12 Surprising Customs from Around the World
Dive into the world’s most unexpected traditions: from Russian bread and salt to the Spanish siesta and Japanese noodle slurping.
Travel offers much more than sights and tastes—it opens us to the vast tapestry of cultural customs that shape daily life across the globe. Some traditions, once surprising, become endearing memories and thoughtful reminders of how varied human society truly is. From greetings steeped in history to etiquette that challenges our assumptions, these customs invite us to marvel at humanity’s creativity in honoring family, friends, and community.
1. Japan: Slurping Noodles Is a Compliment
While Western dining manners stress silence, in Japan, loudly slurping your noodles isn’t just acceptable—it’s encouraged. The act of slurping when eating ramen or soba is believed to enhance the flavor of the noodles and cool them down as they reach your mouth. More importantly, slurping is a polite signal to the chef: it shows your appreciation and that you are enjoying the meal. For unaccustomed guests, it may feel awkward at first, but locals see it as an auditory celebration of delicious food.
- Slurping noodles = Compliment to the chef
- Believed to enhance flavor and help noodles cool quickly
- Silence at the table may seem odd or disrespectful
2. Spain: The Sacred Siesta
Many dream of a midday nap, but in Spain, the siesta is a cherished cultural institution. Traditionally, businesses close between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, allowing locals to rest, dine, or simply escape the hottest hours of the day. Although urbanization and modern work schedules are shifting this practice, especially in major cities, many small towns still honor the siesta. Travelers should note these hours to avoid closed shops—and remember that embracing this rhythm is the best way to experience Spanish life.
- Shops close in the afternoon for a 2-3 hour break
- Originated from agricultural society’s need to avoid midday heat
- Practice is decreasing but persists in rural areas
3. Russia: Welcoming with Bread and Salt
In Russia and some Eastern European countries, greeting guests with bread and salt is the ultimate gesture of hospitality. This custom, known as “khleb-sol,” dates back centuries when salt was precious and bread the core of sustenance. The host presents a round loaf with a small dish of salt on top, often with a formal bow. If you’re offered bread and salt, it’s a mark of deep respect and warmth, signifying the host is sharing their best with you.
- Symbolizes hospitality, generosity, and friendship
- Visitors are often greeted with this ritual at significant events
- Refusing may be seen as rude or disrespectful
4. Malaysia & Indonesia: Pointing with the Thumb (Not the Finger)
While pointing with an index finger may seem innocuous, in Malaysia and Indonesia, it’s considered impolite, bordering on offensive. Instead, people indicate direction or objects by pointing with their thumb, often with the rest of the fingers curled gently into the palm. This subtle gesture displays respect and humility, especially toward elders and superiors.
- Index finger = rude or confrontational
- Pointing with thumb is standard and polite
- Respectful communication is highly valued
5. China: The Refined Art of the Tea Ceremony
Chinese culture is home to a thousand-year-old tea tradition called Gongfu Cha. This intricate ceremony is more than just a drink—it’s an expression of hospitality, respect, and social bonding. Preparing and serving tea follows a careful sequence, where every gesture, from warming the cups to the graceful pouring, reflects the importance of honoring one’s guest. If invited to a Chinese home, expect this ancient warmth, and remember to admire each step—the ritual is as important as the drink.
- Gongfu Cha: ceremonial preparation and serving of tea
- A mark of respect, gratitude, and social connection
- Tea utensils, order, and etiquette are strictly observed
6. Turkey: Knocking on Wood for Good Luck
Superstitions about tempting fate are common, but in Turkey, people literally knock on wood—or “tahtaya vurmak”—to ward off bad luck or negative outcomes. When hoping for a good result or discussing future plans, Turks gently rap their knuckles on a wooden surface twice, often followed by silently pulling on their earlobe. This centuries-old practice is thought to prevent misfortune and keep evil spirits at bay—a familiar echo to the Western custom.
- Expression of hope and protection from bad luck
- Custom is still widely observed
- Often used in everyday conversation
7. Denmark: Socializing in Cemeteries
In many cultures, cemeteries are sobering places associated with mourning. But in Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, cemeteries double as public parks and gathering spaces. Landscaped, well-kept, and filled with benches, these cemeteries invite people to picnic, read, or simply relax amid beautiful surroundings. This unique approach reflects a comfortable relationship with mortality, celebrating life while honoring the departed.
