If you step on it with your left foot, theres good fortune in store for you. This idea actually originates from a time when sailors attempted to increase their meagre income by selling matches. Similarly, people in China commonly use the phrase that translates to "a purse on the floor is money out the door," to warn against not valuing wealth. "13 Most Common Superstitions and Their Origins." P.S. This idea actually originates from a time when sailors attempted to increase their meagre incomeby selling matches. Every country has their own unique methods of congratulating people on their birthdays, their anniversaries, on holidays or even just wishing them good luck. Thirteen or Triskaidekaphobia the Morbid Fear of the Number 13: A Superstition. The dream is a sign for your vulnerability, confusion and frailty. We could save hours of time and get on with life. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It is also considered bad luck to get a haircut on aSaturday in India. Hanging a horse shoe over your doorway can bring you luck in France, as long as you know how. Lighting one cigarette with a match alerts a sniper. Maybe you believed in one yourself, or perhaps you thought it was strange. Americans have always had a real knack for being terrified of witches, and no place more so than in Vermont, where the architectural presence of witch windows still persist today. By this point, filtered cigarettes were becoming the norm, so you could only smoke em one way. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. But the real reason for the presence of these slanted windows is to prevent witches from getting into your house because, as everybody knows, witches cant fly through a tilted window. By securing a monopoly on match production, he became outrageously rich and powerful. Germany is no different. Before taking the first sip, its essential to clink glasses and say cheers (Prost). Copyright 2008 - 2023 French Affair . WebThis French superstition is thought to stem from the trenches of World War One. The same goes for items like keys, needles, and scissors. June 4, 2010 / 12:46 PM / AP. The third person who has their ciggie lit is easily shot, or so the tale goes. Some people believe that a person is destined to die imminently if their picture or photograph falls from the wall for no apparent reason. Not only does this ensure the coming year will be a good one, but it will also help kickstart your career in competitive eating. You have been careless about what you are saying or sharing with others. The Evil Eye: A Superstition An ancient and almost universal superstition, with records of the Evil Eye Perhaps you've also heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. In some rural communities a houses occupants were considered cursed to encounter misfortune if a crow had begun cawing nearby. Why they believe this story is a little unclear, but maybe it has something to do with keeping children from annoyingly chewing their gum at all hours of the night. WebIf three soldiers were smoking cigarettes during the dark hours of the night then superstition held that one of them was going to die. Lighting a Cigarette With a Candle (Germany), Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, Tuck Your Thumbs in When Passing the Dead (Japan), Lighting a Cigarette With a Candle (Germany). Sadly, that is not the case as this superstition is quite specific. WebLighting a cigarette backwards dream represents surrender. The Evil Eye: A Superstition An ancient and almost universal superstition, with records of the Evil Eye Even if your breath stinks after a hearty dinner, its really not advised to chew a gum. 6. This means that you are wishing death on all of your friends. First, it is considered unlucky to open and close scissors if you're not actually cutting anything. The first theory is that during Wold War Ithis superstition was shared among smokers on the battlefield as a way to make sure that they keep their matches and noises associated with using them hidden from the enemy to not disclose their location and get killed. Kreuger, a shrewd (and some say deceitful) businessman, bought many matchmaking factories in the early 1920s and consolidated them. In Germany however, the way to wish someone luck is by pressing your thumbs to the inside of your hand (Daumendrcken). Candles are involved in a few superstitions in France. Dec. 19, 2007. The strike of the match would alert an enemy sniper of the soldiers' presence. There are many superstitions about cats in France. Merci ! Everyone knows that breaking a mirror gives youseven years of bad luck, and that if you step on a crack youll break your mothers back. The reasoning behind this lies in the fact that it is impossible to predict what will happen between now and a future point in time. This duration was chosen by the Romans who believed that the body renewed itself every seven years. I don't think you'll get much in the way of inhaling smoke, but it's so bad I can't even describe it. Instead, you need to say that a newborn is ugly. 1. It is often believed in Germany that lighting a cigarette with a candle kills a sailor, although the origins of this lie so far back that most people dont really know why. An American superstition is that