[TRS601.3.P2] Superstitions around the world by Ann Phan

Ngô Trọng Việt- Lao

ngotrongviet15 — 2025-08-20 03:09:21 UTC

Like many countries in Asia, the Lao people also believe in spirits, called Phi, which inhabit natural objects or human beings. These include spirits of mountains, forests, rivers, as well as ancestral spirits, guardian spirits of villages, and even harmful demons. In addition, the Lao have the wrist-tying ceremony known as Baci or Soukhouan. They believe that the human body contains 32 khwan (souls), and when these souls are scattered, people may suffer from illness or misfortune. The ceremony is performed to “summon the souls” back, bringing health and peace to both body and mind. During the ritual, a white (sometimes red or yellow) thread is tied around the participant’s wrist along with blessings, making it an important tradition to pray for luck, health, and happiness.

Vũ Khánh Duy-Canada

2025-08-20 03:14:59 UTC

Canada is a country where there are many superstitions such as spilling salt, no.13, breaking a mirror,…Although, People of nations’s thinking no.13 from, The Last Supper had 13 people, and the 13th was Judas, the betrayer of Jesus. Afterward, Jesus was crucified, linking the number 13 with tragedy. Humans skip the 13th floor, labeling it as 12A or 14 instead.But superstitions breaking a Mirror is the oldest origin ,mirrors were thought to reflect not just a person’s image but also their soul. Breaking a mirror meant harming the soul. When breaking a mirror the solution is to bury the broken pieces in the ground to neutralize the curse.With superstitions by Canada i think it is superstitions from Europe , we affected by that and we believed it

Nguyen Hai Dang - Finland

2025-08-20 03:15:11 UTC

Finnish people still keep many old superstitions in their daily lives. Firstly, they believe that small actions can carry hidden signs: spilling coffee means a guest will soon arrive and a bird flying into the house is considered a sign of misfortune. Moreover, on New Year’s Eve, many people practice the custom of pouring molten tin into cold water and reading the shapes to predict the future. Finally, Finnish people have habits to avoid bad luck, such as knocking on wood three times, avoiding black cats or hares, and not sitting at the corner of a table because it is said to delay marriage. In my opinion, these beliefs are fascinating as they reflect the connection between tradition and modern life in Finland. Superstitions are not bad at all, and sometimes this very belief becomes the strength that helps people overcome adversity.

Đức_China

2025-08-20 03:16:08 UTC

China has many popular superstitions that are still followed today. One common belief is that the color red brings good luck and helps avoid evil. That’s why people wear red clothes and decorate with red during Chinese New Year and weddings. Another superstition is avoiding the number 4, because it sounds like the word for “death” in Chinese. Many buildings do not have a 4th floor for this reason. I believe in these superstitions because in Vietnam, we have similar beliefs. For example, we also think red is lucky and we should avoid the number 4. These traditions have been passed down for generations, and even if they are not proven, I feel they help guide people and bring a sense of safety and hope.

Nguyễn Quang Minh_ Germany

2025-08-20 03:16:52 UTC

In Germany have a lot of superstitions very strange and interesting. One common superstiton I want to mention that is wishing someone a happy birthday before their birthday. This is the active bring is bad luck because Germans believe that to say "Happy Birthday" before actual day. Another supertitions common bring the luck that they see a black cat crossing your path from right to left. In my opinion, I don't quite believe in these superstitions. This superstitions only create German culture and custom. However, I only to respect them because they show the tradition and connect people in daily life.

Hoang ANh - France

hoanganhdo1410 — 2025-08-20 03:17:26 UTC

In France, superstitions are a colorful parts of daily life and two of the most well-known examples are the belief that placing bread upside down on the table brings bad luck, and the unusual idea that stepping in dog poop with your left foot is actually lucky, while the right foot is unlucky. Bread is sacred in french culture- it's certral to meal and history so leaving a baguette upside down is bad luck or even death in the house hold. It linked to the Middle Ages, when upside-down bread was reserved for the executioner. Next, stepping in dog poop is a quirky and funny superstition that almost everyone in France has heard of, and it often appears in guides for foreigners learning about French culture. The exact origin is unclear, but some suggest it comes from the idea of opposites—since stepping in poop is normally unpleasant, the left foot was turned into a symbol of unexpected fortune to balance the negativity. On my opinion, I do not strongly believe in these superstitions because I think luck depends more on our actions than on small gestures or symbols. However, I find them fascinating cultural practices that reflect the values of respect, tradition, and hope for good fortune in French society.

Minh Anh- Thailand

2025-08-20 03:17:45 UTC

Thailand is a country with many traditions and superstitions. And this country has 2 special things that are very unique: the spirit house and the legend of Mae Nak ( the famous ghost).
The first is the Spirit House (San Phra Phum). Thai culture holds that every location has a spirit. To ensure the spirit is content, small houses are constructed outside of residences, businesses, and hotels. Offerings like flowers, fruits, and beverages are presented. This practice is thought to promote safety and bring good fortune.

