When traveling to a new place, most people like to bring back souvenirs to remember their trip. These souvenirs might range from simple items like keychains and postcards to more unique items that represent the culture of the place. However, there are some souvenirs out there that are just downright unusual. These souvenirs are not your typical magnets or t-shirts, but rather unusual and sometimes bizarre objects that you need to see to believe. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most unusual souvenirs from around the world that will make you question what people consider as a memento from their travels.
One might argue that the most bizarre souvenirs can be found in Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun is known for its quirky culture, and this reflects in the souvenirs sold in their markets. One of the strangest souvenirs that you can find in Japan is a life-size replica of human fingers. These fingers are carefully crafted to look like real human fingers, complete with wrinkles and nails. They are sold in packages of five, representing all the fingers of a hand. These fingers are meant to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. Although they might seem quite bizarre, they are considered a popular souvenir among tourists.
Another unusual souvenir from Japan is Hachinohe Kurakkokko, which translates to “Lamp of Crabs”. This is a lamp made entirely out of crabs held together in different positions. The crabs are carefully arranged on top of each other, and the bulb is placed inside the lamp’s bottom crab. This unique souvenir is not only a representation of Japan’s love for seafood but also serves as a conversation piece for any household.
Moving on to another part of the world, let’s take a look at Italy, known for its art, architecture, and of course, its cuisine. When it comes to souvenirs, one might expect to see miniature replicas of famous landmarks or traditional Italian products like pasta and wine. However, in Naples, you can find a different and somewhat unusual souvenir – a horn-shaped bottle filled with liquefied pizza. Yes, you read that right, liquefied pizza. This souvenir is made by blending fresh pizza toppings and tomato sauce to create a drinkable pizza experience. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for pizza lovers, it’s a unique and unusual souvenir to take home.
Heading over to Chile, where nature enthusiasts can find a great variety of souvenirs such as rocks, minerals, and fossils. However, one souvenir stands out from the rest – the dried and stuffed body of a 200-year-old mummified human hand. This hand is believed to bring good luck, fertility, and protection to its owner. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is even considered a good luck charm for businesses. Despite its macabre appearance, it is a testament to the rich cultural and historical traditions of Chile.
If you like to indulge in a little bit of shock value, then a trip to South Korea might be in order. In the city of Busan, you can find a market that sells chocolates in the shape of…wait for it… animal feces. These chocolates, called “Heot,” are meant to be a joke or prank gift, but surprisingly, they have gained popularity as souvenirs among tourists. Depending on your sense of humor, these chocolates will either make you laugh or cringe.
Finally, let’s head to Peru, where you can find a unique souvenir that represents the country’s rich history and cultural beliefs – dried llama fetuses. These fetuses, known as “fetos”, are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. They are a symbol of fertility and are often buried under new houses or businesses for protection. While this might seem bizarre to some, it is a significant part of Peruvian culture and a popular souvenir item among tourists.
In conclusion, when it comes to souvenirs, some can be pretty bizarre and unusual. These souvenirs might not be for everyone, but they are a representation of the country’s culture and traditions. They serve as conversation pieces, bring good luck, and can make for a unique addition to any souvenir collection. If you ever come across these unusual souvenirs while traveling, don’t be afraid to embrace the weird and take a piece of the culture back home with you.