Travel customs culture of peoples. Interesting customs of different countries

Planet Earth is inhabited by many different peoples and nations, differing from each other in traditions, religion, culture, language of communication, which cannot be said about rituals. They are the ones that are mostly repeated among many peoples, causing surprise in their complete or partial similarity. The rituals differ in their execution, but carry the same meaning.

What is the connection between the customs and religious characteristics of peoples?

There are many religions, but the main and more widespread are Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Thanks to faith, we carried on liberation wars, enmity and conflicts between different peoples. It would seem that such beliefs have nothing in common. But in reality, everything is not so simple.

By placing boundaries between peoples based on their religious affiliation, humanity is moving away from higher intelligence. It is no coincidence that the rituals of one nation have many common features with the traditions of other peoples. In most cases, the customs of African tribes are similar to Eurasian ones. There is a lot in common in weddings, or funeral rituals, as well as in conspiracies, prayers, communication between relatives.

Why are the rituals of different nations repeated?

The answer to this question should be sought in the distant past. Before modern man news came that most of peoples were previously classified as pagans. People believed in various gods, in extraterrestrial civilizations that patronized humanity in the old days.

Higher powers gave the ancestors many covenants, a wealth of knowledge aimed at training the right image life. If such rules were violated, then the time came for retribution and punishment.

With the development of civilizations, the customs of the pagans gradually faded into the background, but this was not always the case. They were transformed in the culture of certain states, they were united with a new religion.

It is worth noting that Muslim celebrations can be a copy of Christian ones. For example, rituals Tatar people, whose religion is Islam, largely echo the traditions of the Russian people. Customs are passed on from one generation to another, improved, modified, even supplemented, or some details are abolished. Taken together, the purpose of any ritual clearly reflects its importance and relevance today.

Many traditions and rituals continue to exist today in their original form.

Slavic rituals and holidays

The traditions and customs of the Slavs have passed through many centuries, undergone certain changes, but still survived, and today they continue to live and delight people. The most ancient rituals are related to paganism, which was considered necessary for humans. After all, according to this religion, the purpose of the individual on earth was explained.

One of the ancient and well-known rituals among various Slavic peoples is associated with the deity Makosh. The celebration was celebrated between October and November. Gatherings during this period were the starting point so that we could prepare for the winter season.

It was in the name of Mokosh that they organized folk festivals. Representatives of the Slavic peoples worshiped this deity, performed a ritual of sacrifice, and brought various gifts. People did everything so that Makosha would provide her assistance in obtaining the rich harvest needed next year.

For the most part, the rituals of the Slavs had to do with agriculture, since people in those days were busy with their lands and therefore the main thing for them was the harvest necessary for life.

Ancient rituals and church holidays

To this day, customs associated with visiting the graves of deceased relatives have been preserved. People go to the cemetery in church holidays, such as Trinity, Radunitsa, as well as Dmitrievskaya Saturday. This is where the tradition of remembering the dead came from, with candles lit and food and drinks left on their graves.

Among the ancient rituals are the Christmastide, which is still in effect today, in honor of which people at home commemorate their deceased relatives and friends. Holy Thursday is also relevant. IN in this case A ritual associated with purity is performed. On this day, it is necessary to clean the entire house and wash all family members. The essence of the tradition is that this is how the souls of dead people are cleansed and warmed.

Today, humanity also celebrates an ancient Slavic holiday called Maslenitsa. This solemn event is closely connected with remembrance, and therefore today, as in the old days, they continue to prepare pancakes, which are taken to the grave of deceased relatives, and perform a ritual of remembrance.

During the celebration of Maslenitsa, fist fights were held in the air, and other competitions were also held under open air. Among the ancient Christian rites, there was a commemoration of a deceased person. Customs such as Wedding and Baptism came to modern world from the distant past.

Popular holidays and traditions associated with religion

With the retreat of paganism, holidays and rituals began to appear, incorporating teachings from religion. Every religion has its own special traditions, which can be daily, weekly, or annual. There are episodic rituals that are performed only once in a lifetime. Usually, they are related to life processes such as the birth of a child, marriage, or the death of a person.

The main traditions in Christianity

Among the important and basic customs in Christendom It is customary to consider such as birth, baptism, marriage with the accompanying wedding, death with the subsequent funeral service. The brightest holiday of Easter is considered the brightest and most important celebration in the Christian world. This tradition ends with Lent.

Another colorful holiday is the Nativity of Christ, which is preceded by the Advent Fast.

The main traditions in Islam

Every Muslim is required to read a prayer called Namaz. A person should pray 5 times every day, regardless of where he is. In the Muslim world, there are several main celebrations that have their own meaning. This is Kurban Bayram - the ritual of sacrifice, Uraza Bayram - the holiday of breaking the fast, including Miraj - the night on which the seer Muhammad is raised to heaven, Mawlid - the birth of the prophet.

Ceremonial events are held according to the Muslim calendar.

Main traditions of Buddhism

This religion places a special place on human death. An unusual burial ritual is performed, which includes several stages in its organization. Here it is necessary to read prayers, illuminate the burial places, and also perform a funeral service for the deceased person.

Vesak is an important holiday in Buddhism. This is a bright solemn ceremony held on the occasion of the birth, enlightenment, and departure of Gautama Buddha from the world of the living.

The New Year is significant in Buddhism. He is better known as Tsagan Sar. It is celebrated differently, depending on the school or direction. For Buddhists, such a celebration is associated with renewal, a new period in life. This festive event It is carried out quite brightly and beautifully.

The main traditions in Judaism

Considering important holidays and customs related to religion, it is worth noting the peculiarities of the traditions and ceremonial events of Jewish Judaists. The most important and significant day in Judaism is the day of God - Saturday, that is, Shabbat. According to tradition, one commandment out of ten is fulfilled.

