Light-Hearted Superstition Facts Around the World
Number 666: The number 666 is often associated with superstitions. In fact, it has been linked to the phobia of hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. Interestingly, while the number is feared by many, it’s often just a popularly misunderstood concept.
Tower of London Raverst: The Tower of London is said to be protected by six ravens. If these birds ever leave the fortress, historians claim that the tower will fall. Charles II was the first to insist on protecting the ravens, as he warned that if they left, the building would crumble and potentially bring about an end to Britain.
Evacuating Superstitions: In theatre productions, saying the name “Macbeth” can lead to a cursed performance. Actors and crew are advised to refer to it as “The Scottish Play” or “The Bard’s Play.” This caution against the notion that every theatrical production is haunted.
Hiccup Superstitions: Hiccups can have varying superstitious beliefs worldwide. In Albania, believing someone is talking about you when you have hiccups is the belief that stops them. In Africa, hiccups are seen as a sign of someone growing tall.
French Superstition: France was one of the first European countries to decriminalize homosexuality. Louis-Michel le Peletier, a Freemason and martyr of the French Revolution, played a significant role in its legalization, describing criminalization as a superstition.
Wishing Superstitions: A wish may come true if made between two people with the same name, especially when they don’t tell anyone about it. The success rate is higher when the wish isn’t revealed to others.
Witch Brooms and Slanted Windows: In Vermont, witches cannot fly their broomsticks through slanted windows. The region is known for “witch windows” or diagonal windows.
Mahler’s Superstition: Gustav Mahler, an Austrian Jewish composer and conductor, was also very superstitious. He believed in the Curse of the Ninth, which stated that composers could only compose nine symphonies before they died.
Blood Type Superstitions: In Japan and South Korea, there is a belief that blood types can determine people’s traits. This has led to bullying of those with certain blood types and issues in romantic relationships.
Mongolian Blood Superstition: The Mongols believed that spilling their ruler’s blood would prevent the victim from transitioning into the afterlife. This superstition led them to devise alternative ways of executing royals.
Ontario Smoke Superstition: In Ontario, Canada, saying “White Rabbits” three times prevents smoke from blowing in your direction. Similarly, uttering “Rabbit” thrice upon waking on the first day of the month is believed to guarantee good luck.
Thai Evil Spirit Superstition: In Thailand, evil spirits are constantly roaming in search of attractive babies. As a result, compliments given to newborns may not be appreciated.
Sweater Curse: Popularly known as the “Sweater Curse,” giving a hand-knitted sweater to a significant other may lead to a breakup. Another similar superstition is that if someone gives their shoes to someone they love, the receiver will use them to walk away from them.
Fan Death: “Fan Death” is a popular urban legend and superstition in South Korea that was coined by the government to lessen energy consumption during the 1970s energy crisis. Sleeping in a room with an electric fan running was believed to cause fatal consequences.
Hooded Executions: In Mongolian history, it was considered impure to spill the blood of an oppressing royal. The Mongols believed that doing so would prevent the victim from transitioning into the afterlife and supersede natural disasters.
Smoke Blowing Superstition (Ontario): Saying “White Rabbits” three times during camping in Ontario, Canada, prevents smoke from blowing in your direction. Similarly, uttering “Rabbit” thrice upon waking on the first day of the month is believed to guarantee good luck.
Baby Compliments: In some parts of Thailand, giving compliments to a newborn baby is considered impolite. Instead, people describe the baby’s ugliness as a way to avoid any positive attributes.
Shoe Superstition: If someone gives their shoes to someone they love, the receiver will use them to walk away from them. This superstition is similar to the Sweater Curse.
