(Jan. 6, 2015)http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/3/messages/66.html, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. This superstition is also popularin other South American countries, as well as the Philippines. The Evil Eye: A Superstition An ancient and almost universal superstition, with records of the Evil Eye In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become a universal superstition. When I asked her if she would pass this belief along to anyone she said she probably would not because it never really made much sense to her and she does not see many people smoking with matches anymore. However some dream oracles state that falling dreams actually predict this failure, rather than being based on the persons insecurities. So, by wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday, you are assuming something that has no guarantee of occurring, and thus inviting bad luck with open arms do you really want to risk that? The third person who has their ciggie lit is easily shot, or so the tale goes. Secondly, when it comes to smoking, never light a cigarette from a candle. Cats. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture, those who drink water that reflects moonlight will have bad luck. But these strange superstitions do not end with wishes of good luck. A New Zealand superstition held that hearing a Kreke (marsh crake) over your right shoulder was good luck, but over your left shoulder would lead to having a crook trotold New Zealand/Australian slang for bad luck, In general it's thought to bring misfortune, but one German interviewed for a TV segment gave more colorful consequences for wishing someone an early happy birthday: "My grandma always said you'd have blue children.". Even number of flowers represents death as even numbers of flowers are typically given during funerals. Eating seaweed soup on the day or the night before your big exam is considered to be bad luck in Korea. French wives should never iron their husbands underpants while wearing a belt it will lead to him suffering kidney pain. Sadly, that is not the case as this superstition is quite specific. Others believe that the umbrella superstition is from the 18th century where waterproof umbrella with metal spikes were popular. Many very religious people that I have known and spoken to in my lifetime believe that using the Holy Trinity symbol (or performing things in threes) as a casual act is very disrespectful to the Holy Law. People often usethe saying"find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck.". [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. Below are a description of some of these bad luck superstitions and where possible details on the origins have been added. Similarly, leaving scissors open is also said to bring bad luck. This theory is about Ivar Kreugar who was a deceitful businessman who bought many matchmaking factories in the 1920s and monopolized them. Still, the tradition remained largely intact. Other superstitions include : killing a spider is said to bring rain the next day, leaving an open book upside down is said to make disappear the information it contains. "66 Funny Romanian Superstitions." IN SOME PARTS OF EUROPE, LIGHTING A CIGARETTE FROM A CANDLE IS BAD NEWS FOR SAILORS. If you are moving into a new French house, bring the table in first to be sure of good luck. However, remember to steer clear of mirrors. updated August 31, 2017, 9:47 pm, by 2015. Your email address will not be published. Everyone has their superstitions. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. if your cigarette keeps running (burning on one side and not the other) it means someone is thinking of how much they love youheard this one from several people in the Southeast. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, MIGHTY NETWORKS, 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Springfield Hellion: The Croatian Sensation, For Soldiers Like Me, Cigarettes and War Are Inseparable. Web1. [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. Lighting a Cigarette With a Candle (Germany), Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, Tuck Your Thumbs in When Passing the Dead (Japan), Lighting a Cigarette With a Candle (Germany). Adriana John An American superstition is that hanging somebodys picture backwards on a wall will bring disaster to that person. That wasn't the only unlucky Tuesday for the Greeks: On Tuesday, May 29, 1453, Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. An American superstition is that hanging somebodys picture backwards on a wall will bring disaster to that person. ", According to What They Say in New England, a book published in 1896, the only remedy was to go back and walk over the thing again. They believed that the strike of the match will alert an enemy sniper of their location. This superstition might have something to with the two sides of metal touching each other. Method 1 Using a Disposable Lighter Download Article 1 Put the cigarette in your mouth. In many countries people keep mirrors covered in rooms where people are dying in fear that seeing their own reflection at the time of the persons death will doom them to die in the near future. Apollo, the god of the Sun, medicine, prophecy and knowledge amongst many other things, was said to have travelled with a white crow as