At this time, you cannot work on the seventh day of the week. Shabbat is a very important ritual that is considered a fundamental part of the Jewish life process. Such a significant day has its own greeting - Shabbat Shalom.

Chuppah - beautiful holiday in Judaism, relating to the moment of marriage. The name of the solemn event comes from the canopy of the same name, which serves to hold a wedding ceremony under it. At the same time, people sing songs, dance, and perform ancient rituals aimed at the protection and well-being of the newlyweds.

Passover is another important and interesting holiday, which in Russian means Easter.

Shavuot is a holiday event held to commemorate God's presentation of the Ten Commandments from the Bible to Moses.

The world of traditions, rituals, holidays, and religions of various peoples coexisting on one planet is diverse and amazing.

Every nation existing in our world has its own traditions, customs and rituals. And as many of these peoples as there are, so many traditions - very different, unusual, funny, shocking, romantic. But whatever they are, they are honored and passed on from generation to generation.

As our reader might have already guessed, today we will introduce the most unusual greetings of the peoples of the world, as well as their traditions and customs.

Samoa

Samoans sniff each other when they meet. For them, this is more of a tribute to their ancestors than a serious ritual. Once upon a time, in this way, Samoans tried to find out where the person they were greeting was from. The smell could tell how many people walked through the jungle or when last time ate But most often a stranger was identified by smell.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, representatives of the indigenous population, the Maori, touch noses when meeting each other. This tradition goes back centuries. It is called “hongi” and symbolizes the breath of life - “ha”, which goes back to the gods themselves. After this, the Maori perceive the person as their friend, and not just as a stranger. This tradition is observed even at meetings at the “highest level”, so do not be surprised if you see on TV how the president of some country rubs noses with a representative of New Zealand. This is etiquette and cannot be violated.

Andaman Islands

A native Andaman Islander sits on another's lap, hugs his neck and cries. And don’t think that he is complaining about his fate or wants to tell some tragic episode from his life. Thus, he rejoices at meeting his friend, and tears are the sincerity with which he meets his fellow tribesman.

Kenya

The Maasai tribe is the oldest in Kenya, it is famous for its ancient and unusual rituals. One of these rituals is the welcome dance to Adam. It is performed only by men of the tribe, usually during wars. The dancers stand in a circle and begin to jump high. The higher he jumps, the more clearly he will show his bravery and courage. Since the Maasai are subsistence farmers, they often have to jump like this when hunting lions and other animals.

Tibet

In Tibet, when meeting, people stick their tongues out at each other. This custom dates back to the 9th century, when Tibet was ruled by the tyrant king Landarma. He had a black tongue. So the Tibetans were afraid that after his death the king might inhabit someone else and therefore decided to stick out their tongues in order to protect themselves from evil. If you also want to follow this custom, make sure that you do not eat anything that stains your tongue. dark color, otherwise misunderstanding may occur. The arms are usually kept crossed on the chest.

Japan

And not only in Japan, but everywhere in the east, you must be prepared for one of the main traditions of the peoples of the east - immediately take off your shoes. In Japan, you will be offered slippers to bridge the distance between the front door and the living room, where you will again have to remove the slippers before stepping onto the tatami (reed mat). Of course, you need to make sure your socks are spotlessly clean. And when leaving the living room, be careful not to put on someone else’s slippers.

* When you give a gift, it's good to show modesty again by saying something like, “Sorry it's such a small thing,” or, “You might not like the gift.”

* When guests arrive, they are always offered some kind of treat. Even if a person shows up unexpectedly, he will usually be offered a snack, even if it is just a cup of rice with pickled vegetables and tea. If you are invited to a Japanese restaurant, unforeseen situations may arise, from which the inviter will be happy to help you find a decent way out. For example, he will tell you when and where to take off your shoes.

It is not at all necessary to sit in the Japanese manner, with your legs tucked under you. Most Japanese, like Europeans, quickly get tired of this. Men are allowed to cross their legs, but women are subject to stricter requirements: they must sit with their legs tucked under them, or, for convenience, moved to the side. Sometimes a guest may be offered a low chair with a backrest. It is not customary to stretch your legs forward.

* When you are offered a drink, you need to lift the glass and wait until it is filled. It is recommended to return the favor to your neighbors.

* In both the Japanese home and the meeting room, the place of honor is usually located away from the door next to the tokonoma (a wall niche containing a scroll and other decorations). A guest may, out of modesty, refuse to sit in a place of honor. Even if this causes a slight hesitation, it is better to act in such a way that later they will not talk about you as an immodest person. Before sitting down, you must wait until the guest of honor is seated. If he is delayed, then everyone gets up upon his arrival.

* Before starting the meal, oshibori is served - a hot, damp towel; they wipe the face and hands with it. They start the meal with the word “Itadakimas!” and bow slightly, everyone who sits at the table and takes part in the meal says this. This word has many meanings, in this case it means: “I’m starting to eat with your permission!” The first to start the meal is the owner or the one who, say, invites you to a restaurant. As a rule, soup and rice are served first. Rice is generally served with all dishes. If you need to rearrange cups or plates yourself, rearrange them with both hands.

China or Japan

The chopsticks should be leaning against the dish and raised two-thirds up. You should never put food on chopsticks like a spear, cross them over each other on a plate, stack them on different sides of the dish, point chopsticks at people, use chopsticks to pull the dish closer to yourself, or, worst of all, stick them into rice. This is exactly what the Japanese do at funerals, leaving rice with chopsticks stuck vertically into it near the deceased. The traditions of the Japanese people do not allow a frivolous attitude towards death.

Thailand

The head of any person in Thailand, regardless of age, gender and social status considered sacred. According to centuries-old Thai belief, the spirit of a person, which protects his life, is located in the head. Therefore, stroking a person’s head, ruffling his hair, or simply touching a person’s head is perceived as a real insult.

Thai women should generally not be touched without their consent, as most of them have conservative views and may also perceive this gesture as an insult.

