We’re a family that adores diving into the rituals & customs of places we visit, seeking out the heart and soul of destinations through their unique social practices. It’s these rich, authentic experiences that add an unparalleled depth to our travels. If you, like us, enjoy immersing yourself in local cultures during your trips, you’re in for a treat with this collaboration about world rituals & traditions.
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Here, fellow travelers who cherish culture just as much have shared some of the most unique and memorable ceremonies and rituals they’ve been part of, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant patchwork of cultural traditions around the world.
Fascinating World Rituals
World rituals and cultural festivals are rich with unique narratives, teachings about life, and reveals the fascinating mosaic of human culture by connecting us to our past, celebrating the present, and sometimes even predicting our future.
As we explore these traditions from around the world, we get a glimpse into the diverse ways people celebrate life, embrace the concept of death, overcome challenges, and connect with each other.
So, let’s set off on this journey to uncover these amazing customs around the world. It’s a journey that promises to show us the beauty in the unique and the extraordinary in the everyday.
Soul-Stirring Cremation Ritual in Varanasi, India
Laura of Laure Wanders
Located by the holy River Ganges, Varanasi is the most sacred city in Hinduism. This city is often called the “City of Death”, as death is very present here.
Hindus believe that if they die and are cremated in Varanasi, they will be liberated from the endless cycle of reincarnation and reach Nirvana. For this reason, many devotees come to Varanasi to spend their last days on earth.
Varanasi is famous for its large number of ghats (steps leading into the river), there are more than 80 of these in total. Most of these ghats are meant for bathing and you will find pilgrims bathing in the river to wash away their sins here.
However, there are also two cremation ghats in Varanasi, which are also called “burning ghats”. As its name suggests, this is where cremations take place on a daily basis. According to the legend, the eternal flame that’s used to cremate the bodies here has been burning continuously for centuries.
Unfolding along the holy Ganges River, it’s a profound and sacred tradition. It’s not only central to the spiritual life of Varanasi but also resonates with the universal themes of life, death, and transcendence. As the flames rise against the backdrop of the river, they symbolize not just an end, but a profound passage into the afterlife.
Although it is true that death is very present in Varanasi, this is an incredibly colourful destination that’s steeped in history and tradition. Contrary to what we’re used to in the West, in Varanasi, death is celebrated as it is seen as a liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Graceful Tea Ceremony Tradition in Japan
The Japanese Tea Ceremony, often called “Chanoyu” or “Sado,” is an integral and meaningful part of Japanese culture. It goes beyond merely drinking tea; it’s a deeply spiritual and philosophical ritual that is woven into the very essence of Japan’s cultural heritage.
With its origins dating back to the 9th century, the tea ceremony is a blend of Zen Buddhist philosophies and the art of hospitality. It’s a ritual that celebrates simplicity, harmony, respect, and tranquility. In this ceremony, every element, from the preparation to the serving of matcha (powdered green tea), is carried out with meticulous attention and grace.
Central to the ceremony is the concept of ‘ichigo ichie’ (one time, one meeting), suggesting that each tea gathering is unique and should be treasured. The host meticulously prepares the tea in a choreographed series of movements, using traditional tools like the bamboo whisk and tea bowl. The setting, often a tea house with a tranquil garden, is designed to detach guests from the outside world and bring them into a mindful state.
The tea itself is more than a beverage. It’s a medium for meditation and reflection. The process of whisking the matcha is a mindful practice, and drinking it is a moment of calm and connection. The whole experience is designed to foster a sense of peace, community, and appreciation for the fleeting nature of life.
In the modern world, the Japanese Tea Ceremony is both a link to the past and a reminder of the timeless principles of mindfulness and hospitality. It’s a tradition that not only defines the cultural ethos of Japan but also offers a universal message about the beauty of simplicity and the value of being fully present in each moment.
Mystical Coffee Fortune Telling Practice in Turkey
Soumya of Stories by Soumya
Telling someone’s fortune from leftover coffee grounds in their cup is a fascinating and unique tradition from Turkey.
Coffee fortune-telling is a tasseography that originated in the early 1500s in the Ottoman palaces of Turkey. Later, in the 18th century, the practice spread to different parts of Europe.
Integral to this tradition is Turkey’s rich coffee culture, which is renowned for its strong, thick brews served in small cups, a style that has become a beloved and time-honored aspect of daily life in Turkey.
