El Monte - Rosemead Adult School
2014-2015 ESL Level 6 Class
Mrs. Grubb & Mr. Miyahara
Supersition Essays
David Yan
10/02/14
Chinese Superstitions
China is a land of many popular beliefs, customs and superstitions. This is all part of the Chinese life. The following are some superstitions and beliefs in the Chinese world concerning numbers and the house you live in.
The Chinese believe that the number 6 and 8 are lucky numbers because the pronunciation of the number 'six' and 'eight' are similar with the pronunciation of the word for ‘success’ and ‘fortune’ in Chinese. Especially the number 8 has much value in the social life in China. So if a cell phone number, a house number or the registration number of a car has the 8, people think it is a lucky sign. The number 4 on the other hand, is considered unlucky. It is so because the number 4 in Chinese has the pronunciation similar to the word 'death'. This number is unacceptable for vehicles and houses.
Other Chinese superstitions involve ones house. For example, buying a house facing the North would bring in ruin to the family. A house facing the South is generally a good way. It is something like the geometry which is called ’Feng shui’ in Chinese. Furthermore, the Chinese do not sweep during New Years, because if one does so, he will sweep away all the good fortune. To avoid this, you are to actually sweep on the day previous to New Years.
In conclusion, just like any culture around the world, the Chinese also have superstitions. We want to avoid back luck and attract good luck. This is especially evident especially in the superstitions surrounding numbers and houses.
Liu,Stella
10/02/14
Superstitions in China
As we all know, there are lots of superstitions in China since it has a very long historical standing. Most of these superstitions are passed down from generation to generation, and people believe strongly in that. Therefore, it almost becomes part of Chinese traditional culture. Personally, the superstitions which talk about home, as well as some of our behaviors really impress me a lot.
First of all, there are lots of superstitions dealing with home. For example, when we’re going to purchase a house, the first step is choosing the location. Chinese believe that it would bring ruin to the family if the home faces the north. So, property developers will never construct a building, which is facing the north. Otherwise, no one will buy it. After choosing a house, we need to decorate it, and there are many superstitions involved in that, too. Such as, home’s door or gate can not directly face corridors, and the doors of two rooms can not face each other, especially for the restroom door. The Chinese are convinced that it would brings bad luck and has a bad influence on the family’s health. What’s more, Chinese people are being very careful about where to place a mirror. People believe that mirrors can steal your soul while you are sleeping. If you suddenly wake up and see your soul wandering in the mirror, it really scares you, and your soul may not go back into your body anymore. According to this, Chinese people won’t let a mirror face their bed, and some people even never put a mirror in their bedroom.
Second, Chinese people deem that some behavior will bring back luck or even death. When it comes to marriage, old people always tell us to never get married to a person who is 6 years older or younger than you. In their opinions, this kind of couples doesn’t get along well with each other, because their Chinese zodiac are opposite. Consequently, they might divorce much easier than others. Last but not least, never send a clock as a gift; because in China, sending a clock sounds like bidding farewell to someone when they’re going to die.
In brief, there are large amounts of superstitions in China. Some really make sense, but not all of them. So, whether you believe in them or not, it’s up to you.
Mario Pop
10/06/14
Superstitions in Guatemala
In Guatemala, many people still believe in superstitions. Some of the superstitions are so strong that they have almost become a national custom. I’ll be describing the meaning of some of these good superstitions and bad superstitions.
For good luck, people from Guatemala often carry the rabbit’s foot. It is believed that anyone that has a rabbit’s foot will be protected from harm. The act of crossing your fingers is considered good luck as well. People believe that crossing fingers will take away any bad luck because it represents the cross of Jesus Christ. Another common good luck superstition in Guatemala has to do with spilling salt. If you for some reason spell salt, you need to throw some salt over your right shoulder to avoid having bad luck.
