Superstitions from Around the World

First, let's define superstition....

According to the book 'Superstitions a Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from around the World' define superstitions as:

"a widely held, but unsustained belief in supernatural causation of outcomes related to particular odd rituals."

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary (2025) and Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary published in 1963 define superstition as:

"1) a: A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust In Magic or chance, or a false conception of causation

b: an irrational abject attitude of the mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition"

2) a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary

And

According to the English Learners dictionary published in 1990 defines superstition as:

"A belief in things that are not real or possible, for example magic"

So what superstitions can we find around the world? And are they still in practice or believed, that is up for you to decide.

From the United Kingdom:

:black_small_square: Don't put new shoes on the table, you may be tempting fate.

:black_small_square: If you see one magpie it will bring you sorrow, but if you see two you may have joy.

:black_small_square: If the new year starts on a Sunday there could be widespread devastation of the foot and mouth disease.

:black_small_square: Don't cut your nails on Sunday because you may be cutting them for evil.

From the Countries in Asia:

:black_small_square: Avoid cutting or trimming your hair and fingernails on Saturday it will anger the gods and bring bad luck.

:black_small_square: Give ghost money to your ancestors for this will grant the living family wishes

:black_small_square: Giving shoes as a gift will make your partner run away.

:black_small_square: You will lose your wealth if you shake your legs.

:black_small_square: Do not sweep at night or I'll make it difficult to attract good luck.

From the Countries in Africa:

:black_small_square: If you dream a fish someone you know is pregnant or will have a baby soon

:black_small_square: If your fingers are itchy this means you will get money

:black_small_square: If someone steps over you, that person must step back across in the same manner or you will stop growing, or perhaps lose the potty part the person stepped over

:black_small_square: If you put your eyelashes in your parents' shoes, they will forget whatever events you have committed.

Superstitions in the United States:

:black_small_square: Knock on wood to avoid bad luck.

:black_small_square: See a penny, pick it up, all the day you have good luck.

:black_small_square: Bad news comes in threes.

:black_small_square: Cross your fingers for luck.

:black_small_square: Seven is lucky, 13 is bad, but 666 is deadly.

:black_small_square: Avoid walking under ladders, for bad luck will befall you.

:black_small_square: Breaking a mirror bring 7 years bad luck.

From the Countries in South America:

:black_small_square: Sweeping a single woman's feet with a broom will prevent her from ever getting married.

:black_small_square: If you have an itchy palms stick it in your pocket because money is coming your way.

:black_small_square: Ringing in your ears mean someone is talking about you.

:black_small_square: Don't forget to go barefoot in the house or you'll catch a cold.

:black_small_square: A full glass of water on top of the refrigerator will absorb negative energy from evil spirits or nasty visitors and keep the home Happy.

Book Source:

'Superstitions a Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from Around the World'

By: D.R. McElroy

Online sources and More Information:

US News

BSC Education

Mental Floss

oriire

Secret retreats

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