After a person finishes their coffee, the coffee cup is placed upside down on the saucer. Once the cup completely cools down, the prophesier picks it up and examines the pattern made by leftover coffee grounds.
Different patterns have different meanings. For instance, an eye pattern can symbolize jealousy and an evil eye for you whereas a heart signifies an impending relationship or marriage. Whatever the symbol, coffee fortune-telling is a fun and entertaining game often played among friends and family.
If you’re traveling in Turkey and looking for a unique Turkish souvenir, then go ahead and buy a traditional coffee set to remind you of this special world tradition. Even better, you can practice coffee fortune-telling at home with your friends with this set.
Bookish Jolabokaflod Tradition in Iceland
Victoria of Iceland Trippers
One of the most fascinating traditions around the world is Jolabokaflod in Iceland. The word “Jolabokaflod” translates to “Christmas book flood” or “Yule book flood” in English. It describes the yearly release of many new books in Iceland since books are easily the most popular type of gift given at Christmas.
There is even a catalog called Bókatíðindi (the book bulletin) that is mailed to homes all across the nation in mid-November during the Reykjavik Book Fair. People then use this publication to purchase books for gifts in Iceland during Christmas.
Then on Christmas Eve, Icelandic people exchange books instead of other presents. In fact, books are the most popular gifts given during the holiday season. Once the presents are exchanged, families spend the evening reading together and sipping on hot chocolate.
The tradition began during WWII when restrictions were placed on most goods that were imported into the country. But, because restrictions on paper products were less strict, books flooded into the country and quickly became the most popular gift in the country.
Exuberant Russ Celebration (Russefeiring) in Norway
Nick of The World Overload
If you happen to be passing through Norway during May, you may be able to view one of the country’s unique traditions for its teenage population.
Russefeiring is the celebration of high school, or secondary school students completing their final year. The tradition involves renting or purchasing vans or buses for travel around the local region or the country.
The vehicles are decorated with unique designs of art and graffiti and refitted with updated sound systems and furniture to make them even more livable for a longer period.
These vehicle purchases are supported by the families of the students, the community, and sometimes even local business owners who provide sponsorship.
Parades are thrown with lines of these vehicles and this is one of the additional ways to celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day.
You can also find these students wearing matching jumpsuits of multiple colors representing their grades and schools. There are no other similar traditions found in other parts of the world for graduating students that involve this level of support and revelry.
Sunlit Midsommer Celebration in Sweden
Annelies of Travelers & Dreamers
Midsommar is a wonderful Swedish festival to celebrate the start of the summer. It is rooted in ancient pagan traditions and is celebrated around the summer solstice, falling somewhere around the third weekend of June.
The celebrations begin with the decoration of the maypole, or “midsommarstång,” which is the central symbol of the festival. As you travel to Sweden, participating in these decorations is a very special experience.
This pole is decorated with greenery and flowers, reflecting the fertility of the summer season. During the festivities, the Swedes dress up in traditional costumes or flower dresses and wreaths and gather around the maypole for a ring dance, which includes the famous “Små grodorna” dance, characterized by playful hopping and singing. You will feel a bit silly doing this, but it’s so much fun!
Feasting is an integral part of Midsommar! There is no better way to experience this than to connect with a local who invites you into their home to celebrate with them.
A buffet is made with dishes that traditionally include pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, sour cream, and chives, and last but not least, the season’s first strawberries for dessert. This is washed down with traditional schnapps and singing until late at night!
Cozy Sauna Tradition in Finland
The sauna in Finland transcends beyond mere relaxation and sweating; it’s a cherished part of the national culture, deeply ingrained in the Finnish way of life. This centuries-old tradition serves as a sacred space for physical and mental rejuvenation, a spot for socializing, and sometimes, making significant decisions.
Finnish saunas are egalitarian havens. Here, everyone is equal, and it’s usual for people to enjoy the heat in contemplative silence. These saunas are common gathering places for friends and family, offering a serene environment for relaxation and reflection.
The traditional Finnish sauna experience centers on warmth and well-being. These wood-lined rooms, heated by stoves with stones, create a comforting, steamy environment when water is splashed on the hot stones, releasing ‘löyly,’ a vital part of the sauna ritual. Temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, providing a soothing and detoxifying atmosphere.
