16 Foreign Superstitions That Are Outrageous

1. In Russia carrying an empty bucket, or even seeing someone carrying one, is bad luck. This is said to be because Tsar Alexander II was killed by someone with an empty bucket.

2. Egyptians believe owls are unlucky.

3. In Turkey if you chew gum at night, there’s a superstition that it’s actually rotting flesh.

4. Danes hoard any dishes they break during the year and throw those shards at their friends and families houses on New Year’s eve. It’s said to bring luck to their friendships.

5. Opening and closing scissors is bad luck in Egypt, because it’s believed you’re cutting spirits in the air.

6. The word for “four” sounds very similar to word for “death” in China. Because of this, most buildings don’t have a fourth floor.

7. South Koreans are weary of killer fans. Some believe if you sleep in a closed room with one, it can kill you.

8. In Nigeria it’s bad to kiss a baby on the lips, because if you do, they’ll grow up to be an adult who drools.

9. Windows like this are common in Vermont, because the locals believe witches can’t fly through slanted windows.

10. Tuesday the 13th is unlucky in Spain, just like our Friday the 13th.

11. In Italy, it’s Friday the 17th that’s bad luck.

12. In India, it’s bad luck to cut your nails on Tuesdays, Saturdays, or at night.

13. In Finland, killing a spider means it will rain the next day.

14. Singing at the dinner table is bad luck in The Netherlands, because it’s believed you’re singing to the devil.

15. Leaving your purse or wallet on the floor is bad luck in Brazil, because it’s believed you’ll lose your money.

16. In Senegal you should never tell anyone your travel plans, because if you do, the trip could be ruined.