10 Weirdest Superstitions From Around The World

Do you avoid the number 13, chain e-mails and black cats? Or are you far too rational to believe in old wives' tales? Take a look at some of the most bizarre superstitions from around the world and if you want to create your own - submit a chain letter to bring some bad luck to your own friends.

1. Don't eat lettuce if you want to have children

Via stylist.co.uk

In the 19th century, English men avoided salads if they wanted to start a family. In The Oxford Dictionary of Superstitions a book on 'Plant Lore' suggested that since lettuce was a 'sterile' plant, it would also make men sterile.

2. Carrots Are Good for Your Eyesight

Via aolnews.com

Though some studies have shown that the vitamin A in carrots is good for the eyes, the vegetable alone isn't enough to spark 20/20 vision. This old wives' tale was fabricated by parents trying to get their children to eat their veggies. This originated as a myth during World War II.

3. Not forwarding chain letters will give you bad luck

We all know how this superstition goes - forward a chain letter so you don't receive bad luck. here's one chain letter where you can spread the luck to your friends while saving yourself.

4. An awkward silence means an Angel is passing over

This interesting explanation for a lull in conversation is attributed to Dylan Thomas' Portrait of the Artist.

5. Eat grapes at midnight for good luck

Via image1.masterfile.com

On New Year's Eve in Spain, instead of kissing, the superstitious eat twelve grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck.

6. It's bad luck to chase someone with a broom

Via crimsonwolfe.tripod.com

In the fourteenth century, brooms were first regarded as a vehicle for witches' transportation. Which is why to this day, it is still considered bad luck to chase someone around with one.

7. Never give a Russian woman an even number of flowers

Via blogs.voanews.com

In Russia, an even number of flowers are for the dead. When you order a dozen roses in Russia you should always ask them to throw in one extra flower for good luck.

8. Pass a newborn baby through a rind of cheese

Via stylist.co.uk

In Medieval England, expectant mothers made a 'Groaning Cheese' - a large wheel of cheese that matured for nine months as the baby grew. When birth time came, the cheese would be shared out amongst the family - and when nothing but the outer rind was left, the baby would be passed through the wheel of cheese on Christening day to be blessed with a long and prosperous life.

9. Stay forever young by carrying an acorn

In ancient Britain, women carried acorns in their pockets to stay looking young. According to The Encyclopedia of Superstitions, the oak tree was believed to provide longevity and to ward off illness due to its long life.

10. Don’t Knit on a Doorstep During Late Winter

Via akorra.com

In Iceland, it is forbidden to knit on a doorstep in late winter, as it is believed to lengthen its duration.