Friday the 13th: The wacky world of superstitions

Friday the 13th as a day on the calendar has had many different explanations and meanings over the years, with some linking it to Jesus' last supper (13 people present and his death occurring on a Friday). In some cultures, the number 13 and Fridays are both considered unlucky - so the combination is a match made in somewhere other than heaven. Italy is one such country with that belief.

For the most part, when people think of 'Friday the 13th' in current times, superstitions pop to mind. If a black cat runs across the road in front of you, your luck is about to change for the worse. Have you broken a mirror? Welcome to seven years of bad luck. Don't even think about walking under that ladder, sir!

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A superstition is described as a "belief or practice that is considered irrational or supernatural". So, it is nobody's place to really say which superstitions are wrong or right, as your beliefs are what make you who you are. Right?

Well, to be honest, some superstitions are so 'out there' that people can't help but judge or dismiss them. We are all human after all.

With that in mind, here are 15 really strange superstitions from around the world which will get you thinking - and talking around the water cooler:

- In Mexico, it is believed that if you place mirrors facing each other on opposite walls, it creates a doorway for the devil to enter your life.

- In Zimbabwe, should a person ever be kidnapped by a mermaid, the family is required to remain upbeat and happy. It is believed that if a tear is shed by the family of the person kidnapped, the mermaid will never release the victim.

- In the Philippines, mourners at a funeral cannot go straight home. The belief is that if you go straight home from a funeral, a spirit will follow you and take up residence in your house.

- In Lithuania, whistling indoors is a big no-no. Doing so releases demons into the world.

- In Rwanda, some women refuse to eat the meat of a goat as they are adamant that it will cause them to grow facial hair.

- In Germany, if you "cheers" someone with water in your glass, you are wishing death upon them.

- In Turkey, an itch is not just for scratching. Should your right hand itch, you will be coming into money, but if your left hand itches, you are headed for financial woe.

- In Portugal, the act of walking backwards is frowned upon. This is because it gives the devil a heads up as to where you are going.

- In France, if your left foot tramples on dog poop, you are in for some good luck. Not so much if you do it with your right foot, as that act brings bad luck into your life.

- In Egypt, owls are not your best friend. Should you see or hear an owl, you can expect to receive bad news.

- In Syria, you are not allowed to play with yo-yos. Why? Well, in 1933, yo-yos were banned as they were believed to be the cause of drought.

- In India, visiting your barber on a Tuesday is a big no-no. Legend has it that cutting your hair on a Tuesday will bring serious bad luck.

- In Russia, beware the yellow flower! Gifting someone with yellow flowers in the country actually means you are cursing that person with infidelity.

- In Canada, if you are pregnant and crave fish, you need to eat some ASAP. If you don't, your baby will be born with the head of a fish.

- In the Netherlands, singing at the table before you eat means you are actually praising the devil for your meal.

Do you have any superstitions of your own? Let us know!