Have you heard about some traditions and you just scream?
You imagine what’s going through the mind of the people who believe in them.
Well, these traditions are deeply rooted and were passed from one generation to another. Let’s take a look at some really weird traditions from around the world that are still in existence.
Muharram mourning In some Islamic Countries
Muharram is the annual celebration that commemorates the death of Muhammad’s grandson Hussain. He was killed along with 72 warriors at the Battle of Karbala. In a rather bizarre custom, people go on mourning processions to remember their sacrifice and beat themselves using whips attached to knives and sharp weapons.
Monkey Monkey Buffet Festival in Bangkok
As the name suggests, this is a buffet for monkeys. Monkeys feast at this annual event in Thailand where over 3,000 kgs of fruits and vegetables are on display for the monkeys to gorge on in Lopburi, Bangkok.
Famadihana – Dancing with the dead in Madagascar
A funeral tradition followed by the Malagasy tribe in Madagascar, people literally dance with dead bodies as part of the Famadihana custom. After bringing bodies of ancestors from their burial place, they re-wrap them in fresh cloth and dance around the tomb to live music. The ritual is followed once in seven years, but has been in the decline of late.
Throw the baby for good luck in India
This ritual is mostly followed in Karnataka where newborn babies are thrown off the 50-feet high Sri Santeswar temple. Before you jump to a conclusion; the babies are obviously caught by the family in a cloth.
Couples who are blessed with a baby after taking a vow at the temple follow this 500-year-old tradition. It is believed to bring good luck to the babies. Don’t know about the babies, but I sure wish we could throw some politicians without catching them
Don’t show up on time in Venezuela
Looks like Venezuelans are just like Indians! Reaching on time is considered rude in Venezuela and it is recommended to reach at least 15 minutes later than the scheduled time. Guests who reach on time are looked down upon as being too eager and greedy. Well, Venezuelans should take some cue from Indians!
Don’t ask for salt when at a host’s place in Egypt
In Egypt, if you are invited over for dinner and want to add more salt to your dish, dare not touch the saltshaker because Egyptians feel it is equivalent to insulting the host.
