In Western culture, it’s not uncommon to believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, walking under a ladder is bad luck, and breaking a mirror will curse you for seven years. What about elsewhere in the world? Have you ever wondered about the superstitions of the East? Here are a few of the beliefs in Thailand about those things that will bring you good luck, bad luck, fortune, and death, among other things.

If you’re looking for admiration in the workplace, then plant yourself a ‘ma yom’ tree. However, you must be careful if you hang a clothes line between two of these trees. Walking under a clothes line hung from a ‘ma yom’ tree, while wearing a Buddhist medallion will turn your fortune to misfortune; bringing you bad luck. Also, be sure to take your medallion off before sitting on the toilet, or it will no longer be holy.

As in western culture black cats crossing your path are an omen of bad things to come. However, they are not quite as bad as when you catch a crows eyes. If a crow gazes at you, it will bring you bad luck. In a similar fashion, if a lizard falls from above and lands at your feet as you exit your house you should turn around immediately or the day will not go well.

Remember, when in Thailand, it is okay to stop and smell the roses provided you do not offer them to Buddha. Offering flowers that you have sniffed to a monk or to the Buddha will cause something to happen to your nose. While at the church to make your offering don’t pick any flowers either, or you will spend eternity in hell after you die.

When it comes to eating animals, there is plenty that can go wrong as well. Never let a woman eat chicken feet, or she will have an affair and don’t let children eat fish before they can talk or their gums will bleed. Although this one has more to do with how you eat it still has to do with animals. Don’t eat while lying down, or you will return in your next life as a snake.

It seems that among the worst things you can do in Thailand are stomping around the house or grooming yourself at night. Stomping will scare away your guardian spirits leaving you unprotected and may cause you to be unable to save money. When it comes to grooming at night, there are many beliefs about misfortune. Cutting your nails at night, for example, is equal to breaking the bones of your ancestors and plucking eyebrows in the night time will bring you misfortune. On a similar note, never get your hair cut on a Wednesday, or it will bring you bad luck.

There are many more superstitions in Thailand, especially for those about to be married. Do you think it’s hard to follow the Western tradition of not seeing the bride on the day before the wedding? In Thailand the bride and groom must avoid each other for three days to ensure a happy marriage. Breaking anything on a wedding day, including if it’s done by the guests at your wedding, will cause the couple to separate.

For more about Thailand and their superstitious beliefs visit Thai-blogs.com.