Merriam Webster defines a taboo as, "a rule against doing or saying something in a particular culture or religion." The world is increasingly becoming global. Social media has helped in cross-cultural connectivity. It's almost like the entire world lives in one village. Nuances and ideals have begun to conform to a singular monolith. Although, this paradigm shift has reduced the rate of cultural shock one might have experienced if the world were still as closed off as it was some hundred years back, some things never change, at least not yet. So today, I wear a different hat.
Today, I would be your social graces coach, you never know where life would take you, and what new horizons would open up before your very eyes. So, you have to be prepared, such that wherever you may find yourself you would understand some of the social etiquettes expected of you. This is not to say I can cover everything in a single post, but I would try my very best to introduce some of the most relevant taboos, and perhaps if you are interested, you can take it on from there. Shall we begin?
1. Do not touch a Thai person’s head in Thailand
Touching a Thai person's head or hair is considered offensive or insulting because Thai people regard the head as sacred or the purest part of the body. As a result, if you happen to touch a Thai person's head or hair, please apologize immediately. Don't be concerned; the Thais will quickly forgive you.
2. Do not tip a waiter in South Korea
Tipping a waiter or a public servant is considered impolite or unacceptable in South Korea. So, unless there is a signboard stating otherwise, it is best to avoid such situations.
3. Do not wear your shoes to a Japanese home
Avoid wearing shoes to a Japanese home because the Japanese traditionally sit on tatami mats rather than chairs. They also prefer to drink their tea or eat their meals while sitting on the floor. Because the Japanese have a floor-based dining and seating arrangement, it is best not to wear shoes into Japanese homes because they may dirty the floor.
4. Do not forget to Thank You in Norway
In Norwegian homes, it is customary to express gratitude to your host for the lunch or dinner served. When you've finished your meal, remember to say "Takk for maten," which translates to "Thank you for the food." This is an excellent way to thank the cook for all of her or his efforts in preparing the meal. Children in Scandinavian countries are required to say this.
5. Do not stand and eat in Indonesia
In Indonesia, it is considered impolite to eat while standing. Even if you buy food from a street vendor, make sure you find a place to sit and finish it. Eating while standing, according to science, leads to overeating because you feel more hungry, bloated, and gassy. As part of the Indonesian culture, it is customary to sit and eat as a sign of respect for the food.
6. Do not wear red or write in red in China
Avoid wearing a red colour dress to a Chinese funeral as red is considered the colour of happiness and merriment. White or yellow colour dresses are appreciated as they signify grief or lamentation. In Korea it is considered a death threat if you write a person’s name in Red colour. Writing someone’s name in red is when they had either passed away or if you are wishing harm or death upon them.
7. Do not chew gum in public in Europe
In many European countries like Austria, Italy and Germany it is considered impolite and disrespectful to chew gum in public whereas in countries like Belgium and France it is considered vulgar to chew gum.
8. Do not Gift Wine
According to the French wine etiquettes, do not bring wine as a gift as the host would have chosen the wine to accompany the evening meal. At the same time if you wish to get a gift, you can always opt for a special French dessert wine or high quality liquor.
9. Sunday Rules of Switzerland
According to Swiss Sunday Rules, one must refrain from performing noisy tasks on Sundays such as mowing the lawn, vacuuming, laundry, or car washing. Sundays in Switzerland are meant to be spent quietly, which is why these rules must be followed. Whether you like it or not, Sunday is a day for rest and relaxation.
10. No Even Number of Roses as Gift in Russia
In Russia, an odd number represents a happy occasion, while an even number represents a funeral or a sad occasion. So, if you're sending roses to someone in Russia, make sure they're an odd number.
11. Do not touch a Mongolian’s head, hat or horse
Because hats are such an important part of Mongolian culture, never touch another person's hat, even if you are sliding it out of the way. Because the Mongolians regard the head as the most sacred part of the body, it is not appropriate to touch their heads as well.
Horses are thought to have spiritual powers in Mongolia, and many people believe that their horse will transport them to the afterlife. This is why it is forbidden to touch a Mongolian's horse.
12. Do not take a photo of 3 in Cambodia
Do not click a photo comprising of 3 people in Cambodia as they believe that this will bring ill luck to the person standing in the middle.
13. Do not eat from the same plate in Nepal
In Nepal it is considered rude and disgusting to eat from the same plate. A food, once it is touched by someone else would not be eaten by another person. A food touched by someone else is considered impure and is termed as “Jutho” in the Nepalese culture.
14. Do not gift a Clock in Latin America
Avoid gifting a clock in Latin American countries as clock refers to “to go for a funeral”, however you can balance the effect of this taboo by including a coin with the gift.
15. Do not point fingers at the moon in Taiwan
According to the people in Taiwan, the moon is referred to as a goddess and is name as Chang’e. Hence pointing fingers at the moon means you are offending the goddess.
Cultural differences might seem a little weird and jarring, but it should be celebrated or at least respected, especially if it does not directly or indirectly harm anyone. Want to know a little more about taboos from around the world than this article covers? Watch this video from Infographics below. Thanks for sticking till the end!
wait o shey all those nepal people will not come to eat in nigeria
Wow
so as we are 3 children my brother cannoit stand in the middle ehn mrs cambodia?
I agree it's irritating eating in the same plate
How dare you be rude to the moon