According to a popular saying “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. It sounds like a pretty reasonable argument for going to places you have never been, making new friends and having fond memories of your stay. However, before visiting a particular country you should conduct a research and find out something more about the customs local people have. Some traditions may seem absolutely inappropriate or even insane to you, but if you want to avoid embarrassing situations, you’d better stick to the etiquette.
Polterabend
Polterabend is a German tradition related to weddings. The night before the wedding, friends and relatives gather for an informal party. However, that is not just a randomly thrown party. On the contrary – there is a reason behind it. During the party, the guests break porcelain items ranging from dishes to toilets and the bride and groom are supposed to clean up the mess. Although it may sound weird, cleaning up the broken items symbolizes the difficulties they will have to go through in their life.
Arriving on time
Every well-mannered person knows how important it is to be on time for various events. Ever since you were a child, your parents have probably kept repeating that no matter if you are going to an informal meeting with a friend or you have an important business lunch, being late is considered disrespectful. Well, that rule is not valid for some parts of South America. In Chile, Ecuador, Brazil arriving on time is considered ill-mannered as the host might not be ready for the guests yet. In other words, arriving 15-20 minutes late is recommended.
Blackening the bride
Scottish people have a wedding – related tradition that may seem bizarre to foreigners. The custom is widely known as blackening the bride and here is the explanation. Before the wedding, friends of the bride cover her with spoiled eggs, feathers, milk or anything else that is stinky and disgusting. The more tolerant among you would say that it is not a big deal. She will take a shower and the tradition will be followed. Well, the worse is yet to come. The bride has to walk through the town covered with all these terrible things. The most reasonable question here is why they are doing this. The custom is once again associated with the difficulties the bride will have to face. If she is brave enough to be covered with spoiled food products, she is considered ready to deal with all problems the marriage could bring.
Foot-Binding
It is a well-known fact that Chinese women are tiny, elegant and they often look younger than their peers from other countries due to the healthy way of life they lead. The genetics also has some contribution, but that’s another topic.
Anyway, the beauty of the Chinese girls takes a toll. They do not want their feet to grow too big and for that reason, the foot-binding ritual is performed. Girls’ feet are broken and wrapped up with special bandages in order to prevent the foot from growing. Although China is a country where traditions are obeyed and foreigners appreciate their determination to preserve their old traditions, the foot binding was found unacceptable by many. The creepy ritual was banned, but, unfortunately, it is still performed in some areas.
Drinking Etiquette in Russia
Russians are another nation that obeys its traditions. One of the things they are famous for is the alcohol consumption and for that reason, you should be familiar with the drinking etiquette. If you go to Russia, you should not put a bottle of alcohol on the table after a toast. It has to be emptied.
Unlike South Americans, Russians have punishment for those who arrive late for dinner. If you are not on time, you will be supposed to drink a glass of vodka in order to compensate for your absence.
Russians are quick-tempered people and it would not be unnatural to hear them swearing. However, if they curse another person without malice, they spit over their left shoulder. The latter action symbolizes that you are spitting into the devil’s eyes.
Symbols of Death in China and Korea
People from all over the world believe that giving flowers to someone shows your respect and love towards them. Well, that is not applicable in China. Flowers, along with handkerchiefs, clocks or straw sandals are associated with death and if you give one of these as a gift, you risk offending the person.
Koreans, on the other hand, associate the red color with death. In other words, you’d better opt for another color to write a card to a Korean friend of yours.
Don’t Even Try to Season Your Meal
As you know, Italians are proud with their pasta and pizza and it is considered rude to ask for ketchup for your meal. Egyptians have pretty much the same custom. Don’t even dare to ask somebody to pass you the saltshaker. This means you consider the food is distasteful.
Table Manners in Norway
One of the reasons why people eat fast food is that they do not have to use any utensils in order to have a meal for 10 minutes and then continue to run their daily errands. That’s not the case in Norway, though. You are supposed to use a knife and a fork regardless of the meal you are eating. Strange as it may seem, sandwiches are not an exception.
Sauna – the Perfect Place for Socializing
If you have a business meeting in Finland, don’t be surprised if you are invited to a sauna after that. In Finland, saunas are regarded as the perfect place for socializing.
