Did you know there are 196 Countries in the world?! And each one of them has their own habits and peculiarities. The thing is though, those habits are only peculiar because it isn't something you are used to seeing or doing.
My husband eats grilled cheese with ketchup! I think it is weird and kind of a gross idea, but that is because I grew up having it with tomato soup (which is TOTALLY different) or chicken noodle soup. We are all used to different things.
Some of the habits or traditions others have around the world may seem weird or some just interesting. Who knows maybe you'll like the idea and maybe use it in your life, you never know.
In Venezuela, it is rude to show up early to something! I am definitely one of those people who likes to be early to everything. I was once told for a job of mine, "If you are early you are on time, if you're on time you are late".
In Denmark, citizens have to pick from a government approved list for baby names! Honestly this isn't such a bad idea, this law is to help children to not get ridiculed about their name. If the parents want a name that isn't on the list they have to get approval.
In Greece, when a child loses a tooth instead of putting it under their pillow like we are used too, they throw it on their roof for good luck.
Here is a sad one which thankfully has stopped but used to be common. In China, young girls would go through the painful process of foot binding. For almost a thousand years, the Chinese thought that small feet were desirable among girls. This caused men and women to intentionally restrict the girls' feet from growing bigger. In the late 1940's, this tradition stopped because of the debilitating effects the young Chinese girls suffered from. Sounds painful.
In Thailand, there is a Monkey Buffet Festival and it is exactly how it sounds. Monkeys feast on over 3,000 kgs (over 6,600 lbs!) of fruits and vegetables out on display for the monkeys to gorge on in Lopburi, Bangkok.
Cultural Paradigms are fascinating! Just be careful and aware of other cultures when you are traveling, so you don't make the mistake of insulting or maybe accidentally breaking a law.
I am agree with you when you say how is important the cultural paradigms. The differences exist to help us to be better and be patient and tolerant between each other.
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