Foreign customs that leave Americans bewildered
In the vast and diverse world we live in, cultural habits can often seem peculiar to those unfamiliar with them. This article takes a look at some unusual practices from various countries that might raise eyebrows among Americans.
In the Norway winter, a common sight is brooms being hidden on Christmas Eve to ward off witches, a tradition deeply rooted in old superstitions [1]. On the other hand, in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Night of the Radishes festival sees oversized radishes being carved into nativity and folklore figures [1].
In Singapore, the limited flat space has led to a unique practice of drying clothes on bamboo poles extended from apartment windows, a sight unfamiliar to most Americans [2]. In Denmark, an unmarried person at age 25 might find themselves tied to a pole and showered with cinnamon powder, a lighthearted tradition marking marital status [2].
In some Caribbean islands, couples cross wooden sticks during ceremonies to symbolize the start of their life together, a custom unfamiliar in the U.S. [3]. Many non-Americans find American customs like wearing shoes indoors and routine circumcision of newborn boys unusual and sometimes disturbing [4].
Schoolchildren reciting the Pledge of Allegiance daily, even with punishment, is rare globally and can appear strange or coercive [5]. The American obsession with meticulously maintained grass lawns is also seen as odd or excessive by many foreigners [5].
Moving north, in Ontario and parts of Quebec, milk is sold in plastic bags instead of cartons and placed in reusable pitchers [6]. Across Norway, parents routinely let babies nap outside in prams, even during freezing winters [7]. The sauna culture in Finland is so integral to Finnish identity that UNESCO listed it as part of the country's intangible heritage [8].
In Indian households, stovetop pressure cookers are a staple tool, relied on for everyday cooking in most households [9]. In Ecuador, brightly lit caterpillar-style rides weave through city streets at night, sharing the road with regular traffic [10]. These open-air rides, known as gusanitos, are popular at festivals and neighborhood celebrations [10].
The packaging of milk in plastic bags in Ontario and parts of Quebec became common in the 1970s during Canada's shift to the metric system [11]. In Indian kitchens, pressure cookers are used daily for cooking rice, lentils, and curries, saving time and fuel [9]. In Finland, it's considered a normal way to build trust and flatten hierarchy to relax together in saunas without clothes [12]. Sauna isn't just for relaxation in Finland; it's a social and professional space where colleagues often unwind together, often without clothes [12].
Nordic parents in Norway believe outdoor naps help babies sleep better and stay healthy [7]. Research supports the idea that outdoor naps improve rest quality for babies in Norway [7].
These examples illustrate how cultural norms can vary widely, making everyday habits from other societies appear strange to Americans. Such differences often stem from historical, environmental, or social factors unique to each culture [1][2][3][4][5].
