Now in a world where social justice warriors storm the streets like soldiers and human choice and opinion is the reason behind every action, it is nearly impossible to imagine conforming to a system or culture that imposes challenging and often times painful traditions onto its people. But as you know, there are still many who practice societal behaviors that prove very difficult to imagine.
Below are some of the most unbelievable traditions from around the world.
10 – Bride Kidnapping (Romani)

Bride Kidnapping – I, Anglos [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
09 – P*nis Festival or Kanamara Matsuri (Japan)

Kanamara Matsuri – By Saya M. (Flickr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
08 – Baby Tossing (India)

Baby Tossing
Despite the obvious dangers that come along with tossing a baby from the roof of a temple, many Hindu and Muslim parents would eagerly commit to the ceremony. The ceremony takes place anywhere between infancy and 3 years of age and has been practiced for at least 700 years. The ritual has rightly caused outrage amongst Indians and outsiders alike, but it is said that the custom will bring the child luck, happiness and a fruitful future.
07 – Sokushinbutsu (Self Mummification in Northern Japan)

Sokushinbutsu
Performed by Shugendō Buddhist Monks, self mummification was considered an act of enlightenment and not a form of suicide. The monks would begin the journey (one that could last up to 10 years!) by consuming a diet that consisted purely of nuts, seeds and bark. Water would slowly be removed from the diet and the Buddhist Monks would die of starvation in a meditative pose.
06 – S*icide by Fire (Sati Tradition of India)

By The original uploader was Brian0324 at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
05 – Castration of the Penis (Eunuchs of Ancient China)

Eunuchs of Ancient China – By Unknown Tang-era tomb artist [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
04 – Ceremonial Masturbation (Ancient Eygypt)

Ancient Eygypt – By Anonymous Egyptian tomb artist(s) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
03 – Foot Binding (Women of Imperial China)

Foot Binding – See page for author [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
02 – Semen Drinking (Etoro Tribe of Papua New Guinea)

Etoro Tribe
In Mt. Sisa exists a tribe known as the Etoro people who commit, what many would consider, an unfathomable act. During a man’s adolescent years, he must consume the semen of his elders. This practice is believed to ensure vitality, strength, resilience and growth. The Etoro people consider seminal fluid to be a sort of life elixir and continue to practice the tradition with the male children of their tribe.
01 – Finger Cutting (Dani Tribe of Papua New Guinea)

Dani Tribe – By Paul from Working and living in Jayapura (Papua Province) and Jakarta, Indonesia (Kurulu Village War Chief Baliem Valley – Papua) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons