interesting customs of your country

Originally posted by Cywr I like the idea behind sinterklaas, it takes the pressure of real christmas. Zwarte piet is wierd though, so much redundant symbolism dunped ontop of each other, from fear of the moor, spanish soldiers, regarding africans as kids, and so on. Still, a good laugh to see visitors to the Netherladns try and process what it is they are seeing.

I also heard Zwarte Pieten are demons or the devil in some way, but yeah it's just a very obscure person (in both ways)

Anyway the candy they sprinkle probably represents fertility, as with many feasts it's also about the harvest.

Allright, for the people who don't know him,

Potlatch celebrated by the Indians of the pacific Northwest is a very interesting custom!!

A Potlatch was a celebration that the people of the Northwest enjoyed. There were many reasons to have a Potlatch such as the birth of a son, the death of a leader, or the raising of a totem pole. Hundreds of guests were invited, and a gift was made for each of them. Guests ate seal meat, berries, and dried fish. It could take many months or even years to get ready to host a Potlatch. They wore their best clothes and blankets, and made masks for the ceremonies.
http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/Curriculum%20Info/NativeAmerican s/nwpotlatch.html

Originally posted by Exarchus In France, we are kissing each others all the time (men to women and women to women). In fact, each times we meet.

Same here... In Italy men to men as well, right?

This is a folklore game called sword shild. It is a harsh game. It is understood after some period of time that it should not be played on tourists since they do not feel comfortable after the game.

These are Turkish wrestlers of traditional oil wrestling tournaments. I think it can be said that this is NBA of wrestling. The most famous one is held in Kirkpinar during 630 years annually. May be it is the oldest sports festival of the world which held continously. Until 1975, there was no time limit to wrestling in Kirkpinar, fights could last more than one day. In 1975, wrestling was limited to 40 minutes.

as you can see, there is the coat of arms of Hessia in the background...Bavarians and Hessians are the German rednecks, no need to say more...

 My grandfather was a bavarian but I gotta laugh at that , german rednecks rofl. I guess every nation has there  own rednecks. In france it would be les marseillais, they speak with a weird  french accent  and do everything that is weird.

Two Weekends of Fun-Filled Activities

We invite you celebrate our 8th Annual Oktoberfest here in Leavenworth, Washington. Our town, "The Bavarian Village", is the ideal setting for you and your family to enjoy the great tradition of Oktoberfest.
All the wannabe Germans in Leavenworth, Washington (state)