The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

New Years Dive

Photo Credit: Martyn Farr / Barcroft Media / Getty Images

The New Years Dive in Siberia, Russia is like the Polar Bear Plunge on steroids. Divers from all over the world come together to plunge into Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, around 5,390 feet to the bottom. They cut a hole in the ice covering the lake and dive down 40 meters carrying a New Year tree with them.

Once they’ve reached their destination, they plant the tree and dance around it together. This has been a tradition since 1982. Although most of them are professional divers, the cold, depth and equipment are enough to make it one of the riskier traditions around.