Russian superstitions are part of everyday life in Russia, Belarus and other Russian-speaking countries, especially when you visit someone’s home. Paul, a Frenchman, found this out at Masha’s mum’s birthday: he wanted to make a great impression and broke seven superstitions in one evening. How many would you break?
Russian superstitions quiz: how superstitious would you be?
Do Russians really believe in superstitions?
Ask a Russian or a Belarusian if they’re superstitious, and most will say no. Then watch them knock on a wooden table “just in case”. There’s even a phrase for it: на вся́кий слу́чай.
Russian superstitions (приме́ты) are alive in every family, and grandmothers make sure nobody forgets them. You don’t have to believe in them. But if you know them, you’ll avoid awkward moments as a guest, and you’ll understand a lot of everyday Russian. Here are the seven superstitions every guest should know.
1. Even number of flowers: why it’s only for funerals in Russia
Нельзя́ дари́ть чётное число́ цвето́в.You can’t give an even number of flowers.
In Russia and Belarus, bouquets with an even number of flowers (2, 4, 6) are for funerals and graves. Four roses for a birthday sends a very sad message, no matter how beautiful they are. This is the Russian flower superstition foreigners get wrong most often.
Where it comes from
Odd numbers have long been linked to life and luck, and even numbers to the end of life. Over time, the even bouquet became the bouquet for the dead.
How to get it right
Count your flowers. Three, five or seven is perfect. With very big bouquets, most people stop counting, but if you’re not sure, add one more flower.
In Paul’s story: Paul asks for four roses. The shop assistant looks at Masha, and Masha covers her face. Четы́ре? На день рожде́ния?!
2. The threshold superstition: never greet anyone across the doorway
Не здоро́вайся че́рез поро́г.Don’t say hello across the threshold.
Don’t shake hands, hug or pass anything over the threshold, the line at the bottom of the door. In Russian culture, it is said to bring a quarrel.
Where it comes from
The threshold was the border between the home and the outside world. In old Slavic belief, the spirits of the family’s ancestors lived under it, and it was better not to disturb them.
How to get it right
Step inside first, then shake hands. The same goes for gifts, bags and money: hand them over once you’re on the same side of the door.
In Paul’s story: Paul holds out his hand to Masha’s dad from the doorstep. Dad pulls his hand away: Стой! Не че́рез поро́г!
3. Knives as a gift: why Russians pay you a coin
Ножи́ дари́ть нельзя́ — к ссо́ре.You can’t give knives as a gift: it brings a quarrel.
Knives and other sharp objects, like scissors, are believed to “cut” the relationship between the giver and the receiver. That’s why many Russians think twice before giving knives as a gift.
How to get it right
There’s an easy fix. The person who gets the knives gives you a small coin. Now it isn’t a gift, it’s a sale, and a sale can’t cause a quarrel. Keep the coin!
In Paul’s story: Paul gives Masha’s mum a set of kitchen knives. She hands him a coin: Тепе́рь я как бу́дто купи́ла ножи́!
4. Sitting at the corner of the table: seven years without a wedding
Не сади́сь на у́гол — семь лет не же́нишься!Don’t sit at the corner, or you won’t get married for seven years!
If you’re single, the corner of the table is the worst seat in the house. A woman hears the same warning with a different verb: семь лет за́муж не вы́йдешь.
Where it comes from
Nobody knows exactly why it’s seven years. The idea is simple: the corner is a lonely place, set apart from everyone else at the table.
How to get it right
Single guests choose a seat along the side. Married guests can sit wherever they like. If the corner is the only free seat, someone will usually offer to swap.
In Paul’s story: Paul sits down at the corner. Babushka gasps: Не сади́сь на у́гол! Paul has never moved so fast.
5. Whistling indoors: why Russians say you’ll lose money
Не свисти́ до́ма — де́нег не бу́дет!Don’t whistle at home, or there will be no money!
Whistling inside the house will “whistle away” your money. It’s one of the best-known Russian superstitions, so expect someone to stop you immediately.
Where it comes from
In old beliefs, whistling called up the wind and evil spirits, and the wind could blow the family’s wealth out of the house. Today, mostly the part about money has survived.
How to get it right
Hum or sing instead. Outside, you can whistle as much as you like.
In Paul’s story: Paul whistles a French song while washing the dishes. Dad runs into the kitchen: Не свисти́! Де́нег не бу́дет! Paul: Совсе́м?
6. “Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу”: how Russians knock on wood
Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу, что́бы не сгла́зить!Ptoo-ptoo-ptoo, so I don’t jinx it!
Never talk about good things too confidently. Say “My exam tomorrow will go perfectly!” and someone will instantly say тьфу-тьфу-тьфу and knock on wood three times.
Where it comes from
Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу imitates spitting three times over your left shoulder, where, according to folk belief, the devil sits. Knocking on wood is familiar in English too: knock on wood or touch wood.
How to get it right
Knock three times on something wooden: a table, a door, a chair. No wood nearby? Russians often joke and knock on their own head.
In Paul’s story: Paul says everything will be fine from now on. Babushka says Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу! and knocks on the wooden door three times.
7. Going back home: why you look in the mirror
Верну́лся домо́й — посмотри́ в зе́ркало.If you come back home, look in the mirror.
Going back home for something you forgot is bad luck: the rest of your trip won’t go well. This Russian mirror superstition has a simple fix.
Where it comes from
Mirrors have always had a magical role in Slavic folklore. Looking into one is believed to “reset” the bad luck before you set off again.
How to get it right
Look in the mirror before you leave again. Some people also stick their tongue out at their reflection for extra protection.
In Paul’s story: Paul comes back for his phone. Masha’s mum stops him: Посмотри́ в зе́ркало! Paul looks at his reflection: Приве́т, Поль! Сего́дня у тебя́ о́чень тру́дный день!
For the full story, exercises and vocabulary, continue with the Russian Superstitions lesson:
Russian Superstitions
Read Paul’s full story with stress marks and translation, practise with exercises and learn the vocabulary list.
Explore the lesson →This lesson is part of the paid Hey Russian course.
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