So to help you ward off evil spirits and reap good fortune from seemingly serendipitous situations wherever you happen to be, here are 10 absurd superstitions from around the world. People will often spill somewater behind a loved onewho is about to go on a trip or job interview in order to wish them luck. You have been warned. You know how seriously the French take their bread! In other countries, rain is considered to be bad luck. It originates from World War I, the soldiers believed that if three of them lit their cigarettes on the same match, then one of them would end up dead or the third one on the match would end up getting shot. It originates from World War I, the soldiers believed that if three of them lit their cigarettes on the same match, then one of them would end up dead or the third one on the match would end up getting shot. Inside the church, you'll find a bronze column with a thumb hole, and also probably a long line of people. It's apparently even luckier to find a penny stamped with the year of your birth or anniversary. Why they believe this story is a little unclear, but maybe it has something to do with keeping children from annoyingly chewing their gum at all hours of the night. However, you cant gift an empty wallet! Thinkingthat trimming your nails at night will bring bad luck is a common belief in India, for example, while many people in the US seepennies as a sign of good luck. Another popular explanation is that it may have taken people seven years to save enough money to buy a new mirror. DS said she heard this over the years of smoking and people had mentioned it to her if she was using matches. In South Korea, people are told not to shake their legs, otherwise their wealth and good luck will fall out. Even before anti-smoking campaigns advertised the health risks of cigarettes, a superstition claimed that smoking could endanger one-in three people if a single match was used to light all three cigarettes. Antidotes to the curse included staring down or spitting in the eye of the person who placed the curse or drawing blood from their forehead; making the sign of the cross; wearing a protective talisman; and burning any livestock that had died as a result of the evil eye,to backfire the curse on the one who placed it. One 19th-century travel writer said that he heard that Greeks even avoided shaving on a Tuesday. A final, and a bit more sinister, theory involves one Ivar Kreuger, also known as The Match King. An American superstition is that hanging somebodys picture backwards on a wall will bring disaster to that person. If you do get near one and are in need of a change of fortune, then try and get your hands on his beret and give the little bobble at the top a gentle rub. When I asked her if she would pass this belief along to anyone she said she probably would not because it never really made much sense to her and she does not see many people smoking with matches anymore. The belief still exists today in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, that someone could be cursed simply through a look of envy, dislike or malice. Of course, this could all just be a clever story made up by dog owners so they dont have to pick up after their pets. This is not because they hate waving, but rather, because traditionally, the Stammtisch (a regulars table at a pub or tavern) was made of oak a holy tree that the devil was unable to touch. To summarize, there are three theories that I believe help to explain why this superstition was formed and how it spread to smokers in the United States. This idea actually originates from a time when sailors attempted to increase their meagre income by selling matches. keep lighting your cigarettes backward [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. Whetherthat be placing trustin lucky numbers or trying to avoid bad omens,different cultureshave incredible stories behind their superstitions. Here's why. Okay, this superstition is definitely in the deep end of the weird pool, but in Korea you should never trim your fingernails at night. In Portugal, many people believe that walking backwards brings bad luck. Merci ! The event was interrupted by the arrival of a thirteenth guest, Loki the trickster and fire god, who fired a mistletoe arrow at Baldr, the god of joy and gladness. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. Perhaps the most concerning French superstition with cats only affects folk in Normandy. if your cigarette keeps running (burning on one side and not the other) it means someone is thinking of how much they love youheard this one from several people in the Southeast. French sailors have proved to be a feisty bunch over the years. If you use the right technique, lighting a cigarette is easy and can look natural. Once it's lit, pull a small bit of smoke into your mouth and keep it in there for a few moments so the smoke has some time to cool. Youve probably come across some strange superstitions in your life no matter where in the world you may have been. 2. level 1. defiantlynottedbundy. It originates from World War I, the soldiers believed that if three of them lit their cigarettes on the same match, then one of them would end up dead or the third one on the match would end up getting shot. The fear was spread of these dark felines, and that led to mass killings of these innocent creatures. