The Most Dangerous Traditions in the World

5. Onbashira – Tokyo, Japan

A festival in Tokyo that only takes place once every six years, Onbashira is a tradition that many in the region claim has gone one for over 1200 years. When translated, the name literally means “the honored pillars.” There are two parts to the festival: Yamadashi and Satobiki, the first which takes place in May, and the second in April. Yamadashi is the more dangerous part of the festival. Men go into the forest and cut down trees and then ropes are attached to them and they are dragged down the mountain by the men. Many say this is a sign of bravery, but many have come out with injuries, and others have died while carrying out the traditions.

4. Christmas Trees

Many people around the world know the tradition of either buying a live tree or putting up an artificial tree within their home and then decorating it just in time for Christmas. The tree serves as a great place to put presents, as well as to celebrate the festivities throughout the month of December. However during 2003-2006, 240 homes fires per year took place, all of which started due to a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average 16 people died because of the fire, and 25 were injured each year. Christmas tree fires are rare, but when they do happen, they are usually catastrophic.

3. New Years Dive – Siberia, Russia

In Russia on New Year’s Day, divers from all over take the plunge into the world’s deepest lake, as well as freshwater reserve, Baikal. The lake reaches about 5,390 ft until you reach the bottom. On this day, dives cut a hole into the ice that covers the top of the lake, and then dive 40 meters down. One specified diver carries the New Year tree to the lake’s bottom. Once the tree is planted, the divers dance around it. This tradition has been carried out since 1982, and though it doesn’t sound too dangerous, keep in mind that this lake is the deepest lake in the world and that divers have to swim with over 100 kg of equipment.

2. Running of the Bulls – Pamplona, Spain

Even though bull fighting is very popular in many South American countries as well as others, the Running of the Bulls is one “encierro” that anyone can join. The most popular and well-known is the nine-day festival that takes place in San Fermín, Pamplona in Spain, which has taken place since 1910. The running involves penning up the bulls, and then letting them run through the street while people crowd in as well and run in front of the bulls. Since its start, 15 people have been killed, the most recent being at the latest run in 2009. It is said that 200-300 people are hurt each year during the run, and most are susceptible to being gored or trampled.

1. College Hazing

It is said that out of all of the new students going into college each year, about 47% of them will undergo what is known as “hazing.” Despite the fact that hazing is banned and disproved of on every college campus, it’s safe to say that most social, cultural, and academic clubs haze the newcomers. Even laws such as Matt’s Law have been put into motion to try to stop hazing. It is said that hazing is the highest among those clubs that deal with athletics. Most hazing involves using alcohol, but there are plenty of other methods. Since 1970, at least one person has died on a college campus due to hazing.