3  Cultural Practices: Puzzles exploring the unexpected consequences or origins of cultural customs.

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3.1 Unintended consequences

📖 Puzzles exploring the unexpected or unintended consequences of cultural practices.

3.1.1 Problem

In the United Kingdom, the national speed limit on motorways is 70 miles per hour. However, there is a small section of motorway near Birmingham where the speed limit is 50 miles per hour. What’s the reason for this exception?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the purpose of motorways.
  • Answer:
    • The section of motorway near Birmingham is known as the Spaghetti Junction, and it is one of the most complex motorway interchanges in the world. The speed limit is reduced to 50 miles per hour to help drivers navigate the complex junctions safely.

3.1.2 Problem

In many cultures, it is considered polite to take off your shoes before entering someone’s home. Where did this custom originate from?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the materials used to make shoes in the past.
  • Answer:
    • In the past, shoes were often made of leather or other materials that were difficult to clean. Taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home helped to keep their floors clean.

3.1.3 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered rude to eat with your left hand. What is the reason for this?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the other uses of the left hand.
  • Answer:
    • In many cultures, the left hand is used for cleaning oneself after using the toilet. Eating with your left hand is therefore considered to be unhygienic.

3.1.4 Problem

In many Western cultures, it is considered polite to say “bless you” when someone sneezes. Where did this custom originate from?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the beliefs about sneezing in the past.
  • Answer:
    • In the past, it was believed that sneezing could cause the soul to escape from the body. Saying “bless you” was a way of wishing the person well and protecting them from evil spirits.

3.1.5 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered unlucky to walk under a ladder. Where did this superstition originate from?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the shape of a ladder.
  • Answer:
    • In the past, ladders were often used to access rooftops or other high places. Walking under a ladder was considered to be unlucky because it was believed that it could create a triangle, which was seen as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Walking under a ladder was therefore thought to be disrespectful and could bring bad luck.

3.2 Hidden origins

📖 Puzzles exploring the often-obscure or forgotten origins of cultural practices.

3.2.1 Problem

What is the origin of the practice of tipping in restaurants?

  • Hint:
    • The origin of the practice of tipping in restaurants is not as straightforward as you might think.
  • Answer:
    • The practice of tipping in restaurants originated in the United States in the late 19th century, as a way to supplement the low wages paid to waiters and waitresses. Prior to this, it was customary for diners to pay for their meals in advance, and then leave a small sum of money on the table as a gratuity for good service.

3.2.2 Problem

Why do we wear wedding rings on our left hand?

  • Hint:
    • The reason we wear wedding rings on our left hand is rooted in an ancient belief.
  • Answer:
    • The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand dates back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that a vein ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. This vein was known as the “vena amoris”, or “vein of love”, and it was thought that wearing a ring on this finger would symbolize the couple’s eternal love and commitment.

3.2.3 Problem

What is the origin of the birthday cake tradition?

  • Hint:
    • The birthday cake tradition has its roots in ancient Greece.
  • Answer:
    • The birthday cake tradition originated in ancient Greece, where it was customary to offer cakes to the gods on their birthdays. These cakes were often decorated with candles, which were thought to represent the light of life. Over time, the tradition of eating birthday cakes spread to other cultures, and it eventually became a common way to celebrate birthdays all over the world.

3.2.4 Problem

Why do we raise our glasses in a toast?

  • Hint:
    • The tradition of raising our glasses in a toast has a long and interesting history.
  • Answer:
    • The tradition of raising our glasses in a toast dates back to ancient Greece, where it was customary to pour a libation to the gods before drinking. This was done as a way to show respect and gratitude to the gods, and it was also believed to bring good luck. Over time, the tradition of toasting spread to other cultures, and it eventually became a common way to celebrate special occasions.

3.2.5 Problem

What is the origin of the tradition of wearing a veil at a wedding?

  • Hint:
    • The tradition of wearing a veil at a wedding has its roots in ancient Rome.
  • Answer:
    • The tradition of wearing a veil at a wedding originated in ancient Rome, where it was customary for brides to wear a red veil called a “flammeum”. This veil was thought to symbolize the bride’s modesty and virginity, and it was also believed to protect her from evil spirits. Over time, the tradition of wearing a veil spread to other cultures, and it eventually became a common practice all over the world.

3.3 Cultural diffusion

📖 Puzzles examining how cultural practices spread and evolve through contact between different cultures.

3.3.1 Problem

In the Pacific Northwest region of North America, a certain type of clam is highly prized by the native tribes. Unlike most clams, this clam lives in burrows dug into soft rock or mud. Harvesting these clams requires the use of a tool that resembles a large screwdriver. What is the tool used to harvest these clams called?