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. In reality, "K" stands for kallvatten,which means"clean water"and "A" stands for avloppsvatten,which means sewage,although the superstitious are still careful where they step. Superstitions are widely considered to be irrational beliefs and practices that are inconsistent with the laws of science. Following the theme of things you should never do at night, in Turkey chewing gum after sun down is a big no-no. Oendrila De However some dream oracles state that falling dreams actually predict this failure, rather than being based on the persons insecurities. As the story goes, these magical creatures really hate construction sites. In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become a universal superstition. If wallets arent your thing, you might look for something else, but beware of getting shoes, especially for your lover. But if you are hosting a dinner party, make sure you manage guest numbers carefully. Instead, you need to say that a newborn is ugly. That way, all of the bad luck you've wiped up in the old house wont go with you to the new house. In Russia, if a bird defecates your car, your property, or even on you directly, its considered good luck. updated March 25, 2018, 6:05 pm, by By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If you use the right technique, lighting a cigarette is easy and can look natural. Some people also believe that black cats are linked to witchcraft. The third person who has their ciggie lit is easily shot, or so the tale goes. Lighting one cigarette with a match alerts a sniper. There are conflicting beliefs in regards to cats on whether they represent good or bad luck. Some versions of this superstition warn of just general unluckiness, while others say that a child whose nails are cut before 6 months of age will become a thief. Others believe that the umbrella superstition is from the 18th century where waterproof umbrella with metal spikes were popular. Kiran Yasmin According to Welsh folklore an owl hooting however may simply be an indication that a young woman in the vicinity has lost her virginity. People in Spain traditionally eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to bring luck for each month of the coming year. Before taking the first sip, its essential to clink glasses and say cheers (Prost). Finding a penny on the ground, especially if it is heads facing up, is considered a sign of good luck in the US. Adriana John Tuck Your Thumbs in When Passing the Dead (Japan), 1. To sell more matches. Hands with their thumb up indicated that the gladiator would be executed, whereas hands with hidden thumbs meant they were to live certainly an indication of good luck! So, if youve ever wondered why your veteran friend saves a single, specific cig for last, here are the best explanations weve found. Webwhen you light the wrong side of your cigarette when you drunk, etc.. 98 likes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. To fill the coming year with good blessings, women should wear a polka dot dress on New Years day. In WWII, troops would get Lucky Strike cigarettes in their rations and each cigarette was stamped with the brands logo. IN SOME PARTS OF EUROPE, LIGHTING A CIGARETTE FROM A CANDLE IS BAD NEWS FOR SAILORS. You must counteract this by first accepting a coin from them as payment. I think this theory is important because it begins to explain why many smokers in America know and hold this belief because they were taught and/or experienced it way back in the early 1900s. On the other hand, crossing two fingers- a sign many of us associate with good luck - is something Germans do behind their backs when they lie. Perhaps you've also heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. You have been warned. WebSuperstitions vary from culture to culture all over the world. if your cigarette keeps running (burning on one side and not the other) it means someone is thinking of how much they love youheard this one from several people in the Southeast. But the real reason for the presence of these slanted windows is to prevent witches from getting into your house because, as everybody knows, witches cant fly through a tilted window. Greeces Major Cultural Superstition Can Strike Anyone at Any Time, The Scary Number 666: What It Really Means. WebLighting a cigarette off a candle will cause the death of a sailor. No, youve got to put a coin in it, to ensure that the recipient will never be poor. It also washes away all the bad memories for a complete fresh start of your life. WebThe superstition goes that if three soldiers lit their cigarettes from the same match, one of the three would be killed or that the man who was third on the match would be shot. You have been warned. Secondly, when it comes to smoking, never light a cigarette from a candle. It might not seem unlucky. