Every country in the world has certain traditions and customs. What is considered unethical in different countries?
In Thailand, it is strictly forbidden to pat someone on the head or slap them on the shoulder in public, as this is a display of affection that has no place in public. Such actions are unacceptable even for children, who are taught etiquette from a young age.
In Malaysia, pointing with a finger is not allowed; when indicating something, only the palm of the hand should be used.
In the Philippines, the eyes can be used for this purpose.
When entering a Japanese temple or a private home, it is essential to remove both shoes and headgear. It is considered particularly inappropriate to stand on tatami (special mats) while wearing shoes and with a covered head.
Moreover, in Japan, great care is taken with chopsticks (the common eating utensils). It is worth noting that they should not be crossed or used to point at anyone. Additionally, placing chopsticks in a bowl intended for rice after eating is considered very bad manners, as this act is associated with funeral rituals.
Also, during a tea ceremony, one should not cross or stretch out their legs but rather sit on their heels.
In Georgia, it is not appropriate to take a sip from a glass while giving a toast, while in Germany, when clinking glasses with someone, it is essential to look them in the eye.
Did you know that in Indonesia, giving perfume as a gift is prohibited? Yes, indeed… This can be perceived as a terrible insult.
In the USA, it is considered rude to check oneself in a mirror and groom oneself in public view. Not long ago (about 200 years ago), gloves of various kinds (for sports, attending balls, etc.) were fashionable for both men and women. It was also considered shameful to wear them in public.
In the 1920s, students in Soviet schools were not allowed to write correctly, as this was considered “showing off.”
The next prohibition may sound strange and absurd: in England, knitting in public is not allowed (and this activity has become increasingly popular among the British, including men).
In Bulgaria, for a long time, it was common to “point fingers” at those men who drank less than 1.5 liters of wine a day, which costs next to nothing here.
These are the curious improprieties one can “encounter” in different countries. Sometimes they seem funny and incomprehensible, but traditions are sacred…
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