Unusual and Eerie Superstitions Still Believed Today
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Have you ever heard of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, tossing a coin while making a wish, or the fear surrounding the number 13? These are just a few examples of the many peculiar beliefs that persist in our modern society.
We inhabit a world filled with complexity and wonder, where discerning reality can often be a challenge. With many of our thoughts entwined in strange superstitions, we find ourselves holding onto bizarre ideas that, while questionable in origin, remain largely unchallenged.
Join us as we delve into some of the most unusual superstitions from various cultures around the globe.
Wedding Cake Woes
The superstition surrounding wedding cake dates back to Roman times when cakes made from wheat, nuts, fruit, and honey symbolized prosperity and fertility. The oddity came with the tradition of breaking the cake over the bride’s head to ensure a fruitful marriage, leading guests to collect the crumbs for good luck. Another cake-related belief from the Tudor era suggested that if a bride did not slice the single-tiered cake, her marriage would be childless.
Mermaid Kidnappers
In Zimbabwe, mermaids are believed to exist, leading to tales of them abducting individuals. Interestingly, families of the abducted are warned not to cry, as tears could prevent the mermaid from returning their loved ones.
Mirror Misfortune
A broken mirror is said to bring not just a shattered reflection but also seven years of bad luck, according to Roman beliefs. The ancients viewed distorted reflections as signs of a tainted soul, so if you’re a believer in this myth, take heart—the seven years will eventually pass.
Marriage Missteps
In Italy, it is said that if two people say the same word simultaneously, it could lead to a lifetime of singleness. However, a remedy exists: simply touch your nose to break the curse.
Singing at Supper
In the Netherlands, singers are cautioned to remain silent during dinner, as doing otherwise may imply they are singing for the devil in exchange for food.
Dining Dangers
Hungarians and Russians are warned not to sit at the corner of a dining table, as this could doom them to a life without a partner.
Red Alert
In the Philippines, wearing red during a storm is said to attract lightning, so it’s best to avoid this color in inclement weather.
Lucky Words
In North America and Britain, there exists a superstition encouraging people to say “rabbit rabbit” or “white rabbit” on the first day of the month to invite good fortune.
Cemetery Customs
In Japan, specific rules apply when passing through a graveyard. It’s customary to hold one’s breath and hide your thumbs to protect your parents from death.
Nail Cutting Woes
In various cultures, cutting nails after sunset is frowned upon, especially in Japan, where it is believed to lead to an early death.
Gum Chewing Taboo
In Turkey, chewing gum at night is thought to be akin to chewing the flesh of the deceased, so it’s best to avoid this habit.
Jumping for Height
In Turkey, jumping over a child is believed to curse them with eternal shortness.
Mirror Misdeeds
According to Mexican beliefs, placing two mirrors facing each other is said to invite a devil into the home.
Broomstick Caution
In Afghanistan, allowing a broom to touch your feet is linked to the death of a parent, so it’s advisable to keep brooms at a distance.
Birthday Timing
In Russia, congratulating someone before their birthday arrives is considered to bring bad luck.
Pagpag Tradition
In the Philippines, a tradition known as “pagpag” suggests that one should never return home directly after a wake; instead, a stop at a restaurant is advised to shake off any lingering evil spirits.
Whistling Woes
In Lithuania, whistling is believed to summon demons, so it’s best to keep quiet.
Owl Omens
In Egypt, the call of an owl is a portent of bad news, while in Italy, an owl appearing in one’s home foreshadows death.
Haircut Superstitions
In India, getting a haircut on a Tuesday is seen as an ill omen, so consider your options carefully.
Yellow Flowers
In Russia, gifting yellow flowers is linked to infidelity, so be cautious when choosing floral gifts.
Water Luck
In Serbia, dripping water on someone is thought to bring them luck, though the logistics of this practice remain unclear.
Facial Hair Fears
In Rwanda, women avoid goat meat due to the belief that it causes facial hair growth.
Pregnancy Precautions
In Canada, it’s advised that pregnant women should satisfy fish cravings; failing to do so could result in a fish-headed baby. Similarly, in Korea, consuming asymmetrical food is thought to lead to an unattractive child.
Backward Walking
In Portugal, walking backward is seen as showing the way to the devil, so it’s best to avoid this practice.
Cheers and Death
In Germany, toasting with water is considered a wish for death upon the drinker, a belief rooted in Greek mythology.
Protective Stones
Historically, holy stones served more than just a practical purpose; they were believed to protect against malevolent spirits. Hanging holed pebbles near doors was thought to keep demons and witches away.
Dog Poop Luck
In France, stepping in dog feces with your left foot is considered fortuitous, while the opposite is true for the right foot. In Britain, bird droppings are seen as a sign of good luck.
Magpie Sightings
If you happen to see a lone magpie, closing your eyes is advised, as it is associated with sorrow. However, spotting two magpies is a sign of good fortune.
Shoes on the Table
Placing new shoes on a table, a custom that originated from miners’ tributes to deceased loved ones in Northern England, has morphed into a superstition believed to invite fate.
Wishing Wells
Tossing coins into wells and pools is a practice rooted in ancient beliefs that spirits reside in these waters, with offerings made for good fortune.
Evil Eye Beliefs
The concept of the evil eye exists across cultures, where a malicious gaze is thought to bring harm. Remedies vary, including early morning rituals involving trees or wearing protective threads.
Ladder Myths
Walking beneath a ladder is seen as unlucky, a superstition dating back to medieval times when it was associated with gallows.
Knocking on Wood
The act of knocking on wood is believed to ward off bad luck by summoning protective spirits, a custom stemming from ancient pagan beliefs.
By exploring these superstitions, we can better understand the rich tapestry of beliefs that shape cultures worldwide.