You should not point at anything, much less at anyone, with your foot or lower body, which is considered “despicable” here.

For the same reason, you should never sit cross-legged with your feet pointing towards the Buddha statue. Thais revere every image of him, so be careful not to climb or lean on the statues to take photos.

According to traditions in Thailand, before entering a temple or Thai home, you should take off your shoes, even if the owners hospitably assure you that you don’t have to take off your shoes.

A restrained, calm, friendly tone and a constant smile are encouraged in communication. Avoid familiarity and raising your voice.

India

Let's start with a greeting. You can say hello by simply shaking hands, as we are used to. But there are some subtleties. It is considered bad form to shake hands with someone you have not met before. In addition, women should not shake hands with Hindus, as this may be considered an insult. The most respectful greeting among Indians is namaste, which involves joining your palms at chest level.

When meeting a Hindu, you need to remember that their names consist of several parts. It's worth it first given name, then the name of his father, then the name of the caste to which he belongs and the name of the locality of his residence. For women, the name contains her own name and the name of her spouse.

When saying goodbye, Indians raise their palm and wave only their fingers. We also sometimes use a similar gesture, only in India this is how one says goodbye to a girl. If you say goodbye to a man, just raise your palm.

The following gestures should not be used:

* just like with us, it is considered impolite to point somewhere with your index finger;

* you shouldn't wink at a pretty girl. This gesture is indecent and speaks of a specific proposal. If a man needs a representative the oldest profession, you need to point your index finger to the nostril;

* You don't need to snap your fingers to get someone's attention. This is perceived as a challenge;

* vibrating with fingers clenched into a bun - a sign to the interlocutor that he is afraid;

* double clapping of palms is a hint of a different orientation.

IN India exists animal cult. Some representatives of the animal world have been elevated to the rank of sacred. Temples are built especially for monkeys. For example, famous Palace Vetrov, where monkeys live in such numbers and are so aggressive that tourists are not recommended to even go there! Along the streets settlements other sacred animals - cows - are walking around. They live own life and die a natural death, since they are forbidden to be eaten.

Another animal is the peacock. They literally live happily ever after - they sing their noisy songs everywhere: in churches, on the streets and in the courtyards of private houses.

When visiting the temple, you must take off your shoes when entering and enter barefoot. Products from genuine leather It’s better to exclude it from your wardrobe altogether. This is considered blasphemy.

Vietnam

Vietnamese people never make eye contact when speaking. Perhaps because of their inherent shyness. But the main reason is that, following tradition, they do not look into the eyes of those they respect or those of higher rank.

The smiles of Vietnamese people can often cause misunderstanding among foreigners and even lead to awkward situations. The fact is that in many eastern countries a smile is also a sign of sorrow, anxiety or awkwardness. Smiling in Vietnam is often an expression of politeness, but it can also be a sign of skepticism, misunderstanding or failure to recognize a wrong judgment.

Loud arguments and heated discussions are frowned upon and are rare among the Vietnamese. Well-educated Vietnamese are also well-trained in terms of self-discipline. Therefore, the loud voices of Europeans are often perceived with disapproval.

In conversation, Vietnamese very rarely go straight to the goal. To do this is to show a lack of tact and delicacy. Directness is highly valued in the Western world, but not in Vietnam. Vietnamese people do not like to say “no” and often answer “yes” when the answer should be negative.

IN Everyday life Vietnamese people have many different taboos. For example, the following:

* Do not praise a newborn baby because evil spirits nearby and may steal the child because of its value.

* When going to work or on business, avoid seeing a woman first. If the first thing you see when you walk out the door is a woman, go back and postpone the event.

* On entrance doors mirrors are often hung outside. If a dragon wants to get into a house, it will see its reflection and think that there is already another dragon there.

* You cannot place one bowl of rice and one pair of chopsticks on the table. Be sure to order for at least two. One cup is for the dead.

* Don't let your chopsticks touch other chopsticks or make noise with them unnecessarily. Don't leave chopsticks in your food.

* Do not hand a toothpick to anyone.

* Never buy one pillow and one mattress, always buy two. * Do not use your relatives' towels.

*Do not turn over musical instruments and do not tap on both sides of the drum at the same time.

* Don't cut your nails at night.

* In a restaurant with a Vietnamese, it is not customary to pay “half”. Let him pay, or pay the bill yourself. The person of higher rank always pays.

Gifts for the bride and groom are always given as a couple. One gift symbolizes the imminent end of the marriage. Two cheap gifts are always preferable to one expensive one.

* Educated people and everyone who is not a peasant does not engage in manual labor. To do this is to take away a job from a poor peasant and is considered undignified.

Tanzania

One of the most important rules behavior for visitors - smoking ban in in public places. Smoking is only allowed in hotel rooms and in a number of restaurants in a special area. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the street, in clubs, cinemas, and beaches, up to several hours of arrest.

The island of Zanzibar is known for its strict nature conservation law, one of the provisions of this law is the ban on the use of plastic bags. All goods here are issued in paper.

In most hotels, even in the most expensive ones, there will be kerosene lamps in the rooms - power outages are the main trouble in modern Tanzania.

Despite the sometimes even too polite treatment of foreigners, the local population has an unspoken tradition of making fun of them. You should not ask the first person you meet for directions; smiling sweetly, he will show you the completely wrong road. Experienced tourists recommend introducing yourself as a journalist in such situations, English language here they understand well, then the chance of deception decreases.

Greeting etiquette is very important. The type of greeting depends on the person’s status and age. A common greeting among Swahili tribes among well-known people is “Khujambo, habari gani” (“How are you?”, “What’s the news?”) or simply “Jumbo!” A group of people is greeted with the word “hatujambo”. The word "shikamu" is used to greet respected people. Young children are taught to greet their elders by kissing their hands or kneeling before them. Friends who meet after a long separation usually shake hands and kiss each other on both cheeks. When communicating with foreigners, they often use a handshake and the traditional English “Hello”.