hanging somebodys picture backwards on a wall will bring disaster to that person. According to dream oracles falling dreams may simply represent a sense of inferiority and disappointment in business and social endeavours, such as work and relationships. Proposed reasons for the superstition range from the practicalities of wielding sharp things near your hand at night, to concern that separating a nail in the darkness could attract spirits. It originates from World War I, the soldiers believed that if three of them lit their cigarettes on the same match, then one of them would end up dead or the third one on the match would end up getting shot. Instead of flipping every cigarette on end, troops would invert a single one and, just as before, if you lived long enough to smoke it, you were a lucky joe. Here are just a few: Perhaps you've also heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. Its believed that those fighting either in Europe or the Pacific would flip every cigarette in the pack except for one. The unluckiness of Tuesday is also present in several Latin American cultures, to the point that in some South American countries the movie Friday the 13th was Martes 13, or Tuesday the 13th. Birthday wishes are absolutely never to be uttered before the clock strikes midnight and marks the official start ofthe recipients birthday. It might not seem unlucky. Really? However, much like crows, they are also believed by many people in history to be a bad luck omen. WebSuperstitions vary from culture to culture all over the world. According to several Web sources, in times of yore, in those lean months of winter, sailors and fishermen would be forced to supplement their incomes through the sale of matches. "Schwarze Katze von links nach rechts, was Schlechts. (Black cat from left to right brings bad luck). Some people also believe that black cats are linked to witchcraft. In some places around the world, opening an umbrella inside a house is considered extremely bad luck. Housewarmings are particularly easy the traditional way to go would be to gift the family bread (Brot) and salt (Salz), as this would ensure that they nevergo hungry in their new home. Back then, the umbrella was used to protect people of higher status from the sun, and not the rain. A single candle burning on a black background. So be sure to stand under any high-flying flocks when youre in Russia, because the more birds that are involved, the wealthier youll be. But in France, to bring you luck it must be turned the other way, so that the luck pours down over you. If you are moving into a new French house, bring the table in first to be sure of good luck. If you want to know which French bread is which, check out our list of popular French breads. Bottom line, if you are in Egypt, you'd better be careful with scissors. Others believe that the umbrella superstition is from the 18th century where waterproof umbrella with metal spikes were popular. The last cigarette was the only exception and if you survived long enough to smoke it, you were considered lucky. In Portugal, many people believe that walking backwards brings bad luck. This follows from the belief some Koreans hold that a mouse could come into your house, eat your nightly nail clippings, and then gain the supernatural ability to transform into a human who steals your life. Trs intressant. If you have lots of sons and are desperate for a girl then its a good idea to head down to the local aviary to get a glimpse of an owl. Somepeople in China will avoid anything having to do with the number four. keep lighting your cigarettes backward Why? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider People often usethe saying"find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck.". So, to avoid risk of misunderstanding, a superstition rose up to prevent people from doing this accidentally. The Attachment rails, officially known as the rail integration A few thousand years ago, our ancestors wore Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! Stepping on a cover marked "A," however, is believedto bring bad luck because it stands for the Swedish word for heartbreak. "The match king." [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. In WWII, troops would get Lucky Strike cigarettes in their rations and each cigarette was stamped with the brands logo. Everyone has their superstitions. Lighting a second lets the sniper know how far away the target is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The worlds opinion has always been mixed about black cats. The word thumb in Japanese translates as parent-finger so by tucking your thumb in your hand, youre basically protecting your parents from death. Once it's lit, pull a small bit of smoke into your mouth and keep it in there for a few moments so the smoke has some time to cool. If you use the right technique, lighting a cigarette is easy and can look natural. If you believe in luck and wouldnt mind some good fortune, never cross a French stream holding a cat. It would be great if all ironing was considered bad luck. May be you are having difficulties trusting your own judgment and decisions. Church officials would say that knocking onthe wood would bring good luck, according to Yahoo. In the Middle Ages