Friday The 13th: Salt, Numbers, Spiders… A Little World Tour Of Superstitions

In 2022, there will only be one Friday the 13th. Bad luck for those who firmly believe in luck on this day which sees the French flock to the various games of chance. For others, it is good news, because this number brings bad luck, and has done so since the dawn of time. This does not prevent superstitions from remaining in the world.

On the occasion of this very special day, the specialist in excursions in French around the world, Civitatis, takes a world tour of the most astonishing superstitions. And there is plenty to enjoy.

⋙ Superstitions and persecutions: the witch hunt in the spotlight of a museum in Denmark

The numbers are scary in China

Why not go to Asia first? To ward off the evil eye, the Indians (in several regions) have different remedies. The elderly, in particular, throw hot peppers and salt at the entrances to homes. For the inhabitants of the home, it is not necessary to leave before the next day. Another element visible in front of the houses to ward off the evil eye: the exploded white pumpkins. So don’t be surprised if you see this while traveling. We continue in China, where the figures are very important. And one of them is particularly feared by the Chinese: the 4. According to Civitatis, it is pronounced almost like the word “death” and therefore brings bad luck. Many avoid writing it. On the contrary, the number 8 would bring luck. Again, its pronunciation close to the word “fortune” would not be foreign to it.

Still in Asia, let’s go to Japan. There, chopsticks are sacred to eat, but be careful not to plant them in your bowl of rice. It is reminiscent of a deceased person, and the bowl of rice a bowl of incense. In Sri Lanka, we rely a lot on animals. If you come across a gecko (small lizard), notes Civitatis, pay attention to the little noises it makes. If it makes a little noise, you are about to make an important decision. Conversely, if it is strong, it is a bad omen.

Dry or wet salt?

In Europe, especially in the North, salt is part of local superstitions. It is very frowned upon to spill it on a table, whereas throwing it over the left shoulder would bring good luck, but in Denmark there is a small difference. If the spilled salt is dry, luck is with you. On the other hand, if it is wet, misfortune awaits you. In Finland, be careful what you do to animals. A local belief says that if you kill a spider, it will rain the next day.

In the United States, stories of superstition and witchcraft are legion. And we still find them today on… windows. To prevent witches from entering homes, “witch windows” had been set up in Vermont. Tilted, they prevented them from entering. Finally, in Morocco, pay attention to how you yawn. Putting your hand in front of your mouth, yes. But not anyhow. The left hand should be placed with the back against the mouth, details Civitatis. Thus, you repel the evil eye or the devil!

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