Superstitions

13

The fear that the number 13 brings bad luck, aka triskaidekaphobia. Apparently, most airports do not have a "Gate 13". Topeka, Kansas has zip codes 66612 and 66614, but seems to skip 66613.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia, is the term for the fear of Friday the Thirteenth.

Black Cat

If a black cat crosses your path, bad luck will come.

or

If a black cat comes towards you, it will bring you good luck, but if it walks away from you it will take good luck with him/her.

In England black cats are believed to bring good fortune.

Spilling Salt

To avoid bad luck, after an accidental spilling of salt, throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.

Historically, salt has been highly valued. The Romans paid their soldiers in salt, the origin of the word "salary". It has long been used as a medicine, superstition to purify, bless things, and drive away evil.

Ladders

Walking under a ladder will bring bad luck.

Mirrors

Breaking a mirror will bring 7 years of bad luck BUT taking the pieces outside and burying them in the moonlight can avoid the bad luck.

Wood

The American version is 'knock on wood' the British is 'touch wood'. Knock on wood 3 times after mentioning good fortune to avoid bad luck or misfortune.

Itchy Palms

If your left palm itches, you will soon receive money; if your right palm itches, you will lose or have to pay money.

Do you believe in any superstitions?

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