Cultural Oddities Unveiled
Human beings are a diverse and fascinating species, and our cultures are no less so. From the wacky to the wonderful, there are a seemingly endless number of strange and unusual traditions that exist around the world.
A Comprehensive Guide to Obscure Practices Around the World
1. Head-hunting
One of the most well-known and macabre cultural oddities is the practice of head-hunting. This practice was once common in many parts of the world, but it is now largely confined to a few isolated tribes in Papua New Guinea. Head-hunters believe that taking a head will bring them good luck, protection from enemies, or even the ability to communicate with the spirit world.
2. Human sacrifice
The practice of human sacrifice has been documented in cultures all over the world, from ancient Egypt to the Aztec empire. In some cases, human sacrifices were performed as a way to appease the gods or to ensure a good harvest. In other cases, they were carried out as part of a ritual to mark a significant event, such as the death of a ruler.
3. Blood rituals
Blood rituals are a common feature of many traditional cultures. In some cases, blood is used as a way to cleanse or purify oneself, while in others it is believed to have magical powers. Blood rituals can involve drinking blood, rubbing blood on the body, or even using blood as a form of decoration.
4. Body modification
Body modification is the practice of altering one’s body in a way that is not considered to be medically necessary. This can include anything from piercing and tattoos to scarification and branding. Body modification is often seen as a way to express oneself, to join a particular group, or to simply make a statement.
5. Polygamy
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at a time. Polygamy is legal in many parts of the world, but it is often seen as a strange or unusual practice in Western cultures. There are many different reasons why people practice polygamy, but some of the most common include religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and economic necessity.
6. Arranged marriages
Arranged marriages are marriages that are arranged by the parents or other family members of the bride and groom. Arranged marriages are common in many parts of the world, but they are often seen as a strange or outdated practice in Western cultures. There are many different reasons why people choose to have arranged marriages, but some of the most common include family honor, financial security, and social status.
7. Widow burning
Widow burning, also known as sati, is the practice of burning a widow alive on her husband’s funeral pyre. Widow burning was once practiced in many parts of India, but it is now illegal in all but a few remote villages. The practice of widow burning is rooted in the belief that a widow is impure and that she will bring bad luck to her family if she is allowed to live.
8. Foot binding
Foot binding was a practice that was common in China for over a thousand years. Foot binding involved tightly wrapping a young girl’s feet to prevent them from growing. This process resulted in the feet becoming permanently deformed and crippled. Foot binding was seen as a way to make women more desirable to men, and it was also seen as a way to keep women from running away from their arranged marriages.
10 Weird Cultures from Around The World That are Hard to Believe Although we are living in the 21st century some communities are still stuck with oldage traditions While some traditions are mystical some are weird and gloomy 4 years ago Ethan Stephans9 La Tomatina The biggest tomato fight in the World La Tomatina the annual Tomato Throwing Festival held in the Valencian town of Buñol Spain It is held on the last Wednesday of August during the week of festivities of Buñol The participants throw tomatoes and get involved in this tomato fight purely for funThis ritual known as El Colacho baby jumping is performed every year as part of the festival of Corpus Christi The jumping is meant to purify the babies of sin and dates back as early as 1620 CelestebombinWikimedia El Colacho 49 Respect
for the deadPublished May 14 2014 Updated March 30 2018 From cutting off fingertips to living with the dead humankind has come up with some incredibly strange cultural practices Image Source The Daily Mail Some are taboo some are cringeinducing some are downright revolting and all are extraordinarily bizarreIts no secret that people born and raised in different parts of the World have different belief systems and cultural norms that might seem strange or shocking when an outsider first learns about them but once you take the time to learn about how these practices came about and how theyre influenced by a unique culture its easier to understaThe culture which has been in practice for over 700 years and mostly practiced by Muslims and Hindus sees a child been dropped by as high as 7 feet A
small consolation though there are usually men waiting with a sheet at the bottom to catch the baby as he falls 2 Thaipoosam Tamil Nadu or Flesh PiercingHere Are 10 Unusual Traditions From Around The World 1 Oaxaca Mexico Has A Massive RadishCarving Festival During The Holiday Season The annual Noche de Los Rábanos or Night of the Radishes is a tradition that dates back more than 120 years For the event locals carve a variety of radishes that grow up to 3 feet long into intricate 8 Coal Walking In China The most bizarre tradition is the one where the husband carries his pregnant wife over hot coal before they enter their house The birth of a baby is a big deal all around the World but is considered especially important in China Many rules and traditions surround the arrival of a newborn
These are just a few of the many strange and unusual cultural practices that exist around the world. While some of these practices may seem strange or even barbaric to us, it is important to remember that they are all part of a rich and diverse cultural heritage.