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The black cat crossing your path, breaking a mirror, and other strange superstitions that have been passed down through the ages. But even these popular beliefs vary according to countries and cultures. Below, we are listing some of the strangest superstitions from different countries and regions of the world.

Denmark

In many countries, spilling salt on the table is a bad omen, while throwing salt over your left shoulder brings good luck. In Denmark, spilling salt is good luck if it’s dry, but bad luck if it’s wet. In Scandinavia it is a common practice to ward off evil spirits and demons by putting some salt in certain places in the house.

United States

You might think that only children believe in fairy tale figures like witches, but for a long time they have scared adults too. In the United States, for example, this belief is still evident, as many houses have specially shaped windows called “witch windows”. They are arched to prevent witches from entering the house with their brooms.

Morocco

In this country many superstitions are related to the devil and religion. Yawning with your hand over your mouth is more than an expression of politeness. The left hand should be placed in front of the mouth with the palm facing forward to ward off the evil eye or the devil. The gesture must be accompanied by an Arabic formula: “astaghfar allah” (I ask God for forgiveness).

Finland

In Finland it is best not to kill any spiders. According to local beliefs, it may rain the next day.

INDIA

There are several methods to avoid the evil eye (negative karma) and bad luck. In some areas of the country, people have a superstition of throwing red pepper and salt at the entrance of their houses. If you travel to India, you may also see large white pumpkins in front of houses or shops to protect the home or business from people’s evil eye.

China

In China, the number 4 is pronounced almost like the word “death” and therefore brings bad luck. Some buildings go directly from the 3rd floor to the 5th floor. On the contrary, the number 8 means luck and happiness.

Japan

If you go to the Land of the Sun, never stick your chopsticks into the rice because it is a memory of a dead person. Indeed, the rice bowl is related to the incense bowls used during funeral ceremonies. Also, crossing or breaking sticks is a sign of bad luck.

Spain

Unlike many cultures that fear Friday the 13th, for the Spanish, Tuesday the 13th is a bad day for travel and weddings. This belief dates back to Mars, the name of the god of war in Spanish.

France

France also has its share of popular superstitions, such as drinking a toast while making eye contact with the person in front of you. The toast is an act of devotion and faith, the tradition of which dates back to the Middle Ages. If someone wanted to poison you, he had to look at his glass to see if there was poison in his drink.

Italy

In Italy it is the number 17 that brings bad luck and not 13, even if the superstition of the number 13 comes from the Bible. Where does this superstition about the number 17 come from? The explanation comes from its writing with Roman numerals: XVII. It is an anagram of VIXI, which in Latin means “I have lived”, and therefore “I have died”. So you won’t find yourself with 17 guests at a dinner party in Italy, nor will you have room number 17 in a hotel or seat number 17 on an Alitalia flight.

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Throughout history, many people have claimed to be able to predict the future. Religious figures, prophets and astrologers have published their predictions, sometimes centuries ahead of time. The most famous seer is the French Nostradamus, or Michel de Nostredame, the name he was given at birth.

For five centuries, scientists and esotericists have tried to unravel the mysterious messages left behind by Nostradamus. The media has deciphered the viewer’s predictions for 2024 and some of them can be shocking.

Who was Nostradamus?

Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, was a French astrologer and physicist who lived in the 16th century. Michel de Nostredame was born on December 14, 1503, in the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the south of France. At the age of 14, the young man left his family and entered the University of Montpellier, where he studied medicine and astrology. He was a true genius of his time, had a perfect knowledge of astronomy and medicine, spoke several languages, including Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and was fond of astrology. Few people know, but Nostradamus was also a renowned physicist and was even physician to kings Henry II, Francis II and Charles IX.

Nostradamus was quite a controversial figure and often faced criticism and attacks from religious authorities for his medical beliefs and practice. He used his vast knowledge to write unique predictions. These were coded tars, some of which are still difficult to interpret. Michel de Nostredame died on July 2, 1566, at the age of 62, leaving behind a book of mysterious prophecies that continue to be solved 500 years after his death. The “Prophecies” of Nostradamus is a collection of 942 poetic quatrains that were published in 1555.

What has Nostradamus predicted for the year 2024?

Nostradamus’ prediction for the coming year is disappointing, to put it mildly.

The Third World War

Nostradamus wrote that humanity will face the “seven months of the Great War” in 2024. The opinions of researchers about the outbreak of the Third World War are divided: some believe that it will be a continuation of the war in Ukraine, while others predict the possibility of a major conflict provoked by China over Taiwan. According to the “Prophecies”, several world powers, including the United States, Russia and China, will be involved in a new great war.