On the other hand, bad luck superstitions are popular too, for example mirrors. Because mirrors are thought to reflect a person’s health, breaking a mirror means seven years of bad luck. Other superstitions have to do with death. If the black butterfly flies into your house, it is indicative that someone in the family will die. Further more, if you dream that you lose a tooth. It signifies that a member of the family will die as well.
In conclusion, Guatemalan people always like to attract good luck and seek protection from bad luck. I find the superstitions to sometimes be true. I think we all want to avoid as much bad luck as possible, whether or not it’s superstitious.
Nazario Carrillo
Oct 2, 2014
Superstitions in my Country of Mexico
For a long time people have believed in superstitions. Superstitions are common in my country of Mexico. Some of the superstitions have to do with your bed, while others have to do with numbers.
Your bed is a topic of many superstitions in Mexico. For example, if you step out of your bed with your left foot first, your will have a very bad day. Another superstition has to do with the placement of your bed. If you don’t have the foot of your bed towards the door, you will welcome death.
Superstitions about numbers are also common in Mexico. For example, Friday the 13th is an unlucky. It is thought that transportation accidents increase by a large amount. In contrast, the number 7 is important for good luck. It is believed to be lucky, because before the invention of the telescope, seven planets were visible in the sky.
In conclusion, superstitions in Mexico are common even today because our ancestors believed in them. Although people may believe less in them now, they still live on in our thoughts and minds.
Quynh Dinh
10/02/14
Superstitions in Your Home Town
Every country has its own culture. Vietnamese culture is diversified with many festivals, traditions, and cultures. Some of these are related to superstitious beliefs. Below are some common examples of Vietnamese superstitions.
Tet or Vietnamese New Year’s, is one of the most important celebrations in Vietnam. People hope for a better upcoming year when Tet arrives. To guarantee a luckier new year, people follow superstitious beliefs. For example, they think that the first person who visits their house on the first day of the new year, will affect their family. So needless to say, they often choose a guest who has a happy and successful life to visit, because they believe that person will bring them good luck. In addition, people often don’t sweep their floor during New Year’s Day; because they believe good luck maybe swept away with the broom.
Daily activities are also influenced by superstitious believes in the Vietnamese culture. It is believed that people who keep chipped bowls or dishes in their home, will become poor. They also never like to put their heads where other people sick, since they are afraid this will affect their intelligence. Furthermore, students don’t like to cut their hair or eat eggs before final exams. This is thought to lead them to forget what they have learned, and result in a lower grade.
In conclusion, superstitions still exist in Vietnam especially in New Year’s customs and daily activities. It is considered to be unchangeable to some people and is expected to continue onto the next generation. No matter what people believe in, superstitious or not, it appears in all cultures all around the world. I think superstitions make cultures more mysterious and fascinating.
Yan Caiyan Chen
10/02/14
I’d Rather Believe It to be True, Than Not.
China has such a long history. People’s habits and customs are affected by many fairytale stories. Superstitions come from these stories too. People believe in many superstitions that will bring them good luck or prevent them from receiving bad luck. The most common superstition in China have to do with words that sound similar to each other.
Chinese pronunciation is based on pinyin. It is like English in that one word can have the same sound as another word with a different meaning. Common Chinese superstitions have to do with numbers. The number four, for example, sounds like the Chinese word for “dead”. This is why people try to avoid the number four in their phone number, license plate, or address. On the other hand, the number eight sounds like the Chinese word for “rich” and the number nine sounds like the word for “forever.” It it’s hard to believe, but a license plate with the numbers “88888” was reported to have been bought for 695,000 RMB (approx. $114,000) and a phone number with the digits 1-359-999-9999 was bought for 3.65 million RMB (approx. $608,000)!
Furthermore, when you enter a Chinese traditional house people will tell you to avoid stepping on the doorsill. This is because doorsill sounds like the Chinese word for ”rough, difficult, or bumpy”. Therefore, skipping over the Doorsill will bring you good luck and fortune in the future.
