In our modern world, we often see ourselves as rational beings, far removed from our superstitious ancestors. Yet, many continue to believe in unusual things. Here are ten elaborate superstitions from unlikely places that might surprise you.
Argentinian Football Lives By The ‘Cabala’
The “cabala,” unrelated to the Jewish Kabbalah, involves superstitions aimed at attracting good luck during a game. Argentinians take this practice seriously. A team manager might refuse a player based on their zodiac sign. Banning chicken from team meals is common, and some players religiously urinate on the pitch before penalty kicks.
Roberto Fontanarrosa’s tale, “December 19, 1971,” tells of fans who kidnapped an “Old Man Casale” because Rosario always won when he watched live. This illustrates the extreme lengths to which cabala believers will go.
Spaceflight Superstitions
Spaceflight, a scientific endeavor, is filled with bizarre traditions for cosmonauts. From training to reentry, they perform actions unrelated to safety. These include leaving carnations on the Memorial Wall, planting a tree upon return, and watching the Soviet film White Sun of the Desert.
They also urinate on the bus wheel before launch. No spaceflights ever launch on October 24 due to past tragedies. Even NASA and Chinese astronauts have their own unique rituals to ensure a safe flight.
Stepping On Dog Poo Is Good Luck
In France, stepping on dog poop can influence your luck. If you step on it with your left foot, good luck awaits. However, stepping on it with your right foot brings misfortune. This is one of several global superstitions attempting to balance something disgusting with karmic benefits.
Some believe this is merely an excuse for owners not to clean up after their dogs. Despite fines, this issue persists in Paris, with even souvenir cups filled with “lucky dog poop from Paris” being sold.
Global Finance Is Glorified Gambling
Stock markets have numerous superstitions, both in the West (Friday the 13th, the October Effect) and the East. Some are empirical, like market crashes in October or shorter skirts correlating with optimism. However, correlation doesn’t equal causation.
There’s even a fund that buys or sells based on the day of the week, horoscopes, and other superstitions. Yet, it hasn’t been successful, dropping about 5 percent in its first two months.
The Evils Of Menstruation
In parts of Central Europe, menstruating women are seen as having mystical powers. They supposedly prevent dough from rising and cause flowers to wilt. Modern beliefs include perms being ineffective during menstruation and swimming being harmful.
This gave rise to the “menotoxin” theory—a lethal chemical in menstruating women. Some Orthodox Jews of Ashkenazi ancestry still hold this belief, influenced by Talmudic laws deeming menstruating women impure. These beliefs lack any factual basis.
The Corner Of A Handkerchief
In Spain, people tie a knot in the corner of a handkerchief if they misplace something. Tying multiple knots shows greater determination to find the item. A folk prayer to Saint Cucuphas involves humorously “tying his testicles in a knot” until the item is found.
Prayers to Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost items, are also common. Remembering the prayer’s words is thought to “unblock” the brain, aiding in remembering the object’s location.
The Curse Of The Ninth Symphony
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, classical composers feared composing nine symphonies. Beethoven, Schubert, Bruckner, and Dvorak all died during or after writing their ninth. Gustav Mahler avoided this by calling his ninth symphony “Das Lied von der Erde.”
He then completed his tenth, calling it his ninth, and died shortly after. Peter Maxwell Davies defied this curse by composing his 10th symphony while undergoing cancer treatment.
The Gypsy Robe
From Broadway, the Gypsy Robe is given to the chorus member with the most credits on opening night. The robe is heavily decorated, and the recipient—the Gypsy—must circle the stage three times while others touch it for good luck.
The Gypsy then visits every dressing room. Afterwards, a memento is added to the robe, and the recipient signs it before passing it on to the next Gypsy on the opening night of the next play.
Happily Ever After In Michigan
At the University of Michigan, there’s a romantic engineering superstition. A couple kissing under the Engineering Arch by South University at midnight will supposedly marry and have a happy marriage. Some alumni visit the Arch on their wedding day or while engaged, just in case.
The Healing Power Of Cheese
Austrians use Topfen, a curd cheese similar to cream cheese, for healing. Skiing is Austria’s national sport, leading to many folk remedies for injuries. Topfen’s texture is similar to medical lotions but more natural, making it a go-to for bruises and sprains. Even athletes like Lindsey Vonn swear by it.
Superstitions offer a glimpse into the human need to explain the unexplainable and control the uncontrollable. From sports to space travel, they persist in various forms across the globe.
What are some of the strangest superstitions you’ve heard of? Leave your comments below!
