5 Unique Customs Around the World

What’s acceptable in the U.S. may not be acceptable in other countries. Things like ruffling someone’s hair, leaving your shoes on at a friend’s house and even crossing your legs at dinner can be very offensive. Here are 5 unique customs around the world that many readers may find surprising.

Always Take Your Shoes Off In Japan
We know how it is, you visit a friend’s house after a long day on your feet and you just want to walk over to the couch and sit down and relax. Well don’t forget to take your shoes off first if you are in Japan! When you enter a house in this country you must take off your shoes as it’s considered a sign of disrespect if you don’t. This goes for all homes, even those that live in a very modest dwelling. Don’t worry if you are afraid to show off your feet as the host of the home will provide you with a pair of slippers to wear.

Blacken Each Bride In Scotland
In America most brides want to be dressed in white and look as perfect as possible. In Scotland they have a very unique custom for women that are about to wed. Family and friends of the bride cover her with some of the nastiest things you can think of like old milk, sticky substances, a variety of sauces and feathers. Every now and then the groom will be blackened as well. This custom is meant to show the bride and groom that they can overcome anything no matter what life (or their friends and family) throw at them.

Jump Over Babies In Spain
So you know how when you have a baby you want to keep them safe and far away from things that can hurt them? In Spain they have a custom that would make most new parents very apprehensive. They place babies on a mattress in the middle of the street and people, that are dressed like the Devil, jump over the child. This custom called, El Colacho, is supposed to keep the Devil away.

Don’t Touch A Person’s Head In Thailand
In Thailand the head is considered to be the most sacred part of a person’s body. To touch it is offensive and might cause you to get your hand slapped away. Even playful pats or hair ruffling are considered a no no. You should also never pass an object over someone’s head either as that’s considered to be disrespectful as well.

Keep Your Feet On The Floor In Indonesia
If you’re like I am and your feet don’t always touch the floor because you are on the short side then you’d be considered offensive in Indonesia. At all times your feet must touch the floor when you are sitting. You should never cross your legs and should have good posture. Your feet should also never point your feet at another person as it’s seen to be disrespectful.

If you are traveling to a foreign country it’s always a good idea to be mindful of their customs. Research the country and find out what’s acceptable and what isn’t so you won’t offend anyone or be put off by customs that may seem rather odd too you.

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