About

Mislav PopovicMy name is Mislav Popovic. I am very interested in traditions and customs existing in world cultures. Here I mean various coming to age traditions, religion, food, drinks, traditional fashion, wedding traditions, death rites and other elements of the everyday life.

There are so many strange traditions. I admit that the word strange should be used with caution. Something seen as strange by the outsider is completely normal for the locals. These are just few reasons why I started a web site. The content you will able to find here represents a combination between my knowledge and stuff I came across while surfing the Internet.

I have a degree in geography from the University of Zagreb. I live in Croatia or to be little bit more precise in the region of Hrvatsko zagorje, just north of Croatian capital Zagreb.

Your opinions, ideas and suggestions are very welcome. Contact me!

Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Europe
European Christmas traditions vary from Christmas tree and Nativity scene to, for example, rather peculiar Catalan characters called Caganer. Many traditions combine Christianity and local folklore. Least but not last, Christmas is the time of year when tables are full of different delicacies.
Christmas in Australia
Australian Christmas is celebrated in the summer. Many people go to beaches. Locals Santa travels with six kangaroos.
Death Rites
The Day of the Dead in Mexico
The offerings are often put in homes. They include traditional food like candied pumpkin, "bread of dead" ("pan de muerto"), skulls made of sugar and different beverages.
Asian death rites
Full body size figures of the deceased or "tau tau" are placed in the cave looking out. Coffins of dead children are usually hung from ropes on a cliff face or from a tree. After several years the ropes used get rotten and coffins fall on the ground.
Mirila
Mirila (in local dialect "measurments") are traditional memorials that can be seen on the Velebit mountain, Croatia.
Festivals
Festa del Redentore
If you love fireworks visit Venice, Italy during Festa del Redentore. In 2012 it will be on the 14th and 15th of June.
Carnivals
Carnival is an event with people wearing masks and colourful costumes. There are no rules. For a short period of time everything is allowed. Carnivals are held 40 days before the Easter.
Lifestyle
New Year Celebrations Around The World
Big New Year parties can be held on beaches. One of the most famous is the one on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fantasia
Fantasia is an amazing Moroccan event performed in by the group of Berber people on their beautifully decorated horses. These groups are called serba.
Strange Traditions
Cipotegato
Cipotegato is a strange character from Tarazona, Spain. His mission is to pass through the hostile crowd armed with thousands of kilograms of tomatoes. He has to reach the statue made in his honour.
La Tomatina
There are several theories about how La Tomatina started. One of them mentions an annual parade of gigantic figures with big heads („Gigantes y Cabezudos“) passing through the streets of Buñol.
Silbo Gomero
People of the Spanish island of La Gomera have very special way of communicating. Learn more about it.
People
Lebanese traditions
Lebanon is a country of different nations, religions, ancient history and fascinating traditions. One of its symbols is the Lebanon Cedar.
Maori
Most people know them for their Haka dance. They often decorate their bodies with amazing traditional tattoos. Have you ever tried their delicious hangi?
Wedding Traditions
Traditional wedding dresses
A wedding dress is a special type of garment worn by the bride at her wedding. Many women prefer white wedding dress. In many cultures women still use traditional costumes as their wedding dress.
Strange wedding traditions
"Creeling the groom" is an old Scottish wedding ritual where the groom carries big basket full of stones on his back. He has to carry it until the bride comes and gives him a kiss.
10 traditional wedding dances (2)
Welcome to the wedding! Why don't you take a dance.
10 traditional wedding dances (1)
There is no wedding without dancing. Everyone is happy, everyone is dancing. Join the party!
Food And Drink
Laddu
