Across the globe, the general reaction to pigeon poop on one's shoulders is an expletive. Or at the very least, a rant on bad luck. But in India, the reaction to pigeon poop on your shoulders is first a rant on bad luck and then another one on future good luck. We are truly an optimistic bunch. This beautifully diverse country is not just our mother, she is also the mother-ship of many mindboggling superstitions. The versions may vary, the reasons/days may vary, but the superstitions are pan-Indian. Almost like our love for cricket.
1.
Nimbu-mirchi can keep evil forces at bay. Look. The basic idea is that Evil can stop by your doorstep and blow raspberries at you all day long, but it will never be able to cross the threshold as long as there is nimbu-mirchi over the doorstep to protect you. No. Don't argue. Just believe.
2.
Sneezing while someone is about to leave the house can bring bad luck to the other person. In case you were foolish enough to NOT hold in your sneeze, ask the person whose day you've just ruined to sit down and drink some water. Bad luck is allergic to water.
3.
Certain animals and birds can potentially ruin your day. Cats are not exactly known for being considerate, but black cats (who have special powers) are especially nasty. They spot you, and purposely cross your path to bring you bad luck. Those terrible, terrible beings. Also, in case you didn't know, one myna is equal to bad luck. Two mynas however contribute to one's well-being.
4.
Bad luck lurks under ladders. Okay. This one is true. If someone is working on say electricity cables, and you walk under the ladder and accidentally upset him, bad luck for him. Or if he drops a livewire on you, bad luck for you. See? Logic.
5.
Fasting leads to longevity. If you fast for your husband, he'll be blessed with a long life? Who is fasting for the wife whose existence has already been endangered by all the holy starvation? No one? OKAYTHEN.
6.
If your eye twitches it means doom. And if your right palm itches, expect unexpected money. If you're left hand itches, expect unexpected loss of money. But only if you are a man. If you are a woman, vice versa is applicable. I mean. I don't even...
7.
One must never ever (ever ever) ask someone where they are going just before they leave the house. Yes. This too means bad luck. Because then they will NEVER be able to accomplish what they're setting out to do. Never ever. Ever ever (Last time. I promise).
9.
Mehendi. Ahaa mehendi. (Remember the song? No? Okay, I'll stop.) If your
mehendi comes out well (meaning, if it's the darkest shade of brown possible), then you are loved by your husband/mother-in-law. If the
mehendi is light brown or red, then you need to find another husband.