ASIA - Inspired by Insiders

Every continent has its own unique set of traditions and customs that make up its culture. Some are well-known and accepted by the rest of the world, while others can perplex outsiders. Asia, with its diverse range of cultures and countries, is home to some particularly peculiar traditions that may leave visitors scratching their heads. Let's look at a few of these traditions that may leave your mouth open in shock. Thaipusam Photo Credit: Shutterstock Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated in several countries, including India, Malaysia, and Singapore. It involves devotees piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers as an act of penance or gratitude to the deity Murugan. The devotees then carry heavy kavadi (decorative structures) while walking barefoot for miles, often accompanied by chanting and music. No Firm Handshake, and Different Forms of Greeting Photo Credit: Shutterstock Shaking hands too firmly, as in a Western greeting, is seen as a sign of aggression or rudeness in many East Asian countries. In Japan, bowing is the traditional way to greet someone, while placing one's hands together as if praying (known as wai) is customary in Thailand. In India, greeting someone with a namaste and a slight bow is common. These different forms of greeting can be confusing for visitors, but they are deeply ingrained in the respective cultures. Remove Your Shoes Photo Credit: Shutterstock In many Asian countries, removing one's shoes before entering a home is customary. This custom stems from the belief that shoes carry dirt and negative energy from outside, and bringing them into someone's home is considered disrespectful. It is also common practice to remove shoes before entering temples, certain restaurants, and even some offices. Mind Your Head and Feet Photo Credit: Shutterstock In many Asian cultures, the head is seen as the most sacred part of the body, so touching someone's head or even Buddha statues is improper. Feet, on the other hand, are considered the lowest and dirtiest part because they touch the ground and are far from the head. Pointing your feet at someone or something sacred is highly disrespectful, similar to a severe insult. In a temple, restaurant, or someone's home, it's good manners to keep your feet tucked underneath you to show respect and cultural awareness. Slurping Is Good in Some Parts Photo Credit: Shutterstock Many Asian countries are known for their exceptional politeness, especially in dining. Surprisingly, slurping is often seen as polite. In Japan, slurping noodles loudly shows appreciation for the dish. In China, slurping and burping are compliments to the chef, indicating enjoyment of the meal. However, South Korea follows Western etiquette, finding slurping or chewing with an open mouth impolite. Pouring Drinks Photo Credit: Shutterstock In many Asian cultures, serving yourself a drink from a shared bottle at meals is considered greedy. It's polite to wait for someone else to offer a refill. However, you're unlikely to get thirsty as the hosts will keep refilling your glass or teacup as part of their hospitality. If you want more, it's polite to refill others' glasses first, particularly if they're almost empty, and save yours for last. This act shows respect and attentiveness, especially when dining with elders. Public Displays of Affection Photo Credit: Shutterstock In most Western cultures, it's common for couples to hold hands, hug, or kiss in public. In many Asian countries, such displays are often seen as inappropriate and can make others uncomfortable. Even holding hands is considered intimate and may be frowned upon in some places. It's always best to refrain from any PDA when visiting an Asian country. Holding Hands Photo Credit: Shutterstock In many Asian countries such as India, hand-holding among individuals of the same gender is completely acceptable and is viewed as a gesture of friendship. Witnessing two men or two women holding hands, linking arms, or embracing in public spaces is common. These acts are seen as beautiful expressions of friendship. Tipping Photo Credit: Shutterstock While tourist-oriented restaurants and hotels may add gratuity to your bill, leaving a cash tip is generally not expected across many Asian countries. Notably, tipping could be viewed as disrespectful and declined in nations like China and Japan. However, in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, while tipping isn't a custom, leaving one is always welcomed and appreciated. Gift-Giving Photo Credit: Shutterstock Knowing the local customs is key when giving gifts in Asia. In China, recipients often refuse a gift a few times before accepting it, and giving clocks is best avoided. Skip blue, black, or white wrapping in Singapore, as these are mourning colors. In Thailand, yellow or gold is lucky, while red and gold are lucky colors in Indonesia. Also, the recipient might open the gift privately after you leave as a respectful gesture. Asian New Year Traditions Photo Credit: Shutterstock In many Asian cultures, New Year's celebrations don't always happen on January 1st. China and Vietnam celebrate based on the Lunar calendar, typically in early February, while Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos celebrate their Buddhist New Year in April. Thailand's Songkran water festival is a highlight, where people throw water on each other as a blessing for the new year. The country becomes a huge water fight for a week, including tourists, offering fun and relief from the heat. Tomb Sweeping Day Photo Credit: Shutterstock In China, there is a festival called Qingming or Tomb Sweeping Day, where families gather to clean and sweep the gravesites of their loved ones. This festival is a way to honor ancestors and pay respects to the deceased, with offerings of food, drinks, and burning incense. It is also common for people to fly kites during this time as a symbol of sending messages to their ancestors in heaven. Bride's Family Pays for the Wedding Photo Credit: Shutterstock In some Asian cultures, such as India and China, it is customary for the bride's family to pay for the entire wedding. This tradition has been passed down for generations and can be a significant financial burden for the bride's family. In contrast, both families typically split the wedding cost in Western cultures. Business Etiquette Photo Credit: Shutterstock You must know the local customs and etiquette when doing business in Asia. For example, in Japan, business cards are exchanged with a bow and should be presented and received with both hands as a sign of respect. In China, gifts may be given during the first meeting as a goodwill gesture. In India, punctuality may not always be observed, so it's best to give some leeway and not expect strict schedule adherence. Share Your Food Photo Credit: Shutterstock A cherished tradition in many Asian cultures is the communal sharing of food. In most Asian households, various dishes are prepared and enjoyed together around a large table. When dining out, ordering several main dishes for the whole group to share is customary, rather than selecting individual meals. This approach fosters a sense of community and offers an opportunity to sample various flavors. More From Inspired by Insiders Photo Credit: Shutterstock Is it possible that there are some things most Americans (you) don’t know about their country? Absolutely! You may be surprised to discover some interesting facts about the United States that you never knew before. See for yourself! 12 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About America 20 Things to Never Do in France Photo Credit: Shutterstock If you plan a trip to France, you’re in for an incredible experience. However, to ensure you make the most of your trip and don’t offend any locals, there are a few things you should never do during your stay in France. 20 Things to Never Do in France This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.