Cultural conventions, rituals, and actions have manifested beliefs, spirituality, and oddities throughout history. While many of these traditions are frightening, and their intensity, distress, and bizarre beliefs still confound people today, many teach us crucial lessons about being human. Let's look at some of the odd customs that can horrify and startle people of today.
1. Scarification (Ethiopia, Sudan)
In some parts of Ethiopia and Sudan, a practice known as scarification is purposefully leaving detailed patterns or motifs on the skin. The skin's surface is burned or sliced, leaving behind permanent scars. Although scarification can be viewed as horrifying due to the suffering involved and the permanent nature of the marks, in some cultures, it is regarded as a rite of passage or a symbol of beauty.
2. Bride Kidnapping (Kyrgyzstan)
Bride kidnapping, or “ala kachuu,” is still a practice in some rural parts of Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia. It is about a young woman who is kidnapped to force her into marriage. Although attempts have been made to stop it, this frightening and contentious ritual still violates consent and individual rights.
3. Bullet Ant Gloves (Brazil)
Wearing gloves packed with bullet ants is part of a rite of passage for young males among the Sateré-Mawé people of Brazil. The stings of these ants are infamous for being unbearably painful. Boys in their tribe had to endure the pain of these ants' frequent stings to grow up and become men. Although it is a bone-chilling sensation, this custom is considered a test of bravery and endurance.
4. Tooth Filing (Indonesia)
Filing canine teeth to make them blunt is a “potong gigi” tradition in Bali, Indonesia. This custom is thought to help fend off evil spirits and is recognized as a rite of passage. The procedure itself can be quite painful and is viewed as a graphic custom by some despite its cultural value.
5. Foot Binding (China)
For centuries, foot binding was common in China, mostly among upper-class ladies. It involves tightly securing young girls' feet to maintain their small size and delicate nature. The procedure caused permanent physical abnormalities and was extremely painful. Foot binding is mainly a thing of the past, but its historical legacy serves as a chilling reminder of the drastic measures some civilizations took in order to conform to ideals of beauty.
6. Thaipusam Festival (India, Malaysia, Singapore)
Thaipusam is a Hindu holiday mostly observed in Singapore, Malaysia, and India. Devotees pierce their bodies with hooks, skewers, and spears, among other objects, as a sign of their repentance and devotion. They frequently trek great distances to reach temples while bearing huge Kavadis, or elaborate structures, on their shoulders. Even while this displays intense dedication and faith, modern sensibilities may find the great physical suffering and bloodshed upsetting.
7. The Aghori Sect (India)
A group of Hindu ascetics known as the Aghoris are well-known for their unusual and forbidden customs. In their quest for nirvana, they dwell in cemeteries, meditate on human skulls, and eat human flesh. Many people find their rituals bizarre and disturbing, including drinking from human skulls and putting ash all over their bodies.
8. Self-Mummification (Japan)
Some Buddhist monks in Japan previously engaged in the unusual and horrifying practice of self-mummification in an attempt to achieve nirvana. To cause mummification while still living, monks would go through a years-long practice of self-starvation and poisonous chemical use. Although this horrifying technique was formerly thought to be a route to spiritual nirvana, it is now viewed as horrifying and disturbing.
9. Baby Jumping (Spain)
During the annual Corpus Christi festival, a unique practice called “El Colacho,” or “baby jumping,” takes place in the Spanish municipality of Castrillo de Murcia. There are rows of babies on beds in the streets, and men dressed as the Devil jump over them. This custom is thought to absolve the infants of original sin. Even though there are usually no injuries, it might be startling to see babies being jumped over by individuals dressed in costume.
10. Finger Cutting (Indonesia)
In some parts of Indonesia, young males go through a coming-of-age ritual called “Mepantigan” that involves cutting their fingers. Boys get their fingers cut during this ceremony, and the blood is used to mark their bodies. The goal is to exhibit bravery and tenacity. Even though the act is supposed to represent bravery, it is uncomfortable and painful.
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