In Tanzania, as in many other parts of Africa, the right hand is considered "clean" and the left hand "dirty". Therefore, the right hand is used for eating or exchanging gifts. The polite way to accept a gift is to first touch the gift with your right hand, and then the right hand of the giver.

Behavior at the table is also determined by many norms. Typically, a traditional meal takes place on mats on the floor, with food placed on low tables. But in many continental families, meals take place in a European way - at the table. You can take food from a common plate with your hands and put it on your own plate, or you can eat from a common dish. The main thing is to ensure that food crumbs do not fall into the common dish or onto other people’s plates. In Zanzibar it is customary to give guests fresh clove shoots to flavor the mouth before eating. The sequence of dishes is traditional for East African countries - soup is served first, and then appetizers and main course. The lunch ends with coffee and sweets. Light snacks and greens usually remain on the table throughout lunch.

You cannot walk around those praying in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses.

The general lifestyle of Tanzanians can be characterized by two phrases - “hakuna matata” (“no problem”) and “field-field” (“calm”, “take your time”). These phrases can describe the attitude of Tanzanians towards everything around them. Service in a restaurant or travel agency is extremely slow. If a Tanzanian said “one second,” it could mean 15 minutes or half an hour. At the same time, to all attempts to hurry them up, the local residents smile radiantly and continue to act at a leisurely pace. It is useless to influence this in any way; you just need to come to terms with it and try to live in this rhythm yourself.

Superstitions

Lunar eclipses - special days, when the evil spirit Rahukin-chan ("Rahu - the Moon-devourer") eats the moon. It is not recommended to sleep on such a night, but you need to go outside and make a lot of noise in order to drive the scoundrel away from your home. At the same time, good spirits are called for help, who must fight Rahukin-chan. Pregnant women must insert a needle into their shirt to protect their unborn child from harm.

Fear of falling stars due to the legend about the spirit of phi phung tai, which is thus trying to return to our world. This spirit collective image all the dead who are trying to return through unborn children. Pregnant women should not look at shooting stars or even talk about it.

Wednesday is the most dangerous day when evil spirits come out into our world. You can’t start a business, you can’t travel, or even go to the hairdresser. Far from large cities, many people do not work on Wednesday so as not to cause trouble.

Do not drive nails into your home floor, your stomach will hurt.

Thais don't like owls, considering them harbingers of misfortune. Well, if the owl has somehow already flown past the dwelling, then only monks can avert the misfortune, who should be invited into the house and treated well.

Sand accidentally discovered in the house brings good luck.

You can't play the pipe in the house, this irritates evil spirits.

You should cross the threshold of the house so as not to offend good spirits.

Customs of Spain

To express their admiration, people in Spain put three fingers together, press them to their lips and make the sound of a kiss.

The Spaniards express a sign of disdain by waving their hand away from themselves at chest level.

A Spaniard regards touching the earlobe as an insult.

To show someone the door, the Spaniards use a gesture quite similar to our finger snapping.

They use “you” in most situations; even students in schools often address their teachers this way. This is an ordinary story. But calling “you” can even offend a person from time to time.

When they meet, they greet noisily and cheerfully. The most common greeting is “Hola” - “Hello”. When meeting and when parting, they press cheek to cheek, imitating a kiss, and hug. For Spaniards, a short distance when communicating means that you are a pleasant interlocutor for him. But if, for example, as in Germany, you maintain an arm's length distance during a conversation, then the Spaniard will understand this as a sign of disdain.

Everything always happens later than planned. There is no fixed time for breakfast, it all depends on when the Spaniard arrives for work. They do not have the habit of having breakfast at home, except perhaps a cup of coffee, so the second cup, along with a sandwich, will be drunk at the beginning of the working day. It will soon be time for lunch.

Here we should especially note such a paradox as the Spanish siesta. It starts at 1 pm and lasts until 5 pm. At this time, all shops close, office employees crawl home for lunch and an afternoon nap. Not every tourist is able to understand this when standing in front of the closed doors of a souvenir shop. He is surprised, upset and even angry, but...Siesta!

For Spaniards, there are certain topics that are taboo. They prefer not to talk about death, not to ask people their age. It is also not customary to talk about money, especially when you have it. Nobody says: “I earn a lot” or “I earn enough.” Instead, you will hear: “I can’t complain” or “I’m living small.” Spaniards talk a lot about other topics and, as foreigners note, too loudly.

It is not at all necessary for them to know a person very well in order to chat with him for hours. And from time to time it happens that a long conversation ends, and the name of the interlocutor remains unknown... These are the Spaniards.

Funny wedding traditions of the peoples of the world

The wedding tradition of some areas may also seem unusual and even funny to us. India. The fact is that there are places in India (for example, the state of Punjab) where there is a ban on third marriage. You can choose a wife twice, four times is also not forbidden, but three times is absolutely forbidden. However, the ban applies only to marriage with a living person, and therefore those men who did not limit themselves to a second marriage marry... a tree. Yes, on ordinary tree, but with all the necessary ceremonies and honors (maybe, perhaps, a little more modestly). After the wedding celebration is completed, the guests help the happy groom become a widow by simply cutting down this very tree. And now there are no obstacles to a third marriage!

A similar custom is used in cases where the younger brother decides to marry before the older one does. In this situation, the elder brother chooses a tree as his wife, and then just as easily frees himself from the marriage ties.

IN Greece the young wife is not at all afraid of appearing clumsy by stepping on her husband’s foot while dancing. On the contrary, this is exactly what she tries to do throughout the holiday. If the newlywed succeeds in this maneuver, it is believed that she has every chance of becoming the head of the family.

And also in Greece for the first time wedding night children appear. No kidding! There is a custom - in order for everything to be safe in the family, it is necessary to let the children into their bed before the newlyweds. Let them run and jump on the bed - and then everything will definitely work out as it should for the young people.