“I’d rather believe it to be true, then not” is a famous saying in China. Superstition is a rule of life that has been handed down throughout Chinese generations.
Gloria Carias
10/06/14
Superstitions in My Country
There are many superstitions in my country of Honduras. On this occasion I will talk about the ones I remember the most.
Since I was a child, my mother always warned me that if a black butterfly entered our house, it meant that someone in our family would die soon.
Another superstition was about pregnancy. If you were pregnant, you needed to be sure to put a red belt or scarf around your belly at nighttime when it was a full moon. People believe that if you were to go outside without it, it would be bad luck for the baby.
One more superstition we see in Honduras every day is the belief in the evil eye. It is thought that there are certain people with lighter colored eyes that can given the evil eye and make another person sick, tired, or simply cursed. In Guatemala, you will find that made me babies wear a red bracelet on their wrist. This is to protect them from the evil eye.
In conclusion, I believe in the superstition in Honduras as I have seen some of this happening before. When you visit Honduras, be warned about our superstitions.
Hilario Chuluc
10/23/14
Superstitions in My Country of Guatemala
There are many superstitions around my world. In my country, we have so many superstitions. Some of the more interesting ones are about weddings, home, and death.
Getting married is a big deal in any country. In Guatemala if you dream about getting married, it means you will never will. However, if you want to find your mate for life, you know for sure if you yawn at the same time as someone else. Because if you do, it means you will have a match for life. In addition, should you actually get to the wedding and you find a spider in your wedding gown before walking down the aisle – it means you’ll have good luck.
Many superstitions surround the home. For example, if you are resting on the sofa and someone accidentally sweeps your feet as they are cleaning, it means you never become a father. Furthermore, if a person opens an umbrella inside the house it is bad luck, as is spilling salt. In contrast, it is considered good luck to wake up and start your day with your right foot.
We are all worried about death. In Guatemala it is in our cultural belief that if a black butterfly comes to rest at your house, someone near to you will die. Furthermore, you better not dream about losing a tooth, because then it’s believed that some of your family will die.
In conclusion, these are some of the common Guatemalan superstitions about marriage, home and death. In my country we have so many beliefs, I wanted share some with all of you.
Iris Osorto
10/16/14
Superstitions
We have many superstitions in my country of Honduras. Many people live their daily lives with superstitions that came about many years ago. Just like in many countries around the world, many of these superstitions are about things that are unlucky or lucky.
There are items in your home that are considered unlucky. In my country, for example, opening I’m in umbrella inside of your home is considered unlucky. Opening on umbrella indoors means that your mom will die. Another superstition in the home is about mirrors. It is thought that a mirror can trap your soul, and therefore if you break a mirror you will create a broken soul, which in turn can lead to your “broken” health. Because of this superstition, many people become afraid if they should accidentally break a mirror.
On the other hand, there are many superstitions in Honduras that are considered lucky. Dreams play an important role. Some people say that if you have a dream about numbers, you should go out and buy a lottery ticket with those numbers. You are almost certain to be lucky and win some money.
In conclusion, superstitions are alive and well in my country of Honduras. Just like everybody else, we like to stay away from bad luck and generate as much good luck as possible.
Martin Jimenez
10/9/14
The Superstitions of My Country
Superstition is a kind of thought about some action that is in relation to good or bad luck. In my country of Mexico, there’s a lot of superstition of all kinds. Actually, the superstitions sometimes depend on the place of origin.
For example, when people get ready to eat, it is good luck to pray before eating. Families do this because the thought is that there will be food in the house all year long. An unlucky superstition about eating, is to never leave the table unless finished. By doing so, it is thought that you will have a stomachache, because you are disrespecting the food.
On the farm during planting season, there are a lot of superstitions that are thought to help a nice fruit harvest. For example, it is for good luck to always be accompanied by the house’ dogs. It is thought that the dogs will protect from bad spirits. Furthermore, it is considered good luck to drink “Pulque” (a kind of Mexican beer), will all the people who will be working the land. In contrast, it is bad luck to change sowing tools while you are working on the land. The superstition says that the land will ignore you, and the harvest won’t grow.
