Prepare to Be Horrified: Unveiling the Weirdest Customs Across the Globe

Unveiling the Weirdest Customs Across the Globe

In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into some of the most bizarre and unique customs practiced around the world. From strange rituals to unusual traditions, get ready to be horrified as we uncover the weirdest customs across the globe.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • The Coffin Dance in Ghana
  • Whale Funerals in Madagascar
  • Baby Tossing in India
  • Baniwa Burial Ceremony in Brazil
  • Famadihana in Madagascar
  • The Kanamara Matsuri Festival in Japan
  • Finger Cutting Rituals in Fiji
  • Conclusion

The Coffin Dance in Ghana

One of the most unusual customs in Ghana is the Coffin Dance, also known as the Fantasy Coffin tradition. During this ritual, intricately designed coffins are used to bury the deceased, each representing a different aspect of the person’s life. From airplanes to animals, these coffins are a way to celebrate the life of the deceased in a colorful and unique manner.

Whale Funerals in Madagascar

In Madagascar, the people have a tradition of holding elaborate funerals for whales. When a whale washes ashore, the locals believe it is a sacred event and must be honored with a proper funeral. The whale is carefully buried, and a ceremony is held to pay respects to the majestic creature.

Baby Tossing in India

In the western state of Maharashtra in India, there is a custom known as the Baby Tossing festival. During this ritual, babies are dropped from a height of 50 feet and caught safely in a sheet held by men below. It is believed that this practice brings good luck and prosperity to the child.

Baniwa Burial Ceremony in Brazil

The Baniwa people of Brazil have a unique burial custom where the deceased are laid to rest in tree trunks. The body is placed inside the hollowed-out trunk, and the tree is then planted in the ground. This tradition is a way for the Baniwa to honor and remember their ancestors.

Famadihana in Madagascar

Famadihana, also known as the Turning of the Bones, is a traditional ceremony practiced by the Malagasy people of Madagascar. During this ritual, the remains of deceased loved ones are exhumed from their tombs and wrapped in fresh burial shrouds. The bones are then danced with and reburied in a joyful celebration of life and death.

The Kanamara Matsuri Festival in Japan

The Kanamara Matsuri Festival, also known as the Penis Festival, is an annual event held in Kawasaki, Japan. During this festival, giant phallic-shaped objects are paraded through the streets, and traditional fertility rites are performed. The festival is a celebration of fertility, sexuality, and the power of the human body.

Finger Cutting Rituals in Fiji

In Fiji, there is a traditional ritual known as the Finger Cutting ceremony. During this ritual, men and women will cut off a portion of their fingers as a way to mourn the loss of a loved one. The ritual is believed to help ease the pain of grief and show respect for the deceased.

Conclusion

From the Coffin Dance in Ghana to the Finger Cutting ritual in Fiji, the world is filled with bizarre and fascinating customs that reflect the diversity of human culture. While these traditions may seem strange to outsiders, they hold deep meaning and significance for those who practice them. As we explore the weirdest customs across the globe, let us embrace the richness and complexity of the human experience.