10 Bad Luck Superstitions From Around The World

There are bad days when everything you do, goes wrong and you are like, “Whose face did see after waking up?” So, do you believe in bad luck? or logically, do you believe in ‘Bad Luck Superstitions‘?

Well, whether you believe it or not, there are several reasons given to prevent people from performing many activities. You’ll get tired but the list won’t ever end. However, there are certain things that you don’t do simply because “Who will take the chance?” That’s how the chain of superstition goes on and on.

There are many weird explanations behind the superstitions that no one wants to believe. But, what will you do if the superstition is linked with your family members? Will you break it? That’s a very complicated situation. Also, you need not worry about it as you are not alone in facing the situation, they are all over the world. So, here are 10 Bad Luck Superstitions From Around the World:

1. Unlucky Black Cats

Do you like cats? Who doesn’t like them? They are cute obviously. 

So, when a black cat crosses your path, what does that mean? It’s easy, it means that the cat is going somewhere just like you, simple! Well, it’s not that simple in some cultures. For example, In India, when a black cat crosses your path, it is considered back luck. So, you are supposed to change your way or maybe wait for somebody else to walk before you.

On the other hand in Western countries, the black cats have always been seen as associates of witches and witchcraft. Such superstitions equated the black cats with black magic during the middle ages.

The black cats were also killed with those considered to be witches during witch trials in Massachusetts from the early 13th century and under Salem Witch Trials during the 17th century.

2. Sneezing Before Heading For an Important Work 

It occurs suddenly and with no warning at all, in medical language, sneezing is the way for our body to remove irritants from the nose and throat. Also, due to the powerful expulsion of air, the sneeze is also a carrier of diseases. That’s why it is advised that you cover your mouth and nose while sneezing.

That’s all logic about sneezing! Well, can you imagine that sneezing may lead to destroying your or someone else day and there can be bad luck linked with sneezing? In countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, the superstition of sneezing says that you sneeze when someone is talking on your back.

While, in India, if you or someone sneeze before heading to start something, heading for your work, and getting ready to go somewhere, is considered bad luck and is associated with hurdle during work.

3. Cheers With Water 

We usually have a habit of cheering with whatever we drink while being around friends or family. However, who can imagine that water can bring bad luck? Water is so important for your body and necessity that you can’t imagine life on earth without it. 

According to German superstition, if you cheers with water, that means you are wishing death upon the people who are drinking with you. So, if you are visiting Germany, you must keep this in mind.

4. Whistling Indoors Invites Evil 

The most soothing and pleasant habit, whistling while sitting alone inside a room. Doesn’t that work as a stress buster? It does right? There are several songs with whistling preludes that we try to replicate. But whistling has a bad luck sign as well. Especially when you whistle while working.

So, if you are visiting Lithuania, you should remember that whistling indoors is forbidden. Because per the belief, the whistle may summon demons. Scary right?

5. Keep Shoes Always Off the Table 

Shoes symbolize many things for society. It depicts your economic status, what brand you are wearing, and your personality as well as occupation by the way you maintain them and the kind of shoes your wear such as formal, sports, or casual. They may also indicate where you are going, like a party or college.

But, do you know that shoes may symbolize something beyond the mentioned situations? In Britain placing somebody’s shoes on a table is considered bad luck as it would symbolize the death of the person. Earlier, placing someone’s shoes on the table was a way to inform the family about the passing away of the person.

6. The ‘Unlucky’ Numbers

You do assume some numbers to be your lucky numbers. Don’t you? Also, some numbers bring bad luck. They do? Whatever, but who will risk it? Superstitions related to numbers are widely accepted and implemented as well. So, what are these numbers?

As per the 13th chapter, verse 18 of the Book of Revelation, the beast’s number ‘666‘ is the number of the beast. Apart from 666, the number ’13’ is also linked with the superstition of bad luck in which it is said. The number also has a recognized phobia named ‘Triskaidekaphobia‘ that the sufferers of the superstition try to avoid and that’s you may see hotels of building avoiding the room/flat number 13 or floor 13th, rather they supplement it through other ways.

Similarly, in western countries, people are superstitious about Friday the 13th and for Italians, it’s Friday the 17th. Also, Greeks stay cautious on Tuesday the 13th.

7. Don’t Head Straight Home After Funeral 

What thoughts do you have in mind while heading back home after a funeral? If the deceased was close to you, you are heartbroken and if not so close, you pray for the peace of the departed soul. But, by chance, did you ever feel scared or thought that the departed soul hasn’t departed yet and probably is coming along with you to your home?

In the Filipino tradition, there is a superstitious practice called ‘Pagpag‘. It directs people to not go directly home after attending a funeral and they must stop at a restaurant or store to avoid the spirit from coming along inside the home.

8. No Knocking on the Wood! 

When you are waiting for someone at a bench or a table made of wood, what do you do while waiting? You probably knock at the wood. We usually do it to catch the attention of the person sitting in front of us. But, have you regretted doing it due to the superstition attached to be? You may have.

This most prevalent superstition is derived from the practice of Churchgoers touching the wood claiming it to be from the cross and also good spirits in trees.

9. Right Sleeping Direction 

Enough amount of sleep is the most essential habit for you to stay healthy. So, what according to you is the right direction for sleeping? Well, the answer would be, wherever it’s comfortable and you get a good sleep! But, in Africa sleeping in the west direction is linked with bad luck.

While, in India, people are advised not to sleep in the North direction as it would invite evil spirits and negativity.

10. Don’t Play With Scissors 

Crafting is the art of playing with paper and scissors. But, beware! you must think before you play with a scissor for no reason. As it is dangerous and may cause you to bleed if you anyhow hurt yourself. Right?

Well, as per superstitions in Egypt, this habit will bring you bad luck. And in India, there are many superstitions related to scissors including not handing them some pointing the sharp end towards them. So, be careful!