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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Before traveling a person should, apparently, sit on their luggage. (Russian)
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In some parts of England, rum is used to wash a baby's head for good luck.
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It's bad luck to leave a house through a different door than the one used to come into it.
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According to an age old custom, carrying a dead shrew in your pocket wards off rheumatism!
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Placing keys on a table is considered unlucky. (Sweden)
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An acorn at the window will keep lightning out
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Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
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