IN Kenya It is customary to dress up an established husband in women's clothing, in which a man must walk for at least a month. It is believed that in this way the husband will be able to fully experience the complex and difficult women's share and treat your young wife with more love in the future. By the way, this wedding custom is observed quite strictly in Kenya and no one objects. Especially the wife, who happily takes photos of her husband and saves the resulting photos in the family album.

IN Norway Since ancient times, a mandatory treat for a wedding celebration has been bride's porridge - prepared from wheat with cream. The porridge was served after the bride took off her wedding attire and changed into the costume of a married woman. There have always been a lot of jokes and fun associated with porridge in Norway; a cauldron with it could even be stolen and demanded a ransom.

On Nicobar Islands, for example, if a guy expressed a desire to marry a girl, he must become a “slave” in the girl’s house, and this can last from 6 months to a year. During this time, the chosen one determines whether she wants such a husband or not. If the girl agrees, the village council declares them husband and wife. Well, if not, the guy returns home.

IN Central Nigeria girls of marriageable age are placed in separate huts for fattening. Only their mothers are allowed to visit them, and for many months, or even whole year(depending on success) bring to daughters great amount flour food so that they get fat. Completeness is highly valued in their tribe and is a guarantee of a successful marriage.

And one more article:

If you are heading abroad on holiday or have decided to start new life in a foreign land, then most likely you will encounter customs and superstitions that may seem very strange to you. Many foreign cultures include not only traditions, but also superstitions, as well as certain rules of etiquette. Locals often take certain rules very seriously, so those who want to integrate successfully into their new environment must be well aware of all cultural differences.

The consequences of ignoring foreign customs can be different: perhaps for a very long time you will be perceived not as one of their own, but as a tourist, ignoring the fact that you already live next to them. But there may be more serious problems, even the possibility of ending up on the other side of the law. Either way, it's frustrating local residents- this is the right way to start your journey on the wrong foot in a new country!

Here's a look at other people's customs collected around the world. It is always better to learn in advance about the experience of your predecessors.

Strange customs of the peoples of the world

Thailand – favorite place mountaineering activity for young travelers.

This country is known for many strange customs that must be observed by guests in order not to quarrel with the local population. One such custom that travelers often neglect is to always have the Thai king with them, for example on a banknote. Similarly, in movies, tribute to the king is played before each movie in the form of the Thai royal anthem, with you standing in respect in front of the royalty. It should be kept in mind that insulting the king is considered illegal in Thailand, so the best way to avoid problems on this topic and not to risk appearing in a Thai court is to show respect to the crowned lady along with the locals.

A strange method of attracting money is practiced in Appalachia. Here they believe that onion peels should not be thrown away. It should also be put into the broth, and this will contribute to making a profit.

IN China It is believed that if a man puts on a green headdress, then his wife is cheating on him.

The origin of this custom is often hotly debated. Some believe that in ancient times, if a courtesan (geisha) had a husband, he was forced to wear a green hat. Others, on the contrary, believe that men who used the services of women in the ancient profession used to wear green hats during the Yuan Dynasty. However, the version that sounds most plausible is that when one says the phrase "green cap" in Chinese, it sounds remarkably similar to Chinese word, meaning “cuckold”.

Another interesting Chinese superstition is that one should never give a watch to a friend as a gift. This is, again, due to the similarity of pronunciation. Apparently "send a watch" sounds remarkably similar to "SONG Zhong", which is the name of a Chinese funeral ceremony. Indeed, avoiding all conventions must be quite tiring!

Most of us know and accept that black cats are widely and universally viewed as a sign of impending bad luck. This attitude towards black purrs is found in cultures and communities throughout to the globe, but what about the owl? So, if a black cat crosses your path and an owl hoots outside your window at night, then you might want to take the next day off from work, as this is thought to be a sign of imminent injury, a catastrophic spat, or a terrible failure.

Another animal that is disliked in Egypt, as well as throughout the world, is rats. Many superstitions surround rats, linking these creatures with illness and death. However there is one positive sign, who believes that if a group of rats suddenly appears in a house, then the owners should receive a great fortune in the coming weeks. Sounds promising, doesn't it?

Many superstitions Spanish etiquette revolve around sex and love. The Spaniards believe that if you sweep at the feet of a person passing by, then he is doomed to never be found. true love. An incredibly damning sentence for such a minor act! Another popular Spanish belief is that those who raise a pot of water for a toast are doomed to seven years of bad sex. This superstition is found in many other places around the world in one form or another. This is believed to stem from Greek custom toast and water at a funeral. Because of this, toasting with water is considered a wish for bad luck, or even death.

IN Japan slurping noodles is not only considered acceptable, but is also actively encouraged.

Another part of Japanese etiquette concerns the appreciation of gifts. If a person receives a gift in Japan and tries to open it right away, this is considered very rude, as it shows a lack of appreciation for the time and effort the giver put into finding and wrapping the gift.

There is one more sign regarding the Japanese gift: it is customary to give and receive a gift with both hands, as a sign of respect for the given object.

With the above customs in mind, it is important to keep in mind that it is very important to research the customs and traditions of the country you are planning to visit before you travel. This will allow you to prevent such a tragic social mistake!

Every country, every people has its own ancestral customs. But sometimes they seem too strange for a modern person. We will tell you about some of them.

Residents of the Republic of Madagascar are distinguished by exceptional affection for their relatives. But sometimes such a relationship becomes abnormal, especially when we're talking about about the already dead. The Malagasy people to this day strictly follow ancient custom periodically dig up the dead from their tombs, dress them in best clothes and do with them joint photos. To a modern European this will seem wild, but the inhabitants of Madagascar believe that such behavior is nothing more than a manifestation of love and respect for those who are already in another world.

In India, there is a rather shocking custom associated with strengthening the spirit of a newborn. The newly born child is thrown from the wall of the temple (height 10-15 meters). Below, the newborn is caught; for this, a large piece of material is stretched, which is held by at least 8 people. It is believed that such a procedure will make the child luckier from an early age and will also give him courage.

