8 Different Ideas of Beauty around the World ...

Beauty is a universal concept that each culture defines in its own unique way. With the diversity of traditions and customs around the globe, it's no surprise that what one person finds stunning can be completely different from someone else's standard of beauty. As we venture into 2024, it's the perfect time to explore these fascinating differences and learn how they shape our perspectives. Sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through eight different ideas of beauty around the world.

In various corners of the globe, beauty standards are influenced by historical, social, and even environmental factors. Think about it: how many times have you found yourself flipping through a fashion magazine or scrolling through Instagram only to discover that what’s considered beautiful in one part of the world is entirely different somewhere else? It's almost like embarking on a global treasure hunt for aesthetic wonders.

Take, for instance, the elongated necks cherished by the women of the Kayan tribe in Myanmar. Those brass coils are not just accessories; they're symbols of cultural identity and pride. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, what lengths people will go to meet their society’s ideals? These striking neckpieces might not be the norm in your neighborhood, but they certainly embody an elegant aspect of beauty for the Kayan women.

Another fascinating example hails from the Himba tribe in Namibia, whose cultural heritage emphasizes red-tinted skin and hair achieved through a paste made from butter and ochre. Imagine waking up every day to apply this mixture-what a unique morning routine! Plus, it’s all-natural, making your average beauty regimen seem like a walk in the park. Yet, the Himba see this as a way to honor their ancestors and showcase their identity.

Moving on to South Korea, you’d think skincare products are almost a national treasure. The pursuit of flawless skin isn’t just a beauty regimen; it’s practically a way of life. I can't count the number of times I've foolishly tried to replicate that perfect glass skin glow. Spoiler alert: It takes more effort than binge-watching an entire season of your favorite show. But it’s not all in vain when you see those radiant results.

And who could forget the Maori of New Zealand, where tattoos aren’t just ink-they’re sacred. These intricate designs, known as Ta Moko, tell personal stories, marking one’s era, status, and heritage. If tattoos back home symbolize rebellion, here they’re a rite of passage, a way to wear one’s history on their skin proudly.

Ready to dive deeper? Curious about which other cultures have extraordinary beauty rituals? Stick around to find out more about Makeup aesthetics, Body Modifications, and even the significance of Hair in different societies. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that beauty might be skin deep, but its roots spread across continents.

1. Long Necks

Long Necks Photo Credit: grebberg

For the Pa Dong tribe, who live along the Thai/Burmese border, beauty is a long, long neck. This effect is produced by circling the neck with brass rings, starting at the age of 6, and gradually adding more and more. The only time they are removed is on the girl’s wedding night.

2. Blue Tattoo

Blue Tattoo Photo Credit: shimmertje

Tattoos are common around the world. For Maori women in New Zealand, the tattoos are placed on their lips and chins. The ultimate beauty is to have full blue lips.

3. Scars

Scars Photo Credit: witoldosko

Scars are considered ugly in the west, but for Karo girls in southern Ethiopia it will help them get a husband. As young girls, the skin on their stomach is cut to create scars, and when they have enough they are considered ready for marriage.

4. The Bigger the Better

The western media might push thinness as desirable, but in many other cultures, big is most definitely beautiful. In many African countries, such as Mauritania and Nigeria, a skinny woman would be pitied. In fact, women are fed as much as possible to make them more beautiful (in the west, this is known as feeding and considered an extreme fetish).

5. Not Just for Girls

Not Just for Girls Photo Credit: Ferdinand Reus

This Central African tribe prize hold beauty contests – but this time, it’s the men on display! During festivals, the men compete to attract a wife, and are judged on their beauty and singing and dancing skills. As you can see from the picture, the guys go to a lot of effort!

6. Lip Plate

Lip Plate Photo Credit: Eric Lafforgue

We like to accentuate our lips with lipstick, but some African and Amazonian tribes consider that beauty is achieved by stretching the lip. They make a hole, which is gradually increased by inserting larger plates. As if that wasn’t painful enough, they may need some teeth removed to accommodate the plate. Ouch.

7. Teeth Filing

Teeth Filing Photo Credit: rowteight

Most of us will avoid going near a dentist unless we really have to, but Balinese people willingly submit to a rather extreme treatment. They have some of their teeth filed, which is meant to remove vices like arrogance. It was also practiced among the Upoto tribe in Africa, and among Aborigines.

8. Bound Feet

Bound Feet Photo Credit: Okinawa Soba (In Asia and Africa until August)

While respecting other cultures is good, this is one ‘beauty feature’ that we can be glad has died out. In China, to achieve the effect of tiny feet, the bones were broken before binding, thus causing the woman lifelong pain and making it difficult for her to walk.

So, beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder! Some of these practices may seem strange, even unattractive to us, but I wonder what the people who do them would think of our ideas of beauty. Would we seem ugly to them?

Top Photo Credit: La Mariposa

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