The most interesting customs of the peoples of the world (11 photos)

The most interesting customs of the peoples of the world.

1.

Each country has its own customs. Somewhere they are carefully preserved and observed since ancient times, somewhere traditions change over time, acquiring new forms.





2.

Japan



Let's start with exotic Japan. History and modernity are surprisingly harmoniously combined here.

For a long time, the Japanese have been observing “Hanami” - the meditative tradition of admiring flowers.

It happens like this: every year local residents and tourists eagerly await the beginning of the blossoming of ume cherry and sakura trees, because they are the ones who give harmony to the soul. They announce on TV where the trees in the country will be the first to bloom, after which everyone rushes there to admire the wonderful spectacle.

It's funny to see how, at the end of a busy day, office employees in formal suits rush to the park to give rest to the mind and become spiritually richer.

3.

Finland





This northern country celebrates Christmas in an unusual way. So, from early morning the Finns, as usual, rush to work, but return home by lunchtime.

After a sumptuous feast, at nightfall, it is customary for a friendly group to go to the cemetery to honor the memory of departed relatives and friends. Moreover, everything takes place in a rather cheerful, bright atmosphere - the Christmas holiday is considered joyful for everyone.

Then the Finns leave lighted candles on the graves and go to the sauna, where the festivities continue until the morning.

4.

Italy



Italians celebrate the New Year in an unusual way. On the eve of the holiday, these temperamental people literally get rid of everything old - they simply throw things out the window, and even furniture goes “flying”.

This is because they believe here: the more unnecessary boring things you throw away when the chimes ring, the happier you will be in the new year.

5.

Caucasus



Of course, the highlanders are famous for the art of making toasts - they have no equal in this skill.

It is interesting that during the monologue (which can last several tens of minutes!) none of the guests should drink from their glass: the speech must be listened to to the end. You can drink only when the toast is over.

Let's give an example of one good Caucasian toast.

A young man came to the sage and asked: “Please tell me, what is happiness?” The sage answers him: “Happiness is a very flexible concept. For a mother, happiness is a baby, for a merchant - a new strong horse. Think about what exactly you crave, what you love, what you dream about - that’s how you’ll be happy!” So let’s drink to each of us realizing our own happiness!

6.

Denmark



Birthdays are celebrated all over the world, although everyone does it in their own way. In small Denmark, for example, there is a long-standing tradition of hanging a flag on the façade of one’s house on a birthday: in this way, the birthday person informs passers-by about the celebration and indirectly invites them to the light.

7.

Thailand



In Thailand, there is an ancient tradition of pouring water on each other during the Songkran holiday - the Eastern New Year, which is celebrated on April 13-15.

This is a traditional Buddhist family holiday. In addition to mutual dousing, on this day it is customary to make offerings to Buddhist lamas and wash the home Buddha statue with fragrant water with jasmine and rose petals.

Here they believe that the liquid washes away all the negativity of the outgoing year.

8.

India



In India, the festival of colors is held annually - Holi. This holiday does not have an exact date: the main condition is spring time and the full moon.

Holi is a festival of joy and renewal. On this day, Indians sprinkle each other with colored powder, which can be bought at any market.

This is an unusual way to celebrate spring in India. Interestingly, a beautiful legend is associated with the origin of the tradition: they say that once the deity Krishna fell in love with a simple girl, but she did not reciprocate his feelings - he was too much like a person.

A way out of the situation was suggested by Krishna’s resourceful mother, Yashoda. She advised her son to paint his face with colored powder to please his lover. This is what Krishna did, giving India a new original custom.

9.

Nigeria



Many countries have interesting wedding traditions. For example, in Norway the main treat of the holiday table is considered to be simple wheat porridge with cream. It is rare that a wedding is complete without the ceremony of ransoming the bride and breaking dishes for good luck. In Switzerland, it is customary to throw mud at the bride, apparently so that no one else will set their sights on her.

But the most amazing custom exists in Nigeria. It turns out that thin brides are not popular there, and about a month before the wedding, the girl is heavily fattened so that she becomes plump and is liked by her future husband.

10.

Kenya



As you know, Africans are excellent dancers: any white person will envy their flexibility and sense of rhythm! However, not everyone knows that the Maasai tribe from Kenya has a tradition of a welcome dance.

According to custom, it is performed only by men. The dancers line up in an even circle and begin to jump in place. Here they believe that the higher the jump, the braver the warrior: these skills can be used when hunting lions.

eleven.

Spain



Perhaps one of the strangest traditions exists in Spain. We are talking about the holiday “El Colacho”, which is usually celebrated in the town of Castrillo de Murcia.

It goes like this: on the streets of the town, children under the age of one year are laid out on soft pillows. Then the fun begins: men dressed in devilish, frightening costumes jump over babies, saving them, as the Spaniards believe, from original sin. After the “race,” the archbishop blesses the kids, and they return to their parents.

Let's add: the original holiday in Spain has been celebrated since 1621, and since then, fortunately, not a single child has been harmed.

This is how beautiful and amazing our world is. Travel more and you will learn a lot of new and interesting things!