These “unwritten” rules in these countries will surely surprise many people.
There are more than 190 countries in the world and each country has its own unique culture. Although the internet age has made it easier for us to learn about cultural diversity, there are still many interesting things that we rarely know about. Here are a few interesting facts about countries around the world.
Furo or Ofuro is a traditional Japanese bath. However, the bath that the Japanese use is made of wood instead of porcelain like other countries. Besides, the Japanese believe that these wooden baths are used not to clean the body but the mind. After a hard day’s work, they return home with the desire to relax and warm themselves in furo.
Wedding rings are often worn on the ring finger of the left hand in many countries around the world. However, Indians often wear the ring on the right hand because the left ear is considered unclean. For married women in this country, they will wear a wedding ring under their toe called Bichiya.
Since the 16th century, lightly salted, naturally fermented Baltic herring has been a part of Swedish cuisine. Before this dish is packaged and sold in tins, herring undergoes a two-month fermentation process in salty brine, which gives it a strong smell and is quite difficult to eat for many people.
In Singapore, a bamboo tube outlet system is used to dry laundry. Accordingly, instead of drying with a hanger or drying clothes, Singaporeans will tie clean clothes to bamboo poles, which are then plugged into an outlet outside the kitchen window, similar to a flagpole. Pipe outlet systems are often found in old dormitories and apartment buildings. Where the houses are close together and have a small area.
For some expats, stairs in the Netherlands can seem more like a safety hazard than anything else. This is rooted in history when buildings were designed to maximize vertical space instead of horizontal space in order to save every centimeter possible.
If in developed countries, charging when using public transport is still a common thing, in Luxembourg, this service is completely free. Being the first country in the world to provide free public transport nationwide for everyone, this has greatly encouraged people to use public transport.
If you are too familiar with the traffic lights with 3 colors red, green, and yellow, you will be surprised when you arrive in Japan. Accordingly, the country’s official traffic documents refer to the green traffic lights as “pond” (blue) rather than “midori” (green)”.
The Turks are undoubtedly some of the most hospitable people in the world. However, when dealing with strangers, they can be quite reserved. Smiling at strangers is quite uncomfortable for the people of this country. However, with acquaintances, Turkish people are quite warm and will do their best to make them feel welcome.
In Afghanistan and other Muslim countries, if you drop a piece of bread, you should pick it up as quickly as possible and kiss it. This is supposed to show respect for the food. So if you don’t want to have to do this, be careful and don’t drop anything.
Contrary to most countries in the world where being on time is considered paramount, Mexicans have an unwritten rule that is exactly the opposite. It is known that whether they have an important meeting or a party with friends, they will definitely arrive later than the appointment time. However, this is a normal event, and important official events such as meetings, work… still have to comply with the time.
This tradition is said to have originated from the fact that in the past, Mexico had a very long time with major problems with public transport, so being late has now become a habit.