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| How many of these superstitions have you heard before? |
| WTF? ZERO! |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| 1-3 |
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7% |
[ 2 ] |
| 4-6 |
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29% |
[ 8 ] |
| 7-9 |
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29% |
[ 8 ] |
| 10-12 |
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7% |
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| 13-15 |
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3% |
[ 1 ] |
| 16-17 |
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14% |
[ 4 ] |
| All 18 *yawn* ho-hum |
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7% |
[ 2 ] |
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| Total Votes : 27 |
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Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
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 Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 1:13 pm Post subject: How many of these superstitions have you heard before? |
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http://www.teachkorea.com/rike/thatslife/superstitions.htm
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The Fan Death
100% of Koreans who have lived in Korea all their lives believe that if they sleep with the fan on and the windows and doors closed, they will DIE. They have various explanations ranging from the fan causing its victim to freeze to death to the fan viciously sucking all the oxygen out of the room.
Spoke the Crow, Nevermore
(I know, I know....it was really a raven....)
"My Korean friend was aghast at the number of crows when she visited my Canadian hometown. It appears that if you see a crow in Korea, someone in your family will die. Since I never once saw a crow during my two years in Korea, I assume it's a legitimate superstition, having something to do with the rarity of the event." (sent to me via e-mail....no name available)
Wanna Kill Someone?
Write His/Her Name in RED Ink!
This is not nearly as widely believed as the Fan Death, but to be on the safe side, don't write anyone's name with red ink...or a red marker on the white board. I've been scolded for using a dark pink. From what I gathered from my kid students, people only write the names of dead people in red ink. I'm sure this was a long ago custom no longer practiced as rigidly, but just to be polite, don't use the red. Also, if you want to write many comments, bad or good, on a student's paper, it's better to use another color. It's okay to check papers with a red pen, but personal comments are better in another color. I've never heard the reason for this...I assume it's the reluctance to be associated in any way with the dreaded red ink.
The Number 4
When you go to the store to buy your first set of dishes, you'll only find sets of five or more. You pretty much cannot get anything in a set of four. This is because the Korean word for 4 is pronounced like the Chinese word for death. (If I remember correctly anyway) Thank you Addie for reminding me of this one.
Magpies
If you hear the sound of a magpie, it means a friend will visit you soon. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
No Tooth Fairy Here
When you lose a tooth, you should throw it on your roof. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
Twins
Koreans believe that if a woman gives birth to twins that are a boy and a a girl, they must have been a couple in a former life, and that doesn't bode well for them. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
Miscarriage Myth?
If a pregnant woman miscarries, she is supposed to stay bundled up in warm clothes for a period of time (one or two weeks?) no matter what the weather because this will help her body heal faster. I'm not 100% sure if this is the only reason, but I witnessed friends going through this ordeal several times in the middle of the summer swelter. The women in question were obviously uncomfortable but were also in total agreement with this thinking. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
100 Day Old Babies
This isn't really a superstition, it's more of a custom: babies can't be taken out of the house until after their "paek-il" (one-hundred-day) party. Furthermore, no one outside of the family circle can see the baby. This is a holdover from when the infant mortality rates were quite high. If a child lived for one hundred days, its chances of survival were relatively good. A true cause for celebration, I might add. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
Money Bugs
If you see a money bug in your house (I think a "money bug is one of those long ones with all the legs), you can't kill it or you will lose money. (Thanks Hillary)
Dreams
If you dream of a pig, it is good luck. If you dream of a dog, it's bad luck. (Thanks Hillary)
Beware of Toenail Clippings
If you cut your toenail after dark, the cuttings can form a spirit (I think) that can hurt you (I know that one sounds strange, but I checked it with some Korean teachers). (Thanks Hillary)
Sing Like a Bird
Eating the meat from the neck of a chicken will make you a better singer. (Thanks Marlon Brando?!)
