Jumping over babies, blackening the bride and other traditions that will seem crazy for a Russian person

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Many strange traditions of different peoples appeared in ancient times. Some of them may seem surprising, unreasonable, illogical, and sometimes frightening to a Russian person. But other people consider their rites to be more than normal. They carry some kind of hidden meaning that they understand. But for us, these traditions may seem like real madness.

Tradition is what connects living people with their ancestors. There are also many rituals in our country that are incomprehensible to a foreigner. But no matter how unusual the traditions are, they are still passed down from generation to generation, because it is the preservation of spiritual and cultural wealth that determines the peculiarity of each nation.

Easter whip in Slovakia and the Czech Republic

The day after Easter, men are allowed to whip women with a whip. Not just allowed, but highly encouraged, because it counts for good luck. One day a year, the male half makes whips from willow branches, decorates them with ribbons and goes from house to house, singing songs. For a few strokes of the lash, the girls should treat the guy with liquor and give Easter delicacies. These are usually hand-decorated Easter eggs. This tradition is vaguely reminiscent of the usual Christmas carols. Only in our country do people go by themselves with treats and songs, and also receive treats in return. And in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is considered a good sign if a girl is hit several times with a whip. Locals believe that if this tradition is observed, the year will be successful.

Bear dances in Moldova and Romania

Every year, during the Christmas holidays, Moldova and Romania organize bear dances. Men put on heavy bearskins and dance in them. Some skins can weigh up to 50 kilograms. To get used to the weight and perform the dance in sync, performers begin to train in three months. It is believed that such dances drive away evil spirits so that they do not penetrate into the new year, but remain in the old one. It also symbolizes the infinity of life, death and rebirth. Despite the fact that many are against such events, such a show gathers a huge number of viewers from all over the world. The dances are performed to the music of flutes and drums. There is no clear set of movements, but in the course of the dance, the bears supposedly die and rise again. This symbolizes renewal and entry into a new life.

Tomato Festival in Spain

This festival takes place in the Spanish town of Buñol. Usually this action takes place in the last week of August. Thousands of people from all over the world come here to enjoy Spanish music, drinks, treats, watch the chic fireworks and dances. But, the main thing for which people come here is the crowded battle of tomatoes. At 10 in the morning, a firecracker is launched on the main square of the city, which indicates the beginning of the holiday. At this time, several huge machines with tomatoes are brought in and people start a battle. This fun action symbolizes the end of the summer. For the entire festival, approximately 145 tons of tomatoes are consumed each year. Local residents are pretty much preparing for this event, because the flow of tourists at this time is several times higher than the population of the town. Owners of shops and cafes put special shields on the windows of their establishments to avoid accidental damage. In order to prevent injury, according to the rules of the festival, before throwing a tomato, it must be crushed. It is also strictly forbidden to bring any traumatic items with you.

Cutting teeth in Bali

In Indonesia, this is one of the most significant traditions for local people. At the age of 18, every inhabitant must undergo this strange rite. During the process, human fangs are cut down. This takes place in a local temple, where the guru sharpens the sharpness of the fangs with an ordinary file. Then this tooth dust must be buried in a sacred place. If this ritual is not carried out, then it is believed that a person after death will not be able to go to heaven. The Balinese associate fangs with evil spirits. And if you cut them down, then they supposedly will forever leave the body and soul of a person. For a Russian person, this strange tradition may seem somewhat intimidating. You can carry out similar actions at least in the dentist's office. But the Balinese are ready to endure any physical discomfort, as long as their souls are pure.

Tower jumping in Melanesia

This is one of the strangest and most dangerous rituals in the world. Every year in April, Vanuatu men build a huge tower that is about a hundred meters high. Local boys and boys are being challenged. Children who have reached only five years of age are allowed to the ceremony. The boys are asked to climb to the top of the tower. Then a vine rope is tied to their feet and they must jump down. It is believed that the higher he jumped and the lower he flew, the more blessing of the gods he will receive. This dangerous ceremony has been held here for about 15 centuries. The percentage of accidents is incredible, but despite this, the tradition continues to this day. This is a kind of test for strength of character, courage and luck. Because not everyone manages to remain whole after this frightening action.

Sprinkling spices in Denmark

There is an unusual tradition here, which takes its origins from ancient times. Earlier in Denmark, many people traded in spices, they had to travel often and they could not settle in one place and start a family. Now, if at 25 years old a girl or a guy is not in the bonds of marriage, then they are abundantly sprinkled with cinnamon. And if at the age of 30 they are also still free, then they use pepper. Sometimes eggs are mixed into the spice mixture for fun, to make it harder to wash off. This is a kind of punishment for loneliness, but it is more humorous. In Denmark it is now common to get married after age 30. Therefore, no one seriously condemns unmarried people. But it's a great way to have fun with your friends and make fun of yourself. For a Russian person, it looks strange and sad, but the Danes are not very sad about this. It's just a strange and ancient tradition.

Jumping over babies in Spain

This frightening ritual takes place annually in the city of Castillo de Murcia. A similar ceremony began in the 17th century. Crowds of tourists from all over the world come to see this unusual ritual. Infants are placed on mattresses and members of the local brotherhood, disguised as devils, must jump over them. They put on yellow and red suits and, with a weapon in their hands, jump over the children. Locals believe that in this way their children will live in health and happiness. And the devils supposedly take with them all the hardships and diseases. It is better for the faint of heart and not stress-resistant people to attend this event, because it is rather scary to look at a helpless baby, over which an adult and menacingly dressed man is jumping.

Blackening the bride in Scotland

Wedding ceremonies are different for each nation, there are many strange and unusual. One of these is the vilification of the bride in Scotland. The ceremony consists in the fact that before the wedding the bride is doused with all sorts of filth: slops, sauces, eggs, flour, sawdust. Then the girl is taken around the city or tied up somewhere in a public place. Previously, it was believed that this is how a woman's readiness for marriage, her patience and fortitude was tested. If she withstands this public humiliating test, then no difficulties in family life will be terrible for her.