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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Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
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Amber beads, worn as a necklace, can protect against illness or cure colds.
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When you speak of bad luck, it is said that one should always knock on wood. Also knocking when speaking of good luck apparently helps with having good luck. This is an old Celtic tradition related to belief of wood spirits.
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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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Some motorcycle enthusiasts hang a biker's bell from a portion of their bike to protect themselves from evil road spirits.
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According to an age old custom, carrying a dead shrew in your pocket wards off rheumatism!
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Pirates believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold improved one's eyesight.
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