Frequent sauna use is linked with various health benefits like improved blood circulation, muscle pain relief, and stress reduction. It’s typical for Finns to combine their sauna sessions with a refreshing dip in a lake or a roll in the snow.
Saunas are ubiquitous in Finland, found in homes, workplaces, and even the Parliament, underscoring their deep-rooted presence in Finnish society. With over 2 million saunas for a population of around 5.5 million, the sauna’s role in Finnish culture is undeniable and profound.
Blossoming Martisor Tradition in Romania
Joanna of the World in my Pocket
Martisor is a traditional Romanian celebration for the arrival of the spring. It happens every year on the 1st of March. It involves wearing a small symbol of spring or good luck, accompanied by a red and white string that symbolises the passing from winter to the warmer months.
Martisor is a beloved tradition all over the country. Weeks before the first of March, Martisor sellers will take over the streets in the city centres around the country. The most common symbols they are selling are horseshoes, chimney sweepers, ladybugs, and clovers.
Traditionally, men are offering the Martisor to women, who have to wear them for seven days, as a broch. After 7 days, the wearer should tie the red and white string to a tree.
It is said that the way that tree would blossom is the way the year will be for that person. This is why the most common chosen trees are cherries, as they have very beautiful blossoms.
Martisor is part of the Romanian culture the same way as the cozonac recipe or the sarmale are essential to the Romanian cuisine. There wouldn’t be spring without it.
Chilling Krampus Tradition in Central Eastern Alps
Marina Helene of Paulmarina.com
Krampus are devil-like creatures that appear every year during the Advent time in the Austrian, Southern German, Northern Italian and Slovenian alps.
Young men and children, belonging to a group called Pass or Bass, put on heavy hand-carved unique masks, with full-body furs and large heavy cow bells.
They then appear around the 5th or 6th December in groups with Saint Nicolaus or other mythical creatures called Perchten. You can experience a Krampus parade, also called a Krampus run, in the many villages and towns in the alps.
Some of the most traditional ones are found in Carinthia and East Tyrol in Austria. You will also find larger Krampus parades in the midst of a Christmas market in the old town of Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
Kids also join in the fun because they get a goodie bag with peanuts, chocolates, walnuts, and oranges from Saint Nicolaus. But only if they were well-behaved, or else the chance of Krampus coming and getting the kids and the adults, including you and other visitors, is very high.
Colourful Corpus Christi Celebration in Pujilí, Ecuador
Juergen of Dare 2 Go
If you are anywhere near Ecuador in the month of June, I recommend adding this to your calendar: the unique, colourful dance festival in Pujilí. It’s always on the third weekend in June.
The festival is such an important event throughout Ecuador that dance groups come from all across the country. It spans over three days, where the highlight of each day is a differently themed parade.
At the centre of all dance performances is El Danzante (The Dancer); a true historical icon of this area, rooted in popular culture, who identifies their folks with the past. The Dancer is always a man, who has trained for years to balance an enormous, decorated headpiece (up to 10 kilograms in weight) on his head, whilst dancing to the tunes.
Day one is dedicated to the opening ceremony followed by dance parades of the children. Here you can admire beautiful costumes and young Dancers, with their smaller headpieces, showing off their skills.
The second day is the highlight. The parade and music goes on all day, with dance troupes from the regions showing off their moves and different costumes. Among them are native people from the rainforest lowlands in tribal outfits, and groups who come from cities with their own decorated floats.
The final day is dedicated to the indigenous people and elders of the country. The pace is a little more subdued, but therefore the headpieces of the Danzantes are among the biggest on show.
Pujilí is around 110 kilometres south of Quito. It’s the starting point for the Quilotoa-Circuit, a popular tourist loop through the mountains of Ecuador. So you might want to combine your festival visit with this tour.
Commemorative Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico
Daria of Explore Baja California
Day of the Dead is one of the most popular holidays in Mexico that is usually observed on Nov. 1-2, however, the exact dates depend on a specific year.
People across Mexico celebrate their loved ones who are no longer alive during this day, but the festivities and events related to the Day of the Dead span the entire October.
The origin of this holiday takes roots in Aztec beliefs, but over years it also got mixed with Catholic believes.
During this month, people decorate their homes with bright painted skulls, and marigolds, bright orange flowers and papel picado (perforated paper) that’s a traditional Mexican decorative art often used for adorning houses during major holidays.
