Europe is home to some of the most diverse nations in the world, spread over one of the smallest spaces around. From west to east, cultures and customs change remarkably, with conflicting ideas living cheek by jowl. One things Europeans do have in common, however, is their propensity for weird superstitions. Travel anywhere in the series of countries, and you might be surprised as to what you will find. These superstitions are by no means the worst, but they certainly are the strangest in the region, spurred on by centuries of folklore and local tales.
6. Hearing A Cricket Is Lucky – Spain
6. Hearing A Cricket Is Lucky – Spain
Finding unwanted insects and bugs is hardly anyone’s idea of a good time, but in Spain, proximity to the smaller critters is nothing but a good thing. Crickets making a noise is considered incredibly good luck, so if you’re taking a visit to the Spanish region, keep your ears open.
5. Putting Bread Down Upside Down Is A Bad Omen – France
5. Putting Bread Down Upside Down Is A Bad Omen – France
The French are renowned for their incredible pastries and bread, and like most things, they take it a lot more seriously than that majority of other countries. Mishandling bread, then, is not something to be laughed at and if you’re caught putting the stuff upside down on a table, it could lead to very bad things indeed.
4. White Calves Born In Winter Means Bad Weather – Iceland
4. White Calves Born In Winter Means Bad Weather – Iceland
Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, Iceland is battered by some of the harshest winters out there and it’s hardly surprising that locals have come to fear signs of winter. If the first born calf of a litter is born white, then it means the following season will be a bad one, blanketing the land in metres of snow.
3. Whistling Brings Good Luck And Girlfriends – Belgium
3. Whistling Brings Good Luck And Girlfriends – Belgium
Spotting single men in Belgium is easier than in most places. Whistling is said not only to be a harbinger of good luck but also, to attract a girlfriend. Unsurprisingly, Belgian men like to try their chances.
2. Raw Garlic With Yogurt Is Very Lucky – Austria
2. Raw Garlic With Yogurt Is Very Lucky – Austria
Not exactly a combination that most people would be thrilled to try, raw garlic combined with yogurt is believed to have some pretty powerful properties in Austria. If you’re feeling particularly superstitious, locals recommend dousing a bowl of yogurt with freshly sliced garlic, a dish that is guaranteed to ward off bad omens, and everyone else for that matter!
1. Toasting With Beers Brings Bad Luck – Hungary
1. Toasting With Beers Brings Bad Luck – Hungary
Making a toast is a regular occurrence when we’re out with friends but if you’re in Hungary, just make sure you’re not drinking beer. Toasting with any sort of beer is a very negative omen and doing so could spell bad things down the line.