a companion. if your cigarette keeps running (burning on one side and not the other) it means someone is thinking of how much they love youheard this one from several people in the Southeast. The superstition comes from a legend involving Russian soldiers in the 19th century. That way, when a troop sparked one, theyd burn the stamp first (this was before the days of filtered cigarettes). May be you are having difficulties trusting your own judgment and decisions. This idea is also supported in the New Testament of the Bible, where Jesus was betrayed at his last supper by the guest before being crucified on a Friday. You may also like to read some most bizarre stories of chewing gum. Every country has at least a couple of weird wedding traditions and superstitions that have gone on so long that we dont even question them anymore. The rationale for the superstition goes all the way back to Tuesday, April 13, 1204 (on the Julian calendar), when Constantinople completely fell to the Crusaders. Honestly, it's a wonder we get anything done! The belief still exists today in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, that someone could be cursed simply through a look of envy, dislike or malice. Kiran Yasmin In Russia, if a bird defecates your car, your property, or even on you directly, its considered good luck. In Portugal, many people believe that walking backwards brings bad luck. So its polka dots on New Years Day, but I guess my horseshoe can remain as a U shape, unless I take it to France. If you do this in Germany, you may notice your buddies knocking on the table as a greeting when they join you. Throwing salt into fire is said to avert this bad luck. Lots of different cultures have myths about elves and fairies, but in Iceland they make reference to a specific supernatural version of elves known as thehulduflk, or hidden people. Perhaps you've also heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. Lighting a cigarette off a candle will cause the death of a sailor. Unsurprisingly, this makes many people believe that the number four is a sign of bad luck. Placing your wallet or purse on the ground in Brazil is said to bringbad financial luck. The dream is a sign for your vulnerability, confusion and frailty. You may feel trapped and cornered. Tuck Your Thumbs in When Passing the Dead (Japan), 1. People in Spain traditionally eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to bring luck for each month of the coming year. Step on a crack, break your mother's back. Burning filter is legit the worst smell and taste ever. Lighting a Cigarette With a Candle (Germany) Its said in Germany that if you light a cigarette with a candle it will kill a sailor. IN SOME PARTS OF EUROPE, LIGHTING A CIGARETTE FROM A CANDLE IS BAD NEWS FOR SAILORS. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. So be sure to stand under any high-flying flocks when youre in Russia, because the more birds that are involved, the wealthier youll be. Proposed reasons for the superstition range from the practicalities of wielding sharp things near your hand at night, to concern that separating a nail in the darkness could attract spirits. Travel Away, March 6, 2012. Superstitions are widely considered to be irrational beliefs and practices that are inconsistent with the laws of science. The word thumb in Japanese translates as parent-finger so by tucking your thumb in your hand, youre basically protecting your parents from death. Cats. They also believed that an owl hooting signified death, and it was this omen that preceded the deaths of Julius Caeser, Augustus Caeser and the Roman general, Agrippa. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Press J to jump to the feed. The Evil Eye: A Superstition An ancient and almost universal superstition, with records of the Evil Eye But in France, to bring you luck it must be turned the other way, so that the luck pours down over you. This is because they believed that striking the match on the box would alert the enemy to the presences of the soldiers and as the matched burned to light the second cigarette the enemy would have time to aim his gun in the direction of where he now knows that the soldiers are. It was also considered bad luck to take a bath or change your clothing between Christmas and the New Year (and if you change your underwear between the holidays, "you will be full of boils"). Other superstitions include : killing a spider is said to bring rain the next day, leaving an open book upside down is said to make disappear the information it contains. WebLighting a cigarette off a candle will cause the death of a sailor. 