James Metcalfe
So many countries have cultures and customs that we, in our home countries, might find odd or even weird at times. However, this doesn’t diminish how important these customs can be for those residing in these countries and not knowing about them can lead to some awkward encounters for you. Below are some of the best unknown cultural customs that you need to know about before jetting off to unlock the world.
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#1 The Dreaded No. 4…
The number four is considered unlucky since it's pronunciation is similar to the Japanese word for death, you will see buildings that do not have a 4th Floor they simply skip it in the numbering, so if you are giving someone a gift in Japan make sure it doesn't have four in the name or packaging, it can be seen as a bad omen.
Contributor: Michael Satterfield from thegentlemanracer.com
#2 Danish Cemeteries
While most of us think of cemeteries as quiet and maybe even spooky, in Denmark it’s common for locals to spend a summers afternoon hanging out and socializing in cemetery grounds.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#3 More Than A Handshake
In some countries, such as France and countries in South America, a handshake may not be enough to greet another person, it is customary for men and women to kiss each other when they greet.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#4 Globalised Tea
The word "chá" in Portuguese means “tea” and comes from the Chinese word for tea, also *cha, *dating back to the early days of trade between the two regions starting in the 1500s. Now that’s globalization for you!
Contributor: Ashley Blake from traversejourneys.com
#5 The Many Kinds Of Kiwis…
Don't get caught calling the kiwi fruit a kiwi! There, a kiwi is not a fruit – it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird and a slang term for a New Zealander. Kiwis call the fruit “kiwifruit” – which are also known as Chinese Gooseberries.
Contributor: Ashley Blake from traversejourneys.com
#6 Fijian Greetings
When visiting a village or attending a Sevusevu Ceremony, there are rules of which the visitor should also be aware. One should never wear sunglasses or a hat, and never touch the head of any villager including children, as all is a sign of great disrespect.
Contributor: Missy Johnston from njcharters.com
#7 Beautiful Works Of Art From Central America
Alfombras de Aserrín are impressive works of art that resemble carpets made of different colored sawdust. They are created by devout Catholics around the country but mainly in Comayagua, Santa Bárbara, and Copán. The carpets, which are usually laid out on main streets of the cities mentioned above, show images of important passages from the Bible, as well as passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The carpets are put together and displayed throughout Holy Week.
Contributor: Lara Henriquez from newlink-group.com
#8 No Tipping In Samoa
In Samoa, it is considered offensive to tip people. The thought behind that is that the person who received the tip now feels obliged to return the favor and this may not be within their means. In a deeply stratified culture, this is quite key. Same goes for bargaining, quite frowned upon since it creates a favor that may not be repaid.
Contributor: Avichai Ben Tzur from XDAYSINY.COM
#9 No Public Eating, Please
Eating, even nibbling on a treat, is meant to remain inside a restaurant or the confines of your home. It is extremely poor etiquette to eat while walking or traveling on the train. Drinking water, however, is permissible. Good thing in the heat and humidity of this time of year.
Contributor: Jennifer Durrant from osmondmarketing.com
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