National culture
In Indonesia, Respecting the Sanctity of a Child’s Head
In Indonesia, a country rich in cultural traditions and deep - seated beliefs, the human head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body. This belief holds particular significance when it comes to children, whose heads are often considered a dwelling place for the divine and a symbol of personal dignity.
Potato Chip Can Inventor’s Ashes Stored in His Own Creation
Frederick Baur invented the potato chip can in 1966, a design that allowed chips to be neatly stacked. Proud of his creation, he requested before his death that his ashes be placed in one of his own cans.
Swedish Woman Finds Lost Wedding Ring on Carrot After 16 Years
In the run-up to Christmas 1995, a Swedish woman lost her wedding ring while cooking. Despite searching everywhere, she couldn’t find it. Sixteen years later, in 2012, she pulled a carrot from her garden and discovered the ring stuck on it.
Durian Consumption Banned in Some Public Spaces in Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia
Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, despite being significant producers of the much - loved "king of fruits" - the durian, have imposed bans on consuming this unique fruit in certain public areas.
Cotton Candy: Invented by a Dentist
In 1897, dentist William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton to create a cotton candy machine. The treat was first sold publicly in 1904 under the name "Fairy Floss," captivating fairgoers with its light, sugary strands.
Myanmar: A Nation of Contrasts—Rich Resources Amidst Shadow Economies
Myanmar, in Southeast Asia, evokes images of illicit activities like fraud and organ trafficking for many. Yet behind this grim reputation lies a land of immense potential: 680,000 square kilometers of diverse terrain—mountains, plateaus, and river deltas—fringed by 3,200 km of coastline, with the famed Golden Triangle within its borders.
Denmark: Table-Jumping and Plate-Smashing Traditions
In Denmark, ringing in the new year is a literal leap into the future—quite literally. As the clock strikes midnight, Danes gather around tables and chairs, then spring off them with a cheer, symbolically "jumping into the new year." This energetic ritual is followed by fireworks lighting up the winter sky, blending playfulness with deep-rooted belief.
In Longyearbyen, Norway: Where Life and Death Are Regulated by Law
In the remote town of Longyearbyen, nestled within the Arctic Circle in Norway, an extraordinary set of regulations governs life and death. This unique approach stems from the town's specific geographical and environmental conditions, making it a place where the boundaries between the living and the deceased are strictly defined by law.
Pakistan's Economic Crisis: A Nation Struggling to Survive
Pakistan, a South Asian nation with vast lands and nearly 240 million people, faces severe economic hardships, leaving millions of families in dire straits. The World Bank reports nearly a quarter of its population lives below the poverty line, with many households earning less than $100 monthly. Its GDP per capita stands at $1,461, while rising living costs make daily expenses unmanageable.
In Egypt, Adding Salt to Your Food Is a No - No
Traveling to Egypt offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, but among the many customs to keep in mind, one particular dining etiquette rule stands out: refrain from adding salt to your food. In Egyptian culture, sprinkling salt into your bowl is considered a direct insult to the chef. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the local way of life, reflecting the importance Egyptians place on culinary craftsmanship and hospitality.
Syria: From Cradle of Civilizations to War - Torn Ruins
Syria, a land steeped in ancient history, is the birthplace of Babylonian civilization, Mesopotamian culture, the Assyrian Empire, and the Phoenician Kingdom. Yet today, much of it lies in ruins, a casualty of prolonged conflict.