Drinking habits or traditions in every country have very different ways and meanings behind them. These range from philosophical to mystical elements, and even to extreme methods. Curious to discover more about the strange drinking habits all over the world? Check out this article thoroughly! Some of them will make you shake your head in disbelief.

List of the Strangest Drinking Habits and Traditions in the World:

1. Snake Wine in Vietnam

In Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, you’ll find bottles of wine containing a whole snake inside. Here, snake wine is commonly regarded as a mark of honor bestowed upon guests, as well as a valuable traditional medicine. Snake wine is made by soaking a snake in alcohol, such as rice wine, and allowing it to steep for several weeks to months. It is believed that the snake’s venom will dissolve and be neutralized by the high alcohol content. Although it sounds horrifying to many people, snake wine is also believed to be a drink that offers many benefits such as a tonic that increases vitality and masculinity.

2. Noiseless Toss in Hungary

If you’re visiting Budapest, do not try to clink your glass loudly with someone else’s while drinking beer. In Hungary, making a “cheers” with a clinking sound is something to be avoided. This tradition stems from the year 1894 when 13 Hungarian revolutionary generals were executed by the Austrian Empire, and the Austrian officers celebrated by clinking their beer glasses. Since then, Hungarians have vowed not to make a clinking sound while toasting for 150 years. Nevertheless, this tradition continues today as a form of respect for their history.

3. Eye Contact While Saying “Prost!” in Germany

Unlike Hungary, toasting in Germany is not merely a formality. When you say “Prost!” and raise your glass, you must look directly into the eyes of the person you are toasting with. This action is believed to prevent people who want to do harm, as they would avoid eye contact if they wanted to commit a crime. Additionally, failing to do so may be considered rude, and according to myth, it could bring seven years of bad “love” luck. While this may sound a bit irrational, most Germans firmly believe in this habits.

4. Cap Tikus from Minahasa, Indonesia

Cap Tikus is a traditional drink made from the distillation of sap from the sugar palm or aren, which is fermented for 3-5 days. The Minahasa people have been producing this drink for generations using a simple yet effective distillation method using bamboo, metal drums, and firewood. Although Cap Tikus is known as a liquor, it holds great cultural and social value to the local population. Generally, this drink is used in various spiritual ceremonies that involve communication with ancestors or guardian spirits of the village. The Minahasa community believes that this drink serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Cap Tikus is not merely seen as an intoxicating beverage.

From this, we can see that alcoholic drinks are not just about the experience of intoxication. Across different parts of the world, drinking habits and traditions carry intriguing cultural, historical, and spiritual meanings, even if they may sometimes seem strange. This article can serve as a cultural guide to drinking customs in various countries, especially if you are traveling abroad. By understanding their culture, you will be warmly welcomed by the local community. Until we meet again on another exciting topic!

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