Traditions are rituals and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some interesting traditions of different countries are widespread and adopted by one and all such as celebrating Christmas and birthdays, and then there are some that are quite strange or interesting and practiced only by a niche group of people. So, while you have booked rooms in one of the kid-friendly resorts in France for your upcoming family vacation or plan to spend a home-away-from-home holiday in one of the unique Airbnb vacation rentals in South Korea, you can find interesting traditions around the world on our list that are both informative and amusing – some even determine the travel dates of curious wanderers. Continue reading to delve more into the top interesting traditions from around the world.
- Hanging Coffins in Sagada, Philippines: There is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in limestone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe of Mountain Province, which became a common belief among the people in northern Philippines. They believe that this ritual prevents monsters and beasts from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.
2. Throwing Broken Dishes in Denmark: Every year, the people of Denmark save their broken dishes until New Year’s. Then, to ring in the New Year, they throw the broken dishes at the homes of their family and friends.
This bizarre, centuries-old tradition is meant to wish people good luck in the year ahead.
3. Day of Silence in Bali, Indonesia: Bali’s Day of Silence, or Nyepi, as they call it, is a holiday celebrated with fasting as well as meditation. It is basically New Year in Balinese calendar. The whole island shuts off all sounds, lights, and all other activities, so there is peace all around. Days before the actual celebration, Balinese people really take their time to make the ogoh-ogoh (demon) statues that will be used and paraded through the streets during the ceremony of Pengrupukan, which is celebrated the day before Nyepi. The statues are then usually burnt after supposedly attracting demons and evil spirits so as to rid the place of the negative entities. Because of its intriguing nature, tourists even come to Bali specifically to witness Nyepi and the festivities that take place before it.
4. Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea: Some of the unique traditions around the world are major crowd-pullers. For example, the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. With roots dating back to 1998, this festival was initially conceived as a marketing strategy to promote the health benefits of the mineral-rich mud from the Boryeong region. It has since transformed into a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually.
Participants revel in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mudslides, mud wrestling, and even a mud marathon. Beyond the therapeutic and beauty aspects of the mud, the festival features live music, food stalls, and vibrant street performances. It is a blend of wellness, recreation, and entertainment, all of which make it a truly interesting and immersive celebration.
5. Famadihana: dancing with the dead in Madagascar: Also called the turning of the bones, this festival honors the dead and celebrates family ties. Every seven years or so, families who can afford lavish dinners for guests and new clothes for the living families and the dead ancestors, celebrate the Famadihana festival. The living families dance with their dead ancestors to show them respect. They even give out gifts for the dead. Crying is discouraged during the celebration. Families in Madagascar have been practicing this for many years, and intend to continue the strange tradition in future, as well.
6. Throwing cinnamon to those still single at 25 in Denmark: Some of the birthday traditions around the world are quite strange. For example, in Denmark, they have an interesting yet weird tradition of throwing cinnamon at people who are still single at 25. The individual is doused with lots of cinnamon sticks on his/her birthday, mostly by friends and well-wishers. It’s interesting because it motivates you to look for a partner before you turn 25. If you like cinnamon though, then this shouldn’t bother you.
