Believe it or not: Omens and Superstitions

According to the British, it is believed that if dung is placed around a house, it brings good luck. In India, people use it to ward off ghosts as cows are considered sacred animal

Egyptians believe cats bring good luck as they are looked upon as Gods. In most countries, black cats are considered lucky. If they cross the path, one must make a wish. And if the cat arrives home, it is believed that money will come shortly. However, in America and India, black cats are considered unlucky. If a cat crosses the road, one must go three steps back to undo bad luck.

Egyptians and Roman believed that giving chocolate eggs to children was a symbol of continuing life.

Yorkshire people throw a hairy caterpillar over their left shoulder to bring good luck.

Killing a frog brings bad luck. It is believed that the dead frog will possess the soul of a boy or girl who died in childhood. A frog croaking during the day is an omen of rain, and if it comes in the house, it brings good luck.

Chinese believe that keeping a peach over the front door will ward off evil spirits.

Spiders are considered lucky if it drops on a face from the ceiling or crawls on clothes. However, it brings bad luck if killed.

Raven is called the messenger of death by American Indians. In many cultures, the Raven is regarded as a creature of ill omen. If one hears it croaking outside a house, then there will be sickness and death on its way.

Stealing an egg from an eagle's nest can make a person lose his sanity. Also, if the bird is hovering over land or house, it indicates illness or death.

Number seven is considered lucky and is regarded as a mystic number in many cultures. In Britain, it is believed that it takes seven years for a person's personality to undergo a complete change.