How to Ace a Test
Eat yut before an exam because it's sticky, don't eat seaweed soup. I'm not sure if this is to keep your pencil firmly in your hand or your knowledge firmly in your head, perhaps both. (Thanks Mark T)
How to Get into Seoul National
Steal the "S" from a Hyundae Sonata before you take your final exams so you can get into Seoul university. (one of the 5000 year-old traditions, perhaps) (Thanks anonymous)
After Birth
After a woman gives birth, she shouldn't bathe for a month (sponge bath is OK). (Thanks anonymous)
More on Passing and Failing
Koreans often use BootDa (stick) instead of more formal Korean equivalents of "pass" when describing passing an exam. And "slide" in lieu of "fail." Translating some Korean expressions regarding passing or failing an exam literally into English, you "stick" to the exam or "slide" off the exam. So, things that are "sticky" or the opposite once were associated with the outcome of test. I believe that "Yut" (sticky Korean candy) and "Seaweed Soup" (in addition to Seaweed's slippery surface, Koreans add Sesame Oil to the soup, which enhances the characteristic) were probably two of the most popular food associated with the properties of stickiness or the opposite when the superstition was formed and accepted as a popular ritual. (Thanks anonymous)
Beer and Chopsticks
I was told by a small town bar owner friend of mine that when ordering bottles of beer always do so in odd number, for example if there are two drinkers order 3 bottles. Even number are bad luck when drinking. I have seen this commonly in small towns but I guess that city folk are not so superstitious or this was his cunning plan to sell more beer. In the small town I lived in I never saw a six pack, a box of twelve or a "2 - 4" anywhere. I was shocked that they existed at all when I went to a larger center. This was a really small town. On your birthday it is lucky to have 3 parties with three different groups of people in three different places. Usually one at home, one out and another at another home. Maybe this is just a small town thing too. Never stick your chopsticks into a rice bowl and leave them standing up by themselves. This resembles the way rice is presented to the dead and incense in funeral ceremonies. This is seen as "taunting death". This applies to city folk too. |
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Derrek
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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Your forgot these:
IF YOU OWN A HAGWON AND HIRE A FOREIGNER -- FIRE THEM AT 11 MONTHS.
If you own a hagwon and hire a foreign teacher -- beware! If you keep him longer than 11 months, you will have to pay him/her severence. Best to fire that teacher for any reason at all before they can collect.
SUBWAY SUPERSTITION
If you are an ajumma, it's bad luck not to push people with your elbows as you pass. If you don't someone might confuse you for a kind person.
SHARE YOUR EVENING
If you are drunk and feel sick, always vomit on the doorstep to the entrance. If you don't, no one else will know you spent 50,000 won on soju and food at the local hof, and thus think you are a boring person. |
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Tiberious aka Sparkles
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: I'm one cool cat!
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: How many of these superstitions have you heard before? |
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| Tiger Beer wrote: |
http://www.teachkorea.com/rike/thatslife/superstitions.htm
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Miscarriage Myth?
If a pregnant woman miscarries, she is supposed to stay bundled up in warm clothes for a period of time (one or two weeks?) no matter what the weather because this will help her body heal faster. I'm not 100% sure if this is the only reason, but I witnessed friends going through this ordeal several times in the middle of the summer swelter. The women in question were obviously uncomfortable but were also in total agreement with this thinking. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
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It's not only for women who miscarry, but for ALL women who give birth. Air conditioners kill babies!!! 
Sparkles*_* |
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ratslash
Joined: 08 May 2003
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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| some of these really are stupid. and the thing is, you know that there will be people out there who believe them and would give the stupid foreinger the stares for breaking them. |
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Ilsanman
Joined: 15 Aug 2003
Location: Bucheon, Korea
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:41 pm Post subject: one more |
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| 1. If you see a foreigner on the street, remind that person that he/she is a foreigner. He/she is not aware, that person clearly wandered onto an airplane and accidentally ended up in Korea. Let them know they are different. |
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Mr. Pink
Joined: 21 Oct 2003
Location: China
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:53 pm Post subject: Re: How many of these superstitions have you heard before? |
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| Tiberious aka Sparkles wrote: |
| Tiger Beer wrote: |
http://www.teachkorea.com/rike/thatslife/superstitions.htm
| Quote: |
Miscarriage Myth?
If a pregnant woman miscarries, she is supposed to stay bundled up in warm clothes for a period of time (one or two weeks?) no matter what the weather because this will help her body heal faster. I'm not 100% sure if this is the only reason, but I witnessed friends going through this ordeal several times in the middle of the summer swelter. The women in question were obviously uncomfortable but were also in total agreement with this thinking. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
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Yeah thank god we had 1 room for wife/baby and 1 for me cause the baby was born in the summer and i was sweating my balls off as it was.
It's not only for women who miscarry, but for ALL women who give birth. Air conditioners kill babies!!!
Sparkles*_* |
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Tiberious aka Sparkles
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Location: I'm one cool cat!
