Love can feel like the most incredible force in the world. It’s what we dream about, what inspires countless books and movies, and what we hope to find and hold onto. But what if something beyond your control was messing with your chances of finding or keeping love? Superstitions, those quirky beliefs passed down through generations, might be doing just that.
Ready to explore some unusual superstitions that could be affecting your love life?
Having a Beard
In many Western cultures, beards symbolize masculinity, but in some parts of the world, sporting facial hair can actually hurt your chances of finding love. Historically, in some cultures, beards were associated with the working class, signifying a lower social status. A man with a beard might have been seen as less desirable, diminishing his prospects of finding a partner.
Today, this superstition might seem outdated, but cultural beliefs can be surprisingly persistent. So, if you’re trying to find love in a more traditional setting, a clean-shaven look might be the way to go!
Even Flowers
Flowers are a classic gift to show affection almost everywhere, including Russia. However, before you pick up that bouquet, remember to count the stems! In Russian tradition, giving an even number of flowers is seen as bad luck. Even numbers are typically reserved for funerals and mourning. Gifting an even number of flowers could signal a negative start to a potential relationship.
Always opt for an odd number of flowers to bring good fortune and happiness into your love life!
The Number 8
While many fear the number 13, in some parts of India, it’s the number 8 that sends shivers down the spines of those seeking love. The number eight is believed to bring bad luck to new couples, and choosing a wedding date on the eighth of the month might invite trouble.
Interestingly, there’s an exception! August 8, 2008 (08.08.08) was considered lucky because the combination of numbers was thought to have the reverse effect, turning bad news into a positive sign.
Not Finding the Name
In some Indian weddings, henna plays a significant role in a tradition known as the Mendhi, or Name Game. The groom’s name is hidden within the intricate henna designs on the bride’s body, and he must find it on their wedding night.
If the groom can’t find his name, some believe the bride will be dominant in the marriage. In other families, the wedding celebrations can’t even begin until he succeeds! It’s all in good fun and keeps tradition alive, but the stakes can feel high!
No Coins
Money issues are often cited as a major cause of relationship problems. In Sweden, a tradition aims to ensure the bride never faces financial hardship. To symbolize lasting prosperity, the bride places coins in her shoes—a gold coin in the right shoe from her father and a silver coin in the left.
This symbolizes that she will never be without money.
Sharing a Towel
This superstition might be one you can easily get behind. Sharing a towel might seem convenient, but in Russia, it’s believed that sharing a towel with your significant other can lead to future conflicts and negatively impact the relationship.
So, for the sake of peace and hygiene, maybe it’s best to stick to separate towels! Plus, who really wants to dry off with a damp towel?
Opening Scissors
As kids, we’re taught not to run with scissors, but did you know that even playing with them can be bad luck for your love life? In parts of Northern Africa, especially Egypt, opening and closing scissors without cutting anything is considered bad luck.
Since scissors are meant to cut, the superstition says they could symbolically cut your relationship. Some even believe that opening scissors during a wedding ceremony could lead to the groom’s impotence, and dropping them could cause infidelity. Better to keep those scissors safely stored away!
The Gift of Time
While a beautiful watch or clock might seem like a thoughtful gift, in parts of Asia, particularly China, giving a clock is considered a major taboo. The reason lies in the language: the phrase “giving a clock” sounds similar to sending someone off on their final journey.
Gifting a timepiece symbolizes a countdown to the end, which is especially offensive to older people. So, think twice before gifting someone a clock, especially if they’re from a culture where it’s considered unlucky!
Pregnancy at a Wedding
We’ve all heard of child-free weddings, but have you ever heard of weddings that ban pregnant women? In some regions of China, it’s believed that having a pregnant woman and a bride in the same room can cause a clash of positive energies.
This clash is thought to bring bad luck to either the wedding or the unborn child, as the energies of pregnancy and marriage are seen as incompatible. Therefore, pregnancy and a wedding cannot co-exist as their luck will cancel each other out.
Yellow Roses
Planning to woo someone with flowers? Be careful which color you choose! While red roses signify love and passion, yellow roses have a different meaning. These sunny-colored blooms are associated with jealousy, a decline of love, and even infidelity.
If you want to give your relationship a fighting chance, stick to the classic red roses and avoid the relationship-killing yellow ones!
Superstitions might seem silly, but they hold cultural significance for many people around the world. Whether you believe in them or not, these beliefs can influence our behavior and decisions when it comes to love and relationships.
So, next time you’re faced with one of these superstitions, you can decide whether to play it safe or tempt fate!
Do you have any bizarre superstitions about love? Share them in the comments below!
