Superstitions are beliefs or practices that are considered irrational or supernatural by non-practitioners and are attributed to fate, magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of the unknown. They can be classified into different categories and most of them arose over the course of centuries and are rooted in regional and historical circumstances, such as religious beliefs or the natural environment. Here are some examples of superstitions from around the world:
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Knocking on wood: This is one of the most well-known and universal superstitions. It is believed to bring good luck or ward off evil spirits.
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Throwing salt over your shoulder: This superstition involves tossing salt over ones shoulder to ward off evil, particularly the Devil himself.
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Friday the 13th: This is considered an unlucky day in many cultures, and some people avoid traveling, making major decisions, or doing anything risky on this day.
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Walking under a ladder: This is believed to bring bad luck, possibly because a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, which is associated with the Holy Trinity.
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Black cats crossing your path: This superstition arises from old beliefs in witches and their animal familiars, which were often said to take the form of domestic animals like cats.
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A rabbits foot will bring you luck: This is a classic example of confirmation bias, where people are more likely to remember events that fit their worldview. If you believe that a rabbits foot will bring you luck, youre more likely to remember all the times you were lucky and forget the times you were not.
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Beginners luck: This is the belief that people who are new to a particular activity are more likely to be successful than experienced ones.
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Itchy palm: This superstition involves the belief that if your palm itches, you will receive money soon.
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Breaking a mirror: This is believed to bring seven years of bad luck, possibly because mirrors were once considered to be magical and reflective of the soul.
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Crossing your fingers: This is a gesture of good luck or wishing someone good luck.
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Blowing out all the candles on your birthday cake: This is believed to bring good luck or make a wish come true.
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Opening an umbrella indoors: This is believed to bring bad luck, possibly because umbrellas were once metal-spoked and a hazard to open indoors.
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Putting your shoes on the table: This is believed to bring bad luck, possibly because shoes were once associated with death and disease.
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Spilling salt: This is believed to bring bad luck, possibly because salt was once a valuable commodity and spilling it was considered wasteful[[2]](https://artsandculture.google.com/story/18-superstitions-from-around-the-world/QQI...