In Scotland, in some regions, medieval wedding customs have survived into the 21st century. Bride dressed impeccably White dress, decorated with flowers (and rich in jewelry) is completely smeared in mud. Dirt can be spoiled food, soil, flour, honey. In this form, it should pass through main street, walk around the central square, and also ride a horse throughout the city. Today it's mostly done for fun, but before people They believed that through this the girl cleanses her soul from all earthly sins.

The relationship with death among most peoples has always been original. But in conducting funeral rites, Tibetan monks distinguished themselves most of all. The body of the deceased, according to their belief, was supposed to not only return to the earth, but also bring benefit. And therefore it was not buried, but divided and carried to the top of the mountain where they live wild animals. Thus, people believed that the spirit of the deceased was reunited with nature in the most natural way: by being included in the natural cycle of substances.

Walking on lit coals has been practiced in Japan and Africa since ancient times. But you can still find this custom there today. Fire was called upon to purify a person, to instill in him courage, firmness and perseverance. It was believed that if you walk along the road of fire without fear, then there is nothing more to be afraid of in life.

The Japanese, as practice shows, are quite strange in their customs. And the Japanese spring fertility festival is proof of this. At the beginning of spring, residents of the Land of the Rising Sun gather on the streets of cities (only some cities, since not everyone takes part in the holiday) to witness the sacred action. The strongest and healthiest men get the opportunity to carry a wooden male reproductive organ weighing 25 kilograms across the city. This tradition involves not only improving the land and increasing the level of productivity, but also bringing “fertility to the family,” increasing the birth rate and strengthening families.

Wedding tradition in every corner of the world is a reflection of the soul of the local population, the essence of the people of a given area. All nations on our planet have their own identity, unusual rituals and unique flavor. Let's look at the wedding traditions of the peoples of the world and find out how interesting they are to us, and whether we are ready to get married according to some unusual exotic ritual that will unite the hearts of two lovers forever.

Unusual wedding traditions of different nations

People of all nations of the world constantly fall in love and get married. Our country also has its own wedding traditions, rooted in ancient times. Each element of a Russian wedding ceremony hides a separate tradition. For example, among the Russian people it is customary:

1. Blocking the road for the wedding procession.
2. Distribute sweets to children before going to the registry office.
3. To ransom the bride.
4. Release pigeons.

According to an ancient wedding tradition, the Russian bride is given the opportunity to be the first to cut the wedding loaf, indicating her emergence as the mistress of the house. After the wedding, the mother-in-law removes the bride’s veil, which symbolizes the acceptance of a new member into the family. Another old Russian wedding custom that has survived to this day is the meeting of the newlyweds after the registration of marriage with bread and salt. According to Russian custom, the newlyweds must take one piece from the wedding loaf, and whoever has the largest piece, according to legend, will be the head of the house.

Recently, the Slavic peoples have developed another wedding tradition: throwing bridal bouquet brides to unmarried friends. The girl who caught the wedding bouquet should be the next to get married. A similar ritual also exists among men: the groom removes the garter from his wife’s leg and throws it to his single friends. Whoever catches it first will meet his soul mate. Mention of this wedding tradition can be found in manuscripts of the 14th century. Then it was believed that any clothes removed from the bride or groom would bring favor to the opposite sex.

The Russian wedding custom of ransoming the bride remains the most fun to this day. Usually the witnesses are involved in the ransom, but sometimes the groom also becomes a participant in this event. Traditionally, the girl is redeemed with money, less often with champagne, vodka, sweets and flowers. Neighbors, acquaintances and invited guests take part in this wedding ritual. Although many other peoples of the world carry out a similar ceremony - for example, it is customary for Muslims to take a bride price for a bride - but in the Russian tradition, ransom is more fun than monetary payment for a girl.

Russian wedding ceremonies are more focused on entertainment. Among other peoples of the world, wedding traditions are striking in their practicality, thirdly, in their minimalism, and fourthly, in their romance. For example, in Australia wedding preparation begins a year before the appointed date of the celebration. The people of Australia are Catholics, so they do not have civil registration of marriage. All newlyweds undergo a wedding ceremony, after which the celebration begins.

Three months before the due date, future spouses begin to go to the priest, who prepares young people for life together and draws up a wedding plan with them. Australians are practical in everything, which is why wedding gifts are agreed upon in advance. The bride and groom make a list of desired gifts in advance, and the guests decide among themselves who will give what.

Australians, like other Catholics around the world, have interesting tradition make a lot of noise on the way to church. The roots of this ritual come from ancient times, when the aborigines believed that noise would drive away evil spirits. To create noise to this day, old people are attached to the wedding car of many newlyweds around the world. cans or other metal objects that can create noise.

The ritual of breaking a wedding glass exists in many countries around the world. After leaving the church, the newlyweds are presented with glasses of wine, which they must drink and then break the glasses. According to the belief of many peoples, if both glasses break, then the newlyweds will face happy life. But if any glass remains intact, then the marriage will not be successful. There is another explanation for this mysterious ritual: ancient people around the world believed that ringing broken glass drives away evil demons from newlyweds.

Wedding traditions in Europe

• Hungary

According to wedding tradition, the Hungarian bride takes off her shoes and places them in the center of the hall. The gentleman who wants to dance with her must throw coins into his shoes. Whoever throws the most coins has priority to the dance. Another interesting Hungarian ritual is morning washing, when the bride, on the morning of the second day after the wedding, went to the well with her guests and washed all the guests in turn, then drying them with a towel with her own hands.

• Slovakia

The bride chooses her chosen one and then gives him a ring and a shirt, which is sewn from natural silk. The groom, in response, also selects a silver ring for the bride and puts it on fur hat and a chastity belt. Weddings in the cities of Slovakia often include traditional entertainment, games, competitions and a buffet, but in rural areas there is still the opportunity to see the national wedding ensemble of folk instruments.

