Superstitions around the world

China - Dragon

2012-01-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

In China, the Dragon is always becomes an important part of their lifestyle. It is believed that for a newlyweds couple to have good luck and a baby boy, a boy, preferably born on chinese Dragon year must roll over their matrimonial bed.

Poland - Christmas

2011-12-24T01:58:00.000-08:00

In Poland, there is still a belief that girls who grind poppy seed on Christmas Eve can hope for a good luck on marriage. After having their dinner and leave the house, the direction of the first dog bark they heard points to where their future husband will come from.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Italy - Number 17

2011-11-25T04:12:00.001-08:00

In Italy, it is believed that the number 17 is considered unlucky. When "17" viewed as the Roman numeral, XVII, an anagram or letters rearrangement of that spells out "VIXI," which in Latin means "I have lived" which describes, "My life is over," or "I'm dead."

England - Raven

2011-11-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

In England, The Tower of London is a castle that houses ravens over 900 years. It is believed that if the ravens leave the castle, the crown of England and the kingdom will fall.

Chile - Hiking

2011-09-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

In Chile, there is a belief that it is customary when you are hiking through the desert, you have to pour some of your drinking water on the ground before you drink any yourself to avoid bad luck. This is considered as a tribute to Pachamama, the spirit of Earth in order to have a safe journey.

Ukraine - Broom

2011-09-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

In Ukraine, people believed that broom should always kept upward in a corner of the house. The reason is that it would turn away the evil eye and bring wealth to the family in the house.

Britain - Coal

2011-09-14T01:32:00.000-07:00

In Britain, it is considered as tradition to give someone coal as a New Year's gift, carrying a piece of coal in your pocket will also brings good luck or make the bad luck go away.

Vietnam - Business

2011-09-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

In Vietnam, there is a belief that when you're going somewhere on a business trip, you have to try to avoid seeing a woman first. It is considered bad luck for your your business if you do see a woman first as you go out your door or on the way. It is advisable that you postpone the trip to another time.

Indonesia - Pool

2011-08-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

In Indonesia, when building a house, one always avoid building a pool inside the house as it is believed that it will bring bad luck to the members of the family. The family members will catch illnesses one after another.

China - Long Noodles

2011-08-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

In China, it is believed that eating Noodles especially a long noodle will bring you long life. Long noodles indicate the longevity in China, during special occasion such as celebrating someone's birthday or during the New Year or the Chinese New Year, eating long noodles is said will bring good luck in extending your lifespan.

India - Lizard

2011-07-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

There is a belief that if a lizard falls on one's head, it's a sign of good luck. It is believed that it will bring happiness to that person.

Ukraine - Flower

2011-06-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

As many other parts in the world, it is considered traditional for Ukraine men to give flowers to women on nearly every occasion, but to avoid bad luck, only an odd number of flowers can be given. It is considered bad luck to give an even number of flowers, because usually even numbers of flowers are brought to funerals.

Thailand - House

2011-06-07T02:23:00.000-07:00

In Thailand, people will try to avoid building or buying a house with the front door and the back door lined up (you can see the back door from front door in straight line). It is considered bad luck as you will not be able to keep any money in the house. It is believed that your money (wealthy) will come through the front door and go straight out through the back door.

Australia - Mirror

2011-06-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

In Australia and many parts of the world, there is a belief that if you break a mirror, it is considered bad luck, and you will have to endure a long 7 years of bad luck.

This superstition was originated long time ago during Victorian times in England, when mirrors were very expensive back then and only the richest people could afford them. Normally, those rich people will employ servant or housemaid in their house, when they breaks the mirror, it will take about 7 years for the servant to pay back the cost of the broken mirror by deducting their wages. What a bad luck....

Brazil - Wedding Dress

2011-05-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

In Brazil, the groom cannot see the bride wearing her wedding gown before their ceremony, he also can't see her gown and will only see it when she arrives for the wedding. If the groom sees the bride's wedding dress before their wedding, it is considered bad luck.

Pakistan - Scissors

2011-05-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

In Pakistan, there is a belief that one should not open and close a pair of scissors without any reason or purpose. It is considered bad luck and believed to cause problem to the family living in the home.

India - Dog

2011-02-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

This superstition is based in India, it is believed that when someone hear a dog whining at night, it's a sign of bad luck, especially when a family member in your house or neighborhood is ill.

Mongolia - Whistling

2011-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

In Mongolia, the nomads live inside a ger. Ger is a Mongolian word for Yurt, a portable felt covered dwelling structure used in the steppes. It is considered bad luck to whistle inside a ger, it is believed that this act will cause a windstorm which can be very dangerous on the steppe. The sound of someone whistling would be easily mistaken as howling winds.