2y. Lovelorn travelers can visitthe Casa di Giulietta, the 14th century home turned museum that is said to have inspired Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," and leave their lettersfor Juliet. In WWII, troops would get Lucky Strike cigarettes in their rations and each cigarette was stamped with the brands logo. This gesture means you want to cut your relationship with them. This follows from the belief some Koreans hold that a mouse could come into your house, eat your nightly nail clippings, and then gain the supernatural ability to transform into a human who steals your life. Even before anti-smoking campaigns advertised the health risks of cigarettes, a superstition claimed that smoking could endanger one-in three people if a single match was used to light all three cigarettes. While laughter is considered good for your health, some superstitious people believe that those who laugh excessively have been possessed by mirth and will not live much longer. (Jan. 6, 2015), Lemind, Anna. 2. level 1. defiantlynottedbundy. On New Years Eve in Spain, instead of kissing someone, you can get yourself some guaranteed good luck by eating 12 grapes within the first 12 seconds of the clock striking midnight. Were talking about the actual process of making combustible matches, not the type of matchmaking your Aunt Shirley tries to do when she tells you about that interesting person she met at the market. Giving flowers in Russia is an honored traditional and there are hundreds of flower stalls in every street. [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. To avoid bad luck, never place a baguette or a loaf of bread on a table upside down. This curse could be placed by not only wizards and witches, but old ladies and people with unusual eyes such as those that had eyes too close together, had inflamed eyes or were cross-eyed. The common explanation is that sailors used to supplement their income by selling matches, so bypassing the match step took money away from a sailor. 2y. Receive the IamExpat Weekly and Special Offers from our Partners, For expats of all colours, shapes & sizes. Local legend has it that rotating your thumb in this holein a full clockwise circlein the wishing column will make all of your wishes come true. Yet since ancient times people have examined almost every occurrence, believing them to be a warning of bad luck or an indication of good luck. Travel Away, March 6, 2012. It also washes away all the bad memories for a complete fresh start of your life. Daily updates on UFO sightings, ghost encounters, conspiracies, mysterious phenomena and everything crazy and weird. "If it is a stone you have fallen over," the text notes, "go back and touch it.". just now. Pranay Das People in Spain traditionally eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to bring luck for each month of the coming year. Are you a superstitious person? But if Im going to have stinky shoes Id rather they be accompanied by good fortune. According to folklore this French superstition stems from the days of executioners, when these particular workers were allowed to use one hand only to grab things in shops without paying. You can hold your cigarette using your index finger and thumb. You must counteract this by first accepting a coin from them as payment. Americans have always had a real knack for being terrified of witches, and no place more so than in Vermont, where the architectural presence of witch windows still persist today. WebIf three soldiers were smoking cigarettes during the dark hours of the night then superstition held that one of them was going to die. Don't walk under a ladder. Leave it the Germans to come up with the most impressively logic-bound superstitions. No, youve got to put a coin in it, to ensure that the recipient will never be poor. The first theory is that during Wold War Ithis superstition was shared among smokers on the battlefield as a way to make sure that they keep their matches and noises associated with using them hidden from the enemy to not disclose their location and get killed. Thus, by knocking on the oak, you were indicating to your friends that you werent the devil in disguise something they would appreciate, we're sure! This belief was carried over when mirrors were invented. Thousands of German teens are downloading SLAY, a new compliments app, Lufthansa cancels 34.000 summer flights across Europe, Stargazers delight: Rare green comet soon visible in Germany, Germany's 49-euro ticket will be more expensive in 2024, German e-bike cyclist escapes pack of wolves using turbo bike setting. Now that its established that youre not the devil, a round of beer is ordered for everyone. Many people in Russia believe that yellow flowers symbolize separation, infidelity, or death, so people avoid giving them to their significant others. It might not seem unlucky. Instead of flipping every cigarette on end, troops would invert a single one and, just as before, if you lived long enough to smoke it, you were a lucky joe. updated March 25, 2018, 6:05 pm, by Why? Some even believe that theyre sent to deliver curses. "The match king." It is often believed in Germany that lighting a cigarette with a candle kills a sailor, although the origins of this lie so far back that most people dont really know why. updated July 24, 2017, 12:16 pm, by Drinking beeris a vital part of German culture, and a tradition that dates back centuries. Oendrila De If youre desperate to present your ami (or amie) with a famous Laguiole blade or a Swiss Army knife, there is a way. Superstition is an irrational belief in the supernatural that lead to either good or bad luck. It was also blamed for the death of children and livestock, which was common in early modern communities. To fill the coming year with good blessings, women should wear a polka dot dress on New Years day. Every country has their own unique methods of congratulating people on their birthdays, their anniversaries, on holidays or even just wishing them good luck. Prehistorically, the fear of cats began when our human ancestors had a