Social Custom

Mongolian Children Start Learning Horse Riding at Three

Cultural News

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North Korea: An Isolated Enigma

Cultural News

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South Korea: A Hub of Plastic Surgery

Cultural News

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Thailand: The Enigma of Beauty Beyond Gender Boundaries

Cultural News

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Malaysia: The Tradition of Hand - Eating
In Malaysia, hand - eating is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that continues to thrive. This tradition, far from being a universal rule, is prominently observed, especially among the Malay community and in certain cultural settings, and offers a unique and intimate dining experience.
Cultural News
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Singapore's Approach to the Sex Industry: No Ban on the Custom Industry
Singapore, known for its strict laws in many aspects, has a rather unique stance when it comes to the custom industry. Unlike some countries that have imposed outright bans, Singapore has chosen a different path.
Cultural News
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Cycling Gap: Why Many Women in Bangladesh Don't Ride Bicycles
In Bangladesh, a significant phenomenon exists - many women do not ride bicycles. This situation is deeply rooted in the country's social and cultural context.
Cultural News
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Pakistan's Unique Gesture: Shaking the Head to Show Agreement
In Pakistan, a fascinating cultural quirk sets its communication norms apart from many other parts of the world. Here, shaking the head isn't a sign of disagreement, as it is in most Western cultures; instead, it's a way to convey approval, agreement, or understanding. This unique form of non-verbal communication often surprises first-time visitors and can lead to initial confusion.
Cultural News
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Sri Lanka's Enchanting Tradition: Stilt Fishing
In Sri Lanka, a captivating fishing practice has endured through the ages, captivating both locals and tourists alike—stilt fishing. This unique method involves fishermen perching on tall wooden stilts that rise out of the ocean, skillfully casting their lines to catch sea fish.
Cultural News
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In Tajikistan, Women Prefer to Draw Single-line Eyebrows
In Tajikistan, a unique beauty trend among women has caught the attention of many. Women here often sport a distinct makeup style - drawing a single, thick line for eyebrows.
Cultural News
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"Hell's Gate" in Turkmenistan Has Been Burning for 47 Years
In the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, there lies a mysterious and awe - inspiring sight known as the "Hell's Gate". This phenomenon has been captivating the world's attention for nearly half a century.
Cultural News
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Afghanistan: The Unconquerable Land for Over a Century
For more than a century, Afghanistan has earned a reputation as a place where no foreign power has been able to achieve a complete victory. Its strategic location, which serves as a crossroads connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, has made it a target of numerous foreign incursions.
Cultural News
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In Iran, More and More Young People Choose "Contract Marriage"
In Iran, a unique form of marriage - "contract marriage" - has been gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation. This phenomenon has emerged as a response to various social and economic factors within the country.
Cultural News
2 minute read
Mosuo People: The "Mysterious Kingdom of Women" with Unique Matriarchal Traditions
In the 21st century, the Mosuo people retain a matriarchal family structure, earning them the nickname "mysterious kingdom of women"—a cultural phenomenon that fascinates scholars and visitors worldwide. A key aspect is their "walking marriage" practice.
Cultural News
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The Amish: Living Like 18th-Century Hermits in High-Tech America
In the technologically advanced United States, they live like reclusive hermits, rejecting modernization. They travel by horse-drawn carriages—exactly as seen in old photos. Their economy relies mainly on agriculture, resembling the villagers in The Peach Blossom Spring. They make a living through traditional crafts: blacksmithing, inlaid woodwork, and cheese-making. They use candles at night, study the Bible before bed, and barter to meet family needs.
Cultural News
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Irish Dye Rivers Green? St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Explained
On March 17 each year, Chicago’s Chicago River is dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, while New York’s Fifth Avenue hosts grand parades. People worldwide don green clothing, shoes, bags, or hats—all part of the festive tradition.
Cultural News
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Innovative or Dangerous? Palestinian Barbers’ Fiery Haircuts
In Palestine, a rather unconventional and attention - grabbing hair - cutting method has emerged: using fire to style hair. This practice, though seemingly extreme, has found its place in some local barbershops, sparking both curiosity and concern.
Cultural News
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Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Female Drivers, Marking a Historic Change
For a long time, Saudi Arabia was the only country globally that prohibited women from driving. The Saudi Arabian interior ministry, specifically the head of the traffic police, refused to issue driver's licenses to women. Although there was no formal traffic law explicitly barring female drivers, women who dared to drive would be arrested and punished by law enforcement.
Cultural News
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Satellite Dishes Adorning Red Roofs in Turkey: A Common Sight
In Turkey, a scene that has become a common part of the urban and suburban landscapes is the sight of satellite dishes perched on top of red roofs. These satellite receivers have become an integral element for many households seeking to access a wide range of television programming.
Cultural News
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Mexico’s Radish Festival: When Radishes Take Center Stage
Each December 23, Oaxaca hosts one of the world’s most creative celebrations: "Noche de Rábanos" (Night of the Radishes). Locals carve this humble vegetable into intricate depictions of historical scenes or biblical stories—from the Three Kings’ journey to pivotal moments in Mexico’s war history. Witnessing these creations, one can’t help but marvel at the radish’s surprising transformation.
Cultural News
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Finland: A Nation with Social Phobia?
Finland has long been rumored to be a nation where social phobia seems to prevail. This perception is not without basis. In Finland, people highly value their personal space. A set of photos about Finns queuing once went viral on the Internet. In these pictures, the distance between people queuing is usually more than one meter, maintaining sufficient space, which is dubbed as "social phobia queuing".
Cultural News
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Italy’s Ivrea Carnival: The Thrilling Orange Battle
Spain’s tomato-throwing "La Tomatina" is wildly popular, but for those who prefer hurling something tangier, head to Italy in February. At the Ivrea Carnival, thousands of ripe oranges are pelted in a juicy battle during the festival’s highlight.
Cultural News
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Sydney Coffee Festival: A Must for Coffee Lovers
Australia ranks among the world’s most coffee-obsessed nations, with coffee culture deeply rooted in towns and cities alike. Sydney’s annual Coffee Festival stands as the city’s premier coffee celebration, held in the iconic The Rocks district.
Cultural News
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America’s Coffee Break Festival: Celebrating a Beloved Workplace Tradition
For many office workers, the short coffee break holds great importance. Each year, Stoughton, Wisconsin, honors this ritual with its Coffee Break Festival, featuring coffee tastings, brewing contests, and even bean-spitting competitions.
Cultural News
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