The Viral Reddit Thread Where #SwedenGate Started Has Other Interesting Stories About Unfamiliar Customs People Had to Observe When Visiting Another Family

A Reddit thread about unfamiliar customs took off after one Sweden story hit the internet like a lightning bolt. The original post, later tied to #SwedenGate, stunned readers with the idea that some Swedish families do not invite a child’s friend to dinner when they are visiting and playing at the house.

That one detail opened the door to a much bigger conversation about family rules, religious customs, and the awkward moments that can happen when you are a guest in someone else’s home. The AskReddit prompt behind it asked people to share the weirdest thing they had to do at another person’s house because of culture or religion, and the replies did not disappoint.

The Sweden story got the most attention, but plenty of other answers were just as memorable. Read on for the most eye-opening ones.

Here's the question that got us spiraling down the rabbit hole:

u/sebastian25525

1. The answer about Sweden that sent shockwaves online

Wowimatard

That first reply is the one that launched the whole conversation.

2. The property manager who had formed a bond with an Asian client

blowhardyboys86

Who took him on walks along the beach and held his hand while they discussed life

blowhardyboys86

3. The family who literally turns over their plates to get ready for the next course

Argybargyass

4. The young kid who was not told he had to pay for his meal

Songovstorms

That is one way to learn a family rule the hard way.

After that experience, he found another place to play Dungeons and Dragons

Songovstorms

5. Here's an explanation from another comment:

"They can't adjust fire on the Sabbath, so they asked a gentile to do it for them. There are limitations to that as well."

laurens-t

6. The kind of family who are so rich they have no concept of what's expensive

Deadlybutterknife

It's a gift-giving tradition they have carried out consistently through the years

Deadlybutterknife

7. Is it fair to say that they don't like women to have rights?

TomatoOnToothpics

8. We wonder if they were cackling movie witches or the spell-casting kind

erineestevenson

Some of these replies are funny, and some are just plain wild.

Also wild, the secret spaghetti recipe spat between a potluck host and their best friend.

9. This is another legendary Reddit story you have to read

Long story short: It was her first time meeting her boyfriend's parents. She was asked to join in on a weekly family tradition where they each ate an orange, peel, pit, and all. According to Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiologist and author, "Family traditions can create a sense of belonging and connection, which is essential for emotional well-being." Engaging in unfamiliar customs can also foster deeper relationships, as noted by Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, who states, "Participating in the traditions of others can enhance mutual respect and understanding."

frauleinsteve

10. Well, if the Bible says so...

HereticGaming16

11. Sounds like a scam to get free snacks from an unwitting kid

higestache

12. Sounds like a lovely time, to be honest

MadRadInnit

13. Out of curiosity, how old was Jesus according to the cake?

OccamsComb

14. Women cannot be friends because it is a gateway to lesbianism. It is known.

OhCleo

15. Vodka, sauna, free scrub, and making snow angels? Sounds like a good winter was had.

mypoopscaresflysaway

16. That's a lot of prayers before a meal

Bizarre_Protuberance

17. Is it because their religion dictates this, or was it a family rule?

ward_-_

18. Confirmed, Mario is Illuminati

Qix213

19. Nakedness was not optional. Her boyfriend's parents will at least know she had nothing to hide.

asphyxiationbysushi

20. Maybe they were still covered under warranty

macaronsforeveryone

21. Hogmanay happens on December 31st, the eve before the new year

GabberZZ

22. Your friend could have at least clued you in

andeewb

23. That's a lot of sugary soda for one night

mickyburton

24. Surely emergency situations are exemptions not to observe a custom

phoenixfeet72

25. Wassailing is an early British tradition where folks visit orchards to sing to trees and spirits in hopes they will bless the community with a bountiful harvest

-Satsujinn-

Cultures vary from country to country, state to state, and even family to family. When visiting other people, it's best to observe their customs, even if you are unfamiliar with them.

If you are the host and you invited your friend over, it's a good idea to clue them in to your family's "rules" or your religious observations. This way, nobody feels awkward, or at least your friend knows to go home before dinner.

Some house rules are easier to follow than others.

Want more family chaos, check out the AITA fight over serving meat to a vegan family at annual dinner.