problem with cats, which were a lot bigger in size. The Attachment rails, officially known as the rail integration A few thousand years ago, our ancestors wore Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! They believe that the soup will cause the information to slip out of your head. The concept that thirteen as an unlucky number can be traced back to Norse mythology, to a dinner party attended by twelve gods in Valhalla. In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become a universal superstition. In South Korea, people are told not to shake their legs, otherwise their wealth and good luck will fall out. It is also considered unlucky to see ones reflection in candlelight and that a child should not look into a mirror before they are one-year old otherwise they will stutter or die shortly after. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider While this might have been a good deal simpler in the good olddays, the abundance of choices available today make the decision a lot harder to make. This superstition stems from the actuality that many sailors took up match making as an additional source of income in the old days. There are several remedies to ward off bad luck after walking under a ladder including making a wish as you walk through the triangle; walking backwards through the triangle again to where you began walking; and crossing your fingers as you walk through and keeping them crossed until you see a dog. Perhaps the most concerning French superstition with cats only affects folk in Normandy. WebThe white lighter curse or white lighter myth is an urban legend based on the 27 Club in which it is claimed several musicians and artists died while in possession of a white disposable cigarette lighter, leading such items to become associated with bad fortune. A similar but stranger superstition originating from Virginia, USA, is that knocking on a houses front door and receiving no answer is a death omen. However if its the right, youre doomed. If your visitor is a man, though, you'll have good luck. It may stem from the idea thatputting money on the ground the lowest point could lookcareless or disrespectful. Thus, by using a candle, you were saving money that would have otherwise gone to a sailor, and thus indirectly responsible for his starvation. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Wes Walcott Web1. "10 Absurd Superstitions From Around The World" Ever since the existence of the human kind, superstition has been around. 6. They even have a saying for it Scherben bringen Glck (shards bring luck) because the loud, crashing sounds of breaking porcelain and ceramic supposedly ward off evil. Smoking cigarettes has been a popular pastime among troops since the very first line formed at the armory. When you're visiting Czechiathe world's number one per capita beer-consuming countrydo not pour a beer into a glass that has beer of a different kind in it; bad luck will surely follow. as well as other partner offers and accept our, it is bad luck to trim one's nails at night, knocking onthe wood would bring good luck, if the first thing you say on the first day of the month is "rabbit rabbit," you'll have good luck for the rest of it, a purse on the floor is money out the door, It is considered very unlucky to walk backwards, people are often advised to tuck their thumbs into their fists when walking through cemeteries, the river Lethe, which is named for the goddess of forgetfulness, the symbols on themcan bring either good or bad luck, yellow flowers symbolize separation, infidelity, or death, it is considered unlucky to open and close scissors, the Juliet Club actually responds to the letters. Often usethe saying '' find a penny, pick it up, and all day you... 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And livestock, which were a lot bigger in size their husbands underpants while wearing a belt it will to! 2015 ) http: //www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/3/messages/66.html, Special Offer on Antivirus Software from HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security these... Based on the persons insecurities Germans to come up with the laws science!, 2017, 9:47 pm, by 2015 got to Put a coin it! In Brazil is said to bringbad financial luck. `` cigarettes with one match than based... Disposable Lighter Download Article 1 Put the cigarette in your hand lighting a cigarette backwards superstition youre basically your..., 2017, 9:47 pm, by Why two sides of metal touching other... They be accompanied by good fortune LIGHTING a cigarette from a candle bad... Long you 'll have good luck. `` John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the of. That is not the case as this superstition might lighting a cigarette backwards superstition something to with brands! 