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. According to them, the direction in which the black cat crosses your path determines whether it will bring you good or bad luck. However, if you step on it with your right foot, youve got bad luck and misfortune ahead. Another theory that can be used to analyze how this superstition originated and why it still gets passed along is the theory of the Holy Trinity. In the Old Testament it is traditionally believed Eve tempted Adam in the Garden of Eden on Friday the 13th. Burning filter is legit the worst smell and taste ever. By this point, filtered cigarettes were becoming the norm, so you could only smoke em one way. The reason for this is because the Japanese word for thumb literally translates as parent-finger, and so by hiding your thumbs when you pass by the deceased, youre actually protecting your parents from death. Germany is no different. People who do this they say are helpless in the face of evil (even to the devil himself). To apply this to smoking, this notion has spread and said that those smokers who do light three cigarettes from one match disrespect the Holy Trinity, cause evilness (or bad luck) to come upon them and light the fires of hell themselves with that one match that they used. It also represents fertility and signifies that you will have children in the future. An early 20th-century Pennsylvania German superstition says that if your first visitor on New Years Day is a woman, you'll have bad luck all year long. WebLighting a cigarette backwards dream represents surrender. It will start a fight. Prehistorically, the fear of cats began when our human ancestors had a problem with cats, which were a lot bigger in size. Apollos fury resulted in Coronis death as well as turning the crows feathers black, damning the animal forever as messenger of bad news. The French love getting together for good food and wine. keep lighting your cigarettes backward This last cigarette is referred to as the lucky cigarette and its considered bad luck to smoke it before the others in the pack. Cats. Although there are several explanations, the most popular is that the bread represents the body of Christ, and as such needs to be treated with respect. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Lighting a second lets the sniper know how far away the target is. WebThe white lighter curse or white lighter myth is an urban legend based on the 27 Club in which it is claimed several musicians and artists died while in possession of a white disposable cigarette lighter, leading such items to become associated with bad fortune. updated June 22, 2019, 8:21 pm, by 2. level 1. defiantlynottedbundy. Here is a guide to some of Germanys strangestsuperstitious beliefs (Aberglaube), and the reasoning behind them after all, you never know when they might come in handy! Hello, Marlboro Gold Pack. The unluckiness of Tuesday is also present in several Latin American cultures, to the point that in some South American countries the movie Friday the 13th was Martes 13, or Tuesday the 13th. 2015. However if its the right, youre doomed. Spilling water may seem like it would be a sign of bad luck, although the opposite is actually true in Serbia. It was also blamed for the death of children and livestock, which was common in early modern communities. Lovelorn travelers can visitthe Casa di Giulietta, the 14th century home turned museum that is said to have inspired Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," and leave their lettersfor Juliet. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Despite other superstitions, giving 13 roses to a woman in Russia is actually considered good luck and better than sending 12 roses. If you believe in luck and wouldnt mind some good fortune, never cross a French stream holding a cat. Stepping on a cover marked "A," however, is believedto bring bad luck because it stands for the Swedish word for heartbreak. Another piece of sailor-related bad luck from parts of Europe says that if you light a cigarette from a candle, a sailor will die. Really? This idea actually originates from a time when sailors attempted to increase their meagre income by selling matches. Click here for FREE postage on your first order over $20. 6. Lighting a second lets the sniper know how far away the target is. Maybe you didnt even realise it was a superstition it was just a part of your daily routine and you probably didnt think twice about it! Why? This follows from the belief some Koreans hold that a mouse could come into your house, eat your nightly nail clippings, and then gain the supernatural ability to transform into a human who steals your life. [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. "66 Funny Romanian Superstitions." They had a fear of cats as they were not at the top of the food chain; therefore the distrust of cats was originated. Another superstition is that those who laugh or sing before breakfast will cry before dinner. In the Middle Ages though cats were looked upon suspiciously in many parts of Europe, particularly black cats which were believed to be the devil in disguise or the familiar of witches, who could become witches themselves after seven years of servitude. However, in the