• Norway

It is believed that in countries with a harsh climate, people do not know how to express feelings violently. The wedding traditions of cold Norway are proof of this. There are much fewer women in this country than men, so young people are looking for a bride from as early as early youth. Since ancient times, a Norwegian woman has had equal rights with a man, so not only older boys, but also older girls are considered heirs.

Nobody collects a dowry in Norway, and the newlyweds make the wedding their own own funds. The most beautiful Norwegian wedding tradition, which is still supported by newlyweds, is when guests go to the matchmaking site in brightly decorated boats, hung with wedding bells and other traditional wedding accessories.

• Netherlands

Some wedding ceremonies The Netherlands may shock ordinary people from other countries of the world. But the local bride and groom do not suffer from unnecessary modesty and believe that everything natural should not be prohibited. Guests at a wedding are having fun without Slavic virtue, and competitions, according to our ideas, cross all decent boundaries. The more raunchy wedding performances there are, the more successful it is, according to local residents.

There is no traditional wedding cake at a wedding celebration in the Netherlands. Instead, guests are offered national sweets called “bride's sugar.” They come in different shapes, and the taste is a real mosaic. The bride orders sweets from different confectioners, so if a guest gets two identical sweets, this is considered a lucky omen.

African wedding rituals

• Nigeria

According to Nigerian wedding traditions, the groom's parents invite a professional matchmaker, who selects the right candidate for the bride that meets the family's requirements. The matchmaker in the hammam checks the selected candidates for innocence, and then presents them to the parents for judgment. Interesting local custom observed immediately after a Nigerian wedding, when the groom is driven through the corridor by relatives who beat him with sticks. It is believed that only after this the groom is ready for family life.

• Ethiopia

IN African tribes Family life for a girl begins with real challenges. For example, in the Surma tribe, six months before the wedding ceremony, the newlywed's lower lip is pierced and a clay disc is inserted. In order not to interfere with the disc, the two front teeth are removed, because it is believed that the larger the disc, the richer the bride’s dowry. In addition to high financial situation girls, the clay disk protects her from evil spirits that may enter the body through the mouth.

• Egypt

This African country is the birthplace of traditional marriage. The ancient Egyptians were the first people to propose to the world to legalize the relationship between a woman and a man. The marriage contract also appeared for the first time in Egypt - it specified in detail the responsibilities of the husband and wife. The wedding rituals of the peoples of Egypt are rooted in Islam, in which a man has the right to have four wives, but must provide for all of them. Not all modern Egyptian men can afford more than one wife.

Egypt has interesting and colorful national dances that are present at all traditional wedding ceremonies: belly dancing, skirt dancing and sword dancing. Exchange of rings too ancient tradition of the Egyptian people, which was picked up by almost all countries of the world. The Egyptians consider the ring a symbol of love and put it on the middle finger of the left hand, because the cardiac vein passes through this finger, which holds the hearts of young people together.

• Rwanda

The traditional wedding ceremony of the Bahutu tribe in Rwanda is very passionate! The customs of this people require that newlyweds express hatred towards each other. Immediately after the marriage ceremony, a woman with her face covered with a veil goes to her husband’s house and there the real massacre begins. The wife scratches her husband mercilessly, causing him significant wounds, and the husband also becomes aggressive towards her.

The massacre continues until the morning, and its participants remain silent, not uttering a single word during the entire fight. The pugnacious ritual can even continue for several nights in a row, after which the wife moves into her husband’s house forever and the Bahutu tribe spouses never quarrel again. These strange wedding traditions test the readiness of young people for family life. Maybe that's why African families are so durable?

Customs of the peoples of Asia

• Thailand

The wedding ritual of this Asian people does not require modest attire. On this day, a Thai bride can change up to ten multi-colored and white outfits, depending on what ceremony is being performed. For each ceremony you need to choose the appropriate dress. The color black is not allowed at a wedding; in Thailand it is worn by widows, so it is not even used in the decoration of a wedding dress. According to Thai traditions, weddings should feature a lot of gold, red and orange colors.

• China

These people love the color red, so according to the Chinese wedding tradition, everything is red: the bride's dress, envelopes with money, boxes with gifts and even rose petals. The wedding tradition, when newlyweds drink from glasses tied with a red ribbon, also came to the world from China. Chinese wedding ceremony requires large expenses, but it quickly pays off, since gifts to newlyweds are transferred only in money. Even those relatives who are not present at the ceremony give money.

• India

The wedding ritual of the Indian peoples is the most colorful spectacle in the world, the brightest demonstration of the beliefs of the Indian people, a manifestation of their spiritual culture and deep religious roots. Usually, Indian newlyweds meet for the first time during the marriage ceremony, but these people almost never get divorced. For other nations, this remains a mystery, because in those countries of the world where people marry for love, the divorce rate is simply catastrophic.

For Hindus, flowers are the main wedding accessory. There are countless quantities of them at a wedding, which is why it is an expensive component of every Indian wedding ceremony. The gods love the scent of flowers, so through flowers they will quickly hear the requests of mortals. An important point There is a table at the holiday: exclusively vegetarian dishes are served, and eggs, fish and meat are strictly prohibited.

A wedding ceremony on this Indonesian island has become a fashionable event among newlyweds around the world, and it’s clear why. It is believed that if you enter into a traditional marriage on this paradise island, it will be happy and long. In addition, the Balinese ceremony is very impressive: incense is burned, floral offerings are made to thousands of local gods, and the newlyweds wear stunningly beautiful costumes, decorated with gold embroidery wound in several layers.

The newlyweds travel to the wedding ceremony site on a golden carriage, while the wealthier ones arrive on richly decorated elephants. In the temple, the newlyweds are showered with petals of exotic flowers, and invited priests say special prayers that will help the husband and wife find happiness. Music, dancing, flowers, traditional Balinese treats make you feel in harmony with the ancient island deities.

