This content explores 10 strange traditions that are still practiced today. It begins with the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, where participants run in front of bulls through narrow streets. Cheese Rolling in Gloucester, England, where people chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, is also discussed. La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato fight, held in Buñol, Spain, is another unusual tradition covered. The Finger Cutting Ritual of the Apatani tribe in India and the rare phenomenon of Coffin Birth are also mentioned. The content also looks at the Wife-Carrying Championship in Finland, the Baby Jumping Festival in Spain, Thaipusam, where devotees pierce their bodies, Baby Tossing in India, and the Night of the Radishes in Mexico. The content concludes by noting that these traditions, although strange to outsiders, are an important part of different cultures.
10 Strange Traditions Still Practiced Today
1. The Running of the Bulls
The Running of the Bulls is an annual tradition that takes place in Pamplona, Spain, during the festival of San Fermin. Participants run in front of a group of bulls through narrow streets for a thrilling and dangerous adventure. This exhilarating event draws thousands of participants and spectators from around the world each year.
2. Cheese Rolling
Cheese Rolling is an unusual tradition that happens every year on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, England. Participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, with the first person to catch the cheese being declared the winner. This thrilling and sometimes painful tradition has been practiced for centuries.
3. La Tomatina
La Tomatina is the world’s largest tomato fight, held annually in the town of Buñol, Spain. Participants throw tomatoes at each other, covering the streets in a sea of red and creating a messy but enjoyable spectacle. This messy tradition has gained popularity and attracts tourists from all over the globe.
4. Finger Cutting Ritual
The Apatani tribe in India practices a unique tradition called the Finger Cutting Ritual. Young girls of the tribe have their fingertips cut by their elders as a mark of beauty. This strange tradition is believed to have originated centuries ago to prevent neighboring tribes from abducting the beautiful Apatani women.
5. Coffin Birth
Occurring rarely but still present in some cultures, Coffin Birth is a bizarre phenomenon where a pregnant woman, who passes away, gives birth to her child post-mortem. Due to the build-up of gases inside the mother’s body after death, the child is expelled. While this event is rare and often morbid, it is a strange occurrence that is still studied by medical professionals.
6. Wife-Carrying Championship
Originating in Finland, the Wife-Carrying Championship is a sports event where male competitors race while carrying their female partners on their backs. The race involves navigating through challenging obstacles and quirky rules, making it a truly unusual tradition. The winner is awarded their wife’s weight in beer, adding a humorous touch to the event.
7. Baby Jumping Festival
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, the Baby Jumping Festival (El Colacho) is a unique tradition where men dressed as the Devil leap over rows of babies lying on mattresses on the street. This traditional practice is believed to cleanse the infants of original sin and bring them good luck, a belief that dates back to the early 17th century.
8. Thaipusam
Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival celebrated by Tamil communities in several countries, including India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Devotees pierce their bodies with sharp objects, such as hooks and skewers, as a demonstration of devotion and to seek penance. The intense physical endurance displayed during Thaipusam is both shocking and fascinating.
9. Baby Tossing
Believed to bring good health and luck, the Baby Tossing tradition takes place in Solapur, India. Infants are dropped from a height of approximately 50 feet and caught by a group of men holding a sheet. As alarming as it may sound, locals believe this practice makes the babies stronger and guarantees their well-being.
10. Night of the Radishes
The Night of the Radishes is an annual event held on December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico. Participants carve intricate and elaborate sculptures entirely out of radishes. These detailed creations can depict anything from religious scenes to mythical creatures. This festival draws large crowds and showcases the talent and creativity of the participants.
In conclusion, these ten strange traditions are a testament to the diversity and fascinating nature of human culture. While they may seem peculiar or even shocking to outsiders, they continue to be practiced today, often serving as a vital part of communities’ identity and heritage.
