30 Strangest Superstitions Around the World
A Global Look at Strange Superstitions and Their Origins
Superstitions have existed for thousands of years. Whether rooted in religion, folklore, or ancient customs, many people still follow them today—sometimes without even realizing it. Here are 30 of the world's strangest superstitions and the fascinating stories behind them.
1. Don't Open an Umbrella Indoors (Worldwide)
Opening an umbrella inside the house is believed to invite bad luck or misfortune. The belief likely originated when early umbrellas with metal frames posed a safety hazard indoors.
2. Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck (Europe)
Ancient Romans believed mirrors reflected the soul. Breaking one was thought to damage the soul, requiring seven years to heal.
3. Walking Under a Ladder (Western Countries)
A ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, once considered a sacred shape. Passing through it was believed to bring bad luck.
4. Black Cats Crossing Your Path (Europe & North America)
In many Western countries, a black cat crossing your path is considered unlucky. Ironically, in Japan and Scotland, black cats are symbols of good fortune.
5. The Number 4 Is Unlucky (China, Japan, Korea)
The pronunciation of the number four closely resembles the word "death," leading many buildings to skip the fourth floor.
6. The Number 13 Is Unlucky (Western Countries)
Hotels, airlines, and office buildings often omit the 13th floor due to the widespread fear known as triskaidekaphobia.
7. Whistling Indoors Invites Evil Spirits (Russia)
Many Russians believe whistling inside the house drives away wealth and attracts misfortune.
8. Never Place Shoes on a Table (United Kingdom)
Originally associated with coal miners, placing shoes on a table was believed to foretell death in the family.
9. Spilling Salt Brings Bad Luck (Europe)
Salt was once extremely valuable. Spilling it symbolized waste and bad fortune. Throwing a pinch over your left shoulder is said to blind the devil.
10. Touch Wood for Good Luck (Worldwide)
Knocking on wood is believed to protect good fortune from being spoiled.
11. Birds Flying Into Your Home Predict Death (Various Cultures)
Many cultures believe an unexpected bird entering a house is an omen of tragedy.
12. Sweeping Over Someone's Feet Prevents Marriage (Africa & Caribbean)
In several African and Caribbean traditions, sweeping over someone's feet is believed to prevent them from getting married.
13. Sitting at the Corner of a Table Delays Marriage (Eastern Europe)
Single people are warned not to sit at the corner of a dining table if they hope to marry soon.
14. Tuesday the 13th Is Unlucky (Spain & Greece)
Instead of Friday the 13th, many Spanish and Greek communities fear Tuesday the 13th.
15. Friday the 17th Is Unlucky (Italy)
In Italy, the number 17 carries more bad luck than 13.
16. Wearing Red Underwear for New Year's (Italy & Spain)
Red underwear is believed to attract love, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
17. Sleeping With Your Head Facing North Is Unlucky (India)
Traditional beliefs suggest this sleeping direction disrupts energy and attracts negative influences.
18. Cutting Nails at Night Brings Misfortune (Japan & India)
Ancient households had poor lighting, making nighttime nail-cutting dangerous. Over time, it became a superstition.
19. Don't Gift Knives (Many Countries)
Giving someone a knife is said to "cut" the friendship unless the recipient gives a coin in return.
20. Carrying an Acorn Brings Youth (England)
Acorns have long symbolized strength, longevity, and protection.
21. Wearing Clothes Inside Out Accidentally Brings Good Luck (Philippines)
If you accidentally wear clothes inside out, some believe you should leave them that way for good fortune.
22. Never Shake Legs While Sitting (India)
Shaking your leg is believed to shake away wealth and prosperity.
23. Owls Near the House Predict Death (Various Cultures)
The nighttime calls of owls have long been associated with spirits and bad omens.
24. A Gecko Falling on You Predicts the Future (India)
Ancient beliefs assign different meanings depending on where the gecko lands on your body.
25. Crickets Inside the Home Bring Wealth (China)
A cricket's song is considered a sign of happiness, protection, and prosperity.
26. Don't Celebrate Birthdays Early (Germany & Russia)
Celebrating before the actual birthday is believed to tempt fate.
27. Itching Palms Predict Money (Worldwide)
An itchy right palm is said to mean money is coming, while an itchy left palm means money will leave.
28. Throw Water After Someone Leaves for a Journey (Balkans & Middle East)
Families sometimes pour water behind departing travelers to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
29. Hanging a Horseshoe Above the Door (Europe & North America)
A horseshoe is believed to protect the home and attract good luck, especially when hung with its ends pointing upward.
30. Evil Eye Protection (Middle East, Mediterranean & South Asia)
Many people wear blue eye-shaped amulets or charms to protect themselves from jealousy and negative energy believed to be caused by the "evil eye."
Why Do Superstitions Survive?
Even in an age of science and technology, superstitions continue to thrive because they:
- Offer a sense of control during uncertain situations.
- Strengthen cultural identity and family traditions.
- Provide comfort and emotional reassurance.
- Become enjoyable rituals passed down through generations.
Whether you believe in them or not, these superstitions reveal how cultures around the world have tried to explain luck, misfortune, and the mysteries of everyday life for centuries.