The second is the legend of Mae Nak. Mae Nak passed away during childbirth but remained as a ghost alongside her husband. Nowadays, people go to her shrine in Bangkok. They offer wedding gowns, toys, or flowers while praying for love and happiness in their families.

In my opinion I don’t believe in these superstitions because I don't believe ghosts, spirits, and evil exist.

Trâm Anh - Venezuela

2025-08-20 03:17:52 UTC

In Venezuela, people believed many superstitions that are part of their culture. One popular superstition I know is about brooms. If someone sweeps another person’s feet with a broom, people say that person will never get married. Because of this, many Venezuelans are careful when they clean the floor. Another superstition very famous is about wallets. People believe that giving an empty wallet as a gift will bring bad luck and poverty to the person who receives it. To avoid this, they always put a small coin inside the wallet before giving it. In my opinion, I do not believe in these superstitions. I think marriage and money come from our choices and hard work, not from brooms or wallets.

2025-08-20 03:17:57 UTC

In Cambodia, people strongly believe in superstitions that influence their daily lives. One common superstition is about lucky and unlucky days. For example, many Cambodians avoid starting a new job or building a house on Tuesday because it is considered unlucky. Instead, they prefer to choose days that are blessed by monks or astrologers. Another popular superstition is about owls. If an owl lands on the roof of a house, it is believed to bring bad luck or even death to someone in the family. Personally, I find these superstitions interesting because they reflect Cambodian culture and traditions. However, I do not fully believe in them, since I think luck or misfortune depends more on our actions and decisions rather than supernatural signs.

The United Kingdom

2025-08-20 03:18:35 UTC

The United Kingdom has a long history of superstitions that people still follow today. One popular belief black cats are often seen as a symbol of good luck. In Britain, if a black cat crosses your path, it is believed to bring fortune and happiness. Many families also keep black cats in their homes with the belief that they will bring peace and success. many people believe that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.This superstition is very old. Long ago, people believed that mirrors not only reflected one's face but also reflected a part of the person's soul.If the mirror is broken, the soul is also harmed and bad things can happen.This superstition shows how people can give special meaning to everyday objects and connect them with luck or bad luck.

Nguyễn Thành Long - Japan

2025-08-20 03:19:38 UTC

Japan is a country with many unique traditions and superstitions. For example, some students believe that if you keep a lucky charm, called “omamori,” it can help you do well in exams. People also think that seeing a spider in the morning brings good luck, but seeing one at night means bad luck. These superstitions are simple, but they show how Japanese people connect daily life with luck and destiny. I think they are interesting because they make culture more colorful, even though I don’t really believe in them.

DangQuang: Iraq

2025-08-20 03:21:43 UTC

There are at least two superstitions in Iraq. One of the common superstitions of the country is the evil eye. Many Iraqi people suppose that envy and excessive praise would bring a bad luck. To mitigate the detrimental effects of the evil eye, they often say phrases like Masha’Allah—as God has willed—after speaking highly of someone. Moreover, some people leverage amulets or charms, such as blue bead, to ward it off. In contrast to the evil eye, accidentally spilling coffee or tea os regarded as a good fortune, or a sign of a guest would soon arrive. Numerous Iraqi people believe that it carry a positive meaning. In conclusion, these superstitions not only reflect spiritual beliefs but also represent essential part of Iraqi culture and traditions

Ninh - South Korea

2025-08-20 03:21:46 UTC

In Korea, people have many superstitions. But a famous superstition is writing names in red ink. If you write someone's name in red ink, it means bad luck or even death, because red is often used to write the names of deceased people. Another superstition is death by fan. Many Koreans believe that if they sleep in a closed room with an electric fan on, they may die. Scientists say this is not true, but some people still believe it. I think writing names in red ink is scary and can bring negative feelings. Even though science says it is not true, I still believe in these superstitions because I like to be careful.

Tran Quang Minh32 - Brunei

quangminh31102006 — 2025-08-20 03:21:55 UTC

Brunei is countries rich is superstitions, it continue to shape the way help people think and act in daily life . A very common one is relate to sneeze .Instead treated is natural reaction , people Brunei believe sneezing is mean that someone is currently talking or even gossiping . The small sign is often taken serious , as if it connects people in an invisible way.Another superstition connect moving into new house . Families are told never to sleep on the very first night after moving in, because doing so might bring bad luck or, dark version , invite evil that could cause death all families . To avoid disaster, people try to stay awake all first night .Such stories show how fear and imagination shape Brunei’s cultural behavior .

Le Huu Binh-Russia

lebinh12042005 — 2025-08-20 03:22:26 UTC

In Russia, there are two interesting superstitions: "don't sweep the floor after guests leave" and "sit quietly for a while before the trip." Russians believe that sweeping the floor immediately after guests leave will drive away luck and fortune, as guests are considered to bring good energy. Sitting quietly before departure is said to help calm the mind and ward off bad luck. I find these beliefs interesting, and I believe in them. Because I think these concepts are not bad and are normal things to bring luck and safety.

