Every country, and even every region, has its own unique customs and traditions. Some of these traditions may seem strange to outsiders, but they are often deeply rooted in the culture and history of the local people. Let’s explore some of the most unusual traditions across Europe:
La Tomatina Festival in Spain
If you’re a fan of festive fun and don’t mind getting a little messy, then head to Buñol, Spain, for the world’s biggest tomato fight. Held on the last Wednesday of August, thousands take to the streets, eagerly throwing tomatoes at each other. While no one knows exactly how this tradition started, one thing is certain: participants do it purely for the fun of it.
Winter Swimming in Romania
Whipping Monday in the Czech Republic
This tradition may sound strange and a bit cruel, but it’s all in good fun. During Easter, women in the Czech Republic are gently whipped with willow branches on Easter Monday. After the “whipping,” the women reward the men with painted eggs and a traditional drink. The tradition is believed to ensure fertility and a long life for the women.
Whipping Monday in the Czech Republic
Wife Carrying World Championships in Finland
If you’re tired of running alone, why not try a popular sport in Finland: wife carrying! In this unique race, men carry their wives or girlfriends, and the first to cross the finish line wins. There are strict rules and different carrying styles, such as the firefighter carry or the Estonian carry, where the woman wraps her legs around the man’s shoulders. The winners even get to participate in the annual Wife Carrying World Championships held in Sonkajärvi, Finland.
Wife Carrying World Championships in Finland
Blackening the Bride in Scotland
While most brides dream of a perfect wedding day with a beautiful dress and elegant decorations, things are done differently in Scotland. There’s a tradition called “blackening the bride,” where friends and family cover the bride with messy substances like spoiled milk, mud, and sauces. It is believed that if the bride and groom can withstand this humiliation, they will overcome any obstacles in their married life, leading to a long and happy union.
Blackening the Bride in Scotland
3 Essential Inheritances That Make It Easier for Children to Succeed
It’s not money or material wealth, but those with a broad, far-sighted vision will leave these three treasures for their children.
Simple and Superstitious Tips on Decorating the Lunar New Year Altar
Decorating the ancestral altar on Tet holiday is considered a traditional activity in our country. Let’s discover the perfect way to decorate the Tet altar and some important notes to avoid, shall we!
Important Considerations for Preparing Ancestor Worship Offerings
During the Tet holiday, an essential task that cannot be overlooked is preparing the ancestral altar. Here are some important reminders to keep in mind when setting up the ancestral altar that you should not neglect.
Avoid these 5 things on the first day of Lunar New Year for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead
On the first day of Tet, our ancestors advised their descendants to refrain from doing certain activities in order to avoid bad luck and seek good fortune for the new year.
Things to avoid on the 2nd day of Tet holiday for a lucky year
In ancient times, there was a saying “prevention is better than cure”. To ensure a prosperous and fortunate new year, you can consider some taboos on the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year.
