Funny Things Estonians Do ⁄⁄ 16 Surprising Facts about Estonian Culture!

In this video, we're going to talk about 16 of the most unique and funny things Estonians do. Fancy a race? How about one where you carry your wife? The wife-carrying championship is an actual sport in Estonia, and it takes place annually. The Estonians are really into leaping over bonfires, a tradition typically observed on Saint John's Day. It's believed to bring good luck and protect you from bad spirits. Sauna is a crucial part of Estonian culture, and it's not unusual for friends and family to enjoy it together. It's all about bonding and relaxing here. Estonian language sure does keep your mind busy. With its 14 noun cases, learning Estonian can be quite a challenge. Want to give your adrenaline a kick? Try kajiking, an Estonian sport invented by Ado Kosk, where you swing 360 degrees around a spindle. Song and dance hold a significant place in Estonia. The Estonian Song Festival is one of the largest amateur choral events in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants. Feeling festive all year round? In Estonia, it's common to keep the Christmas tree up from the first day of Advent till Saint John's Day in late June. The Day of Restoration of Independence, an important holiday in Estonia, is marked by a unique tradition of spending the day in silence out of respect for the Estonian flag. Estonians have a love affair with black bread. It's heavy, sour, and part of nearly every meal. Foraging is a beloved activity in Estonia. Whether it's berries or mushrooms, Estonians sure do enjoy picking their own food. Don't be alarmed if you stumble upon an Easter egg fight in Estonia. It's a fun tradition where the aim is to crack your opponent's egg without breaking your own. Whistling inside a house or building in Estonia. It might bring evil spirits, according to the local folklore. Estonia is home to Kinu Island, a cultural heritage site where local women uphold the island's unique traditions and ways of life. Looking for a different kind of tour? Try bog walking. Estonia's many bogs are significant features of the landscape, and exploring them is a popular activity. Estonians highly value their personal space. If there's a free seat on the bus that isn't next to someone, that's the one they'll take. Lastly, the Estonians have a quirky way of referring to Santa Claus. They call him Jalovina, which translates to Christmas old man. And there you have it. 16 interesting and funny things Estonians do. Download the Lifey app to record vlogs about Estonia.