Unbelievable Shocking Cultural Norms from Around The World - Fact Point

Summary

This video explores fascinating cultural differences across various countries. From Croatia's street-cleaning traditions to the shock of accepting food in Ireland, each culture offers a unique perspective. It dives into Lebanon's lack of traffic rules, Iran's gift-giving customs, and America's friendly but superficial greetings. It contrasts China's busy rush hours with Japan's orderly queues, touches on India's hand-holding culture, and examines the varied attitudes toward public drunkenness in Britain and the U.S. It concludes with insights into Spain’s siesta and Bali’s extravagant funerals, showcasing the diverse and surprising customs around the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Croatia is known for its clean streets, where it's expected to not only clean your house but also the street outside.
• 😀 In Ireland, it's rude to immediately accept food from a host; you should decline first and then accept the second offer.
• 😀 Lebanon has virtually no traffic rules, with people speeding and ignoring traffic norms, leading to many accidents.
• 😀 In Jordan and Iran, if someone compliments something you're wearing, it's expected to offer it to them as a gift, following a tradition called Pishkesh.
• 😀 In the US, it’s common to smile and casually ask strangers about their day, which might seem strange to people from more reserved cultures.
• 😀 In China, rush hour is chaotic with people pushing and cutting in line, while in Japan, the crowd is much more orderly and respectful of queues.
• 😀 In India, men holding hands in public is a common expression of friendship, not an indication of a romantic relationship.
• 😀 Public drunkenness is more accepted in the UK, while in the US, public drinking is frowned upon, and certain restaurants may even refuse alcohol requests.
• 😀 In Spain, the tradition of siesta means that many shops and streets are empty between midday and 4 PM, as people rest after lunch.
• 😀 In Bali, funerals are elaborate and festive, often with music and food. They can be expensive, and the body may be kept until arrangements can be made.

Q & A

What is a unique cultural expectation in Croatia regarding cleanliness?

In Croatia, it is expected that people not only clean their own homes but also the street outside their houses. This communal approach contributes to the country's reputation for clean streets and civic pride.

Why is it considered rude to accept food the first time it is offered in Ireland?

In Ireland, it is considered polite to initially decline food when it is offered by a host. This is because the host will offer the food again, and only then is it acceptable to accept it. This tradition may seem strange to people from countries where a 'no' is taken literally.

What is the traffic situation like in Lebanon?

In Lebanon, there are no real traffic rules in practice. Even when rules exist, they are often ignored, and people drive recklessly, resulting in numerous accidents daily.

What is the Pishkesh tradition in Iran and Jordan?

The Pishkesh tradition in Iran and Jordan involves offering a gift, such as an item you're wearing, to someone who compliments it. If you offer a compliment, it’s expected that the person will offer you the item, and it is customary to decline the gift at least three times before accepting it.

How do American cultural norms about friendliness differ from those in Europe?

In the U.S., it is common for strangers to smile at each other and engage in small talk, which may be perceived as insincere in some European countries, where such friendliness may be met with confusion or discomfort.

How do the crowds in China behave compared to Japan during rush hours?

In China, during busy hours, people tend to push, cut lines, and break queues due to the country's large population. In contrast, Japan's crowd behavior is very orderly, and people generally wait their turn with patience.

What is a cultural phenomenon in India that may shock foreign visitors?

In India, it is common to see grown men walking around holding hands, which is a cultural expression of friendship, not necessarily an indication of homosexuality. This might be surprising to visitors who are unfamiliar with the custom.

How does the public perception of drunkenness in Britain compare to the United States?

In Britain, public drinking is widely accepted and considered normal, whereas in the United States, public drunkenness is often frowned upon, and consuming alcohol in public spaces may be met with disapproval or even legal consequences.

What is the Spanish siesta, and how does it affect daily life?

The siesta is a traditional afternoon rest period in Spain, typically observed after the midday meal and lasting until 4 p.m. During this time, many businesses close, and streets are often empty, creating a quiet atmosphere.

What is unique about Balinese funerals?

Balinese funerals are marked by elaborate ceremonies filled with music, food, and celebrations, which may appear similar to a wedding or party. Funerals can also be expensive, with bodies sometimes being stored until a group funeral is arranged to reduce costs.