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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
Wikipedia Wikipedia
Seriously, don’t touch them with a barge pole.
2. Blank a magpie at your peril
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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
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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
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Are you trying to ruin your life?
7. And don’t you dare wear new clothes to a funeral
Giphy Giphy
No way, José.
8. You must bless yourself anytime you pass a church or graveyard
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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
PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
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
Giphy Giphy
At least we’ve got that going for us.
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Friday the 13th piseog superstition superstitious