WHAT IS A CUSTOM? (WITH EXAMPLES) - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

A custom, also called a tradition, refers to the usual practices of a community or nation, which have been carried out for a long time and which have been accepted as unwritten laws.

In general, customs are associated with a country, a culture or a religion. These traditions often have a special meaning for the group that practices them.

This meaning can be generated because these customs are related to the history of the nation, or because they are so old that they have become a respectable element.

Certain customs are more or less global in nature, because they are celebrated in most countries. Such is the case of Christmas, a holiday celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus.

However, other customs are so particular that they seem unorthodox practices for people outside the culture.

For example, in Eastern societies it is okay to slurp loudly when eating, while in the West this would be considered rude.

The 11 examples of the most representative customs

1- Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 in the United States. In keeping with this tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow coming out of the burrow, the winter will last an additional six weeks. If the animal does not see its shadow, then spring will begin.

2- Sip loudly

In Western countries, slurping food loudly is rude. However, in eastern countries like Japan and Korea this action is common.

In fact, in these countries, slurping and making other sounds while eating is a way of implying that the food is being enjoyed.

3- Visit the cemeteries

In many countries, cemeteries are considered intimate places, which are visited on the death anniversary of friends and family. Denmark is the exception.

In this country, cemeteries are seen as meeting points, areas to socialize with friends and to spend a pleasant afternoon.

In fact, Danes spend more time in cemeteries than in parks or other recreational areas.

4- Drink alcohol

Russia is one of the countries with the highest alcohol consumption in the world. Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially vodka, is an essential part of Russian culture.

Because of this, there are a number of unwritten rules regarding the consumption of these beverages. Here are a few:

- After a toast, the glass should be placed face down on the table.

- Whoever is late for a dinner should have a whole glass of vodka to be on the same level as the other guests, who have been drinking since they arrived.

- If you offer a toast with an empty glass, you will have to drink a whole bottle of vodka.

5- The milk teeth

Throughout the world there are various customs about what to do when a child loses their baby teeth.

In most countries children put their teeth under the pillow and expect to receive money in exchange for the missing tooth.

Each nation has a magic figure that is in charge of collecting teeth. For example, in the United States it is called The tooth fairy (the tooth fairy). In Denmark, it's Tann feen.

In other countries it is not a fairy but a mouse. For France, it is called the petite souris while in Spain and in certain areas of Latin America it is the tooth fairy. In Colombia it is called the Miguelito mouse.

There are nations that do not follow the pillow tradition. Such is the case in Greece, where children throw their baby teeth on the roof of their houses.

This action is considered to bring good luck and strong teeth for the young.

6- Krampuslauf

In Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland and Germany on December 5 Krampus night is celebrated. The Krampus is a demonic creature. According to some legends, this is the evil brother of Saint Nicholas.

To celebrate Krampus night, locals dress up like this demon. Costumes include bull head masks, cowbells like those used by cows, and heavy chains.

At the end of the night, people participate in competitions to determine which was the best costume, which was the most terrifying, among other titles.

7- The night of the bonfire

On November 5 the night of the bonfire is celebrated in England. On this date the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes is commemorated, who wanted to blow up the British Parliament but failed because he was betrayed by one of his companions.

During this day a large bonfire is made and a doll representing Fawkes is burned. Fireworks are also launched.

8- Henna tattoos at weddings

In Muslim countries, it is customary for brides to tattoo their skin with henna two days before getting married.

These tattoos are not permanent. The images made represent good luck for the couple and the fertility of the woman.

9- The premarital dinner

In Germany, before a couple gets married, family and friends are invited to a dinner.

In this meeting it is customary for all the guests to break the objects they find in their path: plates, vases, fountains, among others.

When there is nothing left to break up, the married couple must clean up the mess. This tradition shows the spouses the importance of union and teamwork.

10- The red ink

In Korea, the use of red ink in everyday contexts is avoided. This is because, since ancient times, the color red has been used to write the names of people who have passed away.

11- Point with the finger

Pointing the index finger is considered an offense in Malaysia. In this country it is customary to point the thumb, which looks more polite.

For its part, in most African countries only inanimate objects can be pointed with the finger. On this continent pointing out a person is rude.

References

1. 10 Unique Customs You'll Only Find in Specific Cultures. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from listverse.com
2. 12 Surprising Customs From Around The World. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from theculturetrip.com
3. 25 Strange Customs and Traditions Around the World. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from garfors.com
4. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from simple.m.wikipedia.org
5. Customs and Traditions. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from projectbritain.com
6. Customs and Traditions From Around the World. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from mobal.com
7. World's 10 Most Bizarre Traditions That Will Make Your Jaw Drop. Retrieved on November 25, 2017, from wonderlist.com