SUPERSTITIOUS CUBA

I could not decide which country to write about for a long time. However, when I saw a man walking along the street and smoking a Cuban cigar, I understood it is a good sign. As a result, I managed to find a lot of various and impressive Cuban superstitions.

As Cuban society consists of atheists, catholics and African religion followers, their superstitions and beliefs created a bright and impressive mix which is worth our attention:

• Having the last drink, never say "el ultimo", or you will die soon.

• A little bit of rum is poured in the room’s corner as an offering for the dead.
• Making a toast with a glass of water will bring you tears, but spilling water accidentally on the dinning table is good luck.
• If you leave a glass of water at your bedside overnight and there are bubbles in the glass the next morning, a good chance that you are surrounded by good spirits.
• When the New Year comes you take a full bucket of water and throw all the water on the street to “clean” your house from all the bad things.
• If you have an enemy and want to protect yourself from him, freeze his name. It is believed that if you put a piece of paper in the freezer with the full name of the person who is trying to harm you, neither bad thoughts nor actions from that person can hurt you.
• If you are pregnant, and a boy you know but have not seen in a while runs TOWARDS you, you are having a girl.  If he runs AWAY from you, you are having a boy.
• Never place your purse on the floor, or your plans will be destroyed.
• Placing scissors on the bed will bring you a fight with a loved one (especially if your SO will sit on them).
• Wearing your clothes inside out means that you will receive a present very soon.
• Itch in the palm of your left hand means you will soon get some money, while in the right one means shaking hands with someone (either friend or just guest).

I hope you found something interesting for you. Just remember that itchy palms and inside out clothes could also be a signal that it's time to wash your hands and be more attentive next time)) See you next week.

WHERE LA SEINE RUNS

Bonjour, my dear friends. Today I decided to search for some more superstitions in country of wine, cheese and croissants. France is famous for its highly developed culture, interesting genuine traditions and most adventurous love affairs in the whole Europe.  Therefore, if you go to France or have French friends just remember the following:

 

·         Mind your behavior with bread. If you try handing the French an upside-down loaf, they may throw it back in your face. Apparently handing someone a loaf of bread upside-down (or placing it on the table upside-down) brings both the giver and the recipient hunger and bad luck.

·         This superstition is very funny for me. In France, a dog poo is considered to contain the luck bestowing powers. If you step in dog poo with your left foot, good luck will follow you. Beware stepping on it with your right foot though as this means there’s even worse luck to come!

·         If you don’t want to attract bad luck, never cross a French stream holding a cat. And if a black cat crosses your path at night then prepare for some bad fortune coming your way.

·         French wives should never iron their husband's pants whilst wearing a belt – it will lead to him suffering kidney pain.

·         With all this bad luck around, if you are moving, bring the table in first. You will have excellent health in your new home.

·         When it comes to smoking, never light a cigarette from a candle, because the old wives tale says this will result in the death of a sailor, or he will at least lose his job. If you light a prayer candle in a church, always do it from a match or a lighter and never from another candle. If you do, then your wishes and good will will be transferred to whoever the first candle was lit for.

And last but not least: if you have a big fly or a dragonfly in the house, you’ll soon have company. Just check whether your ears are buzzing as it can help you to guess who is talking about you and will come soon.  See you next week :)

WHITE LOTUS IN FIRE

Welcome to the heart of Asia. Today I decided to write about the most common and unusual Chinese superstitions. During my research I noticed that the Chinese pay a lot of attention to colors and numbers; therefore, I have chosen the most interesting ones.

The importance of colors  

• ·       Red is the color of blood or life and will bring happiness, wealth, fame, and good luck. Because of this belief, red cloth or paper is always used during the funeral to cover statues of deities.
•         White is the color of mother's milk. It symbolizes moderation, purity, honesty and life and balances red and black. This color is also used in funerals. According to the tradition, white cloth must be hung across the doorway of the house.
•         Black is the color of feces and is associated with evil, disaster and bad fortune. Wearing black, blue or gray will bring bad luck to the marriage.
•         Wedding clothes should be red, yellow and/or white.

Lucky and unlucky numbers

•         The luckiest number is eight because it also means "prosper".
•       The unluckiest number is four as it sounds like the Chinese word for death. The number 44 is considered to be the worst one as it means you are sure that you will die soon.
•       Seven can also signify death.
•       The number one means loneliness. That’s why Chinese boys never give 1 flower to their significant others.
•       The number "9" is good, because nine in Cantonese sounds like the word "sufficient".
•       The number of steps in a staircase, the same as flowers in a bouquet, should be even-numbered.

As you can see colors and numbers are very symbolic in China. It is very important to remember these small details as you can be kicked out of the wedding ceremony because of your blue shirt or dress, or get a slap because of one odd rose.

Stay bright and happy. See you next week :) 

Women...

Welcome to the always sunny and extremely superstitious Turkey. This country is famous not only for its crystal clear waters and white sands, handsome and rich men, but also for their perception of a woman. With flow of history, the role of women in Turkey was constantly changing and developing; as a result, a lot of superstitions appeared where woman is the main character, usually negative one.

 If you are planning to visit Turkey one day, just remember a few most interesting beliefs:

•   If you are walking along the street, never walk in between two women as you will lose your beard very soon (unless you are the woman with beard and want to get rid of it);
•   If a woman passes in front of a man, it is for bad luck;
•   If a woman passes in front of a hunter, the hunt will be unsuccessful;
•   If a woman drinks only the half of her cup of tea, she will become a widow very soon;
•   If a young woman wears or simply tries on the ring of a married man, her marriage will be unhappy;
•   If a woman eats eggs while being pregnant, her future child will be very naughty;
•   If a pregnant woman is asking for something, her baby will resemble the man who helps her;
•   If a woman walks in between two men, she will become non-fertile;
•   A relative of a woman who sees penis in her dream will die;
•  A person who sees a girl child in his/her dream receives bad news.

I think you have already understood it is better not to pass in front of men, walk in between 2 people of the same gender, try somebody's rings and tell about your dreams. And always remember to drink your tea till the end.

I hope you found something new for you. See you next week in China.