The Most Common Superstitions from Around the World
It does not matter if you are Novak Djokovic and you must bounce the ball a certain number of times before your service game, or if you are an online bingo player and you need to have your lucky plush toy next to you while playing your favorite pastime, superstitions come in many shapes and forms. This article will explore some of the most fascinating and kooky superstitions from around the world. And in case you want to know more, make sure you check out the infographic prepared by the BingoFind.com website for more strange superstitions. Do you believe in any of these?
Black Cats – Norway
While black cats tend to be a bad omen in many countries around the world, in Norway, if you want to avoid any bad luck after encountering a black cat, you must spit on the ground three times or alternatively you can say ‘tvi tvi’. The latter option sounds like you are spitting, and in the old days people used to do that to remove bad luck.
Broken Dishware – Denmark
On New Year’s Eve, Danes have a habit of breaking old and unwanted dishware outside the front door of friends and family as a sign of good luck. It is believed that the more broken plates you will find outside your house, the more luck you will have during the New Year. So, if you happen to be in Denmark on December 31st, and you see a lot of broken dishes outside the house, do not be surprised, this is considered a bearer of good luck.
Do Not Cut Nails After Sunset – India
There is an inherent logic behind this superstition that comes from India. It is believed that it is bad luck to cut your nails, both finger and toenails, after sunset. It stems from the fact that you need enough daylight to use sharp objects such as nail clippers. In the absence of light, people can hurt themselves.
Whistling at Night – Nepal
Whistling at night in Nepal is a no-no. Apparently, Nepalese people believe that by doing so you are inviting demons and ghosts to your house. So, make sure you do not get caught whistling at night, as it is frowned upon even to this day.
Avoid Knives as Gifts - Germany
Here is a crazy superstition from Germany. If you are taking a housewarming gift to a friend or relative, make sure you cross knives off your list. It is believed that you are cutting through the friendship and it might even cause injury to the receiver of such a gift. Next time you are invited to a house and you happen to be short on gift ideas, remember, no knives are allowed.
Keep Your Feet Away from the Broom – Malaysia
This is a funny one from Malaysia. Apparently, you are not supposed to let the broom touch your feet because bad luck will ensue. This has to do with the fact that brooms are used to sweep away dust and dirt. Other cultures who believe in the same superstition have taken it a step further. They believe that if the bristles of the broom touch someone’s feet, they will end up single for the rest of their life or even a parent would suddenly die. Talk about an active imagination!
Plant a Tree – The Netherlands and Switzerland
If you are travelling to the Netherlands or Switzerland for a wedding, make sure take them a pine tree as a gift. It is believed that some newlyweds in these two countries will plant one in their backyard as it is a symbol of fertility and good luck to their marriage. Other couples might incorporate trees to their ceremony or wedding festivities as it will bless their union.
About Gopi
Gopi Adusumilli is a Programmer. He is the editor of SocialNews.XYZ and President of AGK Fire Inc.
He enjoys designing websites, developing mobile applications and publishing news articles on current events from various authenticated news sources.
When it comes to writing he likes to write about current world politics and Indian Movies. His future plans include developing SocialNews.XYZ into a News website that has no bias or judgment towards any.
He can be reached at gopi@socialnews.xyz
