession of mourners in black. It mostly occurs at the highly spirited moments in the Christian calendar such as lent and the advent period.
4%
88 votes
The Polterabend custom in Germany: Just before couples are wed, their families and close friends meet for an informal affair. Then, all guests are requested to break things such as dinnerwares and flower vases, anything except glasses. As soon as the entire place is in disarray, the couples should clear up the broken things. This tradition shows the couple the significance of being united and of hard work, which is necessary to make their marriage work.
7%
155 votes
Camel wrestling in Turkey: Many spectators are delighted to watch two male camels fight. Even though there are no injuries that afflict the animals, as with cock fighting, or the audience, as with bull running in Spain. Still, people are asked to stay away from the camels throughout the wrestling match. Agitated camels tend to discharge saliva with a sticky texture and a disgusting smell.
4%
88 votes
Blubbing Brides in China: Brides cry for about a month, which is considered part of the wedding preparations. This culture is still observed by the Fuji living in Wuling Mountains.
2%
59 votes
The Nag Panchami festival in India: This festival is all about worshipping snakes that are specially gathered for the occasion. It is celebrated in the rural areas Maharashtra and in certain temples. During Nag Panchami, people dance to the music carrying snakes in pots which are placed on their head and join the procession towards the temple. After chants and prayers, the snakes are sprinkled with a mixture of turmeric and red powder and offered a mix of honey and milk, after which they are released into the temple courtyard. Even though some of the most venomous snakes, including cobras, are used in the ritual, people suffering from snake bites is almost unheard of.
5%
119 votes
All of the above.
3%
75 votes
None of the above.
53%
1244 votes
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Pictured: Moving the entire home in the Philippines. Which strange customs and traditions from around the world have you heard of (Part Two)?

Bayanihan in the Philippines: This custom involves the practice of moving the entire home to a new location. Villagers gather, lift up the home and carry it over quite a long distance. It also happens during predicted floods or landslides.
5%
123 votes
Foot binding in China: Young girls were compelled to go through the painful process of foot binding. For almost a thousand years, the Chinese thought that small feet were marks of beauty and desirability among girls. This perception caused the Chinese men and women to intentionally restrict the girls' feet from growing bigger by binding them. In the late 1940's, this tradition was stopped because of the debilitating experience that young Chinese girls suffered from.
40%
937 votes
Tooth filling in Indonesia: In Bali, a rather peculiar ritual is performed by both genders before marriage. They fill two teeth. It is done to keep any evil forces or characteristics such as greed, lust, anger, stupidity, confusion, jealousy and intoxication away from the couple.
5%
116 votes
Welcome drinks in Fiji: You may have noticed this when you were welcomed to the Pacific nation. Guests are served a strange earthy cocktail made from squeezing roots and served in a wooden bowl or bucket. It's called Kava, but cannot in anyway compare to the Spanish bubbles. Kava is considered narcotics in many countries, although a very mild one.
5%
116 votes
The Haka in New Zealand: The Maori practices a way of spectating that involves grunting, menacing facial expressions, loud chanting, stomping, guttural howling, tongue wagging and chest thumping. It may sound like a guy trying to pick up a girl in western nightclubs, but it is meant to strike fear and awe into the opponents.
9%
209 votes
Initiation custom in Brazil: It is strange how young boys prove their bravery and strength. In the Satare Mawe tribe they showcase the courage by placing hands in a basket filled with angry bullet ants. The bites are real pain.
3%
75 votes
All of the above.
3%
65 votes
None of the above.
51%
1200 votes
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Pictured: Welcome drinks in Fiji. Is there any other strange customs & traditions from around the world that you have heard of? If yes, please list them in the comment section below.

Yes
9%
211 votes
No
91%
2151 votes
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