Cultural News
Jordan - A Country that Resembles Mars
Morocco: A Haven of Stunning White Beauties
South Africa: A Land Abundant in Diamonds
Germany’s Walkable "Lego Bridge" Blends Art and Architecture
In Wuppertal, Germany, there’s a pedestrian bridge that looks like it’s built from giant Lego bricks. Though it’s actually a concrete structure, artists have painted it to mimic the iconic toy blocks, creating a playful optical illusion.
Afghanistan: The Unconquerable Land for Over a Century
For more than a century, Afghanistan has earned a reputation as a place where no foreign power has been able to achieve a complete victory. Its strategic location, which serves as a crossroads connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, has made it a target of numerous foreign incursions.
South Korea's Intangible Cultural Heritage on UNESCO Lists
South Korea boasts a rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage, with several traditions inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These heritages not only showcase the country's unique cultural identity but also offer insights into its historical, religious, and social values.
Why Germans Rarely Sing Their National Anthem in Its Entirety
Germany's national anthem, "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), has a complex and troubled past. Historically, the first stanza of the anthem has a strong connection with the Nazi regime. During the Nazi era, the anthem was misused to promote extreme nationalism and the heinous crimes committed by the regime. As a result, singing the first stanza is now considered a taboo in modern German society.
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.
Brazil: Whistling as a Gesture of Congratulation
In Brazil, there exists a unique and interesting cultural practice - using whistling to convey congratulations. While in many parts of the world, handshakes, hugs, or verbal expressions are the norm for showing celebration, Brazil has its own distinct way.
Sydney Coffee Festival: A Must for Coffee Lovers
Australia ranks among the world’s most coffee-obsessed nations, with coffee culture deeply rooted in towns and cities alike. Sydney’s annual Coffee Festival stands as the city’s premier coffee celebration, held in the iconic The Rocks district.
Finland: A Nation with Social Phobia?
Finland has long been rumored to be a nation where social phobia seems to prevail. This perception is not without basis. In Finland, people highly value their personal space. A set of photos about Finns queuing once went viral on the Internet. In these pictures, the distance between people queuing is usually more than one meter, maintaining sufficient space, which is dubbed as "social phobia queuing".