In conclusion, it is surprising that a lot of people still believe in so many superstitions. Furthermore superstitions never seem to disappear even though the years go and go. Depending on the thoughts of the people, superstitions can create fear or hope and happiness.
Erick Zaragoza
10/1/14
Superstitions in My Country
In Mexico people believe in many superstitions. Some of the superstitions are very strong. Most are about protecting bringing good luck and avoiding bad luck.
Many people in Mexico feel that they need to protect their houses and businesses. Many of them will hang a horseshoe above the door. The horseshoe is often hung facing downward, so that good luck will “pour over” the house or business.
In contrast, people also believe in superstitions that can bring you bad luck. It is important to remember that you should never throw salt in a Mexican home. Throwing salt will bring bad luck to the whole family. Furthermore, it is believed that you should never cross a cat’s path, or you will surely have bad luck upon you.
In conclusion, superstitions have been around hundreds of years. They all bring either good luck or bad luck. Although we do not all believe in them, others of us do - quite strongly.
Shudong Ma
10/16/14
Superstitions in Southern China
There are many superstitions in my country of China. With such a rich history, it is not surprising that China has so many different kinds of superstitions. Numbers have always played a large role to the people of China. It is not surprising then, that certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky.
The number four, for example, carries special meaning. In Southern China the number four in Mandarin sounds like the word for “death”. In this part of the country, it is not surprising then, that numbered items such as phone numbers, license plate numbers, and room numbers omit the number four. People like to shy away from this number because it is thought to bring bad luck. However, in northern China, the number four, surprisingly, means good fortune?
The number eight signifies the money and luck. This is by far the most popular number in China. The more eights you have, the more money is sure to come your way. A Chinese person would pay a lot of money to get a telephone number or a license plate that contains a lot of eights. Street poles are often covered in notices of people who are offering to sell their lucky phone number.
In conclusion, the Chinese fascination with numbers usually imposes upon their lives. Chinese people still get advice from number experts for the best day to marry, the best time to get pregnant or the best day to make a move. All want to seek good luck and avoid the bad.
Dina Campos
10/2/14
Superstitions in My Country
In El Salvador, the country where I come from, superstition is the fear of what is unknown; mysterious events which can bring good or bad luck. People in every country believe in one or more superstition. In my country, many people believe in superstitions about good and bad luck, and of course death.
Superstitions about marriage are always curious. In El Salvador, people believe that if you peel and orange keeping the shell intact you will get married. Furthermore, if you make tortillas and the show gets inflated, you will also get married. In contrast, if someone sweeps your feet, you will be single your whole life.
Other popular superstitions are about creating good luck. If you throw a coin into a wishing well, your wish will come true on New Year’s Eve. If you eat 12 grapes, you will have good luck and money for the full year. In contrast, there are several superstitions about bad luck. If you get out of bed and put your left foot first on the floor, you will have a bad day or if you happen to sweep the floor at night, your mother can get sick. Other superstitions are more dire. You don’t want to see a black butterfly, for example, because that means a close friend or family member will die. Likewise, if you have a dream that your teeth are falling out - someone – again- is likely to die.
To conclude, many superstitions exist all around the world. However, these are the most common superstitions dealing with good luck and bad luck in my country. Most likely the superstitions will continue well into the future.
Raul De Anda
10/9/14
Superstitions in My Country of Mexico
Where I am from in Mexico, people strongly believe in superstitions. Some of the superstitions are for good luck and others are to avoid bad luck.
An example of bad luck is the cat. A lot of people feel that it is bad luck to cross a cat’s path. They think that the cat has something to do with the devil, and therefore should not be interrupted. Another superstition about bad luck is opening an umbrella inside of the house. People believe that this will bring them that luck for a full seven years.
