It’s interesting to see how some superstitions have similar beliefs across different countries and cultures, such as the fear of breaking a mirror bringing bad luck in western countries. While others are unique and reflect the cultural beliefs and practices, like eating chicken feet or covering mirrors during a thunderstorm in China and Mexico, respectively. Despite their origins and validity, superstitions continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world, and their impact on our daily lives cannot be denied.
10 Strange Superstitions from Around the World
1. “Whistling at Night Attracts Snakes” – Brazil
In Brazil, it is believed that if you whistle at night, you will attract snakes. This superstition is so strong that people avoid whistling or making any kind of noise at night to avoid the risk of being attacked by snakes.
2. “Never Open an Umbrella Indoors” – Western Countries
This superstition is common in many western countries that believe opening an umbrella indoors is bad luck. It is believed that opening an umbrella inside the house is an insult to the spirits that protect us from the rain.
3. “Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck” – Western Countries
This superstition is widespread in western countries that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. It is believed that mirrors have a mystical power to reflect our inner self, and breaking them can shatter our inner peace.
4. “Don’t Cut Your Nails at Night” – India
In India, it is believed that cutting your nails at night brings bad luck. This superstition is so strong that people avoid cutting their nails after sunset.
5. “Carrying a Rabbit’s Foot is Good Luck” – USA and UK
In the USA and the UK, it is believed that carrying a rabbit’s foot brings good luck. This superstition is believed to have originated from the African American Hoodoo tradition.
6. “Don’t Point at the Moon” – China
In China, it is believed that pointing at the moon brings bad luck. It is believed that pointing at the moon will make the moon goddess angry who will then cut your ears off.
7. “Dreaming of Fish Means Pregnancy” – Spain
In Spain, it is believed that dreaming of fish means pregnancy. This superstition is so strong that fishermen in Spain never use the word “fish” because it is considered a bad omen to those who dream of it.
8. “Eating Chicken Feet Brings Good Luck” – China
In China, it is believed that eating the feet of chicken brings good luck. This superstition is believed to have originated from the emperor’s palace, where the palace chefs cooked chicken feet for the emperors.
9. “Mirrors Should be Covered During a Thunderstorm” – Mexico
In Mexico, it is believed that covering mirrors during a thunderstorm will prevent spirits from entering the house. This superstition is also believed to prevent the lightning from striking the mirror.
10. “Don’t Sweep at Night” – Philippines
In the Philippines, it is believed that sweeping at night will sweep away your good luck. This superstition is so strong that most Filipino households never clean or sweep their houses after sunset.
Conclusion
Superstitions have been a part of human culture since ancient times. Although most of them are irrational, they have persisted through generations and still hold a strong influence on people’s beliefs and behaviors. From avoiding whistling at night in Brazil to carrying a rabbit’s foot for good luck in the USA, these strange superstitions from around the world show how diverse and unique human beliefs can be.