Tag: Superstitions

Just east of Phoenix, Arizona, is a dramatic range of golden spires rising from the valley floor amidst the saguaros, ocotillo, and creosote bush. These are the Superstition Mountains. I made a few short excursions into this area with my family during November 2023. This mountain range can be see...

Imagine you’re an astronaut or a cosmonaut and you’ll soon be launching to space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Your launch day has finally arrived, you’re suited up, and ready to head to the launch pad — but there’s at least one more thing you’ll nee...

Sticking chopsticks upright in rice has special meanings. Children and foreigners first learning to master eating with chopsticks are often warned against sticking their chopsticks upright in rice. This is due to the custom of offering a bowl of rice with chopsticks (or incense) perpendicularl...

Prepare to delve into the fascinating world of superstitions as we explore a unique belief deeply rooted in Portuguese culture: the aversion to the number 13 when it comes to gifting flowers. While this might seem like an unusual custom, it holds significant meaning in the hearts of the people of Po...