Laddu (laddoo) is a traditional ball-shaped sweet delicacy popular all over South Asia. The word laddu comes from ladduka (lattika) which in Sanskrit means a small ball.
Acarajé
Acarajé is a dish popular in parts of western Africa and in the Brazilian state of Bahia. In Bahia it is traditionally sold by female street vendors known as the Baianas.
Bombay duck
It is not a duck from the Indian city of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). It is actually a lizardfish. Dried one has a very strong smell.
Animal blood as food
All over the world animal blood is often used in preparation of different dishes.
Tunnbröd
Tunnbröd ("thin bread") is a type of flat bread from Sweden. There are two basic types of tunnbröd – soft and crisp one.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a type of syrup traditionally made of xylem sap and different maple trees.
Speculaas
During preparation of these thin biscuits the maker often use wooden stamps (moulds) that give them lovely bas-relief shapes, based on the story about Saint Nicholas.
Smörgåstårta
This salty Scandinavian delicacy combines characteristics of cake and sandwich.
Ras el hanout
It is rather impossible to say what spices make the Ras el hanout. Every shop or even family has their own version. There are those claiming that their mixture includes over 100 ingredients.
Seaweed in Japanese cuisine
Seaweed or in Japanese kaiso has been used as food for centuries. It is rich in various minerals, vitamins and proteins.
Clothes
Kente cloth
Kente is a traditional type of cloth made by the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It was once worn by the local royals.
Kimono
Name a few words that you associate with Japan. I bet that kimono is one of them.
Kilt
Kilt is usually made of woolen cloth. Scottish kilt has a tartan pattern. There are many different tartan patterns or “setts.”
Djellaba
Colour of the Djellaba can tell you whether a person wearing it is married or not.
Dirndl
There is no real festivity in the Alpine region without the Dirndl.
Deel
Elegance and practicality from Central Asia.
Sarong
Why don't you wear something simple, practical and beautiful?
Chapan
Winters in Central Asia are often very cold. That is why locals wear chapan.
Footwear
Geta
In time of summer heat your feet need something light and natural. Geta may be just perfect for you.
Hairstyle
Perak
Perak includes a leather strap or a piece of dark fabric covered with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise. This stones represents dieties of the local religion. It is believed that these stones can protect from the troubles of this world.
Redheads
Between 1 and 2% of all humans are redheads (gingers). The highest number of people with red hair exist in Scotland, Ireland and Australia. Famous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh was a redhead.
Vinok
Vinok is made of flowers, leaves and branches. Today this wreath is worn at different festivities. According to experts vinok has pagan origin.
La Peineta and Mantilla
These fashion accessories are important symbols of traditional Spain. You can see them on every procession or at many weddings.
Headgear
Mexican Sombrero
Protect yourself from the strong sunlight by wearing the Mexican Sombrero.
Dastar - Sikh turban
All Amritdhari (baptized) Sikhs must wear a dastar. For the Sikhs a dastar is much more than an ordinary headgear. Dastar is a symbol of faith, honour, courage and self-respect.
Tagelmust
This cotton garment is worn by Tuareg adult men as both a veil and turban. The cloth can be more than 10 metres long. The tagelmust is taken off only in front of members of close family.
Kasa – traditional Japanese hats
Takuhatsugasa hat is made from woven rice straw. It protects the person wearing it from strong sunlight and rain. Its shape also enables kind of protection of your identity as it partly covers your face.
Aso Oke hat
One of the most popular African hats.
Jewellery
Hei-tiki
Hei-tiki is the pendant worn by the Maori people. It is one of tāonga or treasured possessions.
Meenakari
The magic of traditional Indian jewellry.
Tuareg jewellery
The Tuareg people make different jewellery. Its purpose is much more protective than the decorative one. Their jewellery is made of silver and other metals. The designs have changed a little over time.
Dzi bead
Some beads can protect you or even heal you.

