15 most surprising superstitions!

By definition, superstitions are irrational beliefs based on ignorance or fear. They have a sacred or supernatural character.

1. Friday13: the day that brings bad luck

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Friday the 13th Credit: olm26250

In France and in many French-speaking countries, everyone considers the Friday 13 as a particular date. This superstition is due to the fact that various tragic events took place a Friday 13, which makes it a cursed date for the greatest number. This belief causes paraskevidekatriaphobia or Friday phobia in some people.

Know that the Templars were burned alive on a Friday13 by a certain Philippe le Bel. Tupak Shakur was also killed on the same date. Another example, in Bangladesh, more than 300,000 people died on Friday the 13th of the year 1970 due to a terrible storm.

The sinking of the liner Costa Concordia took place on a Friday13. On Friday November 13, 2015, attacks hit Paris, etc.

2. Open an umbrella inside a house

A woman sitting on the floor of the house, holding an umbrella Credit: Jelena Stanojkovic

Many people, superstitiousbelieve that opening an umbrella inside a house attracts misfortune. The origin of this superstition is quite funny. The roof is to protect the inhabitants in a house and the umbrella would be a second protection deemed useless. Indeed, the result of these two facts cancel each other out. Consequently, the inhabitants would find themselves unprotected and unlucky.

Another more credible origin, previously, the ribs of the umbrellas were made of tapered iron strips. Opening an umbrella inside a house could injure someone nearby.

3. Seven years of bad luck for breaking a mirror

Pieces of a broken mirror Credit: 24d8bd43_811

Since their creation, the mirrors are the subject of several superstitions. Reflection of our soul, refuge of demons, etc., many superstitious believe that breaking a mirror would bring seven years of misfortune. According to belief of the Roman people, life would be organized in a cycle of 7 years. A broken mirror will thus cause seven years of misfortune before life begins again.

In the era of Ancient Greece, mirrors were among the tools of divination in order todiscern the future. According to the superstitious, breaking one would be a bad sign.

4. Crossing a black cat, a sign of misfortune

A black kitten on a wooden staircase Credit: bojanstory

L’origin of this superstition is quite well known, as it dates back to the era when witchcraft was feared. the cat black is considered an associate and companion of witches. He was the partner in their rituals, etc. Therefore, having a black cat was evidence for the accusation of witchcraft. At the time, witches were burned.

This superstition is a belief widespread in Egyptian times. Black cats are animals associated with the devil.

5. Pass under a ladder

A ladder near the wall Credit: Anastasiia_New

Going under a ladder could be a source of mortal danger. For clear up this superstition, it is necessary to refer to the Bible. Indeed, the ladder would be a symbol of betrayal. This belief is based on the fact that a ladder was used when Jesus was crucified.

When a ladder is placed against a wall, the whole forms a triangle, a divine symbol that represents the Holy Trinity. Going under this ladder is therefore an act of desecration attracting the wrath of God.

In the Middle Ages, the ladder was associated with death. Convicts had to pass underneath during hanging, another origin of this superstition.

6. Photographs would steal our soul

A photographer taking pictures Credit: gorodenkoff

The French no longer believe in this superstition. Thus, it is no longer as widespread as before. However, back when photography was born, taking a picture of a person was synonymous with stealing their soul. This technology was considered supernatural. Freezing a human on a physical support is the origin of this superstition.

7. Knock on wood to put yourself under the protection of the gods

A hand touching a tree Credit: Yasin Ozturk

Some French people use the expression “I knock on wood” without knowing its origin. This superstition dates back to the time when nature was among the manifestations of divine power. Indeed, the Celts believe that trees are a source of strength. The greek belief states that the oak tree is associated with Zeus. Knock on wood while pronouncing the sentence thus makes it possible to put oneself under the production of the Gods.

