Everyday superstitions from different countries

Most people are at least a little superstitious. Some people believe in lucky and unlucky numbers, some take cleaning the floors at night or spilling salt very seriously, and for others it is extremely important not to put their wallet on the table. Where such superstitions came from and why many people believe in them is unclear. However, different nations have their own, some of them are known only in each specific state.

South Korea

The strangest superstition that can be found in this country is that you cannot sleep with a fan on. Supposedly in a dream he can somehow kill you. It is for this reason that devices with an automatic shut-off function are popular in South Korea. It is worth noting that the superstition will not come true if you leave the window open at night.

As in Russia, whistling is strictly prohibited here, but only at night. And if in our country such behavior means financial difficulties, in Korea we are sure: this will attract evil spirits and troubles will not be avoided!

Another interesting superstition relates to writing. It turns out that Koreans flatly refuse to write at night. After all, in the darkness you can accidentally pick up a red pen, and if you also write someone’s name, then he faces inevitable death. This is attributed to the fact that names are written in red exclusively on tombstones.

Also, in Korea you can’t swing your leg if you’re sitting on a chair. If you take a risk, you will lose luck and success.

Egypt

There is one rather strange phobia in this country: you cannot open and close scissors unless you intend to use them for their intended purpose, that is, to cut something. And also any Egyptian will be horrified when he sees scissors left open, which is considered a rather bad omen.

However, if you put the instrument under your pillow before going to bed, you can be calm: bad dreams and nightmares will bypass the person.

They also believe in Egypt that if you throw a pinch of salt over your shoulder while preparing any dish, it will definitely turn out great.

Denmark

It is our custom to immediately throw broken dishes into the trash can (which is quite logical and, in fact, correct!). But the Danes are in no hurry to part with the fragments: they keep them for a long time in order to give them to family and friends on New Year's Eve. Moreover, in Denmark it is generally accepted that the more broken porcelain you have, the luckier you will be in the coming year.

Haiti

In this state, the topic of motherhood and the relationship between fathers and children is very acute. And most superstitions are connected precisely with this. For example, walking in one shoe, sweeping the floor after midnight, crawling on your knees, eating the top of a watermelon - all this, according to Haitians, can lead to the death of a mother.

India

Perhaps the funniest country in terms of everyday superstitions. There is complete chaos here:

• You can’t cut your nails at night;
• It is forbidden to wash your hair on Thursdays and Saturdays;
• you can dine with friends only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday;
• you need to sleep with your head facing east or south;
• before sunset until nightfall, Indians keep their doors open (to attract the goddess of financial well-being).

The origin of such superstitions is unknown, and not always justified, but Hindus firmly believe in them and follow them no matter what.

Malaysia

Here you will not see a single resident sitting on a cushion. it is believed that such liberties can lead to severe itching, blisters and other skin pathologies. However, there is a more logical explanation for this: who would like to sleep on a pillow on which someone sat with their buttocks?!

Greece

When you come to a Greek’s house and accidentally drop your shoes with the soles up, you should immediately put them down correctly, but at the same time say: “Scorda.” Upside down shoes are considered a harbinger of something very bad.

China

The Chinese are very prejudiced against brooms and brooms: they can only be used to sweep the floor and, God forbid, they can be used to dust off an altar or a statue of some god. And if you hit a Japanese with a broom (even by accident), then this is tantamount to the most terrible curse.

But also in China, you almost never see the number 4 - there it is considered a symbol of death, and even in multi-story buildings, the Chinese do not designate the 4th floor as the fourth: you will not find a button in the elevator at number 4 there.

Japan

The Japanese are also full of superstitions and bizarre phobias:

• You cannot stick chopsticks into the rice;
• The pillow should be directed in any direction of the world, but not to the north!
• photo of the three of us? in no case: the one who stands in the middle can die;
• It is better to cover the mirror at night, and never look into it in the dark.

Australia

Australians believe that three things can bring trouble:

• open umbrella indoors;
• meeting with a cross-eyed person;
• cross the threshold with your left foot.

Poland

In this country you are unlikely to meet a Pole who puts his bag on the ground or floor. However, this superstition is also widespread among us.

But the proverb “Time is money” among the inhabitants of Poland sounds differently: “Time is life,” and therefore if a person dies in the family, then he must be buried before next Sunday, otherwise there will be another death of someone close.

Another interesting superstition: if you are cooking a pie in the oven, you should never sit down, otherwise the dish will also “shrink.” In simple words, all efforts will come to nothing.

Ireland

What will our person do if, getting up from his chair, he falls? Well, he’ll pick it up and put it in place. But in Ireland this is considered a harbinger of trouble.

Also, if a girl washes dishes and spills a lot of water, then the Irish say that her husband will be a drunkard.

Nepal

Nepalese never buy new things on Monday. It is not clear what this is connected with, but residents prefer to replenish their wardrobe on another day of the week.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, there is a superstition also associated with the broom. No, you can sweep whatever you want with it, but if you hit a man with the tool, he will definitely lose the ability to bear children (according to Nigerians!), or even become impotent. To prevent such a disaster from happening, he needs to be hit seven more times.

Of course, every country has its own everyday signs and superstitions, which are passed on from generation to generation. However, there are rumors that they will not come true if you don’t hear or know about them :)