Russia - Traveling

2011-02-06T03:38:00.000-08:00

In Russia, there is a belief that when someone has left or travelling on a long journey, one should not clean the traveler's room until they have return from their journey and arrived home.

Ireland - Rocking Chair

2011-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

This superstition came from Ireland, it is said that one should never rock an empty rocking chair, it considered bad luck and should be avoided because it is believed that the action will brings death to the family.

Moldova - Head

2011-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is quite rare, in Moldova, there is a belief that if you accidentally hit your head with your friend's head, you have to hit it the second time. If you don't hit your head again, it is feared that someone will die in the family.

Indonesia - Giving Birth

2011-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

In Indonesia, there is a superstition associated with giving birth. It will be unfortunate if your pregnant guest suddenly gives birth in your house, it is believed that this will cause bad luck. When this happens, usually people will advise them to move to another house or place to live.

America - Cat

2011-01-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

This is one popular superstition in America. When you are moving to a new home, you have to put your cat in the house through the window for the very first time, so that it will not leave the house. Avoid bringing your cat through the door.

India - New Year

2011-01-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

There are not many superstitions associated with clothes, but this is one of them that originating from India. People will avoid doing laundry on New Year’s Day because it is believed that you’ll “wash away” a family member (in other words - causing their death) in the upcoming year. So, they will wash their clothes on the 2nd.

Ireland - Christmas

2010-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is a superstition about Christmas In Ireland, there is a belief that the gates of Heaven will open at midnight on Christmas Eve. For all the people who die on Christmas Day, they will go straight to Heaven.

Poland - Christmas

2010-12-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

In Poland, superstition plays a major part in celebrating Christmas. One of the superstitions is weather, the weather during Christmas predicts the weather for the rest of the following year. When it snows, it is believed as a sign of happiness, but if it rains, the following year will be a rainy one.

Greece - Christmas

2010-12-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

In Greece, there is a belief of creatures called Kallikantzaroi playing pranks or make havoc of the home during the twelve days of Christmas, between Christmas itself and Epiphany on January 6th. In order to keeps the creatures away, some people burn their old shoes which produce a nasty smell to keep the Kallikantzaroi from entering by the chimney.

Sri Lanka - Newborn

2010-12-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

In Sri Lanka, there is a belief where a piece of gold is mixed with the mother's milk and then placed on a newborn's tongue. It is said that this act will bring good wealth and fortune to the baby.

Hawaii - Wallet

2010-11-20T05:34:00.000-08:00

It is considered bad luck to give an empty wallet or purse as a gift, because if you do, it will cause financial difficulties to the one receiving the wallet. It is advisable to include some amount of money in the wallet before giving it to someone.

Germany - Candle

2010-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

In Germany, it is considered bad luck for German sailors if someone lights his cigarette with candle.

In the old days, during bad weather or when they were not at sea, German sailor would make matches and sell them in the local bars to support their life. If the locals lit their cigarette with candle, then the sailor could make their living by selling matches.

Korea - Spirit

2010-11-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

A popular belief in Korea is that when someone dies, their spirit or soul will stay around for six weeks. Do not talk bad about them, they will hear it. If you missed the chance to say goodbye to them before they die, you still have the time before their spirit gone forever.

Germany - Burying Dog

2010-11-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

In Germany, traditionally, when their dog dies, they usually bury the dog body under the door step. It is believed that the dog's ghost will protect their house from thieves.

Indonesia - Sweeping

2010-09-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

In Indonesia, it is best to avoid sweeping the house at night. There is a believe that sweeping at night will bring bad luck as you sweep all the good luck out of your house.

Venezuela - Underwear

2010-09-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

In Venezuela, there is a tradition for women as they believe that they will be lucky all year around for wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve.

England - Boiled Egg

2010-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

In England, there is a belief that when you finished eating a boiled / soft boiled egg, you have to push the spoon through the bottom part of the empty egg shell to release the bad spirit out.

Philippines - Handkerchief

2010-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Loving couple used to give another a present of gift to show their love. In Philippines, there is a belief that one should avoid giving handkerchief as gift. It is because a handkerchief is usually associated with crying or sad moments.

Russia - Eating

2010-08-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

There is a belief in Russia about eating at the table. While eating, if suddenly a fork or spoon falls on the floor, one should expect a female guest will visit them. Otherwise a male guest is expected when a knife falls.

Ireland - Knife

2010-08-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

In Ireland, there is a belief that to protect a child during birth, one should placed a knife on the doorstep to avoid bad or evil spirit from entering their house. It is due to that the evil spirit cannot cross the iron or steel knife to do any harm to the baby.

