What are some unusual social norms around the world?

Social norms vary widely across cultures, and what is considered normal in one country might be unusual or even surprising in another. Here are some examples of unusual social norms from around the world:  

• No Tipping in Japan
  • Where: Japan
  • Norm: Tipping is not expected and can even be considered rude. Instead, excellent service is simply part of the job.
  • Why: The Japanese value dignity and professionalism in their work.
• Slurping Noodles is Polite
  • Where: Japan and China
  • Norm: Slurping your noodles loudly while eating is considered a compliment to the chef, indicating you enjoy the food.
  • Why: It’s a sign of appreciation and enhances the flavor by aerating the noodles.
• Avoiding Eye Contact
  • Where: South Korea, Japan, and some Middle Eastern cultures
  • Norm: Direct eye contact, especially with elders or superiors, can be seen as disrespectful or confrontational.
  • Why: This reflects a culture of hierarchy and respect.
• Smiling at Strangers is Unusual
  • Where: Russia
  • Norm: Smiling at strangers, especially without reason, can be seen as insincere or odd.
  • Why: Smiling is reserved for genuine expressions of happiness or familiarity.
• Eating With Your Hands
  • Where: India, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East
  • Norm: Eating with your right hand (and not the left) is customary and considered hygienic.
  • Why: The right hand is traditionally associated with cleanliness.
• Standing in Line (Queueing) Strictly
  • Where: United Kingdom
  • Norm: Queueing in an orderly fashion is a deeply respected practice, and cutting in line is a major faux pas.
  • Why: The British value fairness and order.
• Spitting for Good Luck
  • Where: Greece
  • Norm: People may spit (or mimic spitting) to ward off bad luck or evil spirits, especially during celebratory events like weddings.
  • Why: It’s a superstition rooted in ancient traditions.
• Throwing Teeth on the Roof
  • Where: Parts of Asia, including Vietnam and Japan
  • Norm: Children throw their baby teeth onto the roof if the tooth comes from the lower jaw, or beneath the floor if it’s from the upper jaw.
  • Why: It’s believed this practice encourages the new tooth to grow straight and strong.
• Avoiding the Number 4
  • Where: China, Japan, Korea
  • Norm: The number 4 is often avoided because it sounds similar to the word for “death” in their languages.
  • Why: This superstition leads to buildings skipping the 4th floor or phone numbers without the digit 4.
• Blowing Your Nose in Public
  • Where: Japan and South Korea
  • Norm: Blowing your nose in public is considered impolite and unhygienic.
  • Why: It’s better to excuse yourself to a private space to handle such matters.
• Throwing Tomatoes at Each Other
  • Where: Spain (La Tomatina Festival)
  • Norm: Participants throw tomatoes at each other in a friendly food fight during the annual La Tomatina festival.
  • Why: It’s a quirky tradition with roots in mid-20th-century celebrations.
• Celebrating with Food-Throwing
  • Where: India (Holi Festival)
  • Norm: During Holi, people throw colorful powders and, in some cases, food and water to celebrate.
  • Why: The festival signifies the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

Understanding these norms not only helps avoid faux pas but also highlights the fascinating diversity of human culture!