Hygiene Traditions in East Asia
In Japan, removing shoes before entering a home is a centuries-old practice that keeps outdoor dirt and germs from being tracked inside. Many Japanese homes have a special entryway called a genkan where shoes are exchanged for indoor slippers. Japanese people also commonly wear face masks in public when they are sick to protect the people around them — a practice that existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Korea, public bathhouses called jjimjilbangs have been a social and hygienic tradition for hundreds of years. These cultural habits reflect a strong emphasis on cleanliness and consideration for others.
Handwashing and Water Traditions
In South Asia, many people have traditionally used water rather than toilet paper for cleaning after using the bathroom — a practice that actually removes bacteria very effectively. In many Middle Eastern and African cultures, handwashing before meals is deeply embedded in daily life and religious practice. Muslim communities practice a ritual washing called wudu before each of the five daily prayers, which includes washing the hands, face, and feet. These traditions developed centuries before scientists understood germ theory, yet they effectively reduced the spread of disease. Handwashing with soap is now recognized globally as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness.
The Global Water Challenge
Access to clean water is one of the biggest health challenges in the world today. According to the United Nations, about 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.6 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services. Without clean water, basic hygiene practices like handwashing and bathing become difficult or even dangerous. Contaminated water causes diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which are especially harmful to young children. Organizations around the world are working to build wells, water treatment plants, and sanitation systems to help communities get the clean water they need.
How Handwashing Saves Lives
Global handwashing campaigns have proven just how powerful this simple habit can be. When soap and clean water were introduced in communities that previously lacked them, rates of diarrheal disease dropped significantly — diarrheal diseases are one of the leading causes of death among children under five worldwide. Global Handwashing Day, celebrated on October 15 each year, raises awareness about the importance of washing hands with soap. Studies have shown that handwashing with soap can reduce respiratory infections by about 16 to 21 percent. Teaching children to wash their hands properly is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in the world.
The COVID-19 Effect on Global Hygiene
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, changed hygiene habits around the world almost overnight. Mask-wearing became common in many countries where it had not been a regular practice before. Hand sanitizer dispensers appeared in stores, schools, restaurants, and public buildings everywhere. People became much more aware of how diseases spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. While some of these habits have faded since the worst of the pandemic, many communities kept improved hygiene practices in place because they recognized the broader health benefits.
Hygiene in Schools Around the World
Schools play a major role in teaching children good hygiene habits, but school hygiene resources vary enormously around the globe. In many wealthy countries, schools have clean bathrooms with soap and running water, but in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, millions of schools lack basic handwashing facilities. Organizations like UNICEF work to improve school sanitation by building latrines, installing handwashing stations, and training teachers to lead hygiene education. When schools have proper facilities and teach good habits, children bring those practices home and share them with their families. Improving school hygiene doesn’t just help students — it lifts the health of entire communities.
What We Can Learn from Each Other
Every culture has something valuable to teach the rest of the world about staying clean and healthy. The Japanese practice of removing shoes indoors, the South Asian tradition of washing with water, and the religious handwashing rituals of many faiths all reflect a deep understanding of hygiene. By learning about these different approaches, we can appreciate the creativity and wisdom of people around the world. We can also recognize that when everyone has access to clean water, soap, and basic sanitation, the whole world becomes a healthier place. Respecting different hygiene customs while working toward clean water for all is one of the most important goals of our time.
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