India - Blinking Eye

2010-08-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ever had your eye blinking unintentionally?. Sometimes either your left eye or right eye will blink like say 3 times repetitively.

There are many countries in the world that have superstitions associated with blinking of an eye. In India, if your right eye is blinking, there's a sign that something good will happen, but if your left eye blinks, not good. But that only true for man, for woman, it's blinking on the right eye that brings good, and the other side otherwise.

Mexico - Fingernails

2010-08-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

In Mexico, there is a widespread superstition regarding fingernails cutting. They say that if you cut a baby's fingernails before he/she turn one year of age, it is afraid that the child will have impaired eyesight.

China - New Year

2010-07-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

During Chinese New Year, it is believed that you have to avoid greeting someone in their bedroom, it's considered bad luck. Usually, in order to celebrate the new year in good luck, the elderly and sick family members will be moved from their bedroom to the living room on that particular day.

Russia - Cat

2010-07-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

In Russia, its considered bad luck when a cat, especially a black one, crosses in front of you when you're walking. Some people will avoid them by chasing out or outrun the cat.

If the cat already crosses you, then you have to break the spell by spitting three times over your left shoulder to avoid the bad luck.

Japan - Fingernail

2010-07-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Avoid cutting your nails in the evening or at night, it is believed that cutting nails during that time will prevent you from seeing your parents when they die, you won't be able to be with them for the last time on their deathbed.

Denmark - Wedding

2010-07-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Traditionally in Denmark, the brides and grooms will be cross-dressed. There is a belief that the custom tradition taking place during wedding to confuse the evil spirits from disturbing the couple.

England - Surname

2010-07-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

In UK, there is an old belief that when a man and woman who are unrelated but have the same surname marry, they may also be considered healers as the wife will be gifted with medical healing power.

Hawaii - Banana

2010-07-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

From the old tale, the Hawaiian believe that bringing bananas on a boat will bring bad luck to fisherman such as no catch and other bad things imaginable. Due to this superstition, most chartered boat captains will not leave the dock if you bring any bananas with you onboard.

A Superstitious Code

2010-07-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

V936EFSRET9Q

No, it's just for Technorati verification, they need to find this code for me to claim ownership to this blog.

Japan - Spider

2010-07-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

In Japan, there is a popular belief that when you see a spider in the morning, it will bring good luck. On the other hand, it is bad luck to come across a spider during night time.

Cuba - Water

2010-07-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

In Cuba, there is a believe that if you leave a glass of water at your bedside overnight and there are bubbles in the glass the next morning, a good chance that you are surrounded by good spirits.

Mexico - Broom

2010-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

In Mexico, it is believed that if someone accidently sweeps an unmarried woman's shoes with a broom, she will never marry. This is considered as bad luck and should be avoided.

Philippines - Wedding

2010-06-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

One should avoid choosing knives and other sharp and pointed objects for wedding gifts as it is believed that this will lead to a broken marriage.

Thailand - Elephant

2010-06-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is believed that in Thailand, white elephants were rare and not made to work for their upkeep, so a White Elephant is an item that is a non profit expense. Considering the value of space in our homes, items kept as memorabilia could be considered White Elephants. It is usual that a project or building that were not used or left abandoned is called White Elephant.

Thailand - Shoes

2010-05-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

According to popular belief, when you buy your new shoes, you have to bite them before you wear them. It it believed that this action will prevent your new shoes from "biting" your feet.

Germany - Ghost

2010-05-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

In Germany, there is a superstition belief that when you call out the name of a dead person three times on Christmas Eve, it's like some sort of spell that caused their ghost to appear.

Scotland - Sneeze

2010-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

In Scotland, it is believed that a newborn child is said to remain under 'the fairy spells'. The spell will be broken when the child has sneezed for the first time.

Italy - Salt

2010-04-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

It is believed that if you drop some salt, you have to put some salt from its container in your hand and throw it behind your shoulder. As this will prevent the evil eye you would normally get when dropping the salt.

Brazil - Baby

2010-04-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

In Brazil, they have a superstition that when babies stand on their heads, they are calling for another sibling to join in the family.

India - Sparrow

2010-04-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

A sparrow is encouraged to build a nest in a new house for good fortune.

France - Cat

2010-03-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

It is believed that in the southern regions of France, if a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat's tail, it's a sign of bad luck that she will have to wait twelve months before she finds a husband.

Greece - Bone

2010-03-18T20:20:00.001-07:00

In Greece, people use to carry a little bone of a bat in their wallet. It is believed that the bone will protect them from the evil eye.

England - Dog

2010-03-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

In England, it is believed that meeting a spotted or black and white dog on the way to a business appointment is a lucky sign.

