Seven of the Worlds Strangest Superstitions

SEVEN OF THE WORLDS STRANGEST SUPERSTITIONS BNGO FIND #7 Attack of the fans in South Korea While this may sound like a slightly twisted version of the cult sci-fi film, Short Circuit, South Koreans actually believe that if you sleep with a fan on in the bedroom, you'll essentially die in your sleep. This notion is so entrenched that even doctors are adamant that the you-know-what will and truly hit the fan if you risk it. #6 Have a grape new year in Spain Over in the Latin Quarter, eating 12 grapes in quick succession on New Year's Eve is actually favoured over finding somebody to lock lips with when the clock strikes midnight. They believe that doing so will bring you great luck over the coming year. #5 Maybe mum was right We were always told not to swim after a meal, right? Well maybe there's something in that - the Italians certainly think so! Known as 'congestione', in Italy they avidly subscribe to the idea that, if you go anywhere near water within 3-4 hours of eating, you will in no uncertain terms die. Some even refuse to shower in fear of meeting an abrupt end. #4 In Thailand they Tackle their superstitions head on - literally It is thought to be a good luck for a man to wear a penis medallion around his neck in Thailand. The 'Palad Khik' - which translates to 'honourable surrogate penis', naturally - is actually considered to bestow good fortune for a gambler, protect them from muggings and make them irresistible to women. #3 Number four. Unlucky for... well... all.... Many cultures harbour superstitions that involve lucky and unlucky numbers, but few take it as far as China, who believe that this number should be avoided at all costs. Many goes as far as to ensure they don't go to the 4th floor in most buildings, and even skip all levels with the number in them. The also avoid manufacturing license plates with the dreaded digit. #2 Turkish people wouldn't be caught undead chewing gum after dark The Turkish are known for their strange superstitions, but perhaps one of the most bizarre is their belief that if you chew gum after the sun goes down, it will actually turn into dead flesh. So if you by chance find yourself with less than fresh breath there at any point, we'd avoid the Wrigleys if we were you! #1 It might sound cheesy... but... In Medieval England, expectant mothers would prepare what was known as 'groaning cheese' - which was essentially a large rounded wheel of cheese that was left to mature for the full nine months - after which she and the family would dine on this and nothing else, leaving nothing but the outer rind. The ritual dictates that the little one would be passed through the rind on the day of their christening - blessing them with a long and prosperous life. We can only speculate that they'd be edam (ed) if they didn't partake in this. Sources: http://www.studentbeans.com/worldweirdweb/a/- weird/13-strange-superstitions-from-around-the-world5588.html http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/13-strange-superstitions#image-rotator-1 http://www.itthing.com/weird-superstitions-that-are-crazy-and-creepy http://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/superstitions-around-the-world-list-of-some-funny-and-strange-beliefs %23 %23 | %23