Every culture has its unique traditions and customs that may seem strange to outsiders. Here are ten of the most fascinating and bizarre customs from around the world.
1. Baby Jumping Festival (El Colacho) – Spain
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, men dressed as devils jump over newborn babies placed on mattresses in the street. This tradition, known as El Colacho, is believed to cleanse the babies of original sin and protect them from evil spirits.
2. Finger Cutting – Dani Tribe, Indonesia
The Dani tribe in Indonesia practices finger cutting, where women amputate a segment of their fingers to express grief and mourning when a family member dies. This painful tradition symbolizes the pain of loss and the importance of family bonds.
3. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand
Every year in Lopburi, Thailand, a grand feast is laid out for the local monkey population. The Monkey Buffet Festival includes fruits, vegetables, and candies, attracting thousands of monkeys and tourists alike. This event is believed to bring good luck to the community.
4. Tooth Filing – Bali, Indonesia
In Bali, a traditional tooth-filing ceremony is performed to symbolize the passage into adulthood. This ritual is believed to control negative emotions and drive away evil spirits by smoothing the pointed edges of the teeth.
5. Blackening the Bride – Scotland
Before a Scottish wedding, the bride (and sometimes the groom) is « blackened » by friends and family who cover her in soot, flour, and treacle. This messy custom is meant to prepare the couple for any challenges they may face in their marriage.
6. Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) – Japan
Held in Kawasaki, Japan, the Kanamara Matsuri is a festival dedicated to fertility and sexual health. Large phallic statues are paraded through the streets, and various phallus-themed items are sold. The festival also raises funds for HIV research.
7. Living with the Dead – Toraja, Indonesia
The Toraja people of Indonesia practice a tradition known as Ma’nene, where they exhume the bodies of their deceased relatives, clean and dress them in new clothes, and walk them around the village. This custom honors their ancestors and reinforces family ties.
8. Hanging Coffins – Sagada, Philippines
In Sagada, the Philippines, the Igorot people hang coffins on cliffs rather than burying them underground. This practice is believed to bring the deceased closer to their ancestral spirits and prevent their bodies from being eaten by wild animals.
9. Polterabend – Germany
In Germany, before a wedding, friends and family gather to break porcelain dishes in a tradition called Polterabend. The couple must then clean up the mess together, symbolizing their ability to work together to overcome obstacles in their marriage.
10. Famadihana (Turning of the Bones) – Madagascar
The Malagasy people of Madagascar celebrate Famadihana, a festival where they exhume their deceased relatives, rewrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with the bodies. This custom is a way to show love and respect for the dead and to ensure their spirits are well-cared for.
Conclusion
These strange and unique customs from around the world highlight the diversity of human traditions and the rich cultural tapestries that define different societies. While some may seem bizarre, they hold significant meaning and importance to the people who practice them.