The strangest superstitions from around the world

Our planet dances to the beat of quirky superstitions. From objects heralding luck or doom to actions courting joy or disaster, let’s dive into the most bizarre beliefs scattered across the globe!

The number 13 sends shivers down the spine in France, but it's not alone! Many English-speaking countries also shudder at this date. While some fear different numbers, a Friday landing on the 13th spells a day of sofa-bound safety in these nations. Better stock up on snacks and avoid black cats!

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Cross the Alps into Italy, and suddenly, 17 becomes the new 13. Marked by folklore, Friday the 17th turns into a spine-chilling saga. Italians spend the day avoiding ladders and looking over their shoulders.

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Forget about weekends, in Spain, it's Tuesdays that bring cold sweats, especially if it’s the 13th! Adhering to the motto "En martes, ni te cases ni te embarques (On Tuesdays, don't marry or embark on a boat"), Spaniards steer clear of making big plans on this day. Perhaps a good day for a siesta?

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In the land of tulips and windmills, warbling a tune while munching your meal is a big no-no. Singing at the table is said to serenade the devil himself, bringing nothing but trouble. Keep the concert in the shower, folks!

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While most of us cry over broken china, Danes delight in it! Stockpiling shattered ceramics is a tradition believed to bring loads of luck. So next time you drop a plate, just smile – you're gathering happiness!

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In the Finnish forests, spiders are your sunny day allies. Swatting these eight-legged friends is a no-go if you're hoping for clear skies. Consider them your personal weather guardians – just maybe keep them out of the bedroom. In other cultures like the English, killing a daddy long legs spider is the one to watch out for.

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In the land of tsars and matryoshka dolls, an empty bucket is an ominous sign. Spotting one could spell a day of misfortune. So if you're in Russia, maybe keep that bucket list full, just to be safe!

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In Egypt, steer clear of fiddling with scissors! Opening or closing them without purpose is a no-no, as it's said to bring bad luck. And leaving them open? That's supposedly another sure way to misfortune. Oh, and don't gift sharp objects to your Russian friends either, cause that's bad luck too!

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Still wandering through Egypt, beware the owl's gaze! These birds are ancient symbols of doom and gloom. Seeing one might mean bad news is on the horizon, so try to keep those nocturnal encounters to a minimum.

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Heading over to Rwanda, ladies, you might want to skip the goat meat. The local lore suggests that indulging could lead to an unwelcome facial hair situation. Who needs a beard as a side dish?

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China's number nightmare revolves around the digit 4, feared due to its phonetic similarity to 'death'. Notice the missing '4s' in elevators or street numbers? It’s all about dodging the grim reaper’s digits.

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enture into Mexico, and you'll find brooms aren't just for cleaning. Accidentally sweeping over someone's feet curses them to singledom, but stash it behind your door, and you've got an enemy repellant. Who knew cleaning supplies had so much power?

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This age-old adage suggests that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. A superstition that harks back to ancient Greece and Rome, reflecting centuries of shattered fears.

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Around the globe, pregnancy comes with a side of speculation. A round belly signals a girl, while a pointy one suggests a boy, while other legends say morning sickness means it's a girl. There are also supersticions about telling people the baby's name or buying baby items as bringing bad luck. In China, if a woman rubs her belly too much, the baby will be spoiled!

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The list goes on with pregnancy peculiarities: heartburn hints at a hairy newborn, while crossing paths with a rabbit might lead to a baby with a cleft lip. The human imagination certainly is fertile!

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