Social Custom
Sri Lanka's Enchanting Tradition: Stilt Fishing
In Sri Lanka, a captivating fishing practice has endured through the ages, captivating both locals and tourists alike—stilt fishing. This unique method involves fishermen perching on tall wooden stilts that rise out of the ocean, skillfully casting their lines to catch sea fish.
Italy’s Ivrea Carnival: The Thrilling Orange Battle
Spain’s tomato-throwing "La Tomatina" is wildly popular, but for those who prefer hurling something tangier, head to Italy in February. At the Ivrea Carnival, thousands of ripe oranges are pelted in a juicy battle during the festival’s highlight.
America’s Coffee Break Festival: Celebrating a Beloved Workplace Tradition
For many office workers, the short coffee break holds great importance. Each year, Stoughton, Wisconsin, honors this ritual with its Coffee Break Festival, featuring coffee tastings, brewing contests, and even bean-spitting competitions.
World’s Largest Padlock Weighs 916 Pounds
The world’s largest padlock, certified by Guinness World Records, was crafted by 师生 from Russia’s Pavlovo Art College. It measures 56.8 inches in height, 41.3 inches in width, and 10.2 inches in thickness, with its key included in the total weight of 916 pounds.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru: Born from Military Needs
The first McDonald’s drive-thru window opened in Sierra Vista, Arizona, driven by a specific military requirement: soldiers from a nearby camp were barred from entering public places in uniform. To accommodate them, the restaurant’s manager cut a window in the wall, allowing soldiers to buy meals without leaving their vehicles.
Why Germans Rarely Sing Their National Anthem in Its Entirety
Germany's national anthem, "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), has a complex and troubled past. Historically, the first stanza of the anthem has a strong connection with the Nazi regime. During the Nazi era, the anthem was misused to promote extreme nationalism and the heinous crimes committed by the regime. As a result, singing the first stanza is now considered a taboo in modern German society.
French Culinary Tradition: A Unique Way of Savoring Small Birds
In certain regions of France, there exists a unique and rather peculiar culinary practice involving covering the head with a cloth while eating small birds, a tradition deeply rooted in the country's rich gastronomic heritage.
Greek Men and Their Braids: A Historical and Cultural Exploration
In ancient Greece, men's hairstyles were not only a matter of personal preference but also carried significant cultural and symbolic meanings. Among these styles, braids held a special place.
Traffic in San Marino: A World Without Traffic Lights
San Marino, a small yet charming microstate nestled within Italy, stands out for a unique and remarkable feature: it has no traffic lights. Despite being one of the oldest republics in the world and a popular tourist destination, this tiny nation has managed to function without the common traffic - controlling devices found in most urban areas.
Wildlife Encounters: When Creatures Pay a Visit in Kenya
In Kenya, a country renowned for its vast savannas and rich biodiversity, it is not uncommon for residents to have unexpected visitors — wild animals. The close proximity between human settlements and wildlife habitats often leads to remarkable and sometimes startling interactions as various species venture into people’s living spaces.
Contrasting Realities in the Republic of the Congo: Lives of Scarcity, Displays of Opulence
In the Republic of the Congo, a striking paradox unfolds as many residents lead lives marked by poverty, yet present themselves with an air of affluence through their clothing. Despite facing economic hardships and struggling to meet basic needs, a significant portion of the population places great emphasis on dressing in an extravagant manner.
Niger: Meat is Affordable, but Vegetables are a Luxury
In Niger, a rather unusual dietary situation has emerged where meat is more accessible than vegetables for many of its citizens. Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, faces significant challenges in its agricultural production, which has led to this curious phenomenon.
Unusual Tradition: Hiding Money in Food in Bolivia
In Bolivia, there exists an interesting and rather unique cultural practice of hiding money in food. This custom is deeply rooted in the local traditions and beliefs, adding a special touch to various occasions.