Superstitions: From Black Cats to Bad Numbers By Alex Lu

Halloween is impending, and the eerie feel of the season is slowly filling the air. With it,

common superstitions come to mind: black cats, broken mirrors, ghosts and the

paranormal, and many more. While these are very popular, they can’t be the only

superstitions out there. All of those superstitions are crafted by American culture.

Despite what some may think, we’re not the only country out there. So, let us explore

some common superstitions around the world.

Our unlucky number, 13, is a well-known superstition, but not very

prominent in society. In many Asian countries, however, the number

four is extremely unlucky. In Chinese and Japanese culture, the

number sounds like death. Both 死 (death) and 四 (four) can be read as

“shi” in Japanese, and in Chinese the two are differentiated by the

tone (sǔ and sù respectively). The belief is so widespread that, occasionally, the fourth

floor in an elevator may be skipped, or replaced with something like “3B”. Gifts are

never given in fours, and repeated strings of fours (in addresses or phone numbers, as

an example) are often avoided. Additionally, the number seven, while lucky in many

cultures, is considered unlucky in the context of Feng Shui, a Chinese belief regarding

the general flow of energy. Additionally, opinions of the number are mixed in Italy, with

some calling the number lucky and some not.

Moving on from numbers, an unpopular act in Vietnamese culture is leaving your

chopsticks fully upright (when placed in a bowl of noodles, for example). The

appearance of the chopsticks is said to resemble incense sticks placed in sand, a

popular offering for many spirits and deities. The act is also associated with funerals,

making it a bit more unfavorable. If you’re eating a bowl of pho with your friends, try to

keep your chopsticks laid on the edge of the bowl.

Another famous international superstition is the Evil Eye. This belief can be found in

Mexico, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and many other areas. The Evil Eye ca n manifest as

envy of another person, and casts bad luck and misfortune. Even simple compliments

can carry this envy, and at times the effects can turn extreme. An Italian method of

diagnosis involves oil and water: if the oil forms an eye-like shape, the person is said to

have the Evil Eye - malocchio, in this case. Amulets and talismans against this are often

sold (the nazar being the most common), and there are several methods of ridding

oneself of these little jinxes. A common method in Hispanic cultures is, if a person has

been complimented and the Evil Eye followed, to touch said person. The person is often touched on the head, but any area on the body will suffice - just don’t be indecent.

Privacy and decency is still very important.

Halloween itself originates from ancient superstitions. The practice is derived from the

Irish and Pagan sabbat Samhain, which is celebrated at the same time. At this time, the

veil between our world and the spirit world was said to be thin, meaning spirits could

interact with humans more freely. Protections and wards against them would often be

set up, including those jack-o-lanterns we see so often.

Despite these beliefs slowly falling out of fashion, they are still commonly referenced in

their respective cultures and carry cultural significance. So, while interesting to learn

about, these beliefs can be kept out of mind - unless you’re living in a house on 44th

Street.