traditions vs superstitions

Getting pooped on by a bird.

• superstition

• tradition

Answer explanation

Some people believe that getting pooped by a bird is a sign of good luck.

Candles on birthday cakes

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

Blowing out candles on your birthday cake is a long-standing tradition that can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks. They would bake round honey cakes as offerings for their gods and goddesses and top them with candles to make them glow like the moon in tribute to the moon goddess, Artemis.

Walking under a ladder

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

The theory was that when leaned against a wall, the ladder formed a triangle and signified the Holy Trinity. Walking underneath one would therefore break the trinity and be considered blasphemy.

Women leap year proposal

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

For centuries matrimonial matters were strictly reserved for the gents. According to an old Irish legend, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick to give women the chance to pop the question every four years. If they were refused, the man was obliged to buy her a gown or 12 pairs of gloves.

Leaving flowers at a grave

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

The practice of leaving flowers at graves began thousands of years ago when the ancient Greeks would honor fallen warriors. They believed that if the flowers rooted into the ground and grew from the gravesite, it was a sign that the fallen had found peace.

Opening an umbrella indoors

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

One theory dates back to ancient Egypt when nobility would use parasols made of peacock feathers and papyrus to protect themselves from the sun. Opening them indoors – away from the sun’s rays – would be seen as an insult to the sun deity ‘Ra’ and you’d be cursed forever more.

Wearing black clothes at a funeral

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

Wearing black to a funeral is a longstanding tradition in many areas of the world, wearing black indicates that you're mourning the loss of someone. It's also considered a sign of respect for the deceased.

Fingers Crossed

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

The practice of making a cross with your own and the index finger of another person was thought to concentrate the forces of good spirits and to seal a pact or a wish with the fellow-crosser.

Rubbing an egg on your body

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

Many believe that eggs are the cure for evil spirits. People will rub an egg over a persons face and body to absorb bad energy.

Quinceañera party

• tradition

• superstition

Answer explanation

It’s a symbolic rite of passage recognizing when a young girl becomes a woman or Latina. The elaborate event is much more than an ordinary birthday party. It’s chock full of traditions, including choreographed dances, exchanges of meaningful gifts, a religious ceremony and most importantly – the dress.