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Sunday 22 December, 2024
Sunday 22 December, 2024
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11 irrational superstitions Irish people believe in
THE IRISH FOR superstition is ‘piseog’.
And we Irish are known for holding on to piseogs, regardless of how irrational or illogical they may seem.
For example…
1. If you damage a fairy fort, you’re pretty much asking for it
Seriously, don’t touch them with a barge pole.
2. Blank a magpie at your peril
If you spot a magpie on his lonesome, you have to say hello/make pleasantries with it.
Even if it’s sometimes awkward.
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3. If you spot a penny on the ground, you have no other option but to pick it up
Even if it makes you look a bit scabby.
4. An itchy nose is definitely a sign of a fight
In order to prevent the fight, someone must slap your hand and you have to slap their hand back.
It’s just science.
5. Finding a comb on the ground is definitely a bad omen
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It belongs to the banshee, duh.
STEER CLEAR.
6. Don’t even think about putting new shoes on the table
Are you trying to ruin your life?
7. And don’t you dare wear new clothes to a funeral
No way, José.
8. You must bless yourself anytime you pass a church or graveyard
It’s basically built into the Irish psyche.
9. If you’re a red-haired woman, stay away from fishermen
For their safety.
10. The only way to ward off a chest infection is with donkey hair
This one was confirmed to us by one TheJournal.ie staffer. Anyone?
11. But don’t worry: if a bird poos on you, it’s definitely good luck
At least we’ve got that going for us.
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Friday the 13th piseog superstition superstitious