North and South America

Unlike other countries of the world, a wedding ceremony in the United States is part of a business, the preparation of which Americans trust to special agencies. The celebration begins in the same way as in other Catholic countries of the world:

• a guy proposes to a girl;
• an engagement date is set, at which the groom gives a ring;
• An official wedding ceremony is held.

There are no restrictions in an American wedding, but the newlyweds’ outfits are usually made in traditional style. In addition to a new dress, a girl must have some kind of old thing and subject blue color. A worn item symbolizes connection with family, and the blue color represents fidelity in marriage. An undoubted advantage is the opportunity to choose several bridesmaids, and not just one, as in other countries of the world. This way, not a single friend will be left without attention.

• Mexico

Latin American peoples are descendants of the Mayans and Aztecs, so their wedding traditions are somewhat different from those of the rest of the world. In a traditional Mexican wedding, there are sponsors who finance the celebration. These are, as a rule, parents, godparents and relatives of the newlyweds. During the wedding, the priest wraps a symbolic “lasso” in the form of a special rosary around the newlyweds, symbolizing the unification of two people into one.

Mexicans have even more ancient Indian traditions, which they inherited from the Indians, so the unity of two people is celebrated before the official wedding ceremony. First, the woman must undergo a ritual of ablution, and then an Indian traditional ceremony takes place near oldest tree, which notifies the elements (water, air, earth, fire) and ancestors that young people are bound together forever.

Video: overview of the traditions of the peoples of the world

Different peoples of the world have their own wedding rituals, but they have one thing in common: the desire to achieve prosperity, love and success for a young family. Now there are many wedding traditions can no longer be called exclusively Slavic, Asian or Indian, they have spread so widely throughout the world. For example, a ransom or bride price is given for a bride in all religions, and not a single wedding ceremony in the world takes place without a dance of the newlyweds. Let's see in the video how this happens in different parts colors:

Japan is generally a strange country, and those who have visited this country talk about the strange sense of humor of the Japanese. So, they have this “prank” - kancho, usually only schoolchildren play with it junior classes, however, adults at a party also like to have a “kancho”. The point of the prank is to make an “enema” - a person folds two hands and puts them forward index fingers, which they try to insert into the anal passage of the person being played, who does not suspect anything.

2. Sex in the temple

You will be surprised, but this is not even some kind of Hare Krishna temple or a temple of some such conditionally free religion. On the island of Java, in most beautiful place, there is a temple called Gunung Kemukus, which is considered Muslim. Such a strict religion (but only this temple in this place) has a belief that if you have sex with a stranger in its vicinity at night, you will be lucky and rich for the rest of your life. Whether because of the beauty of the temple, or because of basic instinct, thousands of “pilgrims” come here, and the surrounding area is dotted with brothels.

3. Greeting in Eskimo

While some comrades are proud of their handshake strength, the Eskimos have gone further. When a guest comes to their village, they line up and take turns greeting the guest with a slap on the back of the head. The guest must respond in kind, and the turn passes to the next Eskimo, who must strike harder, and so on in increasing order. The welcoming ceremony ends only when someone, either the guest or one of the Eskimo men, does not fall to the ground from the blow.

4. Tears and snot

Kitchen in South Korea famous for its pungency. Some dishes are impossible to eat without your nose hurting or tears coming to your eyes. However, if you are not snotty and tearful enough, you will be considered a callous person who does not respect the laws of hospitality and does not want to please the hostess. To be good guest, and also show the hostess that she is an excellent cook, you will have to emit your physiological fluids from your eyes and nose to the maximum.

5. Sad wake

In India, during the holiday of remembrance of the holy Khoja Moinuddin Chishti, thousands of fakirs and pilgrims walk through the streets of the city of Ajmer. To prove their commitment to religion, and to show how much they grieve, participants in the procession pierce themselves with needles, and especially popular is gouging out their eyes with sharp metal objects.

6. Dolphin Killing

Dolphins are admired all over the world and their performances are watched in dolphinariums, but Faroe Islands the position is completely different. In order for local youths to become men, the following custom is arranged. Boats drive pods of dolphins into the bay, and there, in the shallow waters, the beating of innocent fish with knives, fittings, axes and stakes begins.

The newly minted “men” usually release one dolphin - this is part of the custom, on next year he will “bring in” a new flock. It’s extremely sad, because if earlier this was due to hunger, and the killed dolphins were at least eaten, now this is done only for the sake of the custom itself.

7. Photos of the dead

In Russia at the end of the 19th century, a wild tradition came from Europe - photographing dead children. It is clear that the infant mortality rate was high, the parents grieved greatly, but it was considered good form to take the “last” photograph and keep it as the most valuable. The kids were dressed up in the best outfits, their living brothers, sisters and parents, pets were placed next to them, and in general they tried to create such an atmosphere so that it seemed that the child was alive; they also often drew pictures for them open eyes and a smile.

8. Not a light burden

Let's end on a more or less cheerful note. Japan celebrates a local holiday of spring and labor - the Shinto festival Honen Matsuri. Instead of festive columns with an orchestra and slogans, in Japan a 25-kilogram wooden phallus is carried through the city, which symbolizes the onset of spring and fertility. Carrying this is considered very honorable and volunteers compete for such an honor, so not everyone has the honor of carrying a 2.5-meter-long penis across the entire city.

9. Resourceful Indians

In India there is a ban on having a third wife. Moreover, historically, the custom literally sounds like this - you cannot have a third wife. First, second, fourth and subsequent ones - please. Resourceful lovers of marriage easily get out of this situation and choose a tree for a third marriage.

He is dressed in festive clothes and the wedding ceremony is held, and at the end of the celebration, the groom's witness cuts down the poor tree and announces that his friend is “widowed”, and thus can look for a fourth, “permitted” wife.