Every culture has its quirks, but some beliefs will make you do a double take. Whether it’s avoiding fans in South Korea, or greeting magpies in Great Britain, these traditions blend folklore, fear, and fascinating history. Here are 10 of the strangest superstitions from around the world.
10. The Dog Poo Dilemma (France)
In France, your luck for the day could be determined by a simple misstep. According to a French superstition, stepping in dog droppings with your left foot is a sign of good fortune to come. However, if you step in it with your right foot, you might encounter bad luck. This belief certainly makes a walk through Paris a bit more of a high-stakes adventure.
9. The Polite Magpie Greeting (Great Britain)
If you find yourself in Great Britain and spot a lone magpie, be sure to offer it a polite greeting. A common superstition dictates that you must say, “Good morning, Mr. Magpie. How is your lady wife today?” to ward off bad luck. This tradition comes from the fact that magpies are often seen in pairs, so a single magpie is considered an omen of sorrow.
8. The 12 Grapes of Midnight (Spain)
In Spain, the countdown to the New Year is a grape-fueled affair. Instead of a midnight kiss, tradition demands that you eat 12 grapes in the first 12 seconds of the new year. Each grape represents a month of the coming year, and swallowing all 12 is said to bring a year of good luck and prosperity.
7. The Wart-Inducing Stars (Brazil)
In Brazil, pointing at the stars is a taboo. A common superstition warns that pointing at stars will cause warts to grow on your fingertips. This belief, which also exists other South American cultures, serves as a deterrent to a seemingly harmless gesture. While there’s no scientific basis for this belief, it’s an example of how folklore can shape our interactions with the natural world.
6. The Parent-Protecting Thumbs (Japan)
In Japan, a simple gesture can protect your parents from death. When walking past a cemetery or a hearse, it’s customary to tuck your thumbs into your fists. The Japanese word for thumb is “oya yubi,” which translates to “parent finger.” By hiding your thumbs, you are symbolically protecting your parents from the grasp of death.
5. The Unlucky Color Purple (Italy)
While many Western cultures fear Friday the 13th, in Italy, the unlucky day is Friday the 17th. On this day, many Italians avoid travel, celebrations, and major decisions. To make matters worse, wearing purple on this day is believed to invite bad luck. The superstition is so popular that some performers will refuse to go on stage if they see someone in the audience wearing purple.
4. The Wealth-Bringing Bird Droppings (Russia)
In Russia, an unexpected splat from above could be a sign of wealth. A superstition claims that if a bird defecates on you, your car, or your property, it’s a sign of good luck and that money is coming your way. The more birds involved, the greater the fortune.
3. The Friendship-Affirming Plate Smashing (Denmark)
In Denmark, the New Year begins with a crash. A cherished tradition involves saving all broken dishes and chipped cups throughout the year and then smashing them on the doorsteps of neighbors and friends on New Year’s Eve. The more broken porcelain you find on your porch, the more friends and good luck you have. This ritual is a way of leaving behind any ill-will from the past year and celebrating friendship.
2. The Lethal Electric Fan (South Korea)
In South Korea, a common household appliance is viewed with fear. The superstition of “fan death” warns that falling asleep in a closed room with an electric fan running can be fatal. Believers claim that the fan can cause hypothermia or suck the oxygen out of the room. Despite being debunked by scientists, the belief is so pervasive that many fans in South Korea are sold with automatic timers.
1. The Construction-Halting Elves (Iceland)
In Iceland, the belief in Huldufólk, or “hidden people,” is so strong it can move mountains, or at least, prevent them from being moved. These elves are believed to live in rocks and hills, and disturbing their homes is said to bring dire consequences. This belief has led to numerous construction projects being halted or rerouted to avoid angering the Huldufólk.