While science and technology are working hard to give us answers to the great mysteries of the world, we are also an extremely superstitious race with some strong beliefs. Sure, this may be void of any logic but that does little to challenge our belief system.
In Singapore, several myths and legends are popular and passed on from one generation to the next. Sometimes to bring good luck and sometimes to keep the prying eyes at bay. But they are interesting to read, nonetheless.
Which is why we curated nine Singapore myths and legends that we know you’d be curious to check out.
1. Lucky addresses
Purchasing a home or office is extremely important, not to mention an extremely wealthy decision. It’s not surprising then that several home buyers in Singapore are extremely superstitious when purchasing real estate. It’s a big financial commitment after all and not one you would want to get wrong.
That’s why several Singaporeans prefer to buy homes that end with the number eight. Similarly, homes ending with the number four are avoided since they are considered unlucky.
However, the seemingly “lucky” addresses do come at a premium over the market price. For those that do consider it a myth, the unlucky houses do get a good discount. Thank us later!
2. Unlucky Number 13
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One of the more universal beliefs when it comes to luck, the number 13 is avoidable especially if it comes on a Friday. Not just in Singapore but the world over, the number 13 is considered unlucky and several apartments and hotels go out of their comfort zone to avoid labelling a floor as number 13.
Some cultures also consider number four as unlucky since it sounds like “death” in Mandarin. Interestingly, some people are so fearful of this superstition that the fear of number 13 is called ‘triskaidekaphobia.’
3. Whistling at night
Here’s a local superstition that you may have heard of before. Whistling at night is considered wrong as it draws the attention of wandering spirits who could follow you home.
As creepy as that sounds, whistling at night is just plain odd and even worse when a person with flesh and blood chooses to do so randomly. Probably the spirits aren’t too pleased either.
4. Touchwood
Moving from the bad myths to a good one. It’s a common expression to say “touch wood” when saying something nice, followed by knocking on something made of wood.
The superstition traces its origins to a pagan belief that malevolent spirits inhabited wood, so by knocking on it, you have expressed a hope for the future to prevent the spirits from hearing.
There’s no harm right, as long as your next big idea remains safe.
5. Never tap a gambler’s shoulder
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Gamblers are some of the most superstitious people. You can’t blame them for it either when the difference between good luck and bad luck is the roll of the dice. That being said, one such superstition that you must know about is keeping your hands to yourself around a gambler.
According to Chinese beliefs, touching the shoulders of a gambler would wash away their luck. So the next time you are at a casino and want to encourage a gambler who is on a ‘roll’, choose to do so from a distance.
6. Finish your food for a good spouse
From buying a house to starting a family. An old belief is that finishing your food will bring you a good spouse. There is no correlation between the two unless your significant other is looking to get that specific piece of cutlery you have.
This myth seems more to do with our parents making sure you do not waste any food. Either way, it sounds harmless and definitely worth the effort, superstition notwithstanding.
7. Apologise before you pee in the wild
If you ever find yourself stuck in rural Singapore and want to take a leak in the wild, here’s something you should know.
A local belief states that you need to apologise or say “sorry” out loud before you answer nature’s call. This is because you may be peeing on the homes of ‘others’. Who are these others? Don’t ask us.
8. Don’t sleep facing the mirror
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You might be extremely vain but here’s something even you should avoid. Legend says that you should not sleep facing the mirror. According to Fengshui, your soul leaves your body when you are in deep sleep.
Sleeping in front of a mirror will put you in a rude shock as the mirror will reflect your soul, which in turn might not want to return to your body. Is it worth the vanity? Thought as much.
9. Do not cut your nails at night
Another universal superstition justified with several reasons. Cutting your nails at night is said to shorten your life, leaving your DNA for spirits to steal and take your form or be used by people for black magic.
A more plausible explanation would be that in the days before electricity, it was just difficult to cut nails at night and a higher chance of injuring yourself.
The next time someone could just say you will lose a finger and that would still be more believable.
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