Common name : White-faced saki monkey Scientific name: Pithecia Family : Pitheciidae Native to : Northern and Central parts of South America Interesting fact : Its tail is as long as its body. Conservation status : Least Concern Saki monkeys are generally very shy, cautious animals. Their furry, rough skins are black, grey or reddish-brown […]
Feeding the Dead is an ancient Roman tradition that was uncovered recently. Do you know: It was only the recent discoveries in the Vatican that uncovered this long forgotten tradition. Many Roman graves, found not only in the Vatican but also in England, contained pipes that lead to the outside of the grave. Through these
Morris Dancing is an ancient form of dancing that is part of the English culture. Do you know: This dance is related to the word Moorish, as many of the dancers would paint their faces black. With origins deep rooted in druidic traditions, the revival of this dance style had begun with various folklorists. While
The Burying of the Sardine is a Spanish ceremony celebrating the end of the carnival in Tenerife. Do you know: The Burying of the Sardine always takes place on Ash Wednesday. Marking the end of the Carnival, a mourning procession is carried out where a burning symbolic figure of a sardine is carried through the
Monkey Buffet is for all purposes a feast or festival arranged for the monkeys in Thailand. Do you know: The buffet arranged for the monkeys include everything from fruits and vegetables to sweets and even soft drinks. The people of Thailand believe strongly in the fact that monkeys bring good fortune. Mythology also dictates that
Common name : Mongolian saiga Scientific name : Saiga tatarica Family : Bovidae Native to : Russia, Kazakhstan and Western Mongolia. Some Kazakhstan herds migrate to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan during winter Interesting fact : Hunted for its horns; it has a shotgun named after it. Conservation status : Critically Endangered It is a very distinctive
Groundhog Day is a traditional custom that is largely popular in the United States ever since it was adopted in 1887. Do you know: This tradition has its origin in ancient European weather lore. People celebrate this traditional holiday on the 2nd of February all across the continent. The modern custom includes early-morning celebration where
Baby Jumping is actually a festival that takes place annually in Castillo de Murcia, near Burgos in Spain. Do you know: This festival has taken place almost every year since the 1620’s. This festival is true to its name. Every year the proud parents of newborn babies bring their children to this festival, where the
Kava is served as a Welcome Drink and plays a big role in the customs and cultures of Fiji. Do you know: Kava is not actually a psychedelic drug and cannot actually make you hallucinate or have visions. Kava is a root of the Yakona bush, which is a relative of the Pepper plant. This
The Toilet Bowl Toast is part of the wedding customs in France. Do you know: When this custom existed in it entirety, the newlyweds were made to drink leftovers from a toilet bowl. While the custom is not practiced as it once used to be, the custom still exists. Newlyweds are meant to drink the
Common name : Indian Tiger Scientific name : Panthera tigris tigris Family : Felidae Native to : Indian sub-continent Interesting fact : National animal of India Conservation status : Endangered They are the largest members of the cat family. Of the eight species that existed, three became extinct in the 20th century; they are hunted
The Salty Bread Romance is a custom followed by unmarried women in Armenia. Do you know: The unmarried women eat salty bread only in the hope of having prophetic dreams. As a part of the celebrations of Saint Sargis, who is an Armenian, is the patron saint of young love, women eat salty bread, so
The Sing-sings custom is a rich and colourful custom of the tribe found in Papua, New Guinea. Do you know: The Sing-Sings are a type of spiritual mimesis, where the tribesmen imitate the birds of paradise. As a part of their custom, the men of the tribe found in the jungles of Papua, New Guinea,
The Wife-Carrying championship is an unusual sporting event that takes place in Sonkarjavi, Finland. Do you know: While the event may be known as the ‘Wife-Carrying’ event, it is not necessary that the couple should be married. Every year, couples from all over the world gather in Finland to compete in an event where the
Common name : Monkey Scientific name : Macaca mulatta Family : Cercopithecidae. Native to : South, Central and Eastern Asia Interesting fact : They are considered to be the incarnations of the Indian god–Hanuman. Conservation status : Least Concern Well known for their human-like behaviour and antics, they are found in cities and towns alike,