Cultural News
Maldives: Home to the World's Largest Seed
The Maldives, a tropical paradise renowned for its crystal - clear waters and idyllic beaches, is also home to a botanical wonder—the world's largest seed. This remarkable seed belongs to the Coco de Mer palm, which is primarily found on the Seychelles islands, but has a significant connection to the Maldives through trade and cultural history.
Mosuo People: The "Mysterious Kingdom of Women" with Unique Matriarchal Traditions
In the 21st century, the Mosuo people retain a matriarchal family structure, earning them the nickname "mysterious kingdom of women"—a cultural phenomenon that fascinates scholars and visitors worldwide. A key aspect is their "walking marriage" practice.
Israeli Beauty Festival: Women Revel in Mud - A Sight to Behold!
In Israel, an annual event takes place that combines fun, culture, and a unique form of celebration - the mud - playing festival. This festival has become a significant attraction, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
Mexico’s Radish Festival: When Radishes Take Center Stage
Each December 23, Oaxaca hosts one of the world’s most creative celebrations: "Noche de Rábanos" (Night of the Radishes). Locals carve this humble vegetable into intricate depictions of historical scenes or biblical stories—from the Three Kings’ journey to pivotal moments in Mexico’s war history. Witnessing these creations, one can’t help but marvel at the radish’s surprising transformation.
Finland: A Nation with Social Phobia?
Finland has long been rumored to be a nation where social phobia seems to prevail. This perception is not without basis. In Finland, people highly value their personal space. A set of photos about Finns queuing once went viral on the Internet. In these pictures, the distance between people queuing is usually more than one meter, maintaining sufficient space, which is dubbed as "social phobia queuing".
Hungary - The Only European Country with Surnames Before Given Names
In the world of naming conventions, Hungary stands out uniquely among European and Western countries. While the majority of follow the pattern of given names preceding surnames, Hungary bucks this trend. In Hungary, it is the surname that comes first, followed by the given name.
Squirrels: The Surprising Culprits Behind Most U.S. Power Outages
Most power outages in the U.S. are actually caused by squirrels, according to the American Public Power Association (APPA). The association has even developed a "Squirrel Index" system to track patterns of how squirrels impact electricity supplies.
Ancient Greeks and Romans Used Spider Webs as Bandages
In ancient Greek and Roman times, doctors would use spider webs to dress wounds. It was believed that spider webs had natural antibacterial and anti-mold properties, and they were also rich in vitamin K, which aids in stopping bleeding and promoting wound healing.
Living on the Water: The Allure of Dutch Houseboats
In the Netherlands, a country renowned for its extensive waterways, houseboats have become a distinctive and popular form of housing. These floating homes offer a unique living experience that combines the charm of waterfront living with the practicality of a permanent residence.
South Africa: A Land Abundant in Diamonds
South Africa, located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, is renowned for its rich diamond resources. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa dates back to 1866 when a young shepherd named Erasmus Jacobs picked up a unique stone along the banks of the Orange River. Later identified as a 21.25 - carat diamond, it was named the “Eureka” diamond, marking the first diamond discovery in the country.
Mauritius: The Astonishing Underwater Waterfall
Mauritius, an idyllic island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and crystal - clear waters. However, there is a hidden wonder that lies beneath the surface - an incredible "underwater waterfall" that defies belief.
Australia: Eating Their National Treasure
In Australia, an unusual dining practice has long been a part of the local scene - the consumption of kangaroo meat. Despite being the country's national symbol, kangaroos are hunted and turned into food here.
Nauru's Unusual Path to Prosperity: Relying on Bird Droppings
Nauru, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has a rather extraordinary story of getting rich - all thanks to bird droppings. This small island, with a land area of only about 21 square kilometers, was once an overlooked place. However, its fortunes changed dramatically due to an unexpected resource.
Vanuatu: Home to Some of the World's Most Active Volcanoes
Vanuatu, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is not only renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes but also for being the host of some of the world's most active volcanoes. This unique nation lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone where tectonic plates collide, resulting in frequent seismic and volcanic activities.
Russian customs - cultural, culinary and customary features
Russia, a vast and mysterious country, has a unique charm with its colorful culture, food and customs. In this article, we will have an in-depth understanding of Russia, aiming to help international students better integrate into the Russian culture and enhance the ability of cross-cultural communication.
Tracing the Primitive Tribal Cultures of the Americas
According to Native American teachings, the Red Road is a positive path that guides its followers away from vice and violence. Photographer Carlotta Cardana and writer Danielle SeeWalker's collaborative series The Red Road Project has seen the duo traveling across the United States over the past few years in order to meet and photograph the country's Native American population.
Latest news from eastern U.P., a tough life
Nowadays there are frequent blackouts in the U.N., but we remain joyful during the blackouts. People often ask me, “How can you be so happy in such darkness?” My answer is