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In today's modern era, we often pride ourselves on being logical and rational, distancing ourselves from the credulous and superstitious ways of our forebears. However, this mindset can sometimes lead us to fall prey to one of humanity's oldest pitfalls: Those who dismiss all beliefs may find themselves susceptible to accepting anything without question.
10. Argentine Football Thrives on the ‘Cabala’
Unrelated to the Jewish Kabbalah, the 'cabala' refers to a collection of superstitious rituals aimed at bringing good fortune during matches. While athletes worldwide engage in similar practices, Argentinians elevate it to an art form. A superstitious team manager (referred to as 'DT' for the Spanish term 'director técnico') might exclude players based on their astrological signs. Chicken dishes are occasionally prohibited from team menus, and one player famously made it a ritual to urinate on the field in full view of spectators before every penalty kick.
A captivating short story, 'December 19, 1971' by Roberto Fontanarrosa, delves into this belief. It recounts an actual match between fierce rivals Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys. The narrator and his friends were fixated on the idea that Rosario never lost when a devoted fan, known as Old Man Casale, attended the games in person. Determined to ensure victory, they went to extreme lengths to bring Old Man Casale to every match . . . even if it involved abducting him.
9. Superstitions in Space Exploration
Space exploration stands as one of humanity's most remarkable technological feats, rooted entirely in science. Yet, it might come as a surprise that aspiring cosmonauts adhere to a series of peculiar superstitious practices. From the start of their training until their safe return to Earth, they perform various rituals unrelated to technical protocols, all in the hope of ensuring a successful mission.
These rituals are varied and often appear arbitrary: They include placing carnations at the Memorial Wall, planting a tree after landing, getting a haircut the day before launch, watching the iconic Soviet film White Sun of the Desert, and even urinating on the bus tire that transports them to the launch site. Additionally, no spaceflights are scheduled for October 24, a date deemed unlucky following two disastrous launches. Given the high stakes of their profession, it’s no wonder that astronauts, including those from NASA and China, have developed their own unique traditions.
8. Stepping on Dog Poop Brings Good Fortune
In France, some individuals hold the belief that accidentally stepping on dog feces can alter your luck. If you step on it with your left foot, good fortune will follow. However, using your right foot invites bad luck. This is among the many global superstitions that attempt to balance something unpleasant with a stroke of good karma.
Others argue that this belief is merely an excuse for dog owners to avoid cleaning up after their pets. Judging by the state of Parisian sidewalks, this might hold some truth. Efforts to fine owners who neglect this responsibility have been largely ineffective, as campaigns have yielded minimal results. Interestingly, novelty souvenir cups filled with 'lucky Parisian dog poop' have even become a prank item.
7. The World of Finance Is Essentially High-Stakes Gambling
Stock markets are rife with superstitions, spanning both Western traditions (like Friday the 13th or the October Effect) and Eastern beliefs. Many of these are rooted in observation: historical market crashes often occur in October, and trends like shorter skirts are linked to economic optimism. However, these connections often confuse correlation with causation, falling into the logical fallacy of assuming that because two events coincide, one must cause the other.
One notable example is a fund that relies on superstitions, using algorithms to make trades based on factors like the day of the week, astrological signs, and other widely held beliefs. Unfortunately, this approach hasn’t proven successful—within its first two months, the fund experienced a decline of approximately 5 percent.
6. The Taboos Surrounding Menstruation
In certain regions of central Europe, women who are menstruating have long been thought to possess supernatural abilities. It is believed that their presence can stop dough from rising and cause flowers to wither and perish. Updated versions of this folklore claim that getting a perm during menstruation is futile, as the hair will revert to its natural state quickly. Additionally, swimming in pools or the ocean, even with a tampon, is said to be harmful to one's health.
This notion led to the concept of 'menotoxin,' a hypothetical substance said to exist in menstruating women that is toxic to other organisms. Some Orthodox Jews of Ashkenazi descent still adhere to this belief, likely influenced by Talmudic teachings that label menstruating women as impure. However, it is important to note that none of these claims are supported by scientific evidence.
5. The Handkerchief Corner Ritual
In some areas of Spain, there is a tradition of tying a knot in the corner of a handkerchief when something is lost and cannot be found. To increase the chances of recovering the item, multiple corners can be knotted. There is even a folk prayer dedicated to Saint Cucuphas, which humorously states, 'Saint Cucuphas, I’m tying your testicles in a knot and won’t untie them until I find what’s missing.' (In Spanish, it rhymes: 'San Cucufato, san Cucufato, los cojones te ato, hasta que no encuentre lo perdido, no te los desato.')
Prayers can also be directed to Saint Anthony of Padua, recognized in Catholic tradition as the patron saint of lost items. Some believe that the act of recalling the prayer’s words helps 'unblock' the mind, making it easier to recall the location of the misplaced object.
4. The Ninth Symphony Curse
While composers like Dmitri Shostakovich have challenged this superstition, many classical musicians between the 19th and 20th centuries feared composing nine symphonies. Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, and Antonin Dvorak all passed away during or after completing their ninth symphonies. Gustav Mahler, wary of the curse, avoided labeling his ninth symphony as such, instead naming it 'Das Lied von der Erde' ('Song of the Earth'). He later completed what he called his ninth symphony, which was actually his tenth, and died soon after.
A more recent example of an artist overcoming this curse is British composer Peter Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen’s Music, who composed his 10th symphony while undergoing cancer treatment.
3. The Curative Properties of Cheese
In Austria, Quark, a soft curd cheese akin to American cream cheese, is known as Topfen. The term 'Quark' translates to 'curd' and has no connection to the subatomic particle. Given Austria's location amidst the snowy Alps, skiing is the nation's favorite sport, making injuries like bruises and sprains a common occurrence.
To address these frequent injuries, Austrians turned to traditional remedies. Topfen, with its smooth and fresh texture resembling medical creams, became a popular natural alternative to chemical-based ointments. It gained a reputation as a go-to treatment for bruises and sprains. Even renowned athletes, such as American skier Lindsey Vonn, have praised the healing properties of Topfen.
2. A Michigan Fairytale Ending
Engineering is a field grounded in precision and logic, yet it is not immune to superstitions. Despite its reliance on empirical science, engineers have been known to entertain irrational beliefs, such as the idea of gremlins interfering with machinery. One particularly charming superstition exists on the campus of the University of Michigan, defying the stereotype of engineers as pragmatic and unromantic individuals.
According to this tradition, couples who share a kiss beneath the Engineering Arch on South University Street at midnight are destined to marry and enjoy a blissful union. Many University of Michigan alumni have revisited the Arch on their wedding day to uphold the tradition, while others make the pilgrimage during their engagement.
1. The Gypsy Robe
This vibrant tradition hails from Broadway and is steeped in theatrical superstition. On the opening night of a musical, the cast presents a robe to the chorus member with the most extensive choral experience. While the robe itself is adorned with intricate decorations, this is only the start of the ceremony.
Stage actors are famously superstitious, and the ritual unfolds as follows: The chosen chorus member, known as the Gypsy, receives the robe 30 minutes before the performance begins. They must then walk around the stage three times as fellow cast members touch the robe for good fortune. Afterward, the Gypsy visits every dressing room, and a new memento—often a fabric patch—is added to the robe. The recipient signs it before handing it over to the next Gypsy on the opening night of a subsequent production.