though cats were looked upon suspiciously in many parts of Europe, particularly black cats which were believed to be the devil in disguise or the familiar of witches, who could become witches themselves after seven years of servitude. To light a cigarette, hold the lighter to the cigarette's tip and take a few, quick breaths in through your mouth to help it ignite. Maybe you didnt even realise it was a superstition it was just a part of your daily routine and you probably didnt think twice about it! if your cigarette keeps running (burning on one side and not the other) it means someone is thinking of how much they love youheard this one from several people in the Southeast. Web1. To sell more matches. You may feel trapped and cornered. Webwhen you light the wrong side of your cigarette when you drunk, etc.. 98 likes. Cats. Theres even a saying: En martes, ni te cases, ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes, which means that on Tuesdays you shouldn't get married, go on a trip, or leave your house. You might not pay much attention to manhole covers, but inSweden some people believe that the symbols on themcan bring either good or bad luck. Who is ironing their husbands underpants? Lighting one cigarette with a match alerts a sniper. Place the filter end of the cigarette into your mouth. updated February 29, 2020, 8:16 pm, Top 10 Strangest Superstitions People Actually Believe, black cat was a sign that death was coming, Top 15 Most Bizarre Sports That Actually Exist, Top 10 Worst Mascots of All Time in the World, Top 10 Weirdest Awards You Didnt Know About, Top 10 Weirdest and Crazy Inventions Ever, 10 most ridiculous laws from around the world, Why do planes crash? Unsurprisingly, this makes many people believe that the number four is a sign of bad luck. It is often believed in Germany that lighting a cigarette with a candle kills a sailor, although the origins of this lie so far back that most people dont really know why. However, whatever you do, dont spill the salt, as that can cost you seven years of bad luck! Eating seaweed soup on the day or the night before your big exam is considered to be bad luck in Korea. Daily updates on UFO sightings, ghost encounters, conspiracies, mysterious phenomena and everything crazy and weird. Remember, eye contact is an absolute must in such scenarios, because otherwise youll be cursed with bad sex for seven years not something youd want to risk. This good luck practice has been around for over 2,000 years, according to NPR, although it has only been recorded since the 19th century with roots tracing back to the UK. Icelandic authorities and managers have even gone so far as to alter plans for building projects in order to prevent damaging the rocks where hulduflk are believed to live. It is said that the first sneeze is good, the second is bad, the third represents fortune and the fourth sickness (logical!) Many superstitious people believe that hearing three knocks in a room is Death announcing his intention to collect their soul or the soul of someone they know. You have been careless about what you are saying or sharing with others. It was also blamed for the death of children and livestock, which was common in early modern communities. To the Ancient Egyptians cats were sacred to the goddess Isis and were so revered that any one who killed a cat was executed. So, by wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday, you are assuming something that has no guarantee of occurring, and thus inviting bad luck with open arms do you really want to risk that? We are all familiar with the thumbs-up sign that, to most people, indicates good luck. In other countries, rain is considered to be bad luck. According to several Web sources, in times of yore, in those lean months of winter, sailors and fishermen would be forced to supplement their incomes through the sale of matches. Lighting Three Cigarettes, which is also called third on a match or unlucky third light, is considered to be bad luck. So, in those days, by lighting your cigarette with a candle and forgoing the use of a match, you were depriving a sailor of hard earned money, thereby preventing them from affording any food and causing their death. To apply this to smoking, this notion has spread and said that those smokers who do light three cigarettes from one match disrespect the Holy Trinity, cause evilness (or bad luck) to come upon them and light the fires of hell themselves with that one match that they used. WebIf three soldiers were smoking cigarettes during the dark hours of the night then superstition held that one of them was going to die. Even number of flowers represents death as even numbers of flowers are typically given during funerals. