When it comes to superstitions, everyone has some that they believe in deeply: in the end, they have accompanied humanity since ancient times and consequently they are part of us, influencing our behaviors and ways of thinking. Superstitions and beliefs of all kinds, in fact, tend to be deeply rooted in people and also for this reason they allow us to discover different cultural perspectives with interest.
Superstitions of different cultures: have you ever heard of them?
In Italy and Greece there is belief in the evil eyecalled “but to you” in Greece, which spread not only to these two states, but also to all the cultures of the Mediterranean. According to this belief a person is thought to be capable of bring bad luck to someone else only through a gaze full of negativity and malice. To counteract the evil eye in Italy, for example, some pendants are used such as the croissantwhile in Greece red bracelets or amulets are worn to repel negative energy.
In the areas of Middle East and North Africahowever, there is a very popular amulet known as the Hand of Fatima, Khamsawho it is used for protect from the evil eye and to bring good luck. This symbol indicates divine protection and can be a jewel or a decoration that hangs in your home or car. It is a belief and superstition that combines Islamic, Jewish and Christian traditions.
If for us in Italy the number 4 it is any number, in China however it is considered unlucky, since its pronunciation is very similar to that one of the word death. Just as here many hotels do not have room 13 or 17, many buildings there do not have a fourth floor and even all gifts that contain four elements tend to be avoided precisely so as not to bring bad luck.
By moving to a nearby state, that is Japanone can find in their culture a very deep-rooted idea relating to nature spiritscalled Kami, that is, a central element of Shintoism. THE Kami they are spirits that according to the Japanese are found in every aspect of nature and for this very reason there are different superstitions related to the environment. In fact, sacred trees are not cut down or places thought to be inhabited by people are not disturbed Kami to avoid causing their wrath.
Finally, in various culturesWest Africa brooms are associated with spiritual and magical powers. There is a widespread belief that leave a broom outside the door at home during the night helps to protect from evil spirits, and at the same time you should not exchange a broom with that of another person, to avoid transferring bad luck or illnesses.
Obviously these are just some of the superstitions present all over the world, and which others do you know?
#beliefs #superstitions #cultures