Architecture

Christmas Traditions

Coming Of Age

Death Rites

Festivals

Loy Krathong
Dasara
Hinamatsuri
Raksha Bandhan
Pongal
Pooram
La Diada de Sant Jordi
Doudou
Les Gayants de Douai
Naga Panchami
Kattenstoet - cat festival
Lajkonik of Krakow
Naadam
Sartiglia
Diwali
Qixi
European harvest festivals
Gaijatra
Onbashira festival
Carabao festival
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Bhumchu festival
Esala Perahera
Unspunnen festival
Hanagasa Matsuri
Nebuta Matsuri
La Mercè
Ngondo
Carnival of Binche
Tsechu
Ride of the Kings
Namahage
Noruz
Kamakura snow festival
Battle of the Flowers
Chinese Dragon Boat festival
Carnivals
Teej festival
Water splashing festival
Moussem
Fiesta de La Tirana
Infiorata
Narzissenfest
Gelede
Pushkar camel fair
Burning the Clocks
Gion Matsuri
Festes de Sant Joan
Tamborrada
Festa das fogaceiras
Festa das Cruzes
Festa del Redentore
Akita Kanto
Sechseläuten
Fêtes de Bayonne

Folk Beliefs

Food And Drink

Games And Toys

Lifestyle

Piñata
Baby tooth
Calcio Storico
Songkran
Sneezing
Champagne
Mayan calendar
Chinese proverbs
Birthday in Canada
Colours in China
Hula
Love spoons
Samoan tattoo
Bindi
Nalukataq
Il Palio di Siena
Senbazuru
Irish toasts
Palio di Asti
Baby naming traditions
Japanese table manners
Weather folklore
New home
Japanese tea ceremony
Strange pregnancy traditions
Kathakali
Kokeshi dolls
Chinese Scented Sachets
Gestures
Baci ceremony
Kris dagger
Wayang Kulit
New Year celebration in the Dominican Republic
Tsagaan Sar
Lei
Koninginnedag
Kakizome
Reaching 30
Kyz kuu
Hanami
Pearly Kings and Queens
Japanese greeting customs
Cascarones
Mallakhamb
Schultüte
New Year Celebrations Around The World
Chochin lantern
Ondel-ondel puppets
Hagoita-Ichi
Ishi-doro
Dreams
Lotus
Fruit - more than food
Conch
Roses
Vanuatu sand drawings
The Historical Regatta of Venice
Bats and good luck
Turkish oil wrestling
Kräftskiva
Fantasia
Punch and Judy
Tea caddy
Yoke thé
Yabusame
Chaki
Opera dei Pupi
Vogalonga
Castleton Garland Day

Music And Dance

People

Recipes

Religion

Strange Traditions

Life on the Moon
San Fermin
La Tomatina
The flyers of Papantla
Konaki Sumo
The Night of Radishes
Inukshuk
Battle of the Oranges
Bone house
Trauco and Fiura
Stilt walking
Gioco del Ponte
Firewalking traditions
Navajo sand paintings
10 strange traditions (4)
10 strange traditions (1)
10 strange traditions (2)
Jallikattu
10 strange traditions (3)
Buzkashi
Leprechaun
Foot binding
The World Coal Carrying Championships
Well dressing
Hadaka Matsuri
Gurning
Rubber duck races
Tunarama
World Sauna Championships
World Pillow Fighting Championships
Elephant polo
Haro Wine Festival
Roasted pig parade
Boryeong Mud Festival
Hare Pie Scramble and Bottle Kicking
La Pourcailhade
Battle of the Queens
Harikuyo
Palio della Rana
Maldon mud race
Aperschnalzen
La Chiesa dei Morti
ClauWau
Las Bolas de Fuego
Silbo Gomero
Cipotegato

