Lock your doors. Batten down the hatches. Don that helmet. Light those candles. And cross your trembling fingers. For another Friday the 13th is upon us.
Doubtless, literally dozens of people have bravely ventured from their homes today wrapped in the fear that fortune will bestow upon them a most horrible end.
Regardless that folklorists (yes, that is a real term) have yet to reach a consensus on why each Friday falling upon a month’s thirteenth day promises bad luck, people across the Western hemisphere remain overcome with the sense that fate must not be tempted.
And who are we to argue? Tempt fate we will not! Accordingly, we pay tribute to the forces of fortune with this, a rundown of the world’s most bizarre superstitions. For those whose fortune’s without fortitude, we see a luck-boosting trip on the cards.
Greece – Some Greeks believe carrying a bat bone in their wallet will protect them from the evil eye…we just don’t see it.
Germany – According to German sailors, it’s bad luck to light a cigarette with a candle…strike a light!
Brazil – Brazilians believe killing a cat, intentionally or not, brings seven years of bad luck…purrrgatory.
Indonesia – For Indonesians, sweeping the floor at night sees luck swept out of the home…best avoid a brush with evil.
Russia – In Russia, if when eating at a table a diner’s fork or spoon falls on the floor, he or she should expect a female guest to visit them, but if a knife falls, a male guest should be anticipated…What’s that I hear, a thousand single people dropping their cutlery?
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
