It all started when Alberto began asking me questions, on why Asians always eat with our mouths full, or why we never bother asking ‘how are you?’. I was always intrigued by how he saw us as Asians. Even as a foreigner who’s been throttling in and out of Asia for the past 5 years, he is still amazed by the stark differences and just how odd some of our behavior would be deemed in the western world. This article is basically inspired by him, to showcase some of our most Bizarre cultural habits.
Anyone who’s been to China would have seen the locals spitting openly on the streets, or even indoors in nice restaurants. It’s quite a hideous sight, and you just can’t stop wondering why they incessantly do that.
In many Asian countries, it is typical for people to grow long fingernails, especially on their small pinkie. Wanna know why? Read my article here.
And from Japan to India, it is a standard practice to remove shoes at home in most of the Asian countries. Again, there are always some cultural beliefs that lead to such practices.
From the Japanese’ habit of slurping noodles loudly, to the Chinese’s spitting habit along the streets, I bring you on a journey through the weird and bizarre Asian customs that might just make you feel, tad bit, odd.
Read my full article on the 7 most Bizarre Asian Cultural Habits here.
Additional photo credits:
Noodle slurping: Wootang01 on Flickr , Removing shoes: Amirjina, No Spitting.
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Related posts:
- Dog Meat and Rooster Balls- the 10 most Exotic Asian foods
- Beijing Musings
- A walk thru’ Japanese culture in Kyoto
I wonder why the chinese likes to spit. I'm chinese living abroad, but don't like to spit
I am 1/2 Chinese American and I have an addiction to spitting, but I like to think of it as a better addiction than smoking. Great post about some interesting habits!
Thanks Mark for the kind words! It's quite an interesting habit, especially from the perspective of foreigners.
Being in a different culture can be both interesting and frustrating.
By observing without adding any judgments and opinions, I learn accept foreign values and beliefs the way they are. Anyway, in any place that's international, I believe that international standard should be applied.
Fantastic interpretation of some of Asians different habits. I have been fortunate to live in Asia for some years and this is fact. What does annoy me is that foreigners do tend to have a view that this is disgusting. When it is just another way of behaving. Well done.
I second that! Most people tend to look at it as disgusting, especially if they don’t have much contact with the locals. While these habits are bizarre, they’re part of the Asian culture and are just a different way of being. Thanks for point that out.
I’d have to agree that some Asians really have some bizarre habits. And most of those mentioned here can be found in mainland China. If you ever visit those cities, check out their signboards in English, they are atrociously hilarious.