Traditional Fashion

Traditional Medicine

Wedding Traditions

Folk Beliefs
Horseshoe
Horseshoe is by many treated as good luck charm. Only used one will do. There is also an interesting legend about Saint Dunstan and the Devil.
Cats
Cats are among the most popular pets. They are also part of many ancient myths and folk beliefs.
Pigs
Pigs have been with us for thousands of years. In many civilisations they were or still are much more than source of food.
Crickets
Crickets are nocturnal insects. Their chirping is part of folk beliefs in many countries. Some people keep them as pets.
Xiezhi
Xiezhi is a mythological animal that can distinguish good from evil. It exists in China and Korea.
Tanuki
The Japanese people believe Tanuki brings good luck. The statue of this animal character can be seen all over Japan.
Daruma doll
This round Japanese doll is a famous good luck charm and symbol of someone who never gives up
Ekeko
Ekeko is the God of abundance and prosperous life. He is depicted as the man with moustache. He wears traditional clothes. He carries several bags and baskets.
Maneki Neko – Japanese lucky cat
There is a special Japanese cat sculpture with raised one or both paws. It supposes to bring good luck to the person who owns it.
Chan Chu – The Lucky Frog
According to Feng Shui this frog wards off evil spirits and it can help you in the rise of your income. In the Chinese mythology it is the companion of the 10th century Taoist alchemist Liu-Hai.
Traditional Medicine
Bush medicine
Different parts of plants like leaves, bark or seeds are used. Sometimes people use animals too. To heal an ill person Aborigines also use methods like steaming, smoking and heating.
Albularyo
When sick all the help is welcome. In the Philippines you can choose between a doctor and the albularyo.
Religion
Corpus Christi in Cusco
Cusco is the city located in the southeast of Peru. Several processions of worshippers carrying statues of 15 saints arrive from their churches to the city cathedral where they will honour the body of Christ.
Easter in Lebanon
One of delicacies prepared for Easter in Lebanon is Maamoul. Maamoul are little cakes filled with walnuts, dates or pistachios.
Fête des lumières
Fête des lumières or Festival of Lights is held on the 8th of December in the French city of Lyon. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Saint Sarah
On the 24th of May thousands of Roma people from all over the world arrive to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France. They arrive as pilgrims to Saint Sarah. She is their patron saint.
Music and Dance
Huayno
Huayno (huayño) is the name of dance and music popular in the Andean countries of South America. It represents unique combination of traditional folk music and modern rhythms created in big cities.
Kalbelia
Kalbelia is danced by female dancers in Rajasthan, India. Their moves resemble those of a snake.
Gagaku
Gagaku ("elegant music") is a type of Japanese classical music. Today gagaku is performed as concert music (kangen) or together with traditonal dance called bugaku.
Angklung
Angklung is a traditional Indonesian musical instrument. It is made of bamboo pipes. Each angklung has an individual sound.
Inuit throat singing
This traditional type of music is performed by two Inuit women. They stand face to face holding each other's arms.
Talerschwingen
Talerschwingen or talerrollen is an unusual tradition popular in the east of Switzerland. It goes well with the yodeling folk singing.
Sword dances
Sword dances exist in parts of Europe and Asia. There are dances with only one dancer. Dances with group of dancers usually perform false battles.
Parachicos
Parachicos is a traditional dance from the city of Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico. Each dancer wears a wooden mask, special headdress and brightly coloured long blanket-shaped shawl known as serape (sarape).
Chhau dance
Chhau dance is traditional Indian dance. Dancers often wear masks. The dance is performed by male dancers at local festivals.
Chinelos
Chinelos is a traditional carnival dance in the Mexican state of Morelos. Each dancer wears a colourful costume and a mask.
Polka
Polka is a lively dance and type of folk music. Word polka comes from Czech word půlka ("little half").
Balalaika
This string instrument has a triangualar body and tree strings. Its variety which produce the lowest sound is quite big. The person who plays it must be a strong one.
Kora
This traditional musical instrument is played all across West Africa. It has 21 or even more strings. It is played a by a jali.
Abbots Bromley Horn Dance
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is danced by 12 dancers. 6 of them carry horns. These horns are actually reindeer antlers. Three are white and three are black.
Periniţa
This traditional Romanian and Moldavian wedding dance was actually named after a pillow on which a man puts his knee when kneeling and proposing a woman.
Verdiales
Verdiales flamenco music is performed by panda (band) whose members wear colourful hats. It is typical for the region of Los Verdiales in Andalucia, Spain.
Samba de Roda
Samba de Roda is usually danced only by women. Dancers performing the dance form a circle or “roda”. Each woman takes her turn by dancing in the circle.
Drums of Burundi
Drum has an important symbolic meaning in the life of local population. It used to be a mean of communication. Drum was also important during battles. The side who captured the drum of the opponent won the battle.
Yangge
It is ancient and very colourful. It includes a donkey figure.
Schuhplattler
In the past it was a way to impress single girls. Perhaps it can still do the trick.
Traditional drums of Sri Lanka
Drums are used in religious ceremonies and local festivals. In the past some drums, like for example Thammattama, were used as one of local means of communication.
Coming Of Age
African dolls
African dolls are toys, but most of all charms that should ensure fertility. Mother often gives her old doll to her daughter.
Coming of age ceremonies in China
The ceremony for men was called capping because hair of 20 years old one was turned to a bun or coil and the person then wore a special cap. The ceremony was held in February.
Architecture
Trullo
It was built without cement or mortar. Its conical-shaped roof often includes has painted symbols like planets, the evil eye (“malocchio”), a cross, a heart, a star and crescent etc. This traditional building is part of the UNESCO world heritage programme.
Hanok
The Korean Hanok house is in perfect harmony with the environment. Perhaps some solutions for the future are already here.
Games and Toys
Dala horse
Some people claim that Dala horse represents mythological horse Sleipnir. This horse belonged to Odin, major god in Norse mythology.
Degor
Degor is a traditional game from Bhutan. It is played with two spherical flat stones.
Croatian wooden toys
These toys have been made for over a century. Toys are made of willow, beech, lime or maple wood. After carving each toy is painted and decorated with floral or geometrical patterns.
Akabeko
It is a toy for your children and a souvenir that reminds you of a nice trip. It can protect your health too.
Channapatna toys
They are carefully crafted and environmentally friendly. They are one of the Indian less known treasures.
Matryoshka doll
Wooden dolls in the set differ in size. Their size decreases so one doll can be put inside the other one. The smallest doll is a baby.
Tò he
These toys are made from glutinous rice. They have shapes of animals, flowers and fairytale characters.