Like popular stuff only in France, there are traditions or habits specific to each country in the world. Sometimes it’s cool. And then other times… Our somewhat closed minds don’t understand all the ins and outs of the project. Stuff deemed normal by one country, and weird by all the others. Yes, the shit character of the French would clearly have had its place here, hihi.
1. Put babies to sleep outside at -10°c in Scandinavian countries
If you have to walk in Sweden, Denmark or Norway, you will come across abandoned strollers in the streets, especially in front of restaurants or cafes. Before you ask yourself the question: yes, there are babies inside, digging deep. If for us, this practice may seem strange, it is in fact very common in these countries. Scandinavians believe that children sleep better outdoors, especially when the temperature is low. The “Nordic siesta” also helps develop the immune system.
2. In Vietnam, when the waiter gives you the menu, he stays next to you until you choose
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much pressure would you say it puts on you to have a guy who stays behind you waiting? Personally, I think I’ll give it a good 9/10.
“Hello, we are Leo and Lea. We wait until you have made your choice by setting yourself firmly. »
3. In India, we play the national anthem before each cinema session
The “Jana Gana Mana” is broadcast before each session, and the country’s flag is projected at the same time. At this precise moment, the public must stand up. A measure decided by the Supreme Court to “promote patriotism”. This decision was inevitably controversial, with some Indians seeing it as an attack on their individual freedom.
4. In India, the feet of elders are touched in greeting and respect
All fetishists in France already on flight comparators for a Paris – New Delhi. In fact, in India, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Contrary to what we do in France by kissing each other, we never touch someone’s kiss. Moreover, in India, kissing is clearly considered a sexual act. On the other hand, touching the feet is ok. It is a mark of respect. The feet, which touch the ground, are considered dirty and unclean.
5. In Poland, for Easter, they sprinkle themselves with frozen water and whip the women with twigs of sage
This is called the “Smigus-dyngus”, also called “lany poniedzia?ek” or: “Flooded Monday”. Water symbolizes life and recalls baptism. Basically, we understand. On the form, why do guys spray single girls especially, and above all, why do they whip them with sage?
6. Put milk in tea, England
While the rest of the world agonizes over silly milk and cereal debates, the English enjoy a nice little milk tea. Yes yes. Milk in tea. It looks weird, but in reality, it’s really not bad! This tradition has since spread to Commonwealth countries.
7. In Bhutan, people treat each other to penis paintings
No, it’s not to make little jokes between friends! On the contrary, it is something very serious in this Buddhist kingdom. Generally speaking, the erect penis is seen as able to ward off evil spirits and gossip. For this reason, a lot of phallus painting is found on house facades: stylized or realistic, surrounded by ribbon or dragon, with one, two or three (yes, yes) balls: there is something for everyone. Really want to visit this small country, personally!
(Source)
8. Kiss to say hello/goodbye
Nearly 200 countries in the world, and only three teubés who stick their drool on their cheeks to greet each other: France, Portugal and Italy. It’s boring, sometimes it stings, it’s intrusive, it’s long, it’s filthy. Anyway, let’s stop this. I propose to replace the bise by fucks. It would be a little funnier, admit it.
“Hello-han. Are you *smac* doing *smac* well-han? *smac*”
9. Take a year older every January 1st, in South Korea
In Korea, the 9 months of pregnancy count as one year. A child, on the day of his birth, is one year old. But that’s not all ! the age change does not take place on the birthday, but every January 1st, for everyone! A child born on December 15 will therefore be 2 years old, two weeks after birth.
10. In India, you can symbolically marry a tree
More than power, marrying a tree is more than advisable in certain cases! According to Indian beliefs, women born “Mangliks” (under the influence of the planet Mars) are subject to an astrological combination that would cause the early death of their future husband. To counter bad luck, only one possibility: marry a tree then destroy it before marrying the man of your life. Not trivial.
11. The flag of Nepal is the only one that is not rectangular
A shape certainly known as a “half mini Christmas tree without a trunk”. It does not run the streets.
12. Colombians put cheese in their hot chocolate
We have already told you about it in the top of different foods depending on the country: they call it a “Chocolate Santafereño”. I would rather call it a “chocolate Satan fereno”. Such a mixture necessarily comes from hell.
13. …. Same thing in Sweden, but in coffee
Want to vomit. Really.
14. In Slovakia, the carp that will be eaten for Christmas is first kept, alive, in the bathtub
It’s one of the country’s traditions: carp destined for Christmas dinner first spend a few days in the family bathtub, to wash away all their freshwater fish grime. You have to be comfortable with the idea of crossing this thing every morning when you wake up, anyway.
15. Until recently, the streets of Costa Rica had no name.
A somewhat obsolete point since things have changed a bit since 2020 in the big cities, but still! Getting around Costa Rica or sending mail is generally not easy for foreigners. Indeed, the streets of Costa Rica traditionally do not have plaques indicating their names. To indicate a place, the inhabitants use local landmarks, such as the location of shops or monuments. A hell of a treasure hunt for Amazon delivery people!
