Visiting a new country for the very first time is a really thrilling experience, especially if you’re staying for an extended period of time on an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme work/study placement. You’ll get used to new flavours and dishes, a different transport system to your own, work practices that are perhaps dissimilar to your home country’s and a study system that probably has some similarities but will still feel strange to start with. That’s the beauty of experiencing something other than what you’re used to at home! Plus, every country has its own culture, its own way of doing things, and with other cultures comes other superstitions, which you may think odd. From black cats to avoiding walking under ladders – and that dreaded Friday the 13th, what are they all about? Find out what those superstitions are, where they’ve come from and what they mean in this article.
Superstitions in Spain
In terms of dates, number 13 is deemed unlucky in many countries, but in most, it’s all about Friday – however when you get to Spain, the unluckiest day of the week is a Tuesday. So why is that? Well, it’s all in the name. Tuesday in Spanish is Martes, which comes from the word for the planet Mars and during the Middle Ages was referred to as “Little Evil.” Tuesday is ruled by Mars, therefore when a Tuesday is combined with the number 13, it’s seen as unlucky.
Superstitions in Portugal
In Portugal, if you spill your glass of wine (or bottle!) it’s seen a good luck – and not just for you, if you do it while in company, you’ll bring whoever your with good luck too! There are other superstitions as well, not as favourable as wine spills! Never walk backwards in Portugal as it’s believed that you’ll contact the devil and when you walk into another person’s home, always step inside using your right foot, for good luck!
Superstitions in Norway
Going to Norway on an Erasmus+ is an extraordinary experience – and if you see bowls of porridge outside houses, you may wonder what on earth’s going on! Well, these bowls are for good luck, the sweetness is believed to sweeten up old trolls who may bring bad luck if they aren’t treated well! Also, if the weather’s looking good, never whistle towards the sun because if you do, you’ll break the weather and bring rain. While talking about the weather – May Day is really important because if there’s ice on the lakes, it means Spring will come late.
Superstitions in Italy
The Italians have plenty of superstitions of their own, let’s just go back to that unlucky 13 because in Italy, it’s a lucky number! However, the number 17 isn’t seen as lucky and a Friday 17th is particularly unlucky, so much so that Alitalia doesn’t have a row 17 and some hotels don’t have a floor 17 either. This is because of Roman numerals, XVII, if you move these around to VIXI, the translation in Latin is “My life is over.” So now you know!
Superstitions in the Czech Republic
Bring yourself good luck in the Czech Republic by throwing a shoe over your shoulder (but avoid people behind you!). Other lucky superstitions include smashing a plate which is why if you get invited to a wedding in this country, you’ll see the bride smash a plate and her groom clear it up…. Fragments of the plate are given to guests for good luck too while the bridal couple keep some for themselves.
Final Words
Don’t forget to let us know if you come across any weird and wonderful superstitions on your travels. You can post your story in the comment section (and follow the TravelEdventures’ social media channels too!).
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