  • Hint:
    • The tool is named after the Native American tribe that traditionally harvested these clams.
  • Answer:
    • “Geoduck hoe”

3.3.2 Problem

The people of the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea have a peculiar tradition. At certain times of the year, they engage in a competitive form of gardening called “kayboboy.” What is unique about this gardening competition is that the gardeners are not competing to grow the best crops, but rather to grow the most beautiful gardens. What is the purpose of this competition?

  • Hint:
    • The gardens are not meant to produce food.
  • Answer:
    • The gardens are grown to attract women.

3.3.3 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered a sign of respect to remove one’s shoes before entering a home. What is the origin of this custom?

  • Hint:
    • It is related to the way people traditionally lived.
  • Answer:
    • In many traditional cultures, people lived in homes with dirt floors. Removing one’s shoes before entering helped to keep the floors clean.

3.3.4 Problem

In some parts of the world, it is customary to eat insects as a source of protein. What is the reason for this practice?

  • Hint:
    • Insects are a nutritious food source.
  • Answer:
    • Insects are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and they are often more sustainable to produce than traditional livestock.

3.3.5 Problem

In many cultures, it is considered to be impolite to point at someone with one’s finger. What is the historical origin of this taboo?

  • Hint:
    • It is related to the use of weapons.
  • Answer:
    • In many cultures, pointing at someone with one’s finger was seen as a threatening gesture, as it was often associated with pointing a weapon at someone.

3.4 Cultural symbolism

📖 Puzzles exploring the deeper meanings and significance embedded in cultural practices.

3.4.1 Problem

In the Apache tribe, it is considered disrespectful to whistle. Why?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the use of whistles in other cultures.
  • Answer:
    • Whistling is associated with summoning dogs.

3.4.2 Problem

In many cultures, it is considered impolite to pour yourself a drink without first offering one to others present. What is the origin of this custom?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the history of poisoning.
  • Answer:
    • It originated as a way to show that the drink was not poisoned.

3.4.3 Problem

In some cultures, it is customary to kiss on both cheeks when meeting someone. What is the possible origin of this practice?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the purpose of a kiss.
  • Answer:
    • It may have originated as a way to show that neither person was carrying a concealed weapon.

3.4.4 Problem

In many cultures, people wear dark clothing to funerals. Why?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the symbolism of colors.
  • Answer:
    • Black is associated with mourning and death.

3.4.5 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered rude to point your feet towards someone. Why?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the cultural significance of feet.
  • Answer:
    • Feet are often seen as unclean or disrespectful.

3.5 Cross-cultural comparisons

📖 Puzzles comparing and contrasting cultural practices across different societies to reveal unexpected similarities or differences.

3.5.1 Problem

In the United States, it is considered rude to slurp one’s soup, while in some Asian cultures, it is considered a sign of appreciation. Why?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the different ways people eat soup in different cultures.
  • Answer:
    • In the United States, soup is typically eaten with a spoon, so slurping is seen as impolite. In some Asian cultures, soup is eaten with chopsticks, so slurping helps to cool the soup and bring it to the mouth.

3.5.2 Problem

In some cultures, it is customary to take off one’s shoes before entering a home, while in others, it is considered rude to do so. What factors might influence this difference?

  • Hint:
    • Think about the different ways people live and the types of shoes they wear.
  • Answer:
    • In cultures where people typically wear shoes indoors, taking off one’s shoes before entering a home is seen as a way to keep the house clean. In cultures where people typically wear shoes outdoors, taking off one’s shoes before entering a home is seen as a sign of respect for the homeowner.

3.5.3 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered polite to give a gift when visiting someone’s home, while in others, it is considered rude to do so. Why?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the different ways people express gratitude and the different social norms around gift-giving.
  • Answer:
    • In some cultures, giving a gift when visiting someone’s home is seen as a way to show appreciation and to establish a relationship. In other cultures, giving a gift is seen as imposing an obligation on the recipient and can be seen as rude.

3.5.4 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered impolite to make eye contact with someone you are speaking to, while in others, it is considered impolite to avoid eye contact. What might account for this difference?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the different ways people communicate and the different social norms around eye contact.
  • Answer:
    • In some cultures, making eye contact is seen as a sign of respect and sincerity. In other cultures, making eye contact is seen as a sign of aggression or disrespect.

3.5.5 Problem

In some cultures, it is considered polite to eat with your hands, while in others, it is considered rude to do so. What might explain this difference?

  • Hint:
    • Consider the different ways people eat and the different social norms around eating.
  • Answer:
    • In some cultures, eating with your hands is seen as a way to connect with the food and to show appreciation for the person who prepared it. In other cultures, eating with your hands is seen as unhygienic and rude.