Italy - Cat

2010-03-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

To hear a cat sneeze is a sign of good luck.

Malay - Umbrella

2010-03-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

One should not open an umbrella in the house, a snake will enter the house if you do so.

India - Lizard

2010-03-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

When you heard a lizard makes a sound after you make a statement, it's kind of confirmation that what you said is usually true.

Chinese - Spoiled Child

2010-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Pregnant mother should avoid rubbing her stomach too much as it may produce a spoiled child.

Thailand - Lizard

2010-02-23T18:20:00.001-08:00

When leaving your house to go to town or somewhere, suddenly a lizard drops from the ceiling in front of you, it is advised that you'll be better stay inside and cancel the trip as the rest of the day may be disastrous.

Malaysia - Malay - Eating

2010-02-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

It is believed that when eating (especially male), you should not switch or change your place to avoid being married more than once.

Thailand - Food

2010-02-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Avoid eating the leftovers from your child because it will make the kid naughty.

China - New Year

2010-01-29T00:20:00.000-08:00

It is believed by Chinese that one should not cry on the Chinese New Year's Day to avoid unfortunate events to the person all year round which will cause them to cry.

India - Tuesday

2010-01-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

A barber shop will not be opened on Tuesday as no haircut or shaving will be done on that day.

Iran - Frog

2009-10-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

There is a superstition in north of Iran that says :
" If you kill a frog,it will be rainy soon,native people call this frog 'Dar vag' "

* Contributed by Ehsan

Brazil - Number

2009-06-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

In Brazil, is very difficult to find a ticket of the Federal Lottery with a final 13 – this is the lucky number. There is another curious belief in Brazil: three kisses on the face of a single girl bring marriage.

* Contributed by Michelle Passos (this blog reader)

Romania - Food

2009-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

It is believed by Romanians that eating the corners from bread will create a good relationship with your mother-in-law.

Thailand - Food

2009-06-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Eating cold rice mixed with hot rice should be avoided because will lose your way easily the next time you go out.

Japan - Chopsticks

2008-08-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

In Japan, avoid stucking chopsticks standing upside in food especially rice because it is the same position as how chopsticks are placed in rice bowls at funerals.

They also avoid passing food between chopsticks because it's like what they do with bones of a cremated at funerals.

India - Eclipse

2008-08-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

In India, there is a superstition that a pregnant woman should avoid going outside during an eclipse in order to prevent her baby being born with a facial birthmark.

Russia - Newborn Baby

2008-07-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

Don’t show your newborn baby to strangers until after forty days. They are waiting for their soul to arrive and they may take on another’s soul or energy during that time.

Iceland - Winter Knitting

2008-07-25T01:32:00.000-07:00

In late winter it is forbidden to knit on the doorstep, as that is known to lengthen the winter.

Nigeria - Broom

2008-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

In Nigeria, a man hit with a broom becomes impotent unless he retaliates seven times with the same broom.

Ukraine - Pregnancy

2008-07-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

To avoid bad luck. One should not prepare a room for a baby, and buy cloth during pregnancy. The baby should be born first.

Russia - Walking Under Lightposts

2008-07-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Old street lights in Russia consisted of two posts 'leaning' against each other. One should not walk under them.

India - Bride's Fortune

2008-07-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

A new bride is judged by the fortunes or misfortunes that occur in her new family for a year after marriage. She enters her new home putting her right foot first.

Phillipines - Visiting the dead

2008-07-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

When you pay a visit to a dead person, usually at their family home, and then going back after that. Never go back straight to your home, it is believed that the spirit of the death will follow you and stay at your home.

So...on the way home, go to some place else, either resting or eating out before reaching home, so that the spirit will be left there.

Taiwan - Wedding

2008-07-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

If a woman serves as a bridesmaid more than twice, she will have bad luck.

Chile - New Year's Luck

2008-07-18T02:04:00.001-07:00

You must eat lentils immediately after New Year's eve if you want the upcoming year to be a lucky one!

Japan - Unlucky Numbers

2008-07-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Number 4 is pronounced as shi in Japanese, which means "death.'' Number 9 is pronounced as ku in Japanese, which means "pain". These two numbers considered as unlucky. Hospitals usually have neither 4th nor 9th floors.

Superstitions and the reasons

2008-07-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Some people believe in superstition and practice their daily life following do's and dont's. Some people just disregard those superstitions and do whatever they wanted to. Some even never heard of any superstition.

Well..., in the old days, superstitions were cerated with reason, usually good reason for their children. Usually, children tend to disobey their parents, so the parents will make up stories so that the children will follow their advice and this traditions go on and on through generations.

From around the world, I'll find the most interesting and unique superstitions and compile it here. So keep looking....