ALBAWABA - Our world is filled with fascinating and interesting customs and rituals that reflect different cultures and traditions of different societies. These traditions, although may seem strange to outsiders, hold deep cultural impact for the communities that practice them.
Here are 6 unusual traditions from around the world which you might not have heard of:
1. Finger Cutting, Indonesia
Among the Dani tribe of Papua, Indonesia, mourning takes unique form. Female family members cut off a portion of their fingers upon the death of a loved one, symbolizing their grief and connection to the deceased.
2. Baby Jumping, Spain
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In Castrillo de Murcia, Spain, men dressed as devils leap over babies laid on mattresses to cleanse them of sin and protect them from evil spirits in a tradition known as El Colacho.
3. Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand
In the town of Lopburi, Thailand, locals set up displays of fruits, vegetables, and sweets to honor the monkey population during the Monkey Buffet Festival. This quirky event, believed to bring good luck and prosperity, attracts thousands of tourists annually.
4. La Tomatina, Spain
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Each year, the streets of Buñol, Spain, become tomato-filled as participants engage in a massive tomato-throwing festival. Dating back to the 1940s, this lively event has become an iconic celebration in Spanish culture.
5. Nagoro Doll Village, Japan
Artist Ayano Tsukimi has populated Nagoro, Japan, with life-sized dolls resembling former residents, creating a unique and somewhat eerie village where these dolls now outnumber the living.
6. Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling, England
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Those seeking a good time gather in Gloucestershire, England, for the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling event, chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep hill for the chance to win the prized cheese.
These traditions offer a glimpse into just how diverse and different cultures around the world are, and there are still many more not mentioned on this list. While these traditions might sound strange to some, the truth is they still bring joy to others, and there is a beauty in that.
