SUPERSTITIONS

Question 1

BLOWING CANDLES ON BIRTHDAYS

Answer 1

YES! It was believed that the smoke would carry wishes and prayers to the gods.

Question 2

THROWING RICE OVER NEWLYWEDS

Answer 2

YES! In Ancient Rome wheat and oat seed were associated to the birth of a new life. In the Middle Age they were replaced by rice, because it was thought to help women get pregnant.

Question 3

KNOCKING ON STEEL

Answer 3

INCORRECT: it is “knocking on WOOD”; during the Medieval period, many churches claimed to have pieces of Jesus’ cross, so people knocked on their door to bring good luck.

Question 4

WEARING THE COLOUR GREEN DURING A STORM

Answer 4

INCORRECT: it’s the colour RED; in the Philippines, it is said that the colour red attracts lightenings.

Question 5

SAYING
“PEPPER,PEPPER”
AT THE START OF THE MONTH

Answer 5

INCORRECT: It’s the word “rabbit, rabbit”! In the UK it is said that saying it as the first thing of the first day of the month will make it very lucky.

Question 6

PLACING FINISHED BOTTLES UNDER THE TABLE

Answer 6

YES! It is common in Russia; legend says that soldiers in the 19th century hid their empty bottles on the ground, as they were being charged by the empty bottles they left behind.

Question 7

PLACING YOUR PURSE/WALLET ON THE GROUND

Answer 7

YES! It is a superstition for bad finances in Brazil; probably because leaving money on the ground means that you don’t value it, or, even simpler, it’s easier stolen.

Question 8

TOASTING WITH SPARKLING WATER IS GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

INCORRECT: in many countries, it is bad luck to toast with water, sparkling or still! According to Greek mythology, spirits of the dead would often drink from the river Lethe, which would make them forget their lives on Earth.

Question 9

NUMBER 4 IS BAD LUCK

Answer 9

This is true in China: the word “four” and “death” in Mandarin have a similar sound, so it is considered a bad omen. Some building even avoid having a 4th flour!