What habits or practies have you adopted from cultures besides your own?
What habits or practies have you adopted from cultures besides your own?
For example, I'm a white Jewish guy but I've adopted the Japanese practice of keeping dedicated house slippers at the front door.
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I never show the bottom of my shoe and think less of those who do. Learned this while traveling in Asia.
edit - Example of this is kicking my feet up on a stool at the local pub.
Never heard of this. What’s the reason behind Asian culture not showing the bottom of your shoes?
You are showing someone the bottom of your shoe as a means of saying they are "beneath" you. This is also true for middle eastern countries I believe.
It is common in the middle east, with some leeway. Like if someone is sitting diagonal to you such that your foot isn't directly facing them, it's okay. Unless its a professional meeting, then having your foot up is just disrespectful, but I imagine that goes for most countries.
Makes sense, thank you
Adding to this, stepping on something can be interpreted as similar. In a guide book for Thailand, it was advised that if a bank note falls on the ground, you should not step on it to stop it blowing away. Placing your foot on a picture of the king would be a sign of disrespect. You could get arrested!
Similarly, when sitting on the ground, say in a groupz you should ensure your feet aren't pointing at anyone else.
Reminds me of some folks in school who were horrified that others were sitting on tables/desks. The idea that you'd put your butt where someone would eat seen as highly disrespectful.
theres some old Russian proverb that civilization began with the tablecloth.