Social Custom
Why Germans Rarely Sing Their National Anthem in Its Entirety
Germany's national anthem, "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), has a complex and troubled past. Historically, the first stanza of the anthem has a strong connection with the Nazi regime. During the Nazi era, the anthem was misused to promote extreme nationalism and the heinous crimes committed by the regime. As a result, singing the first stanza is now considered a taboo in modern German society.more
French Culinary Tradition: A Unique Way of Savoring Small Birds
In certain regions of France, there exists a unique and rather peculiar culinary practice involving covering the head with a cloth while eating small birds, a tradition deeply rooted in the country's rich gastronomic heritage.more
Bullfighting: A Deep - Rooted Passion in Spain
Bullfighting, or "corrida de toros," stands as an enduring symbol of Spanish culture, deeply ingrained in the nation's identity and passionately cherished by many Spaniards. This age - old spectacle combines elements of art, bravery, and tradition, captivating audiences across the country for centuries.more
Portugal's Unusual Curtain Arrangement: Drawn Outside the Window
In Portugal, an interesting and rather unusual sight has been catching the attention of locals and tourists alike. It turns out that in some parts of the country, curtains are being installed and drawn on the outside of windows. This unique practice has puzzled many and has become a topic of conversation.more
Ancient Egyptian Contraception: The Unusual Use of Crocodile Dung
In ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its remarkable achievements, an unusual and rather astonishing method of contraception was once in use: the application of crocodile dung. This practice, which might seem bizarre to modern - day observers, was deeply rooted in the Egyptians' understanding of nature and medicine.more
Wildlife Encounters: When Creatures Pay a Visit in Kenya
In Kenya, a country renowned for its vast savannas and rich biodiversity, it is not uncommon for residents to have unexpected visitors — wild animals. The close proximity between human settlements and wildlife habitats often leads to remarkable and sometimes startling interactions as various species venture into people’s living spaces.more
Niger: Meat is Affordable, but Vegetables are a Luxury
In Niger, a rather unusual dietary situation has emerged where meat is more accessible than vegetables for many of its citizens. Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, faces significant challenges in its agricultural production, which has led to this curious phenomenon.more
South Africa: A Land Abundant in Diamonds
South Africa, located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, is renowned for its rich diamond resources. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa dates back to 1866 when a young shepherd named Erasmus Jacobs picked up a unique stone along the banks of the Orange River. Later identified as a 21.25 - carat diamond, it was named the “Eureka” diamond, marking the first diamond discovery in the country.more
Groundhog in US Predicts Early Spring
On February 2nd, the United States witnessed the annual Groundhog Day tradition, with groundhogs across the country playing the role of "weather forecasters". The most famous of them all, Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, emerged from its burrow in the morning. As the sunlight hit, Phil saw its shadow, indicating that winter would persist for another six weeks according to the long - standing legend.more
Mexicans' Unusual Dietary Habit: Eating Cacti Daily
In Mexico, cacti are not just desert plants dotting the arid landscapes; they are an integral part of the local diet. It might sound astonishing, but Mexicans consume cacti on a daily basis. This unique culinary practice has deep roots in the country's culture and environment.more
Peru's Mysterious Geoglyphs Abound
In the vast and arid Nazca desert of southern Peru, a remarkable phenomenon has intrigued the world for decades - an abundance of strange and mysterious geoglyphs. These geoglyphs, known as the Nazca Lines, were created between 500 BC and 500 AD. The local people made them by making depressions or shallow incisions in the desert floor, removing pebbles and exposing different - colored dirt.more
Nauru's Unusual Path to Prosperity: Relying on Bird Droppings
Nauru, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has a rather extraordinary story of getting rich - all thanks to bird droppings. This small island, with a land area of only about 21 square kilometers, was once an overlooked place. However, its fortunes changed dramatically due to an unexpected resource.more