Most people are at least a 

little superstitious. Whether that be placing trust in lucky

numbers or trying to avoid bad omens, different cultures have incredible stories
behind their superstitions. Thinking that trimming your nails at night will bring bad
luck is a common belief in India, for example, while many people in the US
see pennies as a sign of good luck. Keep reading for superstitious beliefs from around
the globe and the stories behind them. Placing empty bottles on the ground is
considered a good luck practice in Russia. The superstition comes from a legend
involving Russian soldiers in the 19th century. According to the Moscow Times, while
the soldiers were in Paris, they were able to save money on alcohol by hiding their
empty bottles on the ground rather than leaving them on the table, as they were
being charged by the empty bottles they left behind. People in the US often use the
phrase "knock on wood" to ward off bad luck, although this superstition is said to
have originated in Europe. During the Medieval period, many churches claimed to
have pieces of Jesus' cross. Church officials would say that knocking on the wood
would bring good luck, according to Yahoo.

According to Turkish legend, when a person chews gum at night, it turns into the
flesh of the dead. As a result, people are strongly advised against chewing gum after
dark in Turkey. Placing your wallet or purse on the ground in Brazil is said to
bring bad financial luck. This superstition is also popular in other South American
countries, as well as the Philippines. In Egypt, there are multiple superstitions
related to scissors in Egypt that believers hold dear. First, it is considered unlucky to
open and close scissors if you're not actually cutting anything. Similarly, leaving
scissors open is also said to bring bad luck. Bottom line, if you are in Egypt, you'd
better be careful with scissors.  Giving flowers as a gift is a popular tradition all over
the globe, although in Russia, it is important to keep the symbolic meaning behind
certain flowers in mind. Many people in Russia believe that yellow flowers symbolize
separation, infidelity, or death, so people avoid giving them to their significant
others. 

For people with OCD, superstitions can manifest as fixations. People with
OCD may feel unable to be dismissive of superstitious behaviors or beliefs.
This can trigger obsessive thoughts or anxiety, among other OCD symptoms.
This is sometimes referred to as “magical thinking” OCD. People who have
other mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, can also
be negatively impacted by superstitions.

DISCUSSION FOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

What are some cultural superstitions?

Do you believe in superstitions? Why or why not. Working with your partner write
down three superstitious beliefs that you are familiar with?
Why do we still believe in superstitions?

Have you experienced individual superstitions?

When superstitions affect mental health?

Why do we believe in astrology?