Superstitions

Japan
1. If you write your name with a red pen, you will die young.
2. You will have many children if you eat herring roe (eggs) on New Year's Day.
3. In a group photo, it is unlucky to stand in the middle.

Taiwan
1. The number four is unlucky because it sounds like the Chinese word "die".

Canada
1. If your left palm is itchy, you will get money soon.
2. It is unlucky to open an umbrella inside your house.

Brazil
1. If you step out of bed in the morning with your right foot, you will have good luck.

Nicaragua
1. The number six is unlucky.

Egypt
1. Shaking a key chain at night is bad luck. (You will wake dead people).

Background Information

This story is about more superstitions. See Background Information for "Are You Superstitious" for more.

Questions

1. Why do you think the Japanese think if you write your name with a red pen, you will die young?

2. Where do you want to stay away from during a group picture in Japan?

3. What is another word for photo?

4. Why is the number four unlucky in Taiwan?

5. What is a palm?

6. What is it unlucky to do to an umbrella in Canada?

7. Which foot should you step out of bed with in Brazil?

8. What is a Canadian saying that is similar to Brazil's superstition?

9. Why do you think shaking a key chain at night will wake up dead people?

10. What is another way to say key chain?