When we talk about superstition and rituals, we immediately think of the world of gambling, because in fact it is here that these manifestations find space in the most unexpected and fascinating ways.
Let's think about a game of online bingo or a game of Superenalotto: players often rely on lucky numbers or personal rituals to attract luck. It is not uncommon to find people who always choose the same numerical combinations, attributing a special meaning to those numbers, perhaps linked to memories, birth dates or particular events. This shows how superstitions are rooted not only in everyday life, but also in leisure activities, linking the past and the present through beliefs that defy logic.Every culture has its own rituals, taboos, and beliefs that, however diverse, reveal a common trait: the attempt to understand and influence the unpredictable. From not walking under a ladder to avoiding certain numbers, we explore the most curious and significant traditions from every corner of the planet.
Numbers are often considered magical or loaded with meaning. For example, in Japan, the number 4 is avoided because its pronunciation, shi, is similar to the word for “death.” Many Japanese homes skip the fourth floor, and gifts with four pieces are considered a bad omen. Similarly, in Italy, the number 17 is viewed with suspicion: written in Roman numerals, XVII can be anagrammed as “VIXI,” meaning “I have lived,” an expression associated with death.
In the world of bingo, to return to our example, this symbolism is reflected in the numbers that players consider lucky or unlucky. There are those who rely on 7, the universal symbol of luck, and those who categorically avoid 13, associated with bad luck in many Western cultures. These personal rituals are a way to feel more in control of chance and probability.
Superstitions manifest themselves in curious and sometimes bizarre ways. In Germany, for example, birthday greetings are not made in advance: there is a fear that demons might listen and sabotage wishes before they come true. Again, toasting without looking each other in the eyes is considered a bad omen, and this rule also extends to countries like Italy.
In South Korea, another culture rich in superstitions, whistling at night is taboo, as it is believed to attract evil spirits. The same goes for writing a person's name in red: a gesture that evokes death, since on tombstones the names of the deceased are traditionally engraved in this color.
Animals play a central role in the superstitions of many cultures. In France, seeing a spider in the morning is a sign of sadness, while in Italy it is said that “the spider brings profit.” In Britain, meeting a solitary magpie requires a specific greeting to avoid misfortune: “Good morning Mister Magpie. How is your lady wife today?”
These beliefs reflect the human attempt to make sense of everyday events through symbolism, attributing to animals an almost mystical role.
Despite cultural differences, many superstitions reveal surprising similarities. Fear of numbers, rituals to attract good luck or ward off bad luck, and taboos related to everyday gestures demonstrate that, wherever we are, we tend to seek comfort in a symbolic order.
Whether it’s a number, avoiding walking under a ladder, or toasting traditions, superstitions bridge cultures, uniting the world in a mosaic of beliefs that mix magic and everyday life. Perhaps it’s this universal power that makes them so fascinating and timeless.
Article published on 17 February 2025 - 14:53
The article talks about superstitions and rituals in gambling and how many cultures have lucky and unlucky numbers. This is interesting, but I wonder if it is really possible to influence luck with these beliefs. Superstitions are part of the culture, but I don't know if they work.