From coast to coast, America is a land filled with traditions that are sometimes puzzling to outsiders. These 18 customs may seem like second nature to those who have grown up stateside but people from elsewhere find them downright baffling.
Groundhog Day
In the quaint town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a groundhog named Phil becomes a national celebrity every February 2nd. Legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are in store for America. The quirky ritual is equal parts odd and sweet.
College Fight Songs
Nothing fires up school spirit quite like a college fight song. Played during sports events and pep rallies, these tunes often date back to the early 20th century. Students and alumni alike passionately sing along, fists pumping in the air, making it a unique spectacle at American universities.
Ranch Dressing Mania
Ranch dressing is more than a condiment in America; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Used liberally on salads, fries, and even pizzas, its ubiquity is something that leaves many people from other countries utterly puzzled.
Eating Competitions
Competitive eating contests are a sight to behold. Whether it’s a table filled with hot dogs, pies, or spicy wings, contestants race against the clock to eat as much as possible. Local and national media often cover these gastronomic feats, making heroes out of ordinary people with extraordinary appetites.
Presidential Turkey Pardon
A tradition dating back to the 1940s, the U.S. President pardons a turkey every Thanksgiving. The bird is saved from becoming dinner, living out its days on a farm. The annual ceremony is broadcast nationally and has evolved into a beloved, if not slightly odd, holiday event.
Drive-Thru Everything
Convenience is king in America, leading to drive-thrus for just about anything. While fast-food drive-thrus are common worldwide, America ups the ante with drive-thru banks, pharmacies, and even wedding chapels.
Regular Applause
Americans are quick to clap, and it’s not just for theater performances or sports achievements. You’ll hear applause when airplanes land, when speeches end, and even at high school graduations. This tendency toward frequent clapping can be both endearing and bewildering to those not used to it.
Compulsory Tipping Culture
In the U.S., tipping isn’t simply a nice gesture; it’s often an expected part of many services. The customary 15% to 20% can baffle tourists, who are left wondering how much to tip for everything from a taxi ride to a cup of coffee.
Outsize Damages in Lawsuits
You’ve probably heard about American lawsuits awarding enormous sums for seemingly trivial grievances. These eye-popping punitive damages can leave people outside the U.S. scratching their heads, questioning the logic behind such legal proceedings.
Sweet Sixteen Parties
Turning sixteen is a big deal in America, often celebrated with parties that rival weddings in their extravagance. The Sweet Sixteen bash typically includes everything from DJs to photo booths, and sometimes even red carpets, leaving many to wonder about the fuss.
Homecoming Mums
In states like Texas, high school homecomings are elevated by the presence of “mums”—elaborate corsages that resemble small pieces of art. These ornate creations can be as big as a person’s torso, making them a peculiar but cherished part of the celebration.
Halloween for Pets
Americans don’t just dress up their kids for Halloween; the family pets get in on the action too. From dogs dressed as dinosaurs to cats in princess attire, this growing trend is something many people from other countries can’t quite wrap their heads around.
State-Specific Holidays
America is a large country with varied cultures, and some states like to celebrate their unique histories with their own holidays. Texas Independence Day or Nevada Day, for example, are state-specific celebrations that can seem utterly perplexing to outsiders.
Fraternities and Sororities
Greek life on college campuses is a tradition filled with rituals, pledges, and secret handshakes. The appeal of joining one of these organizations lies in their exclusivity and lifelong connections, making them a confusing but integral part of American college culture.
Tailgating for Everything
Tailgating isn’t just for football games; Americans will grill and party in parking lots for virtually any event. This peculiar form of celebration turns the hours leading up to the main event into a festivity itself, complete with food, drinks, and cornhole games.
Spelling Bees
While spelling might be considered a basic skill, in America it’s elevated to a competitive sport. Spelling bees are televised, complete with intense rounds and nervous contestants, as young scholars vie for scholarships and glory.
Square Dancing in Schools
Believe it or not, square dancing is often part of the American school curriculum. Students are taught to do-si-do and promenade in gym class, making it a peculiar educational staple that has persisted for years.
Corn Mazes
Autumn brings out the corn mazes, intricate labyrinths carved into cornfields. Families pay to get lost and then find their way out, turning what might seem like a confusing ordeal into an entertaining day out.
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