A terrible earthquake

Nostradamus also predicted a terrible earthquake that would cause widespread destruction in California and result in many deaths. In fact, Nostradamus was not the only one who spoke about natural disasters. Eno Alaric, better known as “The Time Traveler”, also predicted a powerful earthquake in California.

Changes in the Vatican: a new pope

Five centuries ago, Nostradamus wrote that Pope Francis would step down from his duties at the Vatican due to his advanced age. In the coming months, a new pope will be elected to lead the Catholic Church. Francis will be replaced by “an unknown and dangerous person who will cause a scandal”. Some scholars even say that “the next elected pope will be an African or Asian cardinal from the countryside.”

Changes on a planetary scale: global warming

Nostradamus did not see any positive change in dealing with the issue of global warming. On the contrary, the problem would become even more serious. The forecaster spoke of major floods that would be caused by global warming.

The fall of Putin

Nostradamus predicted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will face a great test in 2024. Even according to Nostradamus poems written centuries ago, it seems that the situation in Russia will worsen.

Artificial organs

The year 2024 should also be marked by numerous scientific advances in the transplantation and production of artificial organs, which could be “made through 3D printing or the discovery of new materials compatible with the human body”. This would be an important step forward as many patients would be able to access previously expensive treatments. Nostradamus predicted that these artificial organs would be widely distributed around the world and could save many lives.

The age of technology and innovation

Researchers of Nostradamus’ poems say that the prophet predicted a leap in the field of new technologies. This will find application in many technological innovations. In fact, Nostradamus predicted significant progress in many fields, including machine learning, robotics, as well as health, finance, and transportation, among others. Artificial intelligence, medical diagnosis and treatment will provide new solutions and thus save many lives. The invention of autonomous vehicles is also expected to change the way we move and travel.

A charismatic leader in Europe

Nostradamus predicted the emergence of a new charismatic leader in Europe. He will have excellent public speaking skills. It is said that the crowd will literally follow him. The leader will lead a social or political movement.

Which predictions of Nostradamus came true?

It is difficult to say how many predictions have come true, because interpretations of mysterious poems are quite subjective. While some researchers are convinced that most of the predictions have come true, others believe none of them. The fact is that the poems of Nostradamus are very “poetic”, vague and open to interpretation.

Scholars offer a list of some of the prophecies that have come true:

Election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States (2017)

The terrorist attacks of September 11 (2001) “At forty-five degrees, the sky will burn. Fire to approach the great new city;”

The Assassination of John F. Kennedy (1963)

Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945) “Near the gates and within the two cities, There will be calamities never seen, The widow of hunger within the pestilence, The people extinguished by steel”

Hitler’s rise to power in the 1930s

The Arrest of Louis XVI (1791)

French Revolution (1789-1799)

The Great Fire of London (1666)

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The tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve is more than 4000 years old. Something else that has existed for many years are also superstitions that aim to ward off bad luck or bring only good things in the coming year.

Of course, no one can confirm if these practices really work. But here are some of the more popular New Year’s superstitions that people like to follow for luck during the year.

Make noise at midnight

From fireworks and bottles of champagne to the clatter of pots and pans, loud celebrations let you know when the clock strikes midnight on January 1st. Apparently, this is to scare away any evil spirits lurking during the transition from the old year to the new year.

Wake up early on New Year’s Day

You might think that January 1 is the best day to sleep later than usual, but a Polish tradition says otherwise. It is believed that if you wake up early on New Year’s Day, waking up early will be easier for you throughout the year.

Wash your face with coin water

What is coin water? Well, it’s the water left behind in a bowl in which you just rinsed the coins. According to a Slavic tradition, you put your change in a bowl of water, remove the coins and then wash your face with that water. It is supposed to bring wealth and prosperity in the new year. Run seven laps around your house

Latin American tradition says that running around the block with a packed suitcase on New Year’s Eve means you’ll travel to many new places.

Don’t cry on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day

Crying is thought to start the year off wrong, so you shouldn’t shed tears in the new year. Of course, that doesn’t count for tears of joy!

Wear and Decorate with Gold

Cover your living room and your ensemble in gold to bring good money luck in the new year. Gold is associated with wealth and royalty, and may be just the touch you need to make the money come to you.

Do not delete New Year’s Day

Complete the sweep before the new year arrives, because ancient Chinese lore says you can sweep away good luck on January 1st. A superstition that purports to bring good luck and takes a chore off your to-do list? Sounds like a win-win.

Eat 12 grapes

You’ve probably heard of the Latin tradition of eating 12 grapes to bring good luck in the coming year. Each grape represents a month of the new calendar, and you must eat it at midnight to bring prosperity and good luck in the new year.

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