Anyone Feeling Particularly Superstitious ...?

How superstitious are you, fellow Steemitian?

You would think that living in a highly technological world would be enough to get rid of all superstitions.

Not really!

Where some taboos originated from is an open question. And in other places, questioning the rationale behind a taboo is a taboo and almost blasphemous.

Some circles argue that taboos exist probably because they promote morality, advocate spiritual discipline and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

Let’s dive deep into the most absurd superstitious taboos observed in the world today.

1. Indonesia

If you grew up somewhere where calling on your grandpa goes something like “Grandpa Moses”, banish your old pap’s first name soon as you set out for Indonesia. Unmistakably, this is aimed at respecting your elders; it is a taboo to call elders by their first names.

What’s unmistakably absurd, though, is touching someone’s head; it is completely unacceptable here. The head is believed to be the most sacred part of the body. Apparently, the head is out of touch, no pun intended.

Speaking of touch, another hilarious taboo is you are not to use your left hand to give or receive something. No one here will accept it, anyways. Also, includes being affectionate in public—just get a room, will you?

1. Kenya.

Here’s another awesomely tranquil country, where if you visit or are a native, you might always want to rise and shine before the crack of dawn to hit a track for a healthy dose of jogs.

Although rapidly losing grip across the land of Maasai Mara, Kenyans believe that if you set out on a journey early in the morning and on the way meet a woman, you are supposed to return to the house and start your journey afresh. Completely.

That involves climbing back to bed, waiting on your alarm to ring again, snoozing it five times like you always do, then cursing it before finally dragging yourself up and pulling off that comical little morning routine you have.

And oh, be sure to step out of bed first and foremost only with your right foot, if you want good luck for the rest of the day.

Only then can you change your clothes and restart your morning jog or what have you. Apparently, that’d confuse spirits of bad luck since women are (or were, rather) considered a bad omen.

Now imagine meeting five women one morning. You might as well sleep in for the rest of the day.

1. China
   

Famous for their heavily curried cuisine, the Chinese have taboos that dictate behavior with regards to food and table manners.

Next time you head out to Beijing or Guangzhou or Hangzhou, or just hang out in any Chinatown for a feast, literally keep those chopsticks to yourself.

It’s a taboo to point each other with chopsticks and to slash noodles when cooking them. It is believed that the longer the noodles, the longer your life and vice versa.

Watch out that the chef doesn’t cut yours in half before you’ve written your will.

1. Vietnam

The rule of three applies in Vietnam.

Number three is related to deity.

It is believed that if you take a photo of three people, the devil will pluck away the one in the middle. Threesome selfies might earn you a dance with El Diablo, apparently.

Mortals revere spiritual powers and would avoid anything considered blasphemous for one can be punished for effrontery.

Some little things we do turn out to be the craziest things we’ll ever do.

And although some are dissipating (thank the heavens), these are just 4 instances of some of the superstitious beliefs around the world. We know your people have a bunch of excesses to boast.

Why not share those in the comments section below and have us crack up about it?