22 Superstitions Around The World You Probably Didn't Know Existed

News Flash: Keep an acorn in your pocket, wear yellow undies on New Year's Eve, rejoice at bird poop but whatever you do DO NOT EAT gum when the sun is down!

1. The Number 39 is Linked to Prostitution (Afghanistan)

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I don't know who decided this but the number 39 is linked to prostitution. The superstitious people in Afghanistan go as far as to say they are one year less than 40 to avoid the stigma. Forget having a phone number or license plate or address with 39.

2. Stay Young Forever by Carrying an Acorn (Ancient Britain)

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Can anyone say Tuck Everlasting? According to the Encylopedia of Superstitions (Who knew there was such a thing?) oak trees are believed to ward of illness and promote a long life. Women would carry acorns in their pocket to look younger.

3. When Hiking Through the Desert Pour Water on the Ground Before Drinking Yourself (Chile)

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If you're ever hiking through the desert (I'd prefer somewhere with an abundance of water) pour your water on the ground before you ever take a sip. This is a tribute to Pachamama who is the spirit of the Earth. She will help guide a safe journey as long as you pay your respects.

4. The #8 Is Extremely Lucky (China)

Flickr: dilbert3110

You already know that China & Japan consider 4 an unlucky number, however, China sees 8 as luck. The Chinese word for fortune is "八" which sounds like eight. Thus the Chinese try to set important dates (weddings, business meetings, etc) on days that have three eights in it.

5. Waking Up to Bubbles in Your Still Water Means You Are Surrounded By Good Spirits (Cuba)

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If you wake up to find your still water has bubbles it is believed that you are surrounded by good ghosts. Phew - I'd prefer that than evil ones!

6. Complimenting A Baby's Looks Attracts the Evil Eye (Egypt)

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Well...I guess try complimenting his/her huge personality even though he/she can't speak yet?

7. Say "Rabbit", "Rabbits" or "White Rabbits" the Second You Wake Up the 1st of Every Month (England)

phototimes.ru

Every morning on the 1st, before you say anything, jump out of bed screaming "rabbit", "rabbits", or "white rabbits" and dance around like a monkey for four minutes. Just kidding...but seriously make those the first words out of your mouth for a month of good luck.

8. Never Turnover a Loaf of Bread (France)

chicaandjo.com

Don't place a loaf of bread upside-down on the table otherwise you'll bring hunger and bad luck to both the giver and recipient.

I mean what's worse than hunger with a loaf of bread in front of you? Problem solved.

9. Say the Name of A Dead Person 3x on Christmas Eve to Make Them Appear (Germany)

tippyandfriends.com

Supposedly if you say the name of a dead person 3x on Christmas Eve their ghost is forced to appear. Hmmm Elvis perhaps?

10. Never Give an Empty Wallet or Purse As A Gift (Hawaii)

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Giving someone an empty wallet or purse could cause that person financial difficulties. Alternative? Place money in the wallet before you give them...I like 100s if you're asking :)

11. Never Get Your Hair Cut on a Tuesday (India)

dailymail.co.uk

Unless you want to end up like Miley Cyrus India recommends you don't get your hair cut on a Tuesday. In several parts of the country the barbershops are closed on Tuesday.

12. Tuck Your Thumbs In As You Pass a Graveyard (Japan)

dailymail.co.uk

I've heard of holding your breath when you pass a graveyard but let's be honest...some are HUMONGOUS and I don't want to pass out so here is a nice alternative from Japan: as you walk by a graveyard or if a hearst passes you just tuck your thumbs into your pants.

13. A Spirit Stays Around for 6 Weeks After Death (Korea)

Well if the spirit sticks around for 6 weeks it's a great time for goodbyes and not badmouthing them.

14. Singing in the Kitchen Could Lead to Marrying Late in Life (Maylasia)

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In Maylasian culture it is believed that if an unmarried woman sings in the kitchen she will have a very late marriage. Thank goodness this doesn't include the shower...

15. Do Not Wear Pearls at Your Wedding (Mexico)

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It's belived that if a bride wears pearls on the big day her marriage will be full of bad luck and tears. Diamonds are a great alternative!

16. If Your Nose Itches Someone Wants to Kiss You (Romania)

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Bring Mr. Prince Charming my way!

17. Bird Poop = Riches (Russia)

skinnymoose.com

Russians are glass half full type of people. They believe if a bird poops on you, your car or property it's good luck and may bring you riches. The more the merrier I think!

18. It's Considered Bad Luck To Place Your Keys On The Table (Sweden)

tispol.org

In the old days prostitutes were known for leaving keys on a bar table to signal availability. Thus the Swedish say it's bad luck to leave your keys on the table.

19. Chewing Gum at Night = Chewing a Dead Person (Turkey)

tispol.org

It is believed that chewing gum at night is akin to chowing down on a dead person's flesh...I guess I'll switch to mints.

20. Keep Your Broom Upward in a Corner (Ukraine)

quiddlebee.com

The Ukraines suggest you keep your broom upright in a corner of the house. This supposedly turns away the evil eye and brings wealth into the family. Who doesn't want extra wealth?

21. Women: Wear Yellow Underwear on New Year's Eve For a Lucky Year (Venezuela)

overdriveonline.com

Have a lucky year simply by wearing yellow undies on New Year's Eve. You could even ring in the New Year with Spongebob!

22. How You Sleep Dictates Everything...Check Where You Live (Anywhere)

happyworker.com

Considering you sleep a good amount in your lifetime this might be worth taking seriously:

Japan views sleeping with your head pointing North is bad luck since that is how they are buried

For the same reason don't sleep with your head pointing west in Africa.

If you're in Italy don't sleep with your feet facing the door because that's how the dead is carried out

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Well now that you have all these new superstitions don't mess up. It could mean a lifetime of bad luck!