Unveiling the Veil of Superstitions: A Global Tour of Beliefs
Today, I want to share a few superstitions from around the world, from the crossing of fingers to avoiding black cats, here’s a journey around the world, exploring the fascinating realm of superstitions.
1. China: Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky based on their pronunciation. The number eight, pronounced “ba” in Mandarin, is considered extremely lucky because it sounds like the word for wealth. Conversely, the number four, pronounced as “si,” is avoided as it sounds like the word for death. Skyscrapers in China often omit the fourth floor, similar to the omission of the 13th floor in Western buildings.
2. Greece: The “Malocchio” Stare
In Greece, the “malocchio” or the evil eye is a prevalent superstition. It is believed that someone can inadvertently cause harm or bad luck by giving another person a malevolent look. To ward off the evil eye, charms such as the “mati” are worn, displaying a blue eye to deflect any malicious glances.
3. India: Sneezing and the Soul
In India, the superstition surrounding sneezing is not just about catching a cold. It is believed that when you sneeze, your soul momentarily leaves your body. Saying “God bless you” is not just a polite gesture but an attempt to protect the soul from wandering too far.
4. Italy: Friday the 17th
While in many Western cultures, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky, in Italy, it’s Friday the 17th that is met with trepidation. This superstition stems from the Roman numeral for 17, “XVII,” which can be rearranged to form the word “VIXI,” meaning “I have lived” or “my life is over.”
5. Nigeria: Whistling at Night
In Nigeria, there’s a strong belief that whistling at night attracts snakes and other malevolent spirits. The sound is thought to summon supernatural entities, and locals tend to avoid whistling after dark to steer clear of any unwanted company.
6. Russia: Toasting with Empty Glasses
In Russia, it’s considered bad luck to toast with an empty glass. When raising a toast, it’s customary to take a sip, even if the glass contains only water. It’s believed that failing to do so can bring misfortune.
7. Mexico: The Cursed “Cinco de Mayo”
In Mexico, the number 13 is often considered unlucky, similar to Western superstitions. However, the most feared day is not Friday the 13th but Tuesday the 13th. This superstition is so strong that many hotels and buildings skip the 13th floor altogether.
Superstitions, though often irrational, play a significant role in shaping cultural practices and behaviors. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche and the varied ways different societies navigate the mysteries and uncertainties of life. As we traverse the globe, the common thread is clear: the human penchant for superstition is as diverse and rich as the cultures that perpetuate these age-old beliefs.
That’s all for today, thank you for reading.