Do You Believe These Common Superstitions?

Have you ever knocked on wood or felt uneasy when a black cat crossed your path? These actions are more than just quirky habits - they are deeply rooted superstitions that have been passed down through generations. But where do these strange and unusual beliefs come from? Join us as we explore 10 strange superstitions and the fascinating stories behind them.

1. Cats, Cows, and Birds

Black cats, especially around Halloween, are often seen as bad luck due to their association with witches. Even on a regular day, a black cat crossing your path is still considered bad luck. This superstition extends to other black animals as well. In South Korea, crows are considered bad omens, and in the U.K., ravens are believed to foretell doom. A British superstition even claims that six ravens must remain at the Tower of London, or the crown will fall. In Ireland and Scotland, seeing a single magpie is also considered bad luck.

2. Tuesday the 13th

In Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky, unlike the Western fear surrounding Friday the 13th. The Spanish word for Tuesday, “martes,” is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war, linking the day to violence and death. Certain historical events, such as the fall of Constantinople, apparently happened on a Tuesday, reinforcing this superstition.

3. Toasting With Water

In Germany, toasting with water is considered a way to wish death upon someone. This belief stems from Greek mythology, where the spirits of the dead drank from the river Lethe, the river of forgetfulness, to erase their earthly memories before entering the underworld.

4. Knocking on Wood

Have you ever knocked on wood to avoid jinxing yourself? This common superstition dates back to medieval times. European churchgoers would touch wood that churches claimed was from the cross. By touching the wood, people believed they were connecting with divinity, thus inviting good luck.

5. Mirrors

Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. This superstition likely originated from the belief that a person’s reflection in a mirror was connected to their soul. Therefore, breaking a mirror, especially if it reflected one’s image, was thought to damage the soul.

6. Trimming Nails at Night

In Turkey, India, and South Korea, trimming nails after dark is considered bad luck. A Japanese superstition even warns that it could lead to a premature death. This belief likely arose because trimming nails in the dark with sharp tools could result in injuries and infections, especially when medical care was less accessible.

7. Whistling Indoors and at the Sun

In Russia, whistling indoors is thought to bring financial ruin, while in Norway, whistling at the sun is believed to cause rain. These superstitions reflect a broader fear of attracting bad luck or altering the natural order through seemingly innocent actions.

8. The Evil Eye

In many cultures, misfortune is believed to be caused by the “evil eye.” To guard against this, people in Turkey use an amulet called the “nazar boncuğu,” a blue and white charm resembling an eye. This superstition is also prevalent in Greece, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, and Afghanistan, where these charms are commonplace.

9. Putting Your Purse (or Wallet) on the Ground

In some Central and South American countries and the Philippines, placing your purse or wallet on the ground is believed to bring financial misfortune. Another Russian myth warns that sitting directly on the cold ground can lead to infertility in women.

10. Seventh Sons

In Argentina, a superstition claims that the seventh son will turn into a werewolf unless adopted by the president. This belief, introduced by Russian immigrants in 1907, mirrored the Russian custom where the Tsar became the godfather to seventh sons. To this day, the Argentine president occasionally adopts seventh sons to counteract this superstition.

Though often irrational, these strange beliefs offer a fascinating glimpse into how superstitions develop in different cultures. They reveal our ancestors’ attempts to make sense of the world around them, blending fear, religion, and tradition into nearly nonsensical traditions and beliefs that still linger today.

Reference: 13 Superstitions From Around the World