Did you know that, according to historical records, the tradition of cheese rolling has been around in England for more than 600 years? If you’re willing to go out and look for them there are tons of amazing traditions from around the world that you need to add to your bucket list. These great traditions range from a cultural nose piercing to chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill.
If you’re fascinated with learning about other cultures then you need to dive headfirst into the amazing cultural practices from around the globe in 2022. Luckily, you’re in the perfect spot to learn all about these traditions and where to find them.
Keep reading to learn more about ten fascinating cultural practices today!
- Cheese Rolling
Gloucester, England is notable for its beautiful and green rolling hills, but cheese rolling is its true claim to fame. The tradition as it’s known today originated in the 1800s, but historical records show that it occurred going back hundreds of years. It involves a host of competitors racing down a hill to catch a wheel of cheese.
The hill is quite steep and it’s entertaining to watch the competitors as very few of them manage to keep their footing the entire way down the hill. The winner gets to take home a massive wheel of cheese that was made right there in Gloucester.
- Battle of The Oranges
The Battle of the Oranges happens on a yearly basis in the town of Ivrea, Italy. You run the risk of sustaining some minor injuries if you choose to take part in this citrusy tradition. It dates back hundreds of years and represents the rebellions of the commoners back in medieval times.
Grab your friends and prepare for the most interesting game of dodgeball that you’ll ever experience. Best of all, the battle lasts for three days!
- Polterabend
The Polterabend tradition traces its roots back to Germany and is still an active tradition to this day. It happens when a couple is on the brink of getting married, as their friends meet at dinner and destroy as much porcelain dinnerware as possible. The task of cleaning this mess goes to the soon-to-be-married couple as it’s thought to improve unity and bring good luck.
- Kanamara Matsuri
If you ever find yourself in Kawasaki on the first Sunday of April, you might be shocked to discover penises of all shapes and colors getting paraded through the town. This interesting and fun tradition is part of the Shinto fertility tradition, and it’s your chance to eat plenty of pastries and sweets that feature a phallic shape.
The people of Japan see this tradition as a serious religious practice. It’s sure to raise your eyebrows and allow for a great time for everyone that experiences it.
- Cinnamon Throwing
Denmark is known as the happiest country in the world, but they get overlooked for their cinnamon throwing tradition. This tradition holds that people that are single on their 25th birthday get doused in cinnamon. It’s meant to provide motivation to go out and find a partner, though it’s not super effective on those Danes that have a love for cinnamon.
- Burns Night
Burns Night in Scotland sounds much more insidious than it is in reality. It’s in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns, who played a massive role in establishing and growing Scottish culture with his poetry. This tradition occurs every 25th of January in Scotland.
The people of this great nation get together to have dinner and recite Burns’ poetry with each other. The main dish that the Scots eat is Haggis, which is a sausage that comes from the belly of a sheep. It’s sure to be a night that you won’t forget anytime soon.
- Sharpening Teeth
Sharpening teeth is a common cultural practice in Indonesia for women that seek to become more beautiful. It is most common in rural communities of Indonesia, and the people who practice this tradition get their teeth chiseled and sawed to make them sharper.
It’s not a requirement in Indonesian culture, but it’s a true sign of beauty throughout Indonesia. If you want to attain the highest level of beauty in that culture then it’s a good idea to get your teeth sharpened.
- Wife Carrying Championship
Bachelors and bachelorettes need not apply to participate in the Finnish tradition of wife carrying. The Wife Carrying Championship is a giant race that is designed to test your strength as well as that of your relationship with your spouse. Three couples compete at a time while trying to navigate obstacles and carrying their wives simultaneously.
There are certain qualifications that you’ll need to meet if you and your wife plan on signing up for this fun cultural practice. The wife needs to weigh at least 108 pounds. You also can participate even if you’re not from Finland, so keep that in mind when planning your next vacation.
- Oktoberfest
A true Oktoberfest celebration in Munich is unlike anything that you’ve experienced before. It’s your chance to enjoy savory traditional German dishes and consume large quantities of German beer. You’re sure to have a good time if you decide to take part in this German tradition.
- Nose Piercings
India has a long and storied culture, and one of the most remarkable parts of the Indian cultural practice is that of getting a nose piercing. It is encouraged for young women to get a nose piercing upon turning 12 years old, and choose beautiful jewelry like that from bodypiercejewelry.com to wear with it. It’s also quite common to see an ear piercing in traditional Indian culture.
Now You Know Some Amazing Traditions from Around the World
If you love to travel then it’s a great idea to find some of the best traditions from around the world to experience and take part in. You’ll have the chance to chase a wheel of cheese down a hill or enjoy some traditional German beer. If you’re lucky, you might even get to take part in a massive orange fight or watch Finnish men carry their wives past the finish line.
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