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| Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:47 am Post subject: Re: How many of these superstitions have you heard before? |
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| Mr. Pink wrote: |
| Tiberious aka Sparkles wrote: |
| Tiger Beer wrote: |
http://www.teachkorea.com/rike/thatslife/superstitions.htm
| Quote: |
Miscarriage Myth?
If a pregnant woman miscarries, she is supposed to stay bundled up in warm clothes for a period of time (one or two weeks?) no matter what the weather because this will help her body heal faster. I'm not 100% sure if this is the only reason, but I witnessed friends going through this ordeal several times in the middle of the summer swelter. The women in question were obviously uncomfortable but were also in total agreement with this thinking. (Thanks Bruce Ray)
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Yeah thank god we had 1 room for wife/baby and 1 for me cause the baby was born in the summer and i was sweating my balls off as it was.
It's not only for women who miscarry, but for ALL women who give birth. Air conditioners kill babies!!!
Sparkles*_* |
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You either misused the quote function, or you are psychic, 'cause that's exactly what happened to me.
But I don't 'member writing that.
Maybe too much sherm. 
Sparkles*_* |
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HardyandTiny
Joined: 03 Jun 2003
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| Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:10 am Post subject: |
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damn it!
you forgot about saving the kid's first crap!
what's that corporal? the merconium?(sp?)
taking pics of the first crap and saving bits of it.
leads me back to the old thing about it's okay if grandma give the young boy a hummer to calm him down.
I think that would be called "grandfellation", not sure of the Korean translation "abajifelation.? |
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Derrek
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:42 pm Post subject: |
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| HardyandTiny wrote: |
leads me back to the old thing about it's okay if grandma give the young boy a hummer to calm him down.
I think that would be called "grandfellation", not sure of the Korean translation "abajifelation.? |
WHAT THE HECK???? |
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captain kirk
Joined: 29 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:46 am Post subject: |
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There is superstition about numbers, as well. I was room 404, I think it was, because no-one else, evidently, could get passed the room being a spooky number. Ooooooh, scary. I lived it, ladies and gentlemen, room 404. But it was a university one-room and not that hotel out in the boonies in the movie 'The Shining'.
It make sense that there should be superstitions where so much concern is given to the dead relatives. If you go to make offerings at graves isn't that spooky? Aren't you 'communing with spirits'? The same goes for prayer; isn't that talking with ghosts? Maybe that's why spiritual people become vegetarians. They believe in ghosts. Like 'this hamburger is haunted, I won't eat it'. haha |
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Pyongshin Sangja
Joined: 20 Apr 2003
Location: I love baby!
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 8:51 am Post subject: |
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| I had heard about half of them. If you see a crow in Korea, you are clearly not in Korea. The bundling up of new mothers, stupid? How many size 2 mothers do you see back in the land of the fee and the home of the slave? |
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jajdude
Joined: 18 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 8:57 am Post subject: |
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| I just knew about the fan death and number 4 being bad luck. And heard about the red ink but always disregarded it as nonsense. Still use it the red marker sometimes whenever the black or blue isn't available or in as good shape. The number four is a huge superstition among Chinese and has caught on big in Korea too. Buildings lack the number sometimes or use an "F" instead of the digit. The fan death thing has been mocked enough already I guess. Oh also heard about the lucky pig dream. |
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peppermint
Joined: 13 May 2003
Location: traversing the minefields of caddishness.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:47 pm Post subject: |
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Elementary school kids take the red ink thing pretty seriously, but apparently it only applies if you write someones name. I've been yelled at for writing my own name in red.
I've noticed a few buildings that have the fourth floor labeled as F in the elevator, which I found odd. |
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Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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| peppermint wrote: |
| I've noticed a few buildings that have the fourth floor labeled as F in the elevator, which I found odd. |
I read once in some Korean/American differences book that they did the same with 13 in the U.S. I laughed with a 'yeah, right!'
Strangely however, I moved to NYC (somewhat after my 1st Korean contract), and found it to be true however. Surprised!
Generally they'd completely remove the 13th floor from existance and went directly from 12 to 14. (Probably a marketing strategy when selling office space). |
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VanIslander
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!
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| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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One person's superstitions are another person's beliefs OR cultural values.
Many Koreans say they don't believe a lot of these things but that they are traditional, like horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, black cats, ladders, stepping on a crack, killing a spider on a sunny day and putting a tooth under your pillow.
Some do still believe them. Is it stupid? No more than thinking margarine is good for you or reading your horroscope.
I'm glad I haven't met many contemptuous foreigners in person.
Knock on wood. |
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