Amber beads, worn as a necklace, can protect against illness or cure colds.
89
Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
9
Two people breaking a wishbone is said to lead to good luck for the person with the larger piece.
225
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
Pirates believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold improved one's eyesight.
131
At times, a horseshoe may be found above doorways. When positioned like a regular 'U' it supposedly collects luck. However, when it is positioned like an upside-down 'U' the luck supposedly drains.
78