Le Thi Mai Anh_Norway

lethimaianh0103 — 2025-08-20 03:23:26 UTC

In Norway, they told that at each of farm have a small old man with a long beard, he usually wearing pointed red woolen hat, they call him by the name - Nisse. Norwegians believed that Nisse would protect the farm and the livestock. If treated well, he bought good harvest and kept the animal healthy. It is also said that if treated badly for Nisse, it could cause trouble like anime sick, hiding objects, or even causing accidents. With me, the Nisse is an interesting belief in Norwegian folklore. Another Norwegian tradition, people believed that sitting on a cold rock could bring illness. Some thought it might even harm women’s ability to have children. This superstition was common in rural areas and parents often warned their children about it. Today, most people see it as part of folk culture. In my opinion, it should be seen as a health reminder rather than a superstition.

Nguyễn Việt Bách - Brazil

2025-08-20 03:23:44 UTC

In brazil, superstitions are an important part of the culture, especially in New Year's Eve. Firstly, one of popular superstitions is that color of your clothes on New Year's Eve can effect your future. The Brazilians believe that the color they wear at midnight can effect their luck for all year. For example, wearing yellow clothes can atract money, white clothes bring peace,... The second superstition is that making offering to the sea goodness Yemanjá. The brazilian throw white flowers and small white gifts into the ocean to ask her blessings and protection for the coming year. Personally, I dont belive in their superstitions but I think that it reflect the culture identity of their country.

Phạm Thanh Huệ _ Myanmar

2025-08-20 03:24:29 UTC

Myanmar is a country significantly influenced by Theravada Buddhism, Nat and Indian beliefs. Therefore, nowadays, people in Myanmar still believe that there are more than 30 Nat, who control mountains, rivers, forests. And if they are made angry, disasters, or bad luck crop can happen. This comes from native rituals, later mixed with Theravada Buddhism. Besides, people in Myanmar also have faith in number 9 and astrology. The number 9 is considered a luck number, which relate to spiritly power. For example, general Ne Win once printed 45 kyat and 90 kyat banknotes because of dividing by 9. And this is influenced by Indian astrology and numerology. Personally, I don't believe in them, because human destiny is decided by themselves.

Tô Tấn Tài - Argentina

2025-08-20 03:24:32 UTC

In Argentina, most people believe in some superstitions. One popular superstition is that you shouldn’t open an umbrella inside the house because people think this brings bad luck . Besides, they also have a common superstition that is pretty strange. In the theater or match, before beginning , people say ‘’ Mucha mierda ” , which means “ a lot of poop “ . We can feel that this is a negative sound but Argentinian people believe that can bring luck for others. Most people don’t like 13 because they think that 13 is an unlucky number especially if the 13th falls on a Tuesday. Unlike the West, they also don't like the 13th, which is Friday. In Argentina , there are many superstitions that are very interesting . They show how culture can be funny , interesting and full of meaning in simple ways.

Tran Quang Minh - Belgium

2025-08-20 03:24:58 UTC

A superstition in Belgium is a belief that something is not real, it is not logical, science or reason, so they fear the unknown, traditions or cultural customs.

The first superstition is Ladybugs, they often are symbols in many countries, including Belgium. If one lands on your hand, make a wish before it flies away. The second is horseshoe, when you place a horseshoe above your door, it will bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The third, not only in Belgium tho, if you find a four-leaf clover, it means good luck comes your way. Finally, breaking a mirror will bring 7 years of bad luck.

Last but not least, I don’t believe in those supersitions because I am a person who believes in logic, science and reson.

Phạm Hải Yến - India

2025-08-20 03:25:30 UTC

As one of the oldest cradles of culture and religion in the world, India also has superstitions that are strongly connected and influence devout Hindus. A unique superstition, widely observed across India yet little known outside, is the avoidance of weddings during Chaturmas — the months when Lord Vishnu is believed to be asleep — as it is considered unlucky. This belief originates from the scriptures of Hinduism, where Lord Vishnu is regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe, bestowing blessings, happiness, and protection. The term Chaturmas in Sanskrit means ‘four months,’ referring to a period in the year believed to carry negative energy — a time when Lord Vishnu is said to be ‘asleep,’ and thus divine protection and blessings are absent. This belief originates from the scriptures of Hinduism, where Lord Vishnu is regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe, bestowing blessings, happiness, and protection. The term Chaturmas in Sanskrit means ‘four months,’ referring to a period in the year believed to carry negative energy — a time when Lord Vishnu is said to be ‘asleep,’ and thus divine protection and blessings are absent. Another superstition is the belief in the cow as a sacred animal. This belief originates from Hindu religious culture, where the cow is considered the mount of Lord Shiva and a bearer of the deity’s positive energy — hence often revered as a divine incarnation or the universal mother. Therefore, people believe that products derived from cows are blessings from the divine. I don’t believe in these superstitions since I’m not a Hindu. =))))