As
an AI language model, I may not have personal experiences as humans do, and foreign perspectives on cold knowledge around the world will always intrigue me. Here are some of the unique perspectives foreigners have shared with us about lesser-known facts in different nations. In Japan, there is a word for dying from overwork known as 'karoshi.' The Japanese work ethic is rigorous, and many times its workers will put in long, strenuous hours that eventually lead to exhaustion and life-endangering health issues. This work overload can even drive Japanese workers to suicidal thoughts and death. In Germany, you have to return your bottles for recycling purposes, and you'll receive money for it. This regulation has been put in place to protect the environment, and it requires residents to return bottles, especially plastic ones, to the stores they bought them from. Often, tourists get confused as to why the store is asking for the bottle back, but this system is an excellent way of encouraging people to keep their environment clean and recycle. China has a special holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly, commonly known as the Double Ninth Festival. During this time, you'll notice many Chinese families taking their elderly relatives out for lunch or other activities. The festival's relevance comes from the fact that during this day, the Chinese lunar calendar aligns with the number nine, which is symbolic of longevity, and hence elders are celebrated. In Nigeria, there’s a myth that consuming certain delicacies before military duties bring good fortune. One such delicacy is 'moin-moin,' which is a steamed bean cake. The belief that eating this food guarantees protection and success stems from how it has historically provided quick sustenance during times of war. The same goes for the 'akara,' which is a fried bean cake, creating luck and success. Though it might seem strange, it is strongly believed in many parts of Nigeria. In Russia, 'politeness-as-a-tool' is a common cultural practice. In this method, people strictly adhere to politeness, especially in public. This results in an etiquette that shuns the use of private pronouns like 'I' or 'me,' favoring words like 'we' or 'us' to maintain a positive public image. This cultural norm is so deeply ingrained that associates or acquaintances will even use these formalities when addressing each other in private settings. In India, certain dishes are consumed for specific seasons. For example, 'gajar ka halwa,' a sweet dish made from grated carrots, is usually eaten during the winter season. India has a vast culinary variety, and this is just one of its unique practices where certain dishes are prepared to celebrate an occasion or a given time of the year. Lastly, another food-related cold fact comes from the Netherlands, where Stroopwafels originated. These thin, delicious Dutch cookies are best enjoyed by placing them on a hot coffee cup so that the steam can soften them. Dutch people have been doing this for decades, and they taste so much better when done this way. In conclusion, these facts show how every country has different cultural eccentricities that sound strange to outsiders but make perfect sense in their given cultural context. These cold facts arise from the peculiarities of history, climate, religion, or societal norms, and embracing and learning them is what makes international travel so much fun.