Why be normal, when the weird stuff is way more interesting?
Odd Beliefs You Won’t Believe!
Superstitions are like tiny glimpses into the quirks of cultures across the globe. Whether it’s avoiding broken mirrors, throwing salt over your shoulder, or believing in the power of a lucky charm, these practices have been passed down for centuries. But some are stranger than others. In this post, we’re exploring some of the weird superstitions from around the world that will make you question what you believe. From the ominous to the downright odd, get ready to dive into the weirdest beliefs humans have embraced throughout historians have embraced throughout history.
Don’t Walk Under a Ladder (Global)
The fear of walking under a ladder is a superstition that’s been around for centuries. This belief stems from the ancient idea that a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, and triangles were considered sacred. In Christian tradition, the triangle represented the Holy Trinity, and disturbing it by walking through was thought to anger the spirits. It was also believed that walking under a ladder meant you were passing through the devil’s domain, which no one wanted to do!
In the modern world, while the connection to ancient beliefs may have faded, the superstition still sticks around. Maybe it’s just practicality—after all, no one wants something to fall off a ladder! But in superstitious circles, this small act of carelessness could mean a run of bad luck.
Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck (Europe)
You’ve probably heard this one: break a mirror, and you’re doomed to seven years of bad luck. But where did this strange belief come from? In ancient Rome, people believed mirrors contained fragments of the soul. Breaking a mirror didn’t just damage a piece of glass; it was thought to damage a person’s soul, condemning them to years of misfortune.
The number seven also holds special significance in many cultures. Romans believed that every seven years, life would renew itself, giving the soul a chance to heal. Thus, the bad luck was only supposed to last until the soul was “restored” at the end of those seven years.
The Evil Eye (Mediterranean, Middle East)
One of the most widely believed weird superstitions from around the world is the evil eye. The concept behind this is that someone can cast a curse or bad luck upon you simply by giving you a malicious glance. To protect against this malevolent power, many people wear amulets shaped like an eye, known as a hamsa, or other symbols meant to deflect the evil glare.
The superstition is especially strong in places like Greece, Turkey, and throughout the Middle East. It is believed that envy or jealousy can intensify the evil eye’s power, causing harm to those who are the target of the gaze. Even today, you’ll often see blue glass evil eye charms hanging in homes, cars, and businesses.
Sweeping Your Feet (Brazil)
In Brazil, there’s a widely held belief that if someone sweeps over your feet with a broom, you’ll never get married. This superstition has deep roots in Brazilian culture, and many people take it seriously. The idea is that the act of sweeping away dirt or dust from your feet symbolizes sweeping away good fortune, particularly in love and marriage.
Some who have had their feet swept will go as far as to perform counter-rituals, such as spitting on the broom or even using salt to “cleanse” the bad luck. So, if you ever find yourself in Brazil, be careful where you sweep!
Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder (Western Europe)
Spilling salt has long been considered unlucky. This superstition dates back to ancient times when salt was a precious commodity. It was believed that spilling salt could attract bad spirits or invite bad luck into your life. However, there’s a simple fix—throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder to counteract the misfortune.
Why the left shoulder? Legend has it that the devil sits on your left side, waiting to cause trouble. Throwing salt into his eyes is supposed to blind him and keep him from bringing you bad luck. Even today, many people reflexively throw salt over their shoulders without thinking twice.
Knocking on Wood (Global)
This is a superstition most of us have probably done without giving it much thought. If you’ve ever made a hopeful statement like “I’ve never been in a car accident” and then followed it up by knocking on wood, you’re taking part in an ancient tradition.
The act of knocking on wood comes from ancient pagan beliefs that spirits lived in trees. By knocking on the wood, people thought they could either summon good spirits to help them or drive away bad ones. Over time, it evolved into a way to protect oneself from tempting fate after making a confident or optimistic statement.
Final Thoughts
Superstitions may seem odd or even irrational, but they’re part of what makes human culture so fascinating. From avoiding broken mirrors to throwing salt, these weird superstitions from around the world offer a glimpse into the quirks and beliefs that have shaped societies for centuries. Whether or not you believe in them, these strange practices are a reminder of how much we all love to find meaning in the mysterious!
