Russian Superstitions
A Background and Introduction to Russian Folk Beliefs
Russian superstitions differ widely from those found in the west, and a good knowledge of them is helpful when traveling to Russia or other Former Soviet Republics.
Anyone who has lived in Russia for a while can tell you that Russian superstitions are vast and intricate, and Russians take them far more seriously than Westerners do. While some Russian superstitions are similar to those found in the west, many of them, you will find, are new and surprising. It pays to know about Russian superstitions when traveling to the country. Not only will you avoid possible cultural gaffes, but Russians will respect that you have taken the time to get to know their culture and their traditions. Most Russian superstitions are followed throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union, though other republics add their own to an already complex mix. Here's a good selection of the most common ones.
Between People:
- It is bad luck to talk or shake hands in doorways. You should always completely enter the room before greeting someone or beginning a conversation.
- If a person accidentally steps on another person's foot, it is common for the person who was stepped on to lightly step on the foot of the person who stepped first. This is said to help avoid future conflicts.
- It is considered taboo to step over people's legs or other body parts. It is often said that it will prevent the person from growing. It is better to find a way around the person.
- If someone sneezes while talking, or while someone else is making a statement, it means he or she is telling the truth.
Love and Marriage:
- Unmarried people should not sit at the corner of the table. Otherwise they will not marry. This is sometimes applied to men as well.
- Lucky in cards, unlucky in love.
- If a couple sets a wedding date and cannot get married on that date they cannot set another date and should not get married, as their union will be cursed.
Traveling:
- After someone has left on a long journey, their room should not be cleaned up until they have arrived home.
- Returning home for forgotten things is bad luck. It is better to leave what was forgotten behind. If you must return, you should look in the mirror before leaving again.
- If it's raining when you begin a journey, it is good luck.
Gifts
- Giving sharp objects as gifts is taboo. This can be avoided by making the other person pay a symbolic amount of money for them (traditionally a kopek or ruble)
- It is considered bad luck to give someone money in the evening (such as paying for a stay at someone's home) and in many republics, it is bad luck to hand the money directly to the person. It should instead be placed on a table or in a conspicuous place.
- A purse or wallet given as a gift should contain a little money. Otherwise it will bring poverty.
Luck and Omens:
- If you whistle indoors, your family will lose all their money.
- Talking about future successes is bad luck. It’s better to be silent, or even pessimistic, until the success becomes a reality.
- Breaking a mirror is not considered bad luck in Russia. However, looking at one's reflection in a broken mirror is.
- When describing a scar you saw on someone's face or some other disfigurement, you should not gesture on your own face or someone elses. If you must, you can demonstrate in mid-air.
- A woman with empty water buckets coming towards you is considered a bad omen.
- If a bird poops on you, it's good luck. (though you may not think so at the time)
Birth and Birthdays
- Birthday parties should be celebrated on or after one's birthday, not before. So when one's birthday falls during the week, it's best to celebrate the following weekend.
- Things bought for a new born baby (such as clothes, toys, furniture, etc.) should only be purchased after the baby is born. This is usually done in a big hurry.
- A mother shall not show her baby to anyone except the father of that child and the midwife for 40 days after the baby was born.
At the Table
- One should never hand a knife directly to another person, as it is said that the two will get into a fight. Instead a person should always place the knife down on a surface. Only then can the other person pick it up.
- If a fork or spoon falls on the ground, expect a female guest. If a knife falls, expect a male guest.
- Never hand salt to another person. Place it near them on the table, and allow them to pick it up.
In Common:
- If a black cat crosses your path, it's bad luck. Russians will often wait for someone else to walk there first
- Spilling salt is considered bad luck, but Russians don't throw salt over their shoulder to remedy this.
- Knocking on wood is practiced in Russia
And finally--feel free to walk under all the ladders you like, and open umbrellas indoors. These are a few of the things that Russians are not superstitious about at all. Hopefully learning these folk beliefs will give you some insight into Russian culture. Here's another article for general tips on how to behave in Russia.
