Culture

Superstitions Around the World

Common superstitions from different cultures and their origins.

20 rows4 columns2 views0 downloadsSource: VariousUpdated: 2/22/2026
superstitionsculturebeliefstraditionsfolklore
20 of 20 rows
Superstition
Region
Good/Bad
Description
Black Cat Crossing PathWestern EuropeBad luckA black cat crossing your path brings misfortune
Breaking a MirrorEuropeBad luck7 years of bad luck
Walking Under a LadderWesternBad luckBreaking the trinity symbolism
Friday the 13thWesternBad luckAn unlucky day
Number 4 (Tetraphobia)East AsiaBad luckSounds like 'death' in Chinese/Japanese
Evil Eye (Nazar)Middle East / South AsiaBad luckEnvious gaze causes harm; blue eye wards it off
Knock on WoodGlobalGood luckPrevents tempting fate
Horseshoe Above DoorWesternGood luckCatches and holds good luck
Four-Leaf CloverIrelandGood luckEach leaf represents faith, hope, love, luck
Number 7WesternGood luckLucky number across cultures
Beginner's LuckGlobalGood luckNewcomers have unusual success
Spilling SaltWesternBad luckThrow over left shoulder to counter
Whistling at NightPakistan / Turkey / JapanBad luckAttracts evil spirits or snakes
Opening Umbrella IndoorsWesternBad luckOffends the sun god
Sweeping at NightSouth AsiaBad luckSweeps away Lakshmi/wealth
Number 13WesternBad luckTriskaidekaphobia; buildings skip 13th floor
Red Color for LuckChinaGood luckSymbolizes prosperity and joy
Stepping on CracksWesternBad luckBreak your mother's back
Bird Droppings on YouRussia / TurkeyGood luckSign of coming wealth
Itchy Right PalmSouth Asia / WesternGood luckMoney is coming your way
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