- Cemeteries serve as social, recreational spaces
- Locals gather for picnics, walks, and events
- Blending of memory and daily life
8. Greece: Symbolic Spitting for Good Luck
It may sound startling, but in Greece, spitting (or its symbolic sound) brings good luck and protects against evil. Traditionally, guests at weddings or baptisms would “spit”—today, by repeating “ftou, ftou, ftou”—to bless the bride or baby with health and fortune. The gesture, though now only symbolic, guards against jealousy and misfortune, embodying the Greek commitment to communal well-wishing.
- “Ftou, ftou, ftou” replaces literal spitting at celebrations
- Meant to ward off the evil eye and bring blessings
- Still practiced at family events
9. Nigeria: Greeting Elders with Deep Respect
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture, especially among the Yoruba people. When meeting elders, young women traditionally kneel, while young men prostrate themselves. This physical demonstration of deference is a cornerstone of social interaction and is carefully observed during family gatherings and important events. Such greetings underscore the vital importance of hierarchy and respect in Nigerian communities.
- Greeting postures: kneeling (women), prostration (men)
- Signifies humility, respect, and communal values
- Still widely observed alongside modern greetings
10. Poland: The Tradition of Hand-Kissing
Among European customs, hand-kissing in Poland stands out for its old-world courtesy. Gentlemen greet ladies by bowing slightly and lightly kissing the back of their hand—a practice historically reserved for nobility and formal occasions. Though less common among younger generations, it survives in formal settings and continues to evoke an atmosphere of respect and gallantry.
- Symbolizes respect, courtesy, and admiration
- Mainly seen at traditional or formal gatherings
- May be less common among youths
11. Middle East, India, and Parts of Africa: The Right Hand Rule
Across vast regions from the Middle East to parts of India and Africa, using the left hand for eating, greeting, or exchanging items is a firm taboo. The left hand is typically reserved for personal hygiene, so only the right hand is used to convey respect and cleanliness. Travelers should take care to follow this etiquette to avoid offending hosts or business partners.
- Left hand is considered unclean
- Always eat, accept gifts, and shake hands with the right hand
- Custom applies to social and business settings
12. Nicaragua: Pointing with the Lips
Gesturing takes many forms, and in Nicaragua, the lips do the talking—literally. Instead of verbally pointing or using their hands to indicate a direction or an object, people may purse their lips and jut them in the chosen direction. This subtle, expressive gesture is unique to the region and can be confusing to visitors unfamiliar with non-verbal communication styles.
- Lip-pointing is common for indicating objects or directions
- Accompanied by subtle head movements
- Usually considered friendly and informal
Table: Customs and Their Significance
| Country/Region | Custom | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Slurping noodles | Shows enjoyment/respect for chef |
| Spain | Siesta | Rest, escape midday heat, enjoy leisure |
| Russia | Bread & salt greeting | Hospitality, deep respect |
| Malaysia/Indonesia | Pointing with thumb | Politeness, respect |
| China | Tea ceremony | Gratitude, social bonding |
| Turkey | Knocking on wood | Ward off bad luck |
| Denmark | Socializing in cemeteries | Celebrating life, acceptance of death |
| Greece | Symbolic spitting | Good luck, ward off evil |
| Nigeria | Respectful greetings to elders | Hierarchy, tradition |
| Poland | Hand-kissing | Courtly greeting, respect |
| Middle East, India, parts of Africa | Right hand for eating/handshakes | Cleanliness, respect |
| Nicaragua | Lip pointing | Casual, friendly direction |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do cultures have such different greeting customs?
A: Greeting customs often reflect histories, religious traditions, social hierarchies, and linguistic differences unique to each region. They develop as ways to express respect, friendship, or connection based on local values.
Q: What should travelers do if unsure about etiquette in a new country?
A: Observing locals, asking politely, or researching customs in advance helps prevent accidental offense. Hosts generally appreciate genuine curiosity and attempts to show respect for their traditions.
Q: Are these customs still widely practiced today?
A: Many remain common, especially during traditional events and in rural areas, though urbanization and globalization are shaping or gently fading some customs. When in doubt, err on the side of tradition.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember about global customs?
A: Approach every tradition with an open mind and humility. Customs that seem strange at first often reveal rich underlying stories about community, respect, and joy in everyday life.
Discover more: Next time you travel, delve beyond the guidebook. These cultural details distinguish a destination just as much as its museums and landmarks, and will often make your time abroad unforgettable.
