Social Custom
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival: The Spectacle of Thousands of Sky Lanterns
Among Thailand’s traditional festivals, the most beautiful is undoubtedly the "Yi Peng (Water Lantern) Festival." If April’s Songkran reveals Thais’ exuberance in water fights, November’s Yi Peng embodies the tender romance of Thai youth. Chiang Mai’s celebration stands out nationwide—beyond floating water lanterns on rivers to pray for blessings, it hosts a breathtaking mass release of thousands of sky lanterns into the air.
Tuvalu: A Nation on the Brink of Sinking into the Sea
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the South Pacific, is facing an existential threat as it teeters on the verge of disappearing beneath the waves. With a total land area of just about 26 square kilometers and a population of around 11,000, this tiny nation is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Myanmar: Vast Fortunes in Jade Exchange Hands Freely
Myanmar, a nation nestled in Southeast Asia, is globally renowned for its extraordinary jade trade, where artifacts worth hundreds of millions of dollars are casually bought and sold, painting a picture of a market like no other.
Malaysia: The Tradition of Hand - Eating
In Malaysia, hand - eating is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that continues to thrive. This tradition, far from being a universal rule, is prominently observed, especially among the Malay community and in certain cultural settings, and offers a unique and intimate dining experience.
Peru's Mysterious Geoglyphs Abound
In the vast and arid Nazca desert of southern Peru, a remarkable phenomenon has intrigued the world for decades - an abundance of strange and mysterious geoglyphs. These geoglyphs, known as the Nazca Lines, were created between 500 BC and 500 AD. The local people made them by making depressions or shallow incisions in the desert floor, removing pebbles and exposing different - colored dirt.
North Korea: An Isolated Enigma
North Korea is often perceived as a country seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. In 2020, due to the global pandemic, North Korea closed its borders, which led to a significant decrease in its foreign trade. Its total foreign trade volume was $860 million in 2020, and it was expected to be less than $300 million in the following year, a sharp contrast to South Korea's trade volume which exceeded $1 trillion in the same period. The number of inbound and outbound passengers also shows a huge gap between the two countries, with North Korea having only a fraction of South Korea's figures.
Morocco: A Haven of Stunning White Beauties
Morocco, a captivating North African nation, surprises many with its abundance of strikingly beautiful white women. Unlike the typical perception of African countries, Morocco presents a unique blend of ethnicities that contributes to its high concentration of fair - skinned beauties.
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.
Pakistan's Unique Gesture: Shaking the Head to Show Agreement
In Pakistan, a fascinating cultural quirk sets its communication norms apart from many other parts of the world. Here, shaking the head isn't a sign of disagreement, as it is in most Western cultures; instead, it's a way to convey approval, agreement, or understanding. This unique form of non-verbal communication often surprises first-time visitors and can lead to initial confusion.
Bavaria’s Fairy Tale Castles, Including Neuschwanstein, Named UNESCO World Heritage Sites
On July 12, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially inscribed four iconic palaces built by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II onto the prestigious World Heritage List. The ensemble includes Neuschwanstein Castle, Herrenchiemsee Palace, Linderhof Palace, and the Schachen Royal Lodge, celebrated for their visionary architecture and cultural significance. Maria Böhmer, President of Germany’s UNESCO Commission, hailed them as “architectural masterpieces that reflect both the artistic imagination of the Fairy-Tale King and his unconventional genius”
Indonesia: An Island Nation Built on Volcanoes
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, is known as an island nation built on volcanoes. It is located in a highly active volcanic zone, with over 130 active volcanoes scattered across its more than 17,000 islands. This geographical feature has both shaped and challenged the country.
Irish Dye Rivers Green? St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Explained
On March 17 each year, Chicago’s Chicago River is dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, while New York’s Fifth Avenue hosts grand parades. People worldwide don green clothing, shoes, bags, or hats—all part of the festive tradition.
Denmark: A Nation Crazy About Cycling
Denmark is widely recognized as a country where bicycles reign supreme. With a population deeply in love with cycling, this Nordic nation has made the two - wheeled vehicle an integral part of daily life.
Ukrainian Traditional Hairstyle: The Distinctive Single Lock of Hair
In Ukraine, there exists a unique and eye - catching traditional hairstyle that has a long - standing history. This style features a man with most of his head closely shaven, while a single lock of hair gracefully hangs down.