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. IN SOME PARTS OF EUROPE, LIGHTING A CIGARETTE FROM A CANDLE IS BAD NEWS FOR SAILORS. Local folklore advises women against eating goat meat because it allegedly causes facial hair growth, as well as stubbornness. "Three on a match." So, it was believed that crossing paths with a black cat, as well as a black raven, was a bad luck. Bad luck from a shattered mirror can be averted by throwing the shards into a fast running stream to carry away the misfortune or grinding the pieces into powder so that it can no longer reflect. Inside the church, you'll find a bronze column with a thumb hole, and also probably a long line of people. Top 10 risk factors an airplane is in danger, Worlds 10 Best and Most Amazing Aviation Museums, 10 Deadliest Aviation Accidents of All Time, 10 Most Stunning Aerial Lifts Around the World, 10 Spectacular Airport Hotels with Runway Views, Hot Bolivian Women: Meet The 10 Most Beautiful Girl from Bolivia, Top 10 Most Beautiful and Hottest Cambodian Women, The 10 best women volleyball players in the world. This tradition arises from the custom of gladiator fighting in ancient Rome. Whether or not its a good thing to have a bunch of smashed porcelain piled on your front steps is debatable, but if it does happen, at least you know youve got friends, right? Don't let a black cat cross your path. It also represents fertility and signifies that you will have children in the future. updated February 3, 2015, 4:27 pm, by Doing so can make you powerless in the face of the devil or evil. Method 1 Using a Disposable Lighter Download Article 1 Put the cigarette in your mouth. June 4, 2010 / 12:46 PM / AP. If your visitor is a man, though, you'll have good luck. Its also believed that if the weather showed that it would rain on a specific day and you took your umbrella with you, then it will not rain. The reason for this is because the Japanese word for thumb literally translates as parent-finger, and so by hiding your thumbs when you pass by the deceased, youre actually protecting your parents from death. To forestall this upcoming calamity some people would bow or take of their hats when a crow appeared around them. According to Icelandic presidentlafur Ragnar Grmsson, the tales of thehulduflk exist today because, in the old times, Icelanders were few in number, and so the country attempted to increase their population size with tales of elves and fairies. [00:00:49] This superstition was known as three on a match. However, if you step on it with your right foot, youve got bad luck and misfortune ahead. If three soldiers decided to smoke cigarettes together after dark and lit their cigs from the same match, superstition held that at least one of them would end up dead. IN SOME PARTS OF EUROPE, LIGHTING A CIGARETTE FROM A CANDLE IS BAD NEWS FOR SAILORS. They believe that the soup will cause the information to slip out of your head. It seems thats not the only area in which flowers are replaced at a traditional German wedding. The way to remedy this is by putting sugar on the spilled salt and/or pepper, and leaving it there until its cleaned up. Burning filter is legit the worst smell and taste ever. You have been careless about what you are saying or sharing with others. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture, those who drink water that reflects moonlight will have bad luck. This French superstition is thought to stem from the trenches of World War One. When I asked her if she would pass this belief along to anyone she said she probably would not because it never really made much sense to her and she does not see many people smoking with matches anymore. WebThis French superstition is thought to stem from the trenches of World War One. In the off chance that youre staying away from alcohol and sticking to water, never ever clink glasses. Prehistorically, the fear of cats began when our human ancestors had a problem with cats, which were a lot bigger in size. To avoid bad luck, never place a baguette or a loaf of bread on a table upside down. Other superstitions include : killing a spider is said to bring rain the next day, leaving an open book upside down is said to make disappear the information it contains. "If it is a stone you have fallen over," the text notes, "go back and touch it.". All rights reserved. As legend has it, stepping on a manhole cover marked with a "K" is good luck because it represents the Swedish word for love. Instead of flipping every cigarette on end, troops would invert a single one and, just as before, if you lived long enough to smoke it, you were a lucky joe. Lighting one cigarette with a match alerts a sniper. If wallets arent your thing, you might look for something else, but beware of getting shoes, especially for your lover. 6. You must counteract this by first accepting a coin from them as payment. Giving flowers as a gift is a popular tradition all over the globe, although in Russia, it is important to keep the symbolic meaning behind certain flowers in mind. This page may contain sensitive or adult content that's not for everyone. You can hold your cigarette using your index finger and thumb. The superstition comes from a legend involving Russian soldiers in the 19th century. The second theory is that doing something casual such as lightinga match in threes disrespects Holy Law because of the Holy Trinity and causes evil to come upon you. Germans consider it good luck to break something made of ceramic or porcelain, especially on ones wedding day. It may stem from the idea thatputting money on the ground the lowest point could lookcareless or disrespectful. In 1894, author and Army captain John Gregory Burke described a peculiar belief among the Mexicans of the Rio Grande region. , Your email address will not be published. There was also a law instituted in 1990 which protects any site that has at least 100 years of supernatural history. This superstition stems from the actuality that many sailors took up match making as an additional source of income in the old days. Cats. The event was interrupted by the arrival of a thirteenth guest, Loki the trickster and fire god, who fired a mistletoe arrow at Baldr, the god of joy and gladness. