The unusual customs of the world

8. Blubbing brides in China

Forget seating arrangements and last-minute wobbles over flowers and bridesmaids, some Chinese brides cry for a month as part of their wedding preparation.

Once widespread, the custom of the bride weeping for one hour a day before getting married is still widely observed, especially by the Tujia who live in the Wuling Mountains. The bride’s mother and other members of the bridal party join her and their collective wailing blends with traditional songs.

9. Christmas with Krampus

When it comes to heart-warming traditions, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Roasted chestnuts, stockings hanging above an open fire, trees dressed in baubles and lights… if that fills you with holiday joy, you might not want to meet Krampus.
This hideous beast is part of Alpine folklore and he accompanies Saint Nicholas on his travels around places such as Austria, Romania and the Czech Republic, punishing naughty children who don’t deserve gifts.
Krampusnacht, the Night of Krampus, is his big moment and the custom continues to gain in popularity with an ever-growing band of countries observing this devilish evening.
Just don’t expect his gruesome features to feature on the side of a well-known soft drink brand’s Christmas trucks any time soon.

10. He will have music wherever he goes...

With bells strapped to their shins, hats adorned with flowers, sticks ready for wielding and handkerchiefs prepared for waggling, these bands of folk dancers draw crowds wherever they go. And where do they go? Well, your local village pub perhaps, and fetes and fairs up and down the country.

To the outside world, morris dancing is every bit as weird and wonderful as any other kind of folkloric tradition. While its origins are contested, everyone can agree that morris dancing has been a part of the patchwork of English culture for centuries. Next time you are at a village fete, imagine how unusual this custom looks to overseas visitors!