According to an age old custom, carrying a dead shrew in your pocket wards off rheumatism!
24
Some motorcycle enthusiasts hang a biker's bell from a portion of their bike to protect themselves from evil road spirits.
64
Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
9
Pirates believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold improved one's eyesight.
131
Many believe that if all of the candles on a birthday cake are blown out with one breath, while making a silent wish, the wish will come true.
298
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.
49
Before traveling a person should, apparently, sit on their luggage. (Russian)
117
Two people breaking a wishbone is said to lead to good luck for the person with the larger piece.
225