Just in Time for Halloween: 5 Freaky Food Superstitions

Food Superstitions
Food Superstitions

Superstitions have been around for centuries, evolving from cultural and religious beliefs at different times and different places in history. For some people, they may just be spooky superstitions, but for others, they're a part of a culture and are taken seriously. And some of the freakiest superstitions just happen to involve food.

Where exactly do these superstitions about foods such as basil, hard-boiled eggs, and noodles come from? Well, the origin varies with each one. Often times when something happens that can't be explained, people tend to tie events together, creating superstitions. Most superstitions probably grew out of old wives' tales or religious beliefs. We found some pretty strange superstitions about these foods and more that involve the devil, witches, evil spirits, scorpions, and really bad luck.

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A few of them - including that bad luck comes from spilling salt - you may have heard of before. But others - like that a scorpion will enter your brain if you smell basil - may give you the creeps!

Since the spooky season is upon us, we've shared some of those freaky superstitions so that you know how to ward off the devil and avoid the Evil Eye, and to never to bring a banana on a boat.

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A Noodle for Your Life

This superstition says you should never cut noodles before serving them. In Chinese culture, a long noodle represents a long life. If you cut noodles before serving them to someone, the life of that person will be cut short.

Onions to Ward Off Spirits

Ancient Egyptians reportedly kept onions around to ward off evil spirits

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Pouring a Pot of Tea

Pour your own pot of tea… according to superstition, it's bad luck to share. Be sure the lid is on when brewing, and be careful not to spill. Otherwise, in both instances, you might get a visit from a stranger.

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Handing Off Hot Peppers

Never hand a hot pepper to a friend, or your friendship will end in discord. Instead, place the pepper on a table for your friend to pick up.

Bananas on Boats

This might seem like an odd rule, but don't bring bananas on a boat. For centuries, fishermen have banned them from their boats. Rumor has it that an illness once befell a fisherman who ate a banana.

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-Dan Myers, The Daily Meal