Another big part of this holiday are altars (ofrendas) which are created to celebrated the loved ones who are no longer alive. Altars usually have candles, flowers, some skulls and photos of those who are being remembered.
Many bakeries in Mexico also make pan de muerto during this time. Pan de muerto is a type of a sweet bread that resembles a scull and has some sugar on top of it.
While people across Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead, the most colorful celebrations took place in Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.
Artistic Theyyam Custom in Kerala, India
With a history of more than 1500 years, Theyyam in Kerala state of India is an important part of the local customs and traditions. Theyyam, meaning God in the local language, is a way for locals to connect with the gods and goddesses.
There are more than 400 types of Theyyam and all are performed by males, except for one which is performed by females.
The performances consist of elaborate dances, cultural drama, expressions, make-up, and costumes. Worshiping the gods and the spirits, the dances are complemented by folklore music.
Being part of local customs, Theyyam is performed at temples, sacred sites and at family homes. The origination of Theyyam happened in the northern part of Kerala, especially in Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Today, the performances have spread out and can be seen in various parts of the state.
For witnessing Theyyam in a natural environment, you will need to be invited by the family sponsoring the performance. But to see them perform on stages or temples, you can visit the sites and buy the entrance tickets.
Sacred Siraman Ritual in Indonesia
The Siraman ritual is an important tradition in Javanese weddings, symbolizing a spiritual cleansing before the couple gets married. “Siraman” means bathing in Javanese. In this ritual, the bride and groom are bathed separately with special water, which is usually mixed with fragrant flowers. This ceremony is a joyful and sacred event, held a day or two before the wedding.
During Siraman, the bride and groom wear ceremonial clothing. Their parents and elders pour the specially prepared water over their heads. This is done to clean their spirits and prepare them for marriage. The water for the Siraman is often from different sacred sources, and it’s mixed with flowers like jasmine, champaca, and ylang-ylang.
This ritual is a way for the couple to symbolically leave their single lives and step into marriage. It’s a celebration of starting a new life together with blessings and purity.
Sweet Hag Al Laila Tradition in UAE
Alison of Glimpses of the UAE
If you’re in the UAE on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’aban, listen out for Emirati children singing the Hag Al Laila song or chanting excitedly, ‘atooni hag al laila!’ Give me Hag Al Laila!
Hag Al Laila means ‘for the night’ and, after sunset, you may see young children going from door to door in their local neighbourhoods, dressed in special traditional outfits, swinging their woven bags or maybe a basket.
If you see them later in the evening, hopefully, the bags will be full of nuts, sweets, and snacks. You may even hear the tinkling of coins.
Listen for the special Hag Al Laila song played in houses where families are celebrating at home and even in parks and malls. You might even be given uniquely decorated bags or boxes full of treats or be invited to a Hag Al Laila event at someone’s home.
If you experience Hag Al Laila, you will experience a sense of community and the quintessential Emirati values of generosity and hospitality.
During Ramadan, you may come across the celebration in other Gulf countries but called Gerga’an or Qaranqasho.
Have some treats at hand in case you come across children out with their bags at the ready!
Purifying Burning of the Devil (La Quema del Diablo) in Guatemala, Central America
Michele Peterson of A Taste for Travel
One of the most unique traditions in Guatemala is the La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil), a pre-Christmas celebration that takes place in the evening of December 7th every year.
While festivities take place throughout the country, the most spectacular event happens in the former capital city of La Antigua.
As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with 17th century cathedrals, monasteries and palaces, an air of anticipation pulsates through the air as people sweep out their homes, carry paper mache figures of the devil to throw on bonfires and congregate around a giant effigy of the devil erected in the middle of Antigua’s oldest barrio. As night falls, firecrackers begin to explode throughout the city.
The crowd hushes in anticipation as the main effigy of the devil is set ablaze, flames licking the night sky and shooting crackling embers over the crowd. The flames cast an ethereal glow on the faces of participants and spectators alike.
The mystic ceremony symbolically releases any negative energy and collective burdens of the past year. In particular, purification through fire symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and a collective renewal of spirit.
This Burning of the Devil ritual – a mix of pagan, Maya and Catholic traditions-ushers in the Christmas season, beginning the next day on December 8th, the Feast Day honouring the Conception of the Virgin Mary.
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