Many consider superstitions just funny beliefs that are for entertainment and tales. However, even today, superstitions are still common and an inseparable part of many cultures across the world. Along with rituals and symbolic objects, superstitions are also related to certain places that are believed to bring luck.
Perhaps not surprisingly, there are a lot of sights and historical landmarks that people visit just to take some luck home with them. For each spot, there are specific rituals that need to be performed, and if you do it properly, something good is supposed to follow.
In this article, we’ll present 5 destinations surrounded by exactly these kinds of beliefs.
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, is likely one of the most popular destinations for tourists, regardless of where they come from. It is a common superstition about the Trevi Fountain that if you toss a coin inside with your right hand from the side of your left shoulder, you will return to Rome once again and be captivated by its beauty forever. But this is not all – if you throw two coins, it might bring a new romance to you. And if you’re brave enough and throw three, then you might as well get married soon.
Of course, not everyone believes in this tradition. Some people would rather hold on to their coins and try their luck somewhere else rather than hit the online pokies. For example, people who play online may prefer hoping for a better than waiting for luck to arrive after throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain. Either way, this historical masterpiece from the Baroque period just doesn’t stop attracting visitors.
Victor Noir’s Tomb, Paris, France
Victor Noir’s tomb in Paris, in Père Lachaise Cemetery, is one of the most unusual graves you can ever see. It features a bronze statue of the journalist lying on the top of his grave, and it was sculpted by Jules Dalou. Even though the statue was only created as a memorial to honor Victor Noir, over time, a strange superstition developed around it.
The society started to believe that kissing the lips and rubbing the groin of the statue by their feet brings love, romance, and fertility. Because of this, the statue gradually started to fade in certain spots. In 2004, the authorities of the cemetery tried to stop this ritual by putting a fence around it, but after people’s protest, they decided to remove the fence.
Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
For those who feel ill or are in physical pain, visiting the Senso-ji temple might just be exactly what they need. This travel destination is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, which stands out with its colorful architecture and is incredibly popular among tourists. Considering it is a historical landmark, it carries several superstitions.
The belief about the temple’s holy incense is the most well-known. As we know, it has healing powers, and to relieve the pain, you have to rub the incense on the area where it hurts.
The Blarney Stone, Cork, Ireland
The Blarney Stone in Cork, Ireland, is a famous stone with a legend about it. It’s located at Blarney Castle, and every day the place is packed with visitors from all over the world. According to the legend, one of the owners of the castle was granted the stone by a goddess. Kissing the stone can make a person speak more charmingly and eloquently.
Doing the ritual is not exactly easy. You have to walk the stairs to the castle, which are pretty narrow and easy to fall off of; lie on your back while leaning backwards as you hold your hands on the metal bars near you for support; and kiss the stone upside down. In spite of the struggle, the Blarney Stone doesn’t stop being a popular superstitious destination.
Lincoln’s Lucky Nose, Springfield, Illinois, USA
In Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, you will find the tomb of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. At the entrance, there is a large statue of his head. People believe that rubbing the nose of the statue can bring luck.
The locals believe that this action can help you succeed in school, business, and travels and just have a fortunate life in general. This has become a tradition for so many years that the color of the statue around its nose has faded.
Bottom Line
Superstitions can be very interesting, frightening, and fun at the same time. Although most people travel to visit certain destinations just for their historical importance, the superstitious beliefs can make these spots even more exciting to visit. While it is true that some rituals are a bit strange, it is still an exciting experience, and these 5 destinations will certainly not disappoint you.
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