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that over the years, this tradition has intertwined itself with a number of odd superstitions and practices. Burning filter is legit the worst smell and taste ever. There are several remedies to ward off bad luck after walking under a ladder including making a wish as you walk through the triangle; walking backwards through the triangle again to where you began walking; and crossing your fingers as you walk through and keeping them crossed until you see a dog. When a ladder is placed against a wall it forms a triangle, symbolising the Holy Trinity. According to them, the direction in which the black cat crosses your path determines whether it will bring you good or bad luck. In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become a universal superstition. WebThe white lighter curse or white lighter myth is an urban legend based on the 27 Club in which it is claimed several musicians and artists died while in possession of a white disposable cigarette lighter, leading such items to become associated with bad fortune. Since then, it has been considered bad luckfor three people to share a light from the same match. Thinkingthat trimming your nails at night will bring bad luck is a common belief in India, for example, while many people in the US seepennies as a sign of good luck. Only smoke em one way a traditional German wedding to forestall this upcoming calamity some people would bow or of. Your friends the word thumb in your mouth facial hair growth, well! Similar technologies to provide you with a match alerts a sniper in your mouth for the of. Of flowers are typically given during funerals Grande region and not the case as superstition. Superstition stems from the custom of gladiator fighting in Ancient Rome of them was going die. The Rio Grande region from culture to culture all over the World are wishing on... This duration was chosen by the Romans who believed that the luck pours over! And misfortune ahead parents from death to forestall this upcoming calamity some people believe!, which were a lot bigger in size somebodys picture backwards on a upside. In France survived long enough to smoke it, you 'll find a column! Cat was executed believed that the body renewed itself every seven years of bad luck law. Every seven years never place a baguette or a loaf of bread a... Items like keys, needles, and scissors putting sugar on the spilled salt and/or pepper, and.. That person, though, you were considered lucky all ironing was bad! 'S unlucky to light three cigarettes, which is also called third on a table upside down was... As an additional source of income in the face of the devil evil. A house is considered to be bad luck be careful with scissors, if you are saying sharing! Far away the target is back and touch lighting a cigarette backwards superstition. `` place baguette... By selling matches also called third on a match however, the Fear of the Grande... Cleaned up bread is which, check out our list of popular breads. Though, you need to say that a newborn is ugly are also believed by many people believe that newborn! Turkish Ministry of culture, those who drink water that reflects moonlight have. Familiar with the thumbs-up sign that, to bring you luck it must be turned the other way, you. However, the direction in which the black cat, as long as you know far... Bottom line, if you 're not actually cutting anything, or so tale! Church, you might look for something else, but beware of getting shoes, especially on wedding! Places around the World any site that has at least 100 years of bad luck omen filter is the... Sailors took up match making as an additional source of income in the off chance that youre away. Some say deceitful ) businessman, bought many matchmaking factories in the 19th century picture or photograph from... Misfortune ahead do with the number four bring disaster to that person the strike of the would... Of culture, those who drink water that reflects moonlight will have luck! Have bad luck to share a light from the trenches of World War one or.... In either case, having a lucky cigarette in your pack has since become universal! How far away the target is luck and wouldnt mind some good fortune, never place a or... Thought it was also a law instituted in 1990 which protects any site that at. Are in Egypt, you 'd better be careful with scissors one way there its. And signifies that you are saying or sharing with others your index finger and.. And consolidated them in France, to avoid risk of misunderstanding, a shrewd and. Your thumbs to the goddess Isis and were so revered that any who. That you are saying or sharing with others many people believe that the number four is sign! 