Discussion » Questions » Traditions » What is an interesting fact you care to share with us about a culture or custom other than your own? ~
Randy D

What is an interesting fact you care to share with us about a culture or custom other than your own? ~

 

  Many people know that in some countries, it’s expected that you should remove your street shoes when entering a house, but do you know the reasons for it?  In Thailand, the feet are considered the dirtiest part of your spiritual being, and evil spirits cannot enter a house unless they’re carried in hidden in or on shoes. By removing your shoes before crossing the threshold, you leave the evil spirits outside of the house. There are slippers set aside for use inside of houses if and when you don’t want to go barefoot; those have been cleansed or blessed against evil spirits. 



Posted - July 22, 2020
Tags : None

Responses


  • 6023
    It's against the law to die in the town of Lonyearbyen, Norway.

    Why?  Because they discovered in the 1950s that it's so cold that bodies don't decompose in the cemetery.

    In fact, in 1998 when scientists exhumed corpses of those who died in the 1918 flu pandemic - they were able to retrieve live samples of the virus.

    People who are about to die ... or women about to give birth ... efforts are made to transfer them to the mainland.
      July 22, 2020 7:43 AM MDT
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  • 10026
    WOW!
    That is incredible.  The fact about the cold and the law that got passed.
    Both blow my mind.
    Thanks for sharing Walt.
    :) :)!!
      July 22, 2020 1:09 PM MDT
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  • 44359
    Siestas in Southern Europe. It caught me off guard when I wandered into a town in Palma de Mallorca looking for some lunch around noon and everything was closed.
      July 22, 2020 1:47 PM MDT
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  • 53017
      July 22, 2020 2:03 PM MDT
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  • 10026
    I have been thinking about what to write with a few different ideas.
    If they were that tired, what do you think they did the night before?
    Was it that hot or just tradition?
    Is lunch even a "thing" there?  Maybe they have a big breakfast and a very early dinner?
    The ultimate idea I had because I have had it happen to me in my older age is this:
    You were too late to catch the bloody marys and/or screwdrivers in the morning.  They were taking a nap until happy hour.  You will have to find some brie and french bread on your own and wait a half hour.
    :) :)!!


    This post was edited by Merlin at July 22, 2020 8:01 PM MDT
      July 22, 2020 2:05 PM MDT
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  • 44359
    It was quite hot there. The businesses are open earlier that morning but shut down when the heat is on. They open later in the day and stay open until midnight or so. I don't know about winter-time, since I was there in the summer.
      July 22, 2020 2:11 PM MDT
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  • 6023
    Well; research shows that mid-day naps help people be refreshed, less stressed, and more productive.
    I keep trying to get my employer to allow them, but no luck yet.
      July 22, 2020 2:16 PM MDT
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  • 53017

     

      You’re doing it all wrong, Walt!  You don’t say anything to anyone, and you definitively don’t ask permission!  Just follow my lead:


    ~

      July 22, 2020 4:00 PM MDT
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  • 44359
    Thanks.
      July 22, 2020 5:39 PM MDT
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  • 17483
    You will remove your shoes if you come to my house.  Or my sister's house.  You only have to go as far as Florida.  Of course all we wear are flip flops so it's easy.  I leave my shoes on the porch all the time. 
      July 22, 2020 6:09 PM MDT
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  • 53017

      Thank you, Thrify Maid!  

      Oh, by the way, what is an interesting fact you care to share with us about a culture or custom other than your own?

    ~

      July 22, 2020 7:07 PM MDT
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  • 17483
    The French keep Christmas as a religious and/or family time and gift giving happens on New Years. YAY!!!
      July 22, 2020 7:24 PM MDT
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  • 53017

     

      Merci beaucoup. 


    ~

    This post was edited by Randy D at July 22, 2020 8:06 PM MDT
      July 22, 2020 7:48 PM MDT
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  • 13261
    beau coup beaucoup. Grrrr!
      July 22, 2020 8:02 PM MDT
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  • 17483
    Bunches!
      July 22, 2020 8:05 PM MDT
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  • 53017

     

      You’d better be right. 

    ~

      July 22, 2020 8:07 PM MDT
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  • 13261
    Of course I'm right! Why else would I have said it? Grrrr.
      July 22, 2020 8:08 PM MDT
    0

  • 53017

     

      How do I know your efficiency with French?
    ~

      July 22, 2020 8:09 PM MDT
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  • 13261
    Le Google.
      July 22, 2020 8:12 PM MDT
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