In contrast, people in Mexico also believe in superstitions having to do with good luck. For instance, people believe that it is good luck to have plants inside or outside your home and place of business. Another good luck charm, is a rabbits foot. A lot of people believe this brings them good luck.
To conclude, superstitions have been a part of the culture of Mexico for a long time. Just like everybody else, we like to avoid bad luck and create as much good luck as possible.
Jose Arreola
10/02/14
Superstitions in My Country of Mexico
In my country of Mexico, put people believe in some superstitions. Some of these superstitions are so strong that they have almost become custom. Many of these superstitions are about protecting yourself from evil animals and soul crushers.
A common superstition is about the black cat. It is considered bad luck for a black cat to cross in front of you. Many people believe this superstition comes from the old days, when witches were suspected of hiding as black cats. Another superstitions that has to do with animals, is an owl. It is considered bad luck to see an owl outside of your house. Seeing an owl is the same as seeing the shadow of death.
Superstition surrounding your soul is another common one. Mirrors have been thought to capture your soul. Thereby breaking a mirror is like breaking your soul. Hence, a broken mirror means at least seven years of bad luck.
In conclusion, in Mexico people believe in many superstitions that have to do with especially bad luck. Animals and souls are two of them.
Martin Yescas
10/2/2014
Superstitions in My Country
In Mexico, people believe in many superstitions. Some of these superstitions are truthful while others are just pure speculation. Some common superstitions in Mexico are about getting married, sweeping, as well as protecting your house from evil.
Getting married is a big deal in Mexico. No wonder then, that there are many superstitions about this important life event. For example, when my sister was a teenager my mom used to say don’t drink pumpkin water or it will rain on your wedding day. Funny enough, this was the truth for my sister! Another superstition about marriage is that that a single person should never wear a used wedding ring. Doing so, will ensure that they will remain single. Furthermore, be careful where you sweep, since sweeping someone’s feet means they will marry an older person.
Sweeping carries many superstitions in Mexico. For example, one should not sweep at night. Sweeping at night means that you will sweep away your money. However, a broom can also be of good luck. If you have an unwelcomed guest over at your house and you want that person to leave right away, you should put a broom by the back of the door. This will ensure they will leave quickly.
Protecting yourself from evil also carries some superstitions in Mexico. For example some Catholic people believe that on the first of every month, they need to throw holy water in each corner of their house. They also often light a candle. Both of these activities are done in order to protect themselves from evil.
In conclusion, certain superstitions are actually truthful and come true but others are not. Superstitions are traditional; most of them carry a purpose of protection and bringing good luck. But some superstitions do warn you of coming bad luck.
Enma Mayorga
10/09/14
Superstitions in Guatemala
In Guatemala, many people still believe in superstitions. The superstitions are so popular. Two of the most common superstitions are about the evil eye and walking under a ladder.
People want to protect their newborn and many people in Guatemala do so by protecting them from the evil eye. The evil eye is when someone looks at your child with envy in the eyes. The babies are protected from this by wearing something red, preferably a coral bracelet.
Walking under a ladder is another common superstition. Since common sense tells us that walking under a ladder can cause a number of accidents, it is not surprising that this too is a superstition. In general, this is cause for bad luck.
In conclusion, protection from the evil eye and walking under a ladder are common superstitions and Guatemala. As humans we want to avoid as much bad luck as possible.
Danfeng Shen
10/02/14
Superstitions in China
Around the world, there are many superstitions. Humanity is similar. Most people are afraid of unknown powers and want to do something to protect themselves against bad luck. In China, many superstitions are for wishing good luck and longevity; and some superstitions are connected with numbers.
