Top 10 Most Superstitious Countries
You're not just tossing salt over your shoulder or knocking on wood. In some places, these tiny rituals rule entire communities. Superstitions aren't just quirks. They're belief systems stitched into daily life, often passed down like heirlooms. Only these don't gather dust, they gather fear. From deciding baby names based on astrology to delaying weddings because Mercury's out of whack, superstition isn't just superstition anymore. It's policy, practice, and sometimes a full-blown roadblock to progress.People often think these beliefs are divine shortcuts that connect them to a higher power. But here's the twist. What starts as reverence can twist into restriction. When entire populations bow to unproven fears, the real casualty is growth. Education, science, and rational decision-making take a backseat to rituals no one dares to question. Superstition becomes a brake pedal slammed against a country's momentum.
So which countries have the tightest grip on these beliefs? Where are horoscopes treated like fact and black cats like omens of doom?
India has a wide array of regional superstitions, many tied to Hindu beliefs and astrology. Practices like avoiding haircuts on certain days and consulting astrologers for marriages are common. The number 8 and eclipses are also viewed with caution. Hinduism, the main religion of India, has its foundation in superstitious beliefs. The lack of proper education and exposure makes Indian minds lack confidence and start believing whatever the so-called god-men preach or practice to exploit their believers.
I knew that India was going to be number 1. India deserves this place.
India is number 1, and it's not even close.
North Korea exhibits state-imposed suppression of superstition, though shamanistic beliefs persist unofficially. Traditional divination practices and spirit beliefs continue in secret. Astrology and fortune-telling are known to be discreetly practiced.
Japan holds deep-rooted beliefs in spirits and omens, often tied to Shinto and Buddhist practices. Numbers 4 and 9 are considered unlucky due to their pronunciation. Omamori charms and purification rituals are widely used. Japan. Just Japan.
Here are some of the superstitions from Japan I know:
Don't write your name in red ink, or else you will die.
Children should not cut their nails at night, or else they will die before their parents.
If you are in the middle of a 3-person photo, you will die soon.
That's all I'll tell you. Goodbye.
South Korea incorporates Shamanistic, Buddhist, and Confucian elements into its superstitions. The number 4 is commonly avoided, especially in buildings and elevators. Traditional rituals are often performed for blessings or to repel spirits. They would break a window just because an electric fan was turned on.
China incorporates traditional beliefs such as feng shui and numerology into daily life. The number 4 is widely avoided due to its phonetic similarity to the word for death. Ancestor worship and ghost-related superstitions are also culturally significant. My relatives are Asian, and they are superstitious. My mom is EXTREMELY superstitious. She forces everyone to follow them. They include:
- Ghost month
- Anything related to Chinese New Year
- Showering
- The number 4
- Numbers
- Colors
Plus much more!
My parents hold all sorts of oddball paranoias because of the superstitious stories they heard as kids!
Especially because of Feng Shui. Seriously though.
Greece blends ancient mythology with modern superstitions, including beliefs in the evil eye. Amulets like the "mati" are worn to protect against harm. Traditional customs often include avoiding certain actions to prevent bad luck. "The evil eye is ever watchful..." My giagia will put such a hex on you. Efkaristo, Greece - you're so crazy! You smash plates and have soldiers who wear skirts and pompom shoes.
Remember! If you don't give me gyros, you're going to be in massive debt!
Egypt combines ancient Pharaonic beliefs with Islamic traditions in its superstitions. Amulets and charms such as the Eye of Horus are still popular for protection. Belief in the evil eye and spiritual healing practices are common.
Haiti is heavily influenced by Vodou, which incorporates African, Catholic, and Indigenous elements. Belief in spirits, rituals, and offerings are central to everyday life. Supernatural explanations for events are widely accepted. When they offer you a hot tub in the middle of a village, you might want to decline...
Brazil features a mix of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese superstitions. Common practices include carrying amulets like the "figa" hand and rituals for protection against the "evil eye." The number 13 and black cats are often considered unlucky. Brazilians believe in everything that you tell them. Critical thinking is something that still doesn't exist in this country. Our country is probably the most religious one in Latin America. You guys would be shocked by the ridiculous things that people usually believe here: black magic, voodoo, prophecies...
Don't use the ATM unless an off-duty police officer is present.
Mexico blends Catholic and Indigenous beliefs into a variety of superstitions. Day of the Dead rituals reflect spiritual views about the afterlife and ancestor veneration. Folk saints and charms are often used to ward off bad luck.The Newcomers
Zimbabwe blends Shona spiritual beliefs with Christian influences. Ancestral spirits, or "mhondoro," play a major role in traditional practices. Rituals and divination are used to maintain harmony and avoid misfortune.
