The nature of human beings is such that they like to follow certain superstitions and to believe in the magical powers behind them. It adds a bit of romance and sometimes a pleasant feeling of supernatural forces being at work in our rational lifestyle. Today, we bring you the most prevailing regional and universal beliefs and superstitions around the world.
Superstitions Around the World
Guide to superstitions around the world: In Latvia it is bad luck to return home for something you may have forgotten. If you must, look into the mirror to neutralize the effect.
A black cat crossing our path is considered bad luck in many countries in Europe. Some people as far as to change their direction.
In Britain, it is believed it‘s good luck to see a cat walking towards you and bad luck it walking away from you.
Romani people are not very welcome in many countries, including Romania. But Romanians go to get blessed by or to touch a gypsy child during Christmas for good luck.
In India it is a bad luck to sneeze only once. Therefore they try forcing a second one.
In the U.S. it’s believed bad things happen in threes. Whether it is bad news or something broken, they always expect similar to happen twice more. The pattern comes from the holy trinity.
In Russia people sit at least for a second on their luggage before their trip. This is to bring good luck during the journey.
Toasting with water is an absolute NO in Germany. It literally means wishing death on those who you drink with.
Spilling salt in Italy is looked at as a very unfortunate event. Spilled salt is connected to a few different explanations.
1. Christianity and the traitor. Judas who signaled by knocking off the box of salt.
2. Historical value of salt at certain times when it was used as means of payment or salary.
3. Spilling salt was also believed as cursing the land by making it infertile – possibly has a link to the ancient custom to salt the places that were conquered.
Neither number 13 by the table is recommended from the religious aspect – 13 members were present in the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
This superstition goes on in Italy and France.
In Thailand it is not common to compliment the cuteness of a baby since they believe that an evil spirit will come and take the beauty away.
In many western countries, it is believed that walking under the ladder brings bad luck.
Photos: Shutterstock, collages: Martina Advaney, Photo of sneezing woman: Flickr – Tina Franklin
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