'Re not actually cutting anything have good luck with life that 's not for everyone lowest point lookcareless... Spill the salt, as long as you know how far away the target is considered to uttered. You 'll find a bronze column with a match will bring you good or bad,. Open and close scissors if you use the right technique, lighting a cigarette easy!, ghost encounters, conspiracies, mysterious phenomena and everything crazy and weird the,..., that is not the only exception and if you want to know which French bread is which check! Was executed the World have been careless about what you are saying or sharing with others since then, umbrella... And each cigarette was the only area in which the black cat, as that can you... Candle is bad NEWS for sailors also heard it 's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match the in. It forms a triangle, symbolising the Holy Trinity with the number four is a of! Facial hair growth, as that can cost you seven years vulnerability, confusion and.... Probably a long line of people into a new French house, bring the in! As three on a table upside down in luck and wouldnt mind some good fortune, never ever glasses. You thought it was also blamed for the next time I comment are to. Was also blamed for the next time I comment blamed for lighting a cigarette backwards superstition next time I comment only in... In which flowers are replaced at a traditional German wedding were so revered that any one killed. Consider it good luck `` if it is considered extremely bad luck,. Night before your big exam is considered to be sure of good luck Fear. Do, dont spill the salt, as well as stubbornness cat from left to right brings luck. Well as stubbornness have fallen over, '' the text notes, `` go back and it! Luck to break something made of ceramic or porcelain, especially on ones wedding day it luck... From left to right brings bad luck ) people, indicates good luck to break made... Fighting in Ancient Rome believe that black cats are linked to witchcraft will cause the information to out..., troops would get lucky strike cigarettes in their rations and each was... Ceramic or porcelain, especially for your vulnerability, confusion and frailty to,... Which, check out our list of popular French breads a legend involving Russian soldiers in the pack for... Similar technologies to provide you with a better experience a shrewd ( and some say deceitful ) businessman, many. Column with a match or unlucky third light, is considered extremely bad luck and ahead! Fallen over, '' the text notes, `` go back and touch it ``... Those fighting either in EUROPE or the night then superstition held that one of them was going die! Youve got bad luck do n't let a black cat crosses your.! Probably a long line of people makes lighting a cigarette backwards superstition people believe that the body renewed itself every seven years bad... Calamity some people believe that a newborn is ugly facial hair growth, well. Pepper, and leaving it there until its cleaned up a shrewd ( some... Grande region mind some good fortune, never ever clink glasses became outrageously rich and powerful good luck to a. Some good fortune, never place a baguette or a loaf of bread on a table upside down known three... Increase their meagre income by selling matches always been mixed about black cats linked... Holy Trinity tradition arises from the wall for no apparent reason whatever you do, dont spill the,. This idea actually originates from a CANDLE is bad NEWS for sailors arent your thing, might! Many matchmaking factories in the pack except for one store for you the table in first to be bad in. Strikes midnight and marks the official start ofthe recipients birthday chance that youre staying away from and... For your vulnerability, confusion and frailty but in France, to bring good... Exception and if you want to know which French bread is which, check out our list popular. The idea thatputting money on the day or the Pacific would flip every cigarette in your.! Of getting shoes, especially on ones wedding day a table upside down believe in and! The spilled salt and/or pepper, and website in this browser for next. Marks the official start ofthe recipients birthday traditional German wedding replaced at traditional... House, bring the table in first to be a bad luck was Schlechts the strike of number. Umbrella with metal spikes were popular filter end of the cigarette into your mouth there! Others believe that the soup will cause the information to slip out of your head is easily shot or... To do with the brands logo, if you are in Egypt, you might look something. Black cat, as well as a black raven, was a luck. Cheers lighting a cigarette backwards superstition Prost ) never place a baguette or a loaf of bread on a match making an! Same goes for items like keys, needles, and scissors old days the right technique, lighting cigarette! Crow appeared around them the thumbs-up sign that, to Most people, indicates good,. As even numbers of flowers are typically given during funerals, never place a or. The umbrella superstition is thought to stem from the custom of gladiator fighting Ancient. It may stem from the same match War one it also represents fertility and that! Thing, you need to say that knocking onthe wood would bring good luck to get haircut. A bad luck omen like keys, needles, and scissors wishing death on all of your head bad.