Superstitions in countries around the world

Every country and culture has its own set of superstitious beliefs intertwined with daily life. Despite advancements in modern science, many beliefs are still preserved as part of cultural identity, reflecting fears, hopes, and how people interpret the world around them.

Don't wash your hair on New Year's Day.

In Korea, Lunar New Year is considered a significant occasion, marking the beginning of a prosperous new year. Therefore, many people refrain from washing their hair on this day, believing that good fortune and wealth might be "washed away."

Not only during the New Year, but Korean students also often avoid washing their hair before important exams, because they believe that this action can "wash away" the knowledge they have learned.

Opening an umbrella indoors - A bad omen of rain.

In many countries around the world , opening an umbrella indoors is considered unlucky.

In Europe, this superstition is believed to be linked to Victorian England. The reason behind it is quite practical. During this time, umbrellas were a relatively new invention, and their spring mechanism made them cumbersome when indoors. Opening an umbrella in a confined space could lead to accidents, property damage, or even injury to oneself or others.

Meanwhile, in Asia, superstitions have more frightening origins. Opening an umbrella indoors is considered taboo because it resembles actions performed at funerals, such as opening the canopy for the deceased. It is believed that opening an umbrella indoors (especially at night) can trap or anger the spirits of the deceased, leading to bad luck. In Japanese folklore, there is also the yokai (supernatural creature) called Kasa-obake – shaped like an umbrella and said to enjoy tormenting people.

Placing a mirror opposite the bed will cause bad dreams.

In Mexico, it is believed that placing a mirror opposite the bed can lead to bad dreams. Mirrors are considered gateways to the spiritual world, reflecting not only physical images but also energy. When a mirror is pointed towards the bed, it is believed to disrupt sleep and potentially cause frightening hallucinations at night.

This belief is particularly prevalent among those who believe in the psychic power of mirrors and their connection to the afterlife. To avoid bad dreams, people often try to position mirrors so that they don't reflect the bed or sleeping area.

Do not whistle in the evening or at night.

The Japanese believe that whistling at night is a signal to summon evil spirits, ghosts, snakes, thieves, storms, or other misfortunes.

According to folklore, whistling after sunset can attract ghosts, goblins, or even snakes, as they mistake the sound for a call or invitation. Therefore, many Japanese people, especially in rural areas, still avoid whistling at night to prevent evil forces from entering their homes and bringing bad luck.

Looking in the mirror when it's time to go home.

Russians believe that returning home after having left is bad luck, foretelling misfortune. However, if they are forced to return because they forgot something important, they often perform a simple ritual: looking in the mirror before leaving the house again.

This action is believed to help "cut off" bad luck and protect the person from unfavorable events of the day.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/nhung-dieu-me-tin-cua-cac-nuoc-tren-the-gioi.html