Sudan incorporates Islamic beliefs and tribal traditions into its superstitions. Many people believe in jinn and use rituals for protection. Traditional healers and charms are part of cultural practices.
Thailand features widespread belief in ghosts and spirits, often associated with specific locations or events. Spirit houses are commonly placed outside homes to appease resident spirits. Astrology and numerology play roles in daily decision-making. Thai people believe in the supernatural and are superstitious in daily routines and almost everything in life.
Yes, they are superstitious but not overly so. Mainly, it is a part of Thai culture.
Philippines mixes indigenous, Spanish, and Chinese influences in its superstitions. Many Filipinos believe in supernatural beings like the "aswang" and observe rituals to avoid misfortune. Practices like knocking on wood or saying "tabi-tabi po" are widespread. The Philippines is the most superstitious country because I think we have over 5,000 superstitions.
United States of America has regional superstitions often influenced by folklore, religion, and cultural traditions. Common beliefs include avoiding walking under ladders or breaking mirrors. Some Americans consult horoscopes or believe in haunted locations. People from all over the world, and the lowest of those, have superstitions that make them dangerous, especially to children and the elderly.
Most people in my class believe Ouija boards have evil magic.
Most people also believe in faith healing.
In the Pacific NW, lots of people believe in all sorts of "alternative medicines."
Nobody cares about empiricism...
I'm very superstitious, so beware of my cats!
Russia has numerous superstitions stemming from Slavic folklore and Orthodox Christian traditions. People often sit down before a journey or avoid whistling indoors to prevent bad luck. Superstitions about the evil eye and protective charms are also prevalent. Every superstition they hear about, they believe, especially women. Men just think badly of every other country - very bad nationalism.
People in Russia have the same superstitions as Greece and firmly believe in and follow them.
New Zealand features a mix of Māori beliefs and Western superstitions. Traditional Māori customs include respect for tapu (sacred) objects and spaces. Western superstitions such as Friday the 13th are also observed by some.
France has folk beliefs that include avoiding certain numbers and using charms for protection. Some traditions stem from rural customs and Catholic teachings. Beliefs in good and bad omens persist in various regions.
Romania retains superstitions rooted in Dacian and medieval traditions. Belief in vampires and spirits plays a role in rural folklore. Protective rituals and symbolic objects are often used to guard against misfortune.
Belarus maintains many rural superstitions influenced by Slavic paganism and Orthodox Christianity. Practices include avoiding whistling indoors and interpreting omens from dreams or animals. Folk remedies and protective charms are still used.
Nicaragua features a fusion of Indigenous and Spanish colonial superstitions. Stories of spirits like "La Mocuana" are part of cultural folklore. Rituals and amulets are used to attract good luck and ward off evil.
Peru has a mix of Incan, Catholic, and folk superstitions that influence daily life. Rituals involving coca leaves and offerings to Pachamama are practiced in the Andes. Many Peruvians observe omens and practice spiritual cleansing.
Saudi Arabia holds religious-based beliefs, and many superstitions are related to Islamic teachings. Belief in the evil eye is prevalent, and protective prayers or charms are used. Jinn are considered real beings capable of affecting the physical world.
Myanmar features a strong belief in nats (spirits), which are honored through offerings and rituals. Astrology plays a key role in personal decisions, such as naming children or choosing auspicious days. Superstitions are deeply tied to Buddhist practices.
Ireland retains ancient Celtic superstitions alongside Christian beliefs. Folklore about fairies, banshees, and cursed locations persists in rural areas. Charms and rituals are still used to bring luck or avoid misfortune. It's definitely got to be Ireland. They have this tradition on Halloween where they set a campfire and throw a dead rabbit into the fire so that the evil spirits don't get near them. Also, they consider magpies bad luck. Come on, they should have a good reason! And there are people in their gardens looking for ladybugs and four-leaf clovers. They have so many superstitions there, and it's really annoying when they overreact to every single thing that they consider bad luck. It should have been number one.
Venezuela blends Catholic, African, and Indigenous superstitions in its cultural fabric. Belief in spiritual healers, omens, and protective rituals is common. People often observe taboos and use amulets to influence fate.
Spain features a variety of regional superstitions with Catholic and folk influences. People often avoid certain numbers or actions to prevent bad luck. Amulets and rituals are used to ward off the "mal de ojo" or evil eye.