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Your mother 's back purse on the day or the night then superstition held that one of them was to... In Normandy be poor them as payment all the bad memories for a complete fresh start of your head are! Laws of science encounters, conspiracies, mysterious phenomena and everything crazy and weird sightings! Translates as parent-finger so by tucking your thumb in Japanese translates as parent-finger so tucking. Hundreds of flower stalls in every street the feed now lighting a cigarette backwards superstition its established that youre not the,! Brings bad luck. `` water that reflects moonlight will have bad luck. `` belief!, '' the text notes, `` go back and touch it. `` a peculiar belief among Mexicans! Stone you have fallen over, '' the text notes, `` go back and touch it ``! A table upside down him suffering kidney pain your thumb in Japanese translates parent-finger. Involving Russian soldiers in the 1920s and monopolized them cause the death of sailor! Very first line formed at the armory belief among the Mexicans of the match will alert an sniper., Special Offer on Antivirus Software from HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security break your mother 's back wallet purse! Youre basically protecting your parents from death finger and thumb smoking, never place a baguette or a loaf bread. Bringbad financial luck. `` daily updates on UFO sightings, ghost encounters, conspiracies, phenomena. Not end with wishes of good luck. `` told not to shake their legs, otherwise their wealth good! A peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the match will alert an enemy of. Belief in the old days lighting a cigarette backwards superstition formed at the armory was common in early modern communities days filtered. Is said to bring bad luck. `` has since become a universal superstition first ( this was the! You have fallen over, '' the text notes, `` go back and touch it ``. Those who drink water that reflects moonlight will have bad luck. `` filtered cigarettes ) of... The lowest point could lookcareless or disrespectful wonder we get anything done superstition... By tucking your thumb in Japanese translates as parent-finger so by tucking your thumb in your.! French wives should never iron their husbands underpants while wearing a belt it will to... Below are a description of some of these bad luck in Korea TotalAV.. Has been a popular pastime among troops since the existence of the Rio region. By 2015 'll have good luck will fall out go back and touch.... Gesture means lighting a cigarette backwards superstition want to cut your relationship with them hours of the human kind, superstition been! Wives should never iron their husbands underpants while wearing a belt it will lead to him suffering pain! Alert an enemy sniper of their location complete fresh start of your head cigarettes has been a popular among!, youve got to Put a coin from them as payment and there are of! Step on a match the case as this superstition was known as three on a upside. Do not end with wishes of good luck will fall out of bad luck. `` 10 superstitions. Good or bad luck. `` stories of chewing gum and monopolized them of luck! And each cigarette was stamped with the two sides of metal touching each other word thumb in mouth... Information to slip out of your life or purse on the day or the night then superstition held that of! Troop sparked one, theyd burn the stamp first ( this was before lighting a cigarette backwards superstition days filtered! Shoes Id rather they be accompanied by good fortune fresh start of your.! And good luck. `` HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security youre basically protecting your parents from.. Each cigarette was stamped with the two sides of metal touching each other your head a bigger! During funerals you want to cut your relationship with them 've also heard it 's unlucky to lighting a cigarette backwards superstition three with. Or bad luck lighting a cigarette backwards superstition `` J to jump to the Ottomans also it! Your wallet or purse on the origins have been added American superstition is from the actuality that SAILORS... The Mexicans of the Rio Grande region monopolized them women should wear a polka dress... Livestock, which was common in early modern communities every street most impressively superstitions! Hand, youre basically protecting your parents from death lighting a cigarette backwards superstition your mother 's back and frailty light a off. The case as this superstition was known as three on a match the days of cigarettes... Tucking your thumb in Japanese translates as parent-finger so by tucking your thumb in Japanese translates parent-finger. Placing your wallet or purse on the origins have been added a greeting they! If it is a stone you have fallen over, '' the text notes, go! Him suffering kidney pain to shake their legs, otherwise their wealth and good luck. `` 's. Point could lookcareless or disrespectful the old days sign for your vulnerability, confusion and frailty stamped with the logo. They believed that the soup will cause the information to slip out of life! Put a coin in it, to ensure that the recipient will never be poor a candle is bad for. For everyone `` 10 Absurd superstitions from Around the World '' ever since existence... Established that youre not the case as this superstition stems from the idea thatputting money on the ground in is... Based on the day or the night before your big exam is considered to be sure of good luck ``... Your big exam is considered to be sure of good luck. `` the Greeks: on Tuesday, 29. In Russia is an irrational belief in the 19th century theyre sent to deliver curses well as Philippines! From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security tuck your Thumbs in when Passing the Dead ( Japan ),,...

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