15 Things Slavs Still Do That the Rest of the World Finds Weird

Slavs might keep up with modern life just like everyone else but scratch the surface, and you’ll find traditions, habits, and sayings that have somehow survived generations. Some are wholesome. Some are hilarious. And some just make no sense… unless you grew up with them.

From sacred slippers to draft paranoia, here’s a look at everyday things Slavs still do that might seem completely wild to everyone else but feel totally normal to us.

Here are 15 things we still do that make the rest of the world raise an eyebrow - and maybe want to join in.

*Many of the terms here come from Balkan languages, but the traditions behind them are shared across Slavic cultures.

1. Worship the Slipper

Shoes? In the house? Absolutely not. Every Slavic home has a stash of papuče (slippers) waiting by the door. You come in, you switch footwear. No exceptions. Bonus points if your grandma yells at you for walking around barefoot.

2. Say No to Drafts Like It’s a Curse

Draft = instant illness. Sit near an open window and someone will immediately tell you you’ll die of pneumonia. Doesn’t matter if it’s 32°C out. The fear of a breeze is generational.

3. Cure Everything with Rakija

Got a sore throat? Rub rakija on it. Feeling cold? Drink it. Fever? Compress. Sad? Drink more. It’s medicine, disinfectant, and therapy, aged in your uncle’s garage.

4. Eat Soup When It’s 40°C Outside

Soup is sacred. Doesn't matter if it’s sweltering. A Sunday lunch without juha or boršč? Unthinkable. You will sweat. You will eat. You will thank your host.

5. Throw Weddings Like They're Olympic Events

Three-day weddings, endless food, traditional games, circle dancing, and possibly an accordion. Guests may or may not be handed a bottle of rakija as a party favor.

6. Celebrate Name Days - Sometimes More Than Birthdays

In many Slavic countries, your Name Day (the feast day of your patron saint) is just as important as your birthday. Sometimes more. And yes, people will show up uninvited. With cake.

7. Jump Over Fires for Fun

During summer solstice festivals like Ivan Kupala (Ivanjdan) people literally leap over open flames. Why? For health, love, and tradition. And because someone always dares you to.

8. Yell at You for Sitting on Cold Surfaces

Stone bench? Floor tiles? Unpadded concrete? Sit down and prepare for someone (usually a woman over 40) to scream, “You’ll ruin your kidneys!” or “You’ll freeze your ovaries!”

9. Have Entire Cabinets for Glasses, But Only Use 3 of Them

Slavic homes often have massive collections of crystal, shot glasses, and tea cups… most of which are only “for guests” or never to be touched under any circumstances. They live in display cabinets like museum artifacts.

10. Talk Loudly Even When We’re Not Fighting

To outsiders, it might sound like a heated argument. But it’s just two people deciding who makes the best sarma. Volume = passion. Passion = love. Don’t worry, no one’s actually mad.

11. Do the 'Half-Wave, Half-Cross' at Every Church They Pass

You don’t have to be religious. It’s muscle memory. You pass a church, you do a drive-by blessing. Doesn’t matter if you’re walking, biking, or speeding past in a tram.

12. Use Dish Towels as Oven Mitts, Trivets, and Occasionally Weapons

You’ll never see a proper oven mitt, but there’s always a krpa nearby. Hot pot? Grab the towel. Need to swat someone? Same towel. Multi-purpose.

13. Use Plastic Bags as Their Own Currency

Everyone has a stash of saved plastic bags. Usually in another plastic bag. There’s a whole bag economy happening under the kitchen sink.

14. Air Out the Bedding Like It’s a Ritual

Throwing blankets and pillows over the balcony railing or out the window isn’t weird, it’s necessary. Fresh air kills bad vibes, dust mites, and who knows what else. A freshly aired poplun hits different.

15. Keep a Jar of Bacon Fat Like It’s Liquid Gold

You’ll often find a jar of mast (rendered pork fat) in the fridge, lovingly reused for frying eggs, potatoes, or spreading on bread with a bit of garlic. It’s old-school, flavorful, and a proud part of the kitchen arsenal..