I’ve always been fascinated by the most unique traditions around the world—some made me smile, some shocked me, and others left me emotional.
Traveling taught me that culture runs deeper than what we see in books or movies.
From cinnamon showers in Denmark to dancing with the dead in Indonesia, these traditions show how beautifully diverse humanity truly is. 🌍✨
1. Lip Plates in Ethiopia

The Mursi people wear clay lip plates as a sign of beauty and strength. The bigger the plate, the higher the status.
- It’s usually worn by women.
- Plates can be as wide as 7 inches.
- Seen as a mark of pride, not pain.
2. Brazil’s First Slice of Cake 🎂
In Brazil, the first slice of cake is never for yourself. It must go to the most special person in your life.
- It’s a sweet way to show love.
- Creates emotional moments at birthdays.
- Once, a little brother got upset when he wasn’t chosen 🥹.
2. It is tradition in Brazil to give the most significant person in your life the first piece of cake. And see how his little brother responded 🥹
— Dr King Winter (@I_Am_Winter) September 16, 2025
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3. Lotus Feet in China 👣
For centuries, girls in China had their feet tightly bound to create “lotus feet.”
- Considered beautiful and prestigious.
- Caused extreme pain and disability.
- Thankfully outlawed in the early 1900s.
3. To attain "lotus feet," a symbol of beauty and prestige, young girls' feet were traditionally shackled tightly in China. The early 20th century saw the outlawing of this practice.
— Dr King Winter (@I_Am_Winter) September 16, 2025
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4. Mummified Chiefs in Papua New Guinea
Some tribes mummify their former chiefs and display them on altars.
- It shows deep respect for leaders.
- The body is preserved with smoke.
- Seen as keeping ancestors close.
5. Cinnamon for Singles in Denmark 🌿
Turning 25 and still single? In Denmark, your friends will tie you up and throw cinnamon all over you!
- A playful tradition, not bullying.
- Everyone laughs and joins in.
- If you hit 30, they use pepper instead!
5. In Denmark, if you are not married by the age of 25, you will be pelted with cinnamon and tied to a chair.
— Dr King Winter (@I_Am_Winter) September 16, 2025
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6. Lathmar Holi in India 🌈
During Holi, men in Barsana and Nandgaon must dodge playful stick-beatings from women.
- It’s called “Lathmar Holi.”
- Men carry shields to protect themselves.
- A colorful, fun-filled battle of love.
6. Men must protect themselves against men who playfully beat them with wooden sticks at the Lathmar Holi event in Barsana and Nandgaon, India.
— Dr King Winter (@I_Am_Winter) September 16, 2025
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7. The Haka in New Zealand 💪
The Māori Haka is a fierce war dance, now performed at weddings, funerals, and sports events.
- Known worldwide thanks to rugby teams.
- Expresses unity, strength, and respect.
- Powerful to witness live.
7. The Haka is a traditional Māori battle dance that is frequently performed at sporting events, weddings, and funerals.
— Dr King Winter (@I_Am_Winter) September 16, 2025
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8. Ma’nene in Indonesia 🪦
Once a year, the Toraja people dig up their dead relatives, dress them in fresh clothes, and celebrate with them.
- It’s called “Ma’nene.”
- Families clean the bodies with love.
- A way to honor ancestors.
9. Smoking Scorpions in Pakistan 🦂
Some people smoke dried scorpions for a high that lasts 10 hours.
- Mixed with tobacco or hashish.
- Causes hallucinations.
- Extremely dangerous and addictive.
10. The Suri Tribe’s Strange Belief 🐄
In Ethiopia, the Suri tribe believes that to help cows produce milk, you must lick their private parts and caress their udders.
- It’s shocking to outsiders.
- A long-standing ritual of the tribe.
- Deeply tied to their cattle culture.
🔥 Some of these are beautiful. Some are shocking. But they all show how unique human culture can be. Which one surprised you the most?
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