Have you ever considered the superstitions of your home country? We all have them. You might throw some salt over your shoulder when you spill it, or you may avoid crossing paths with a black cat at all costs. These types of practices are common all around the world, but they vary significantly from region to region. If you’re planning on doing some traveling, then it’s a good idea to read up on the superstitions of your destination before you go.
Why Superstitions Matter
Why should you care about this stuff? Superstitions are part of the culture of your destination. These practices become like second nature to those who believe in them, and they are something that every country has. From the balmy beaches of Spain to the bright countryside of Great Britain, there are many marvelous superstitions around the world. These range from fun, quirky traditions to strong-set beliefs ingrained into the cultural identity of a region, and it’s imperative you learn about them before traveling to another country.
Since learning about other cultures is one of the main reasons why we travel in the first place, it only makes sense to discover all you can about a country’s superstitions before you leave. Besides, they also act as a social directive. Often, superstitions are a daily habit, and witnessing them can confuse foreigners. Knowing why people act a certain way or perform certain acts can help you to blend in with people on the street and fit in more at your destination.
You can also avoid an accidental faux pas, which can embarrass both you and the people around you. For instance, perhaps raising your glass of water and wishing someone well is an excellent way to be friendly in your home country. However, in Germany, it’s a grave insult if you toast with water, as opposed to beer. By reading up on superstitions before you go, you can avoid giving accidental insults and ensure that your travel goes as smoothly as possible.
Best British Superstitions
If you’re traveling to the U.K. for the first time, then you’ll need to prepare ahead. Part of this includes learning about all the quirks that make Brits so special, and they have a lot. Why so superstitious, Great Britain? It’s a complicated answer, and unfortunately, no one knows the whole truth. Each British superstition comes from the beliefs of old, and many of them are still widely practiced today. Which ones should you know about before you go?
It’s a good idea to take note of one of the most widely practiced British superstitions, known as “touching wood.” In this practice, Brits touch or tap the nearest wooden object. If there isn’t any wood around, they’ll say the words “touch wood.”
It’s supposedly an act of protection, and you’ll often see it when someone makes a positive prediction or brags about a recent good fortune. The act of touching the wood allegedly dispels any negative energies, which could come from such spoken sureties. It’s also a common custom in other cultures, and Americans refer to the practice as “knocking on wood.”
Don’t be surprised when you see Brits knocking on tables at the local pub, and if you make a positive prediction or a boast, you should do it as well. Such will ensure that others don’t think you’re a braggart, and you’ll seem humble and down to earth — two qualities that the British value a lot.
You’ll also see Brits going out of their way to avoid walking under ladders, opening up umbrellas indoors and breaking mirrors accidentally. You should avoid these things as well, as regularly ignoring superstitious beliefs means asking for trouble. Nobody wants to hang around with a new friend who brings about bad luck, so it’s wise for you to respect these traditions.
Strange Spanish Superstitions
The Spanish are also a superstitious bunch. You’ve probably heard of the notorious Friday the 13th tradition believed across the world to be a generally unlucky day. In Spain, it’s Tuesday the 13th that’s that unlucky day. The Spanish don’t travel, move or marry on this day. Should you find yourself in a position where any of these things may befall on you, it’s better to put them off until Wednesday. That’s because Tuesday (Martes in Spanish) is the day of Ares, the god of war. So, it’s better not to test your luck on his day, according to residents of Spain. We can’t negate it.
Of course, Spain also has some other superstitions that you may see more of daily, many of them revolving around eating and drinking. Never cross arms with a Spaniard while raising your glass in a toast with him and always look him in the eye. It’s considered quite rude not to do so, and it could bring about bad luck indeed.
Additionally, as you pour your drink from the bottle to the glass, make sure to pour it toward yourself. If you don’t do so, you’ll have to throw the glass away, and nobody wants to waste perfectly good liquor like that. You’ll also have to remember not to pass the salt to another person directly when dining together. Instead, make sure to set it down on the table to avoid wishing bad luck on the receiver.
To the Spanish, these superstitions are second nature. But for you as a foreigner, they’re something you’ll have to think about and avoid actively. Be careful in restaurant situations and especially when invited to dine in someone’s home. It’s especially rude to your host to break with these superstitions, so memorize them carefully.
Fascinating Japanese Superstitions
The Japanese are also a superstitious brood, and they sure do have some interesting beliefs. Because the Japanese practice ancestry-based religion, many of these have to do with death and the spirit world. As you walk past a graveyard in Japan, you must tuck your thumbs into a closed fist. It wards off the spirits of death, who will seek out your parents and harm or kill them if you fail to do so.
The Japanese call the thumb the “parent finger,” and spirits may enter under the thumbnail if you aren’t careful. You should also hide your thumbs from hearses or funeral processions, as these often accompany vengeful spirits. Of course, you may not encounter any of these processions during your time in Japan. However, it’s always good to be aware of the local culture, and if possible, avoid evil spirits.
Another graveyard-related superstition widely held in Japan is to avoid writing someone else’s name in red ink. That comes from the fact that the names of living family members are on gravestones with red ink and using the color in casual writing will shorten this person’s life. Avoid using red pens to sign cards or papers, even if it’s convenient. It’s considered rude and doing so will make you stand out like a sore parent thumb.
While in Japan, you’ll inevitably find yourself using chopsticks. Remember to never pass food from one chopstick set to another, such as passing a piece of chicken or vegetable between friends. Always set it down on a plate instead because this practice is associated with the remains of deceased family members — something impolite to bring up at the dinner table.
Now that you know all about the world’s weird and wacky superstitions, you’re ready to head out. Remember to touch wood in Great Britain, never toast with water in Germany and avoid passing the salt in Spain. By respecting and practicing the superstitions in your destination country, you’ll blend in seamlessly with the people around you, allowing for a more relaxed and smooth travel experience.