8. Bread presented upside down attracts the devil

Upside down bread Credit: Filip Warulik

This superstition is amazing: laying the bread upside down would misfortune and would attract the devil. L’history of this belief dates back to the Middle Ages. At the time, bakers served bread upside down to executioners. The latter were not appreciated for lack of their profession. On execution days, the bakers reserved a loaf of bread for them by placing it upside down. The inhabitants never touched it so as not to get into trouble.

9. Japanese numbers 4 and 9

Number 49 on a white background Credit: BigJoker

The numbers 4 and 13 are at the origin of two almost identical superstitions. If the French consider the number 13 as damn, the Japanese have this belief about the number 4. Indeed, its pronunciation is similar to that of the word death or shi in the Japanese language. Result, it is not recommended to use it or to offer a gift to 4 elements.

In Japanese hospitals, it is rare to find a room number 9. It is indeed close to the word suffering.

10. Satan’s famous 666

The number 666 Credit: rep0rter

Its origin is biblical and this superstition is associated with the devil. According to certain verses of the Apocalypse, the triple six would represent the “number of the beast”. This book says:“Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast. For it is a number of men, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. »

11. Do not sing at the table

Elderly people singing around a table Credit: SeventyFour

This dutch superstition is known all over the world. In the Netherlands, whistling at the table is a kind of invitation dedicated to the devil. You should also avoid giving salt to someone on the same table. Otherwise, you will bring him bad luck.

As in other developed countries, the superstitious are numerous in the Netherlands. In most European countries, the horoscopes, etc. have become a culture and influence daily life and practices. The development of a country has no impact on the beliefs of superstitions.

The results of a study are for example impressive in France. A TNS poll indicates that 41% of French people are superstitious.

Some practices and superstitious behavior like finding a four-leaf clover, for example, are considered lucky charms. The results of numerous polls confirm that superstitions persist and are maintained across beliefs, cultures and traditions. stereotyped behavior.

12. The itchy palm

The itchy palm Credit: Tharakorn

In Côte d’Ivoire, if the palm of the hand or the hiccup itches, it means something, like “ringing ears” one of the superstitions recognized in France. This fact indicates that a person speaks ill of us.

For hiccups, the subject would be the subject of gossip in Ivorian culture. On the other hand, if the palm of your hand itches, this indicates that luck smiles on you, because you will receive money.

Like all other superstitions, these beliefs are based on the culture of each country. Their results influence the behavior of superstitious or non-superstitious individuals. It seems that nationality and culture are related to the an individual’s superstition, the kind of rituals and religion he practices, the way he behaves, etc. The study conducted by Obadia in 2016 confirmed this hypothesis.

13. Brazil: don’t leave your purse on the floor

A woman sitting on the ground with a handbag and a phone Credit: m-imagephotography

The Superstitious Brazilians often carry a bag hook with them. They never put their bag down. This behavior is the result of certain daily beliefs and practices. Indeed, a bag laid on the ground means a significant loss of money. A wallet lying on the floor indicates that luck will turn. This sign indicates that the owner will suffer a colossal loss of money.

14. United States: Vermont Windows

An anti-witch slanted window Credit: Larry Lamsa

The witch hunt is part of the history of the United States. This practice has spawned superstitions. Today, some states still distrust witches and preserve this culture against these beings imaginary. In Vermont, some windows are a bit special, nicknamed “witch windows” or witch windows. According toancient beliefstheir inclined structure makes it possible to block their broom, which prevents them from going through the window.

15. Mexico: beware of brooms

A broom on a white background Credit: wabeno

In Mexico, the superstitious are wary of brooms. According to their belief, a bad sweep will prevent you from getting married. For example, if you pass the broom under the feet of another person, the latter risks remaining single for life. By placing it behind the front door, it does not allow malicious individuals to enter the house.

Over time, religion, culture, rituals, way of life, etc. have an influence on the superstition of an individual. In Europe, in Asia and in all the continents of planet Earth, all societies have imaginary beliefs, with tangible results or not.