Social symbolysm
I've read a scientific article, that deals with so called "social symbolysm". It said, that every culture has its own symbols. They are things, phenomenoa, customs, habits that has a special meaning. Here are some examples of the English social symbols, that were mentioned in the article:
1) A horseshoe - the symbol of luck
2) In England a beard and moustache are the symbols of slipshod manner. (???)
3) If one presents just one flower - it means that he is greedy
4) it is not considered proper to present personal things such as shampoo or soap.
5) Every fryday there are lots of people in pubs.
6) In Restaurant everyone pay for her or himself.
7) Drinking alcohol outdoors - is the symbol of bad manners.
Now I'd like to ask you: Is it all truthful? Or it was truthful some time ago, but now doesn't exist? Should I believe the article, that I've read?