ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 13, 1996 TAG: 9612130052
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-11 EDITION: METRO
Some widely practiced Russian superstitions:
* For good luck, sit silently beside your suitcase for a minute with your friends or family before a trip.
* Knock on wood or spit three times over your left shoulder (where a demon stands) in response to a compliment or positive comment.
* Only give odd numbers of flowers to people; even numbers are for funerals and the dead.
* Never shake hands or kiss over a threshold.
* If you forget something and have to return for it, look in the mirror and smile or stick out your tongue.
* Don't give sharp objects, handkerchiefs or mirrors as gifts. If you do, ask for a coin in return.
* It's unlucky to be born or married in May.
* Babies shouldn't be shown to strangers for at least the first 40 days, and shouldn't have their fingernails or hair cut for the first year.
* Visibly pregnant women shouldn't cut their hair.
* Important undertakings shouldn't be started on Fridays.
* Whistling indoors will cause you to lose all your money.
* Never celebrate a birthday or anniversary early.
* Pay off all debts by year's end, even if it means visiting a pawnshop on Dec. 31, or you'll be troubled by debt the entire following year.
* Bus tickets are lucky when the left three numbers equal the right three numbers. Eat them.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB