The Friday the 13th sends a thrill of excitement or fear in nearly one third of the French, who no longer hesitate to multiply small rituals to avoid bad luck. But rest assured, superstition knows no borders! Around the world, each culture passionately cultivates its own amazing beliefs, sometimes amusing, sometimes alarming. Let’s dive into this universe where chance and destiny play hide-and-seek, and where every detail of daily life can suddenly turn into a premonitory sign.
Friday the 13th is the perfect date to question the beliefs that thrill (or amuse) the planet. If nearly one third of the French declare themselves superstitious, the phenomenon travels and connects the four corners of the globe through sometimes protective, sometimes bewildering rituals. From witch hunts in Vermont to impossible weddings in Spain on Tuesdays, immerse yourself in a playful world tour of the strangest superstitions. Get ready to encounter tilted windows, to count (or avoid) certain numbers, and even to sit on your suitcases to ward off bad luck!
The number 13: an inseparable companion of Friday
It’s hard to mention Friday the 13th without dwelling on the unloved numbers. In France, 13 continues to spark discussion. For some, it brings good luck; for others, it is the very embodiment of misfortune. Fun fact: the proportion of superstitious people is not anecdotal, as it has even been on the rise since the 90s! If gaming tables and lotteries go wild on this date, the fear of 13 doesn’t stop there. Some airlines and hotels simply prefer to skip the number, as shown by the many mysteries reported in this fascinating article. But rest assured, France is not the only one trembling in front of numerology!
The witches who dislike tilted windows
Ah, the legends of witches… They continue to fuel our fears, from Hollywood to the forests of Vermont in the United States. There, the secret weapon against these unwanted visitors isn’t found in a spellbook, but in architecture: they are the witch windows, windows tilted at 45 degrees that, according to superstition, would prevent witches from entering while riding on their brooms! Indeed, even folklore knows how to be practical. Mystery enthusiasts can admire these curiosities during a stay in Vermont or, for Halloween lovers, take a detour to the famous town of Salem, the kingdom of modern witches.
When the number 4 scares the whole of Asia
While our European 13 causes tremors, Southeast Asia has found its champion in the number… 4! There, tetraphobia reigns supreme, and it’s not uncommon to see elevators playing hide-and-seek with the cursed floor. The explanation is as tragic as it is linguistic: “4” is pronounced like “death” in Mandarin and other regional languages. In Hong Kong, one thus jumps from the 39th to the 50th floor without a transition. It’s the hunt for 4! But all is not lost for numerologists, as other numbers are cherished – the 8, synonymous with abundance, is almost as indispensable as a lucky charm. A passion for numbers that you can find across all the skyscrapers in the region.
The strange taboo of birthdays in Ukraine
In Ukraine, blowing out your candles for your 40th birthday is anything but festive. There, it’s a birthday that many prefer to spend in silence, for fear of attracting trouble. This superstition, inherited from the Middle Ages, finds its origin in the belief linked to death, where one would wait 40 days before burying the deceased. Another local curiosity: to increase your chances of finding true love, it’s best to avoid sweeping the floor around women during important events or sitting at a corner of the table, lest you remain single for a long time! A sentimental journey fraught with pitfalls, where every gesture in daily life assumes the qualities of a talisman or an omen.
Spain, a land of deep-seated beliefs
Who would think that in Spain, setting the date of your wedding on a Tuesday would cause cold sweats? Far from seeing it as mere superstition, many Spaniards dread this day associated with Mars, the god of war. One avoids getting married, signing contracts, or even going to sea. A legacy straight from ancient Rome, fervently perpetuated throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, Spain holds a European record in this regard, with 60% of the population placing real importance on these beliefs, compared to France, where the number is still nearly 30%! If you dream of an Andalusian wedding, be sure to check the calendar… and the tradition!
In Russia, take the time… to sit on your suitcases!
Here’s a superstition that possesses an inimitable charm: in Russia, before every departure, it is customary to sit for a short moment on your suitcases. This gesture, far from being a moment of hesitation, is meant to attract luck and protect against little (or big) travel troubles. Tradition dictates that the famous domovoï, the benevolent spirit of the house, can give its recommendations before the adventure, to prevent bad spirits from joining the journey. A nod to ancient rituals that, even today, reassure travelers seeking protection before the big leap.
Little quirks and great mysteries around the world
From the Parisian cemetery and its superstitious visitors to the statues cherished to ward off the evil eye, through exotic rites on the Thousand Flowers Island, there are as many superstitions as there are corners of the globe! These sometimes unusual traditions spice up daily life, punctuate ceremonies, influence travels, and, above all, remind us that luck – or misfortune – loves to hide in unexpected places. So, ready to cross your fingers or avoid ladders this Friday the 13th?
