55 of the Strangest Superstitions From Around the World (2024)

Celebrating or even congratulating someone on a birthday before the day arrives brings bad luck, at least in Russia that is.

The infinite reflections may look cool, but in Mexico and elsewhere facing mirrors open a doorway for the devil.

Poking chopsticks down into your food is a big no-no in Japan. The utensils look like the unlucky number four, which means death, and also the incense sticks used at funerals. Another tip: Don't point your chopsticks at anyone. That's just plain rude.

Gifting anything with a blade can supposedly sever a relationship, so if you receive a knife set or a pair of scissors as a present, give the person a coin in return.

A Filipino tradition called "pagpag" dictates that people never go straight back to the house after a wake. Otherwise a bad spirit might tag along and come inside. Mourners will make a stop at a restaurant or store first just in case.

Whistling while you work may be an issue in Lithuania where it's forbidden to whistle indoors because the noise is believed to summon demons.

A German superstition declares that if you cheers with water you're actually wishing death upon the people you're drinking with. The idea stems from Greek mythology.

According to Japanese superstition, sleeping with your head in this direction is bad luck because that's how the deceased are laid to rest.

Conversely, the same superstition exists in Africa if you sleep with your head to the west.

In Britain, it's considered bad luck because it is supposed to symbolize the death of a loved one. Back in the day, placing someone's shoes on a table was a way to let their family know that they passed away. Nowadays, it's also just bad etiquette.

In Turkey, an itchy right hand means you'll come into some money but an itch on your left means you'll lose money.

Crafters beware! Idly playing with scissors will bring bad luck according to Egyptian lure. Plus, it's just plain dangerous.

This one seems unlucky all around but just go with it. Stepping in dog poop is actually considered good luck in France if you do it with your left foot. It's only bad luck if you step with your right foot.

According to a Russian superstition, bird poop that lands on you or something that belongs to you will bring you wealth — something to keep in mind the next time you're reading under a tree.

There's an Egyptian superstition that if you see or hear an owl, terrible news is coming. Yet another reason to not hang out in the woods at night.

Also, an Italian superstition says that if an owl ends up in your house, someone in your family will die. But hoo?

If you're in Iceland, keep the knitting inside the house. There's a local superstition that doing your needlework on on your doorstep will keep those temps frigid.

Syria banned Yo-Yos in 1933 over fear that they would cause a drought. The jury is still out on fidget spinners.

Reconsider your #TransformationTuesday plans. Getting a haircut on a Tuesday in India will cause bad luck, based on legend.

Gifting yellow flowers in Russia means that you're cursing your friend with infidelity.