Speaking of superstitions, do you try to avoid the number 13 at all costs or refuse to open an umbrella indoors?
Around the world, what people consider a bad omen or a lucky charm might surprise you.
In Asia, superstitions go beyond casual myths. They are deeply embedded in daily life, shaping everything from how buildings are designed to what people wear on special occasions.
Some of these beliefs are so ingrained that even skeptics follow them: just in case.
To help you stay topped up with good fortune, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular Asian superstitions.
Whether you’re a firm believer or just here for a cultural deep dive, knowing these common taboos and lucky charms might just save you from bad luck or at least make for a great story on your next trip to Asia.
Top 20 Superstitions That Every Asian Must Know
Whistling At Night
According to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean beliefs, whistling after dark may invite wandering spirits into your home or attract snakes.
So, if you’re walking alone at night, keeping the tunes to yourself might be best.
Sticking Your Chopsticks Upright In A Bowl
@apwasiwine Don't make this one mistake when using your chopsticks! ⚠️ #teachersoftiktok #learnsomething #dinneretiquette #culture #tipsandtricks ♬ Future – Official Sound Studio
While it may seem convenient to rest your chopsticks by sticking them upright into your bowl of rice, this is a major taboo in many Asian cultures.
The reason? It resembles how incense sticks are placed during funeral rites, symbolising death and bad luck.
In Japan, China, and other parts of Asia, doing this at the dining table is also considered disrespectful.
Shaking Your Leg
Shaking your leg might seem like a harmless habit but in many Asian cultures, it is believed to shake away your wealth and good luck.
To keep your fortune on your side, it’s best to keep your legs still and steady.
Pointing Directly At The Moon
Legend has it that if you point or stare at the moon, especially when it is full, you might wake up with cuts on the back of your ears.
Opening An Umbrella Indoors
Source: Pexels
In Chinese culture, it is believed that spirits are drawn to shadows.
When you open an umbrella indoors, the shadow it casts can act as a doorway, inviting spirits into your home.
This superstition has been passed down for generations, warning people to keep their umbrellas closed until they step outside.
Whether you believe in spirits or not, it is a tradition many still follow to avoid bad luck.
Cutting Your Noodles When Eating
Noodles are often served at birthdays and important celebrations as they symbolize longevity.
Biting or cutting them is believed to represent cutting life short.
So, instead of breaking them, lift your bowl and enjoy them as they are.
Writing Your Name Or Others In Red Ink
@tressuni Dramatized it a bit but foreal she would never sign anything in red and would also stop me if I was writing with red pen 😂 #koreanculture #koreangirl #comedy ♬ original sound – Tressuni
Writing someone’s name in red ink is considered bad luck, as it is associated with death.
This superstition stems from the old practice of recording the names of the deceased in red ink in family registers.
To avoid bad omens, it’s best to avoid red ink for names.
Placing Your Bed In Front Of A Mirror
Many believe that sleeping in front of a mirror can lead to restless nights and even invite spirits into your room.
Some say that mirrors act as portals, allowing ghosts to enter, while others believe that seeing your reflection while you sleep can disturb your energy or even steal a part of your soul.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, having a mirror facing your bed can be unsettling, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night and catch a glimpse of something moving.
Giving Pears Or Shoes
Source: Pexels
In Korea, gifting shoes to a significant other is believed to make them run away from you.
Whereas in Chinese culture, sharing a pear is avoided because the phrase “fēnlí” sounds like the Chinese word for separation, symbolizing the end of a relationship.
To avoid bad luck, it’s best to choose a different gift!
Walking Under A Ladder
The superstition of never walking under a ladder is believed to bring bad luck.
It originates from the triangle shape formed by the ladder, symbolizing life or the Holy Trinity, which was considered sacred.
In medieval times, it was also seen as tempting danger or misfortune.
Leaving Your Shoes Upside Down
Turning your shoes over symbolizes misfortune, as it implies that things are “upside down” or out of order.
This belief is often linked to the idea that shoes represent one’s path or journey, and leaving them in such a position could disrupt your fortune or invite negative energy.
Finishing Every Grain Of Rice In Your Bowl
It is believed that leaving rice unfinished in your bowl will cause your future spouse to have pockmarks.
This popular Chinese superstition likely originated to encourage gratitude and prevent food waste, especially since rice is a staple food.
Whether you believe in the superstition or not, finishing your meal is always a sign of respect and appreciation.
Avoiding The Fourth Floor
In many East Asian cultures, the number four is feared because it sounds like the word for “death” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
This belief is so strong that many buildings skip the fourth floor, much like how some in the West avoid the 13th.
Avoid Cleaning Your Home On the First Day Of Lunar New Year
@nzstuff PART 2: Lunar New Year traditions #lny2022 #lunarnewyear #traditions #superstitions #hacksoflife #yearofthetiger #asiantradition #newzealand ♬ LUCKY LUCKY – Abaco
For the Chinese, luck comes in on the first day of the Chinese New Year.
So avoid cleaning your house on the first day of Lunar new year to allow the auspicious luck to stay and gather in your home first.
It sets the tone for the rest of the year!
Washing Hair and Getting a Haircut on Chinese New Year’s Day
In Chinese culture, it’s unlucky to wash your hair or get a haircut on Chinese New Year.
The word for “hair” (发, fa) sounds the same as facai (发财), which means “to become wealthy.”
Washing your hair is believed to wash away your fortune for the year ahead.
Wearing Bright Colours At Funerals
Funerals are solemn occasions, and wearing muted, respectful attire is expected.
Bright colors like red, yellow, and pink are considered inappropriate, as they symbolize celebration rather than mourning.
Stick to dark, neutral tones without prints, and avoid short skirts to show respect for the deceased and their family.
Cutting Your Nails At Night
In many Asian cultures, including Korea and Japan, cutting nails at night is considered bad luck as it could attract bad spirits or bring misfortune.
Knocking On The Door Before You Enter
It’s common to see Asians knock on a hotel room door before entering to avoid any unwanted spirits or ghosts.
This superstition stems from the belief that spirits might inhabit unoccupied rooms, and knocking alerts them of your presence, preventing any bad energy from entering with you.
Lucky Number ‘8’
Especially in China, the number 8 is considered extremely lucky.
This belief is rooted in the fact that the word for “eight” (ba in Mandarin) sounds similar to the word for “prosperity” or “wealth” (fa).
As a result, people go to great lengths to incorporate the number 8 into their lives, from choosing phone numbers and license plates to selecting dates for important events. I
Touching The Wood
Touching wood is believed to bring good luck or protect against bad fortune.
It’s a simple but widespread practice that serves as a symbolic gesture of protection.
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