Superstitions around the world

If you aren’t too busy dodging black cats and handling mirrors extra delicately, check out these commonly agreed upon superstitions from around the globe.

Italy

While we hold 13 to be the unluckiest number, Italians fear the number 17. Bear with me on this one. The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII. Somewhere in history, someone re-arranged this as VIXI – ‘Vixi’ in Latin translates to “I lived,’’ which is commonly interpreted as “am dead.’’ Italians may also cover their crotches in order to ward off bad luck, but that’s another story, according to Slate.com.

Read more about Italian superstitions at www.theflorentine.net.

The Netherlands

Breaking a mirror may bring seven years bad luck for us, but the Dutch believe that breaking a plate brings good luck. It was also believed in the past that cats shouldn’t be in the room when discussing private matters – because they will spread gossip.

Russia

Russians have a few superstitions about empty containers. People carrying empty buckets or baskets are considered to be bringers of bad luck to anyone who meets them on the street, and leaving empty glasses on the table also brings bad luck. Speaking of tables, don’t sit on them – some Russians believe that this brings death, while others believe it is an omen meaning you will lose your money.

Read more about Russian superstitions.

Greece

When two people say the same thing at the same time in Greece, you may see them both dart around shouting “Piase kokkino!’’ This means “Touch red’’ – Greeks commonly believe that bad luck or an argument will arise when two people utter the same words at once, and that touching the nearest red object can help avoid a fight between the two parties.

Read more about Greek superstitions at www.greekembassy.org.

Ireland

The Irish bake a bread called a barmbrack at Halloween, and play a sort of fortune-telling game with it. Traditionally, a ring, a stick, a piece of cloth, a coin, and a pea are baked into the bread, each with a different meaning for the person who finds them. The ring, for example, means the finder will be married within the next year – but the cloth means they will experience misfortune, poverty, or bad luck.

Read more about Irish superstitions at www.the-irish-path.com.

Hawaii

Imagine you’re about to embark on your first fishing trip in the Hawaiian Islands, when the captain makes an odd request – that everyone on board dump any bananas they may have. The tropical fruit is commonly thought in Hawaii to not only to scare away fish but also bring bad luck when brought on boats. Also, take a lesson from the Brady Bunch – don’t take anything you find on the islands home with you.

Read more about Hawaiian superstitions at www.hawaiiguideme.com.

China

If you’re staying in a Chinese hotel, don’t be confused if the elevator doesn’t have a button for the fourth floor. Because the words for “four’’ and “death’’ sound much the same in Chinese, the number is associated with bad luck and misfortune. Likewise, since the words for “eight’’ and “prosperity’’ sound alike, eight is the Chinese lucky number.

Read more about Chinese number superstitions at www.unitedexplanations.org.

Japan

In Japan, it is considered a bad omen if you break the cloth strap on a traditional wooden sandal. Sleeping with your head facing north is commonly avoided – this is because the dead are buried facing north. Also, bad luck will come to you if you eat eel and melon in the same meal. That last one doesn’t sound too difficult to avoid.

Read more about Japanese superstitions at www.nihonsun.com.

Thailand

In Thailand, superstition abounds – during the Songkran Festival (pictured) held at the start of the new year, Thais douse each other in water to wash away bad luck for the coming year. Also in Thailand, it is bad luck to point at a rainbow, or get your hair cut on Wednesday.

Read more about Thai superstitions at www.khaosanroad.com.

India

In India, it is considered bad luck to go to bed wearing new clothes. This is because of the fact that the dead are often buried in new clothing.