What’s the most interesting local custom you’ve encountered?

Years ago in India, I marvelled at the amazing Hindu customs- they were filled with colour and lights, incense, prayer, flowers, and food.

I think of some of the English ones…. Father Christmas ( when you tell the kids there will be a strange man in the house tonight. But it’s OK, he’s got you some presents) The Tooth Fairy (again, someone will come into your bedroom and even touch your pillow-but that’s okay, they will leave you money) Easter Bunny-chocolate eggs, wearing paper hats whilst you eat your Xmas meal. Burning an effergy of Guy Fawkes on a big bonfire one night.

Then there’s that one where someone leaves the house at midnight New Year’s Eve and walks round to the front door and comes in carrying coal-bringing good fortune and wealth to the household. April Fools Day, where you play a practical joke on someone, when they fall for it, you have to say ‘ April Fool!’- but you have to do it before midday, else you are the fool.

All very lame in comparison to the Hindu way of doing things!