Many people believe that they can do something to help them against bad luck. For example, if someone wants to marry, they will not look for a person with either three or six years older or younger than them. It is believed that this age difference will bring bad luck to the couple. And if someone is in his/ her zodiacal year, he/ she will wear red. If they do not do this, they will face of danger, suffer pain, or get sick. In contrast, most Chinese people will do things to brings them good luck and longevity. This is why many will not sleep at all on New Year’s eve, as they believe it will improve their longevity.
Another, superstition in China is about numbers or words. Many people will not accept the number four for their vehicles, houses or even elevator floor. It is because the number four (si) in Chinese has the pronunciation similar to the word death (si). On the other hand, people like the number eight. Many people will spend a lot of money to get the number eight for their car license plate as this number eight (ba) sounds like the word for rich (fa). This is a wish for you to become a wealthy man. Furthermore, there is a very important superstition about words that should be known about Chinese people. When you want to give a gift to your Chinese friend, it is a bad idea to give him/her a clock. Many Chinese people think giving a clock (song zhong) sound similar to bid farwell to someone on their deathbed (song zhong). So don’t make this mistake when choosing a gift for your Chinese friend.
In conclusion, certain superstitions in China have already become customs. These can show people’s good wishes for their life or even affect the way you make friends.
Jesus Rodriquez
10/08/14
Superstitions in My Country
There are many superstitions in my country of Mexico. People believe in them perhaps too much. This is true of Mexico. Some of the superstitions are so strong that they have almost become a custom. Two common superstitions in Mexico deal with good/bad luck and superstitions about the new year.
For example, to find a four leaf clover means that you will have good luck. Four leaf clover’s are thought to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck; perhaps because the actual act of finding a four leaf clover is good luck, since it’s rare to find one. Likewise, finding a horseshoe is thought to bring you good luck too.
In contrast, examples of events related to bad luck are common as well. Acts such as walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, and crossing the path of a black cat are believed to bring you bad luck. Walking under a ladder will bring you bad luck for the day. Crossing the path of a black cat will just give you overall bad luck. However the worst one is to break a mirror. People believe it will bring you a full seven years of bad luck. Other bad luck superstitions have to do with Tuesdays and Friday the 13th. It is believed that these days are unlucky, and the combination of these events can create even worse bad luck.
New Years is a big celebration. People have many superstitions about this holiday. For example, if somebody runs out of the house exactly at midnight on New Year’s Eve that person will travel sometime during the new year. Wearing something red on this night, especially in your close, will bring you love or keep the love that you already have in your life. Eating 12 grapes right after midnight will make your wishes come true. These rituals are all done during New Year’s Eve, hoping to have a better new year then old year. Or perhaps just to have fun during the New Year’s Eve celebration.
In conclusion, the superstitions become rituals of our lights with the purpose of protecting ourselves from bad luck and bringing good luck. Mexicans like the rest of us are superstitious. They always seek good luck, protection from bad luck, and ways for their dreams to come true. I think these all superstitions will continue into the future with the new generations.
Yuechan Liu (Yoanna)
10/01/14
Superstitions Common in China
In China most people believe that important days or special festivals are associated with superstitions or customs. It is important to follow these superstitions, otherwise it may turn into bad luck. I will introduce to you the Spring Festival and our wedding ceremony and the different superstitions in China.
Spring Festival is the Chinese New Year. When celebrating this festival you can’t have a nap during the daytime on the first day of the festival. People believe that a nap during the daytime will bring laziness to them in the coming new year. Furthermore, you can't sweep the floor during the celebrating days either. People believe that sweeping the floor is sweeping their wealth out of the house. Also during the festival, you shouldn’t wash your hair. Washing your hair in Chinese has a similar pronunciation with “fa”, which is the word for getting wealth. People believe that if they behave and follow these rules, they will have good luck in the new year.
