How can you offend an old lady in Norway, giving her a seat on the bus? Why is it impossible to give flowers to the hostess in China? How smart are bears and when was the last wolf killed in England? This and much more is in our interesting selection. Delicious food for thought, here are collected a variety of incredible facts from around the world and from different historical eras.
Unbelievable, but a factUnbelievable, but a fact In Norway, it is not customary to give way to elderly people in transport. It is believed that by doing this you emphasize your physical superiority.
Unbelievable, but a fact In the States, it is not customary to pay in a restaurant for a woman. It is believed that this way men emphasize their financial superiority.
Unbelievable, but a fact In China, it is not customary to bring flowers to the hostess of the house. It is believed that by this the guests emphasize that this house is so ugly that they bring jewelry with them.
Unbelievable, but a fact On the beaches of New Jersey, male topless was banned until 1937, on the grounds that residents "do not want to see gorillas on our beaches."
Unbelievable, but a fact The first artificial Christmas trees in Germany were made from dyed goose feathers.
Unbelievable, but a fact Most of Santa Claus' reindeer have male names. But males shed their horns on Christmas, therefore, most likely, the sleigh is pulled by females or castrati.
Unbelievable, but a fact Until 1870, one of the most common ways to get an abortion was pulling out a healthy tooth. It was believed that pain could contribute to spontaneous abortion.
Unbelievable, but a fact Cosmetic surgery was practiced in ancient Rome. Men got rid of the scars on their backs — it was considered a disgrace, because otherwise one would think that a person turned his back on the enemy during the battle.
Unbelievable, but a fact There are cases when bears brought stones into traps so that when it slammed shut, they could calmly eat the bait.
Unbelievable, but a fact The spear ceased to be an official weapon in the British Army in 1927.
Unbelievable, but a fact Many sailors wore gold earrings to afford a decent funeral in the event of an unexpected death.
Unbelievable, but a fact In 1500, the last wolf was killed in England. In 1770 — in Ireland. In 1772 — in Denmark.
Unbelievable, but a fact According to the laws of the British Navy, when buried at sea, the body was sewn into a bag. The last stitch had to pass through the lips of the deceased to be sure that the person really died.