132 Culture Facts Reflecting The Diversity And Beauty Of The World

It is illegal to throw out food in France. As of 2016, any unsold but edible food must be donated rather than thrown away, or you could come up against the long arm of the law.

Dutch people love to bike to actually anywhere. Sometimes you would see even more bicycles than cars riding around in Netherlands. The Netherlands is the bicycle capital of the world with more than 22 million in the country. Fun fact, that there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people. Furthermore, there are specially-designated bike paths all over the country, which makes it extra safe (as well for foreigners) to bike around the country. It’s absolutely a big part of the Dutch culture.

For Nordic people, leaving small children outside to nap is very common and mostly a regular part of their daily routine, even in the cold winter.

In India, "Namaste" is the most often used daily greeting. Simply place your hands together at the heart and bow a little. Namaste means 'the divine in me bows to the divine in you' in Sanskrit.

There is a word in the Dutch language called "gezellig", which doesn't quite translate but is best described as a sense of coziness that you can see and feel. It expresses the sentiment of getting together with friends or family and having a nice time.

Finns love the word "sisu"."Sisu", roughly translated means determination, grit, and bravery. To Finns, "sisu" is more than just a synonym for determination or persistence, it’s the very essence of the Finnish spirit. "Sisu" is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture and history and defines how Finns view themselves.

Unlike other cultures where you are typically treated to things on your birthday, the Filipino tradition is to treat your friends to things on your birthday.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and it attracts "suicide tourists". According to Swiss law, anyone who is of sound mind and who has, over a period of time, voiced a consistent wish to end their life can request a so-called assisted voluntary death or AVD. However, people must commit suicide by their own hand, for example by taking the medication themselves.

Owning a dog in Switzerland has some rules. Your dog is allowed with you practically everywhere—in restaurants and while you shop. However, they are taxed (in some cantons depending on the dog’s size and weight). Dog-owning rules include that they must be able to exercise, have daily contact with humans, and get microchipped by a vet.

Tipping for services (for e.g. waiters/waitresses, taxi drivers), might be viewed as rude and disrespectful in Japan.

In Iceland, baby names must be chosen from the official register of approved names. Parents who want to pick a different name must first ask the "Naming Committee" for permission. There are a few legal requirements, one of which is that names must conform to the Icelandic language.

There is a cherished tradition in Sweden called "Midsummer". "Midsummer" Eve 2022 is on Friday, 24 June and it's always celebrated on a Friday between 19 and 25 June. "Midsummer", which has historically been seen as a magical night, is the longest day of the year. The Swedes held "Midsummer" celebrations to welcome in the season of fertility and summer throughout their agrarian past. The successful midsummer never-ending lunch party formula involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole, singing songs while drinking unsweetened, flavored schnapps.

In Japan, there are almost no public trash cans, but the streets are impeccably clean. That's because people carry bags to bring their trash home with them rather of using public trash cans.

In Lithuania, the Easter eggs are not brought by a bunny. "The Easter Granny", also known as "Velykė", delivers Easter eggs and treats to children. Children prepare for the Easter Granny by leaving empty homemade egg nests outside their homes in gardens and shrubs. On Easter morning, they wake to search for their hidden treasures.

"Tempura" is actually Portuguese. That most Japanese of delicately fried goodness originates in Portugal. In the 16th century, the Portuguese introduced the dish to Nagasaki using the fritter-cooking method. The word "tempura" comes from the Latin word "tempora," which describes periods of fasting during which Catholics were required to abstain from meat.

In Egypt, asking for salt during a meal is considered rude. This not only insults the host but also insults the food.

In Hawaiian and other polynesian languages, there are no gendered pronouns. There are three types of genders: male, female, and  māhū (which contains aspects of both).

Everyone in the Netherlands gets congratulated for celebrating a birthday with the single word "gefeliciteerd' (congratulations), regardless of whose birthday it is.

Finland associates saunas with good business.

People in Iceland have no surnames or family names. Although a few family names exist in Iceland, primarily Danish, they're rare and usually originate from foreigners marrying into an Icelandic family. Iceland is determined to preserve the traditional patronymic (and increasingly matronymic) practice of giving the child their father's or mother's Christian name and referring to them as their son or daughter.