Chinese people also believe in many superstitions regarding the wedding ceremony. It is well known that the bride and groom can’t meet the night before the wedding ceremony. People believe that if they do sell, their marriage will be broken and they will have an unlucky future. For the ceremony when the bride is leaving her home to go to the groom’s home, she must be under a red umbrella. Stuffed rice should be tossed at her. People believe the red umbrella will protect the bride from bad birds on the way to the groom's house and also bring her good luck. The bride and groom also need to have a brand new bed with red bedding in it. People often place peanuts, lotus seeds, artichokes, and red dates on the bed. People believe this will lead them to have a baby soon and keep their marriage strong forever.
In conclusion, the superstitions have an important role in Chinese life. Its purpose is to keep good luck and to expel bad luck. Many of these superstitions come from an older generation who knew less science, but their purpose was always one of good will. So some of the superstitions are likely to be maintained as a tradition in the future.
Rosa E. Campos
Oct. 23, 2014
Superstitions Common to Mexico
In Mexico, like in other countries, a lot of people believe in all kinds of superstitions. These superstitions all deal with creating good luck and avoiding bad luck.
We always seek good luck. For example, the aloe vera plant is said to have the powers of good luck and protection. It is believed that an aloe plant in the home will guard you against evil and prevent household accidents. This is why many people in Mexico will have an aloe vera plant in front of their house.
In contrast to good luck, we also seek ways to protect us from bad luck. For example, if you accidentally spill salt on the table, you must pick it up with your left arm in order to avoid bad luck. Furthermore if you should become pregnant during an eclipse, you want to protect the baby from becoming deformed by wearing a safety pin on your stomach. Both these ways will protect you from bad luck.
In conclusion, although superstitions are very common in my country of Mexico, I don’t think they are really true. If you think positive, good luck will come your way and likewise - the opposite.
Kinh Luu
10/22/14
Superstitions in My Country
Because of its long history, China has a lot of superstitions. Some common superstitions are about unique baby gifts as well as the Chinese New Years.
When a child is born, they will usually be given a jade or a silver bracelet or necklace. It is believed to protect the baby from evil. It is good if the jewelry makes a clinging sound, so it will make some noise when the baby is on the move.
Other Chinese superstitions are about the Chinese New Year’s day. On this day, we are not supposed to wash our hair. Doing so will mean that we wash away our good luck for the new year. Wearing red clothes on New Year’s Day is preferred because it is a bright and happy color. This is sure to bring a sunny and bright future. It is believed you’re your appearance and attitude during the New Year’s festivities, sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried adults will receive little red envelopes with money inside of them. This too is to wish them good fortune.
In conclusion, whether it’s a newborn or a brand-new year there are many superstitions in China that are followed. Although they may not all be believed, they have moved from an idea to tradition.
.
Yuliana Palestina
11/20/2014
Common Superstitions in My Country
In Mexico, people believe in many superstitions. This is especially true of Mexico City where I come from. Some of the superstitions are so strong, because all people want to avoid any reason to attract bad luck. However, many have no scientific reason for believing in them. Most of these superstitions are about pregnant women, bad luck or good luck.
For example, when a woman gets pregnant, grandmothers say that they have to take care her self more than others women do. This is obvious, but I think this is a bit of an exaggeration at times. For example, they say that if a pregnant lady crosses her legs, the baby is going to suffocate. Another one believed is that if a woman cuts her hair during pregnancy, the baby won’t see clearly when they are born.
Talking about bad luck; people say that if a lady puts her purse on the floor that could be a bad signal about losing money. Another superstition about bad luck is while celebrating a marriage ceremony; people think that if the future husband sees his future wife before the ceremony, they are going to have bad luck in their marriage.
About good luck, Mexicans have to many superstitions as well. For example, sometimes people say that if you fold a bill in a triangular form, this will bring the couple more money. Another one is that you should wear red underwear for good luck in the love, yellow underwear for money and white underwear for peace. Also many people prefer to take a shower at midnight as this too, is thought to bring good luck.
In conclusion, people still live their lives based on superstitions from long ago. Even though many from Mexico believe in these superstitions, I don’t. I've never had a reason to check if there is some truth to them.
