Superstitions are certainly one of the most widely practiced traditions worldwide, as they often take root in different cultures even if they don’t have similar origins. People believe in them as objects or rituals to bring good luck, ward off danger and bad luck, or bring life-long protection. Some may seem bizarre to outsiders, yet they are deeply embedded in society and faith. We’ll take a look at some of the weirdest superstitions from around the world

The Origins of Superstition 

Superstitions are generally based on the notion that, although unseen, the spiritual realm heavily affects the physical world. Ancient cultures believed in divine intervention and felt that spiritual forces were behind mysterious occurrences, and that’s how superstitions started. Over time, people have embraced superstitions as a way to bring good luck, ward off bad luck, and protect themselves and their families from harm.

Superstitions Around the World 

Superstitions vary from culture to culture, and many are really weird. Here are some of the weirdest ones from around the world:

  1. In Scotland, it is a sign of bad luck to light three cigarettes from the same match.
  2. In Russia and Japan, it is bad luck to whistle indoors.
  3. In Ukraine, it is believed that carrying a lamp or light in the house at night brings bad luck.
  4. In China, it is believed that the number 4 should be avoided and is an unlucky number, while 8 is a lucky number.
  5. In Armenia, it is believed that if a wedding cake mixes up any form of animal sign like birds, cats, dogs, or fish, it will bring bad luck.
  6. In India, it is said that if your hand itches, it’s a sign of good luck.
  7. In Mexico, it is believed that if you wear black on Easter Sunday, you will invite bad luck.
  8. In Peru, it is believed that if you open an umbrella indoors, you risk an argument with someone.
  9. In Italy, it is believed that if you step on a rooftop, you will invite bad luck.
  10. In Germany, it is believed that if you have a sneezing fit, it’s a sign that someone is thinking of you.

Superstitions in the Western World 

Apart from the superstitions listed above, there are also some really weird superstitions in the western world.

  1. In Greece, it is a sign of bad luck to leave the house empty-handed.
  2. In Britain, it is a sign of bad luck to walk under a ladder.
  3. In France, it is believed that the number 13 brings bad luck.
  4. In the United States, it is believed that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
  5. In Germany, it is believed to be bad luck to open an umbrella indoors.
  6. In the Netherlands, it is a sign of bad luck to give someone a knife as a gift.
  7. In Belgium and Canada, it is believed to be bad luck to light three cigarettes from the same match.

Superstitions from around the world come from a variety of sources, but all of them are based on a culture’s belief that unseen spiritual forces are at work in our lives. Although some may seem bizarre to outsiders, many people embrace them as a way to bring good luck, ward off danger and bad luck, or provide a sense of protection. From avoiding the number 4 in China to whistling indoors in Russia and Japan, each culture has its own unique superstitions.

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