Why do we cross our fingers? Why avoid a black cat? First the gestures and their origins, then beliefs filed by country — from Rome to Tokyo.
The moves you make without thinking have a history. Each card leads to the piece that splits myth, rite and reflex.
Wish, oath, protection — the most exported gesture.
Bad luck in the West, good luck elsewhere. The coat decided nothing.
Forbidden triangle, masons, Trinity: where the taboo comes from.
From the table to the left shoulder, older than the salt cellar.
Date, number, collective fear — and Spain’s Tuesday the 13th.
A French superstition still alive, far from harmless in folklore.
Thirteen cultures, the same fears, inverted rules. Tap a country for the dedicated article.
United States
Cracks, sports, the Goat curse
Canada
Lucky Loonie and banned bananas
United Kingdom
Magpies, open umbrellas, salt
Germany
Dishes, Prost, Polterabend
Spain
Tuesday the 13th and brooms
Italy
17, malocchio, horns
Portugal
Bag on the floor, ringing ear
Russia
Whistling, threshold, mirror
Turkey
Blue eye, coffee, nazar
China
8, 4, gifted clocks
Japan
Invisible 4, chopsticks, thumbs
India
Lemon, chilies, nazar battu
Mexico
Owl, egg, mal de ojo
From midnight chewing gum to the Jamaican prison broom: 20+ world superstitions ranked, explained and judged ruthlessly.
Black cat, broken mirror, upside-down bread… Discover the surprising historical origins of our superstitions.
Magpies, Tower of London ravens, umbrellas... Discover the most famous British superstitions and their fascinating origins.
Forget Friday 13! Discover why in Spain, you should "neither marry nor embark" on Tuesday...
Never wish someone a happy birthday in advance and look into each other's eyes when toasting! Journey to German land.
Money runs away if the bag touches the floor! Discover the unusual beliefs of Portugal and Brazil.
Forget Friday 13! Discover the mystery of "VIXI", why you need to touch iron and how to avoid the Evil Eye.
Never plant your chopsticks in rice and hide your thumbs in front of a hearse! Journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The number 8 brings wealth, 4 kills, and red protects. Dive into the fascinating superstitions of the Middle Kingdom.
Money flies away if you whistle and misfortune enters if you stay on the threshold. Discover the secrets of Russian folklore.
The witch hides in the bird and the egg heals the evil eye. Welcome to Mexican mysticism.
"Nimbu Mirchi" protects from misfortune and a twitching right eye announces fortune (for men!). Spiritual journey to India.
The Nazar breaks jealousy, coffee reveals the future, and water protects travelers. Dive into the mysteries of the Bosphorus.
The "Lucky Loonie" from the Olympics and the ban on bananas on boats. Discover the folklore of the Great White North.
The Billy Goat Curse, playoff beards, and the danger of sidewalks. Discover American urban legends.
Come test it against chance! Roll the dice or check your horoscope to see if luck is with you.
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