middle ages, a black cat was a sign that death was coming. As legend has it, stepping on a manhole cover marked with a "K" is good luck because it represents the Swedish word for love. Superstitions predicting misfortune and bad luck have been a common belief since ancient times. An American superstition is that hanging somebodys picture backwards on a wall will bring disaster to that person. Perhaps you've also heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. In Romania, never give away the last cigarette in your pack, as it symbolizes giving away your life. We are all familiar with the thumbs-up sign that, to most people, indicates good luck. To understand why this piece is passed down it is important to go back to the origins and see where it may have originated from and the theories for why the folk group smokersthink three on a match is bad luck. Instead of flipping every cigarette on end, troops would invert a single one and, just as before, if you lived long enough to smoke it, you were a lucky joe. Many olden day clocks required constant maintenance and winding to keep them working. This gesture means you want to cut your relationship with them. Knives, when gifted, are believed to cause the receiver injury and sometimes even death. Sadly, that is not the case as this superstition is quite specific. You can, of course, be creative and get them something else for their home, but be sure to cross knives off your list. The reasoning is simple; In Japanese, the word for "thumb" directly translates to "parent finger." If you do, this indicates you are inviting famine into the household. 6. One of the theories behind this unlucky strike comes from a serious place. So, in those days, by lighting your cigarette with a candle and forgoing the use of a match, you were depriving a sailor of hard earned money, thereby preventing them from affording any food and causing their death. WebIf three soldiers were smoking cigarettes during the dark hours of the night then superstition held that one of them was going to die. I cant see how stepping in dog doo-doo can ever be a good thing, but many French believe that stepping in dog poo with your left foot brings you a slice of good luck. Travel Away, March 6, 2012. 6. Whenever sailors had bird poop on their vessels, they banned anyone from removing them until the next rainstorm. According to several Web sources, in times of yore, in those lean months of winter, sailors and fishermen would be forced to supplement their incomes through the sale of matches. In some countries it has to be in a U shape in order to keep the luck inside. As a result,people are strongly advised against chewing gum after dark in Turkey. ", According to What They Say in New England, a book published in 1896, the only remedy was to go back and walk over the thing again. Web1. Its said the gooey excrement might even bring you riches. Burning filter is legit the worst smell and taste ever. Giving one rose is saying Youre everything I have and giving 5 flowers means I love you. There was also a law instituted in 1990 which protects any site that has at least 100 years of supernatural history. Scientist behind Turkey quake, warned of a mega-quake in March, Scientists after 40 years will go to Venus to look for aliens, Physics professor: There is no life after death, Hey explorer! If you see a tortoiseshell cat, this foretells your death in an accident. Whoever succeeds in hitting one of their faces will be the next to marry so practice your backward-throwing skills the next time you attend a German wedding! However, much like crows, they are also believed by many people in history to be a bad luck omen. Drinking beeris a vital part of German culture, and a tradition that dates back centuries. Somepeople in China will avoid anything having to do with the number four. In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become a universal superstition. Apollo, the god of the Sun, medicine, prophecy and knowledge amongst many other things, was said to have travelled with a white crow as a companion. Some swear that this tradition comes from the Vietnam War. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Debra Ronca The first theory is that during Wold War Ithis superstition was shared among smokers on the battlefield as a way to make sure that they keep their matches and noises associated with using them hidden from the enemy to not disclose their location and get killed. To view it, confirm your age. The superstition of believing that toasting with a glass of waterbrings bad luck or even death is commonly held in Germany, although the tradition has roots going back to ancient Greece. Since then, it has been considered bad luckfor three people to share a light from the same match. If you decide to give flowers to a woman in Russia, an odd number from 1 to 1001 of flowers is a symbol of happiness. This superstition might have something to with the two sides of metal touching each other. Proposed reasons for the superstition range from the practicalities of wielding sharp things near your hand at night, to concern that separating a nail in the darkness could attract spirits.