Question 1

In China, it's acceptable to leave chopsticks upright in a rice bowl.

Accepted Answer

false This practice is considered disrespectful and is often associated with funeral rituals. It's believed that standing chopsticks upright in rice resembles incense used in funeral offerings

Question 2

In Singapore, it is fine to chew gum and dispose it in public.

Accepted Answer

false Chewing gum is restricted in Singapore, and littering it can lead to hefty fines.

Question 3

Which color should you avoid wearing in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Purple - Together with black, purple is associated with mourning and is considered unlucky to wear unless you are attending a funeral.

Question 4

In India, what do vegetarian Hindus typically not eat?

Accepted Answer

Meat, fish, seafood and eggs - 'Pure' vegetarianism in Hinduism includes not eating eggs but dairy is acceptable.

Question 5

In which country is the number 4 considered unlucky?

Accepted Answer

China - The pronunciation of the number four in China is very similar to the pronunciation of the word for death. You will notice in hotels that often there is no room 4 and lifts might not stop at level 4.

Question 6

In which country does nodding the head up and down mean 'no' rather than 'yes'?

Accepted Answer

Bulgaria - There are a number of theories but nobody is quite sure why in Bulgaria nodding the head up and down means 'no' and shaking the head from side to side means 'yes'.

Question 7

Which country has the most time zones?

Accepted Answer

France - France has the most times zones with 12 due to its overseas departments and territories across the globe.

Question 8

Which of the following is not one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion?

Accepted Answer

Puja - A Puja is a Hindu ritual commonly practised in India.

Question 9

Which of the following would you not offer as a gift to a Chinese business partner?

Accepted Answer

A clock - In China, the word for clock sounds the same as 'the end' and so is associated with time running out and death.

Question 10

In Japan, after a meal it is customary to leave a tip.

Accepted Answer

false tipping is generally considered rude and can even cause confusion or embarrassment for the recipient, as it's not part of the Japanese service culture.

Question 11

Which of the following is considered poor etiquette in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Placing your chopsticks upright in your food - It is considered very rude to place chopsticks vertically in your food as it symbolizes an offering to the dead.

Question 12

In the Balearic Islands, building sandcastles is prohibited

Accepted Answer

true In parts of the Balearic Islands (like Mallorca), building sandcastles on certain beaches is banned to preserve the environment and ensure safety.

Question 13

Letting your donkey sleep in the bathtub in Arizona is legal

Accepted Answer

false A law enacted in 1924 after a donkey was swept away in a flood while resting in a tub, prompting a costly rescue effort.

Question 14

In Denmark, if someone turns 25 and is unmarried, they are showered with what?

Accepted Answer

Cinnamon - In Denmark, if someone turns 25 and is unmarried, they are showered with cinnamon, and if they turn 30, they face a pepper shower

Question 15

Where is the largest tomato throwing festival is held?

Accepted Answer

Spain - La Tomatina is a Spanish festival in Buñol, Spain where participants throw tomatoes at each other. It is said to be the biggest food fight in the world. From the festival's origin as a food fight between friends in the 1940s, it has become a famous tourist attraction.

Cultural Curiosities Trivia

2) In Singapore, it is fine to chew gum and dispose it in public.

3) Which color should you avoid wearing in Brazil?

4) In India, what do vegetarian Hindus typically not eat?

5) In which country is the number 4 considered unlucky?

6) In which country does nodding the head up and down mean 'no' rather than 'yes'?

7) Which country has the most time zones?

8) Which of the following is not one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion?

9) Which of the following would you not offer as a gift to a Chinese business partner?

10) In Japan, after a meal it is customary to leave a tip.

11) Which of the following is considered poor etiquette in Japan?

12) In the Balearic Islands, building sandcastles is prohibited

13) Letting your donkey sleep in the bathtub in Arizona is legal

14) In Denmark, if someone turns 25 and is unmarried, they are showered with what?

15) Where is the largest tomato throwing festival is held?