15 Weirdest Beauty Standards Around The World
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? But what if that "beholder" lives halfway across the world? Get ready for a wild ride! We're diving headfirst into some seriously quirky beauty standards. Buckle up, because some of these are mind-blowing!
Teeth Blackening: A Smile of Sophistication?
In some parts of Southeast Asia, pearly whites are *not* the goal. Instead, black teeth were considered a sign of beauty and status! This practice, called Ohaguro in Japan, involved staining teeth black using iron fillings and other ingredients.
Imagine the dedication! It was a symbol of maturity, marital status, and even a way to ward off evil spirits. Talk about a unique approach to oral hygiene, eh?
Long Necks: The Kayan People's Striking Style
Ever seen pictures of women with incredibly long necks? These are likely from the Kayan people of Myanmar and Thailand.
They achieve this elongated look with brass coils. Starting at a young age, rings are added over time, pushing down the collarbone. It's a symbol of elegance and cultural identity. It's definitely a show stopper!
Scarification: Beauty Etched in Skin
Scarification, or the intentional creation of scars, is a beauty practice in various African cultures. These aren't accidental scars; they're carefully designed patterns.
The process involves cutting or branding the skin to create raised designs. These scars can represent tribal affiliation, rites of passage, or simply be considered beautiful. It's a powerful way to tell a story through the body!
Unibrows: Embracing the Mono-Brow
Forget tweezing! In Tajikistan, a unibrow used to be considered incredibly attractive. Some women even used kohl to darken and connect their eyebrows.
The unibrow was seen as a sign of fertility and good fortune. Who needs two eyebrows when one striking brow can do the trick?
Foot Binding: An Ancient Chinese Practice
This practice, thankfully now outlawed, involved tightly binding young girls' feet to prevent them from growing. The goal was to create tiny "lotus feet."
It was considered a mark of beauty and high social status. Can you imagine the pain and limitations it caused? This shows how much beauty standards can change over time!
Heavily Tattooed Faces: The Maori's Moko
The Maori people of New Zealand have a rich tradition of facial tattooing called Moko. These aren't just random designs; they're intricate stories etched onto the face.
Each Moko is unique and tells the wearer's history, status, and lineage. It's a powerful form of self-expression and cultural identity.
Full Body Hair: The Hairy Back Contest
Forget smooth skin! In some cultures, a hairy back is seen as a sign of masculinity. In fact, there is even a "Hairy Back Contest" in some places!
It sounds entertaining, isn't it? It is time to ditch your hair removal!
Elongated Skulls: A Sign of Nobility
In some ancient cultures, like the Maya and certain African tribes, elongated skulls were considered a sign of beauty and high social status. The process involved binding infants' heads to reshape their skulls.
It sounds painful and extreme, right? It was believed to enhance intelligence and make the individual more attractive.
Golden Teeth: Bling Before Dentistry?
In some cultures, gold teeth are a status symbol and considered fashionable. Instead of trying to fix a damaged tooth, some people would opt for a golden replacement.
It's a flashy way to show off wealth and personal style. Who needs veneers when you can have gold?
Lip Plates: Stretching the Limits of Beauty
Among the Mursi and Surma tribes of Ethiopia, lip plates are a common practice. Young women gradually stretch their lower lips and insert clay or wooden plates.
The larger the plate, the greater the woman's social status and bride price. It's a striking and enduring tradition.
Facial Scars in the Nuba Tribe
Facial scarring is considered very beautiful in the Nuba tribe of Sudan. Intricate scar patterns are made on the face to enhance beauty.
These scars are a symbol of bravery and cultural identity. It is a unique and creative expression.
Pale Skin in East Asia
Having pale skin in East Asia is one of the most popular trends. For hundreds of years, people were trying to have paler skin.
It represents wealth and higher social class. Skin-lightening products are very popular.
Being Plump in Mauritania
Being plump is considered very attractive in Mauritania. Young girls are sent to "fat farms" to gain weight.
It is a sign of wealth, status and good health. The fatter the better!
Missing Teeth in Japan
Having crooked or missing teeth in Japan, also known as yaeba, is considered very attractive. It looks like a child smile.
Many Japanese girls visit a dentist to make their teeth look crooked. You will look cute and unique!
So, there you have it! A glimpse into the wonderfully weird and diverse world of beauty standards. It just goes to show that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and that "beholder" can have some pretty interesting ideas!
