Buzz
Here are some curious beliefs about luck and misfortune from various countries around the world.
Walking under a ladder is considered unlucky because in medieval England, criminals sentenced to hang would walk under a ladder resembling a gallows. Today, walking under a leaning ladder is still seen as unlucky.
Rabbits' feet are considered lucky charms. The Celts, a diverse group of Iron Age and early Medieval tribes in Europe, believed these animals lived deep underground, allowing them to communicate with spirits. Additionally, rabbits symbolize fertility and rebirth.
Looking at a broken mirror is considered unlucky in Indian and Russian cultures. For Indians, the smartest way to dispel this bad luck is to bury the broken pieces under the light of a full moon or wait for about 7 hours before touching them.
Acorns are symbols of luck for the English. This belief dates back to medieval times, stemming from the idea that an oak tree would grow from an acorn. Thus, this type of seed is associated with growth, hope, and new beginnings.
Tetraphobia, the fear of the number 4, is quite common in East Asian countries. Many elevators in Shanghai, China, skip the 4th floor because people believe the number 4 sounds like 'death' in the phrase 'birth, aging, sickness, death.'
In Peru, hanging a tumi on the wall is believed to bring luck. The tumi, a decorative axe present in pre-Inca culture, was used in animal sacrifices to the sun to aid in predicting the future.
Ancient Egyptians believed that opening an umbrella indoors was disrespectful and could anger the sun god. Today, many Egyptians still consider opening an umbrella indoors as bad luck.
The Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, is a popular figurine in Japan believed to bring luck to its owner. The tradition of using them as lucky charms dates back to the Edo period, from 1603 to 1868. A cat with its left paw raised is believed to bring prosperous business to shop owners. If the right paw is raised, it will attract money and prosperity.
In Serbia, praising a child seems to bring bad luck as it is believed that saying anything good will attract the evil eye. This belief is still quite common in rural areas of Serbia, especially among the elderly.
The Hamsa, a hand-shaped protective amulet, is widespread in the Middle East, both in Judaism and Islam. It depicts an open hand, a symbol recognized and used for millennia as a sign of protection against negative energies. The eyes on the hand symbolize seeing everything.
