The pandemic may have increased the prevalence of superstitious beliefs, according to experts. Superstitious behavior emerges when circumstances are uncertain, and the pandemic was a time of unprecedented consternation. Although experts have yet to offer a uniform definition of superstition, it is related to irrational or false beliefs, as well as attempting to control good or bad luck.

 

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In a nod to superstitions from around the world, let’s look at seven of them.

1. In India, trimming your nails before bed is often considered bad luck. This could be related to the fact that at night it is dark, and before there was electricity, nail trimmings could pop off anywhere, including into foodstuffs, which is unhygienic (and gross). Additionally, people used knives before nail clippers were invented. And, well, knives and darkness are a dangerous combo.
2. Menstrual blood is considered unclean in many cultures, and menstruating women are often isolated to separate rooms, eat from separate plates, and are not allowed in temple so as to not "spread" contamination. Even in the U.K., some farmers believe that menstruating women who touch milk render the milk unable to be churned into butter. Superstitions revolving around menstrual blood serve to marginalize and discriminate against women of reproductive age.
3. In South Korea, there is a superstition called “fan death.” If a person falls asleep with the fan on, they could die. This may be related to hypothermia. Consequently, many South Koreans set their fan timers to shut off before they fall asleep.
4. According to Muslim hadith, the “evil eye” is real. The evil eye, which is rooted in jealousy or envy, can cause harm and misfortune. Across the Middle East and North Africa, a majority of people believe in the evil eye, with rates as high as 80% in Morocco and 90% in Tunisia. Although some hadith condemn the use of talismans decorated with symbols or precious stones, about 3 of 10 people in Muslim countries use such charms to ward off the evil eye.
5. In Kenya, when your left palm itches, some people think it means that you’re in for a windfall of money. It’s important to avoid scratching the itch because it could “scratch” the money away.
6. Most Americans know that finding a penny on the ground is good luck. But why? Apparently, in ancient times, metal was considered a gift from the gods. As for the superstition of knocking on wood, this could be because European churchgoers would often touch wood that the church said came from the cross.
7. In Japan, patients often want to be discharged on a “lucky” vs. “unlucky” day, thus increasing hospital costs.