A single magpie is considered a sign of bad luck. A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar recites an old proverb concerning the incidence of bad weather when magpies forage alone and a possible scientific explanation for this.
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An acorn should be carried to bring luck and ensure a long life.
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According to an age old custom, carrying a dead shrew in your pocket wards off rheumatism!
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Two people breaking a wishbone is said to lead to good luck for the person with the larger piece.
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Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
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In Asia, the digit 4 never appears in any Nokia handset model number, because 4 is considered unlucky in many parts of Southeast/East Asia.
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Collect seven or nine different flowers on midsummer eve and place them under your pillow and it is said that you will dream of your future spouse. (Sweden)
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If one walks underneath an open ladder it is said to bring bad luck. Sometimes it is said that this can be undone by immediately walking backwards back underneath the ladder.
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