The Fascinating World of Superstitions

Exploring superstitions and their significance in different cultures. From black cats to the number 13, learn about common beliefs and rituals for good luck.

00:00:02 In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, Jack and Luke discuss superstitions, including black cats, broken mirrors, walking under ladders, and touching wood for good luck.

🔮 Superstitions are the topic of discussion in this episode of the Learn English podcast.

🐱 In the UK, seeing a black cat is considered unlucky, breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, and walking under a ladder is also seen as bad luck.

🌳 The superstition of touching wood for good luck is discussed, and it is explained that the act of knocking on wood originated from the belief in spirits thousands of years ago.

00:01:53 Explores superstitions from different cultures, including avoiding cracks on pavement and not making eye contact when cheering. Also discusses an Asian superstition involving the color red.

🌳 The origin of tree spirits and superstitions surrounding them.

🚶‍♂️ Avoiding cracks on pavements for good luck.

👁️ The belief in not looking someone in the eye while cheersing in Germany.

00:03:47 Learn English Podcast - Episode 23: Superstitions! Exploring various superstitions, such as the fear of the number 13 and the significance of certain numbers in different cultures.

🔢 Different cultures have superstitions surrounding certain numbers, such as 13 and 4.

🌂 Some common superstitions include not opening an umbrella indoors and touching wood for good luck.

🤞 While the speaker is not very superstitious, they do follow some traditions like touching wood.

00:05:42 Superstitions in the UK, such as seeing one magpie as bad luck and two magpies as good luck. Routines and rituals provide comfort, while breaking them may lead to a sense of impending doom. Funny story about spraying oneself with perfume at the airport.

In the UK, seeing one magpie is considered bad luck, while seeing two is considered good luck.

The speaker has a routine before flying, including spraying themselves with perfume, and feels uncomfortable if the routine is broken.

The speaker once accidentally sprayed aftershave into their eye, but it did not result in a plane crash.

00:07:34 In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, the host discusses superstitions in sports and fortune-telling in Korea.

🏌️‍♂️ The speaker shares their personal experience with superstitions in golf.

🤷‍♂️ They mention the commonality of superstition in sports.

🔮 The speaker talks about fortune-telling and the use of tarot cards.

00:09:27 A podcast episode discusses different methods of fortune-telling and the popularity of the practice in Korea.

🔮 Fortune-telling experiences, including palm reading and tarot cards, are compared between Europe and England.

🌠 Different methods of fortune-telling, such as glass orb and tea leaves, are discussed, highlighting the popularity of fortune-telling in Korea.

💑 The speaker's wife and mother-in-law have tried fortune-telling, but the speaker is not interested.

00:11:20 A discussion about superstitions and fortune-telling in Korea and the UK. The hosts debate whether it's harmless fun or potentially dangerous. Share your superstitions!

🔍 Fortune-telling is a popular cultural practice in Korea, easily accessible in shopping malls.

🎯 The perception of fortune-telling as either harmless fun or potentially dangerous depends on how seriously it is taken.

🤔 Superstitions and personal beliefs vary among individuals, inviting audience engagement.

Summary of a video "Learn English Podcast - Episode 23: Superstitions!" by IELTS Plus on YouTube.

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