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DOs
- If
you leave the house, but then return immediately before leaving
for a second time, make sure that you change something about your
appearance slightly, otherwise you run the risk of encountering
bad luck.
- When
setting off on a journey, spend a few moments sitting on your suitcase
if you are leaving a place to which you would like to return.
- If
you give someone flowers, make sure that they are of an odd number
(unless you are going to a funeral...)
- Take
off your shoes when entering a Russian home, and be prepared to
wear someone else's slippers if you haven't brought your own. (This
is eminently practical if you bear in mind the snow or slush around
for much of the year in Northern Russia.)
- Give
in coats and large bags when entering theatres, restaurants, museums
etc.
- Touch
one of your buttons when you go past a cemetery.
- Ensure
that all your debts are settled before 31st December; otherwise
you will be in debt for the whole of the next year.
- Spit
over your left shoulder 3 times when someone pays you a compliment.
If this strikes you as too bizarre, then knocking on wood should
also produce the desired effect.
- Throw
3 handfuls of salt over your left shoulder if you spill any salt.
- Keep
hold of lilies with 5 petals and, similarly, any bus tickets where
the sum of the first 3 digits adds up to the sum of the last 3.
To encourage even greater luck, and if you are feeling brave, eating
the flowers or tickets is recommended!
- Beware
of black cats crossing your path, as this will bring you bad luck.
However, white cats are said to have the opposite effect.
And
DON’Ts
- Shake
hands or kiss over the threshold of a Russian home, as this means
that you will argue with the person who you are visiting.
- Whistle
indoors - this will result in your money flying out of the window.
- Light
a cigarette from a candle unless you are hoping for a sudden death
in your family.
- Worry
if you break something. This will, in fact, bring you good luck,
especially if it breaks into many pieces.
- Sit
behind the corner of a table or desk (this applies particularly
to women), otherwise you will never get married!
- Start
anything important on a Friday.
- Give
handkerchiefs, mirrors or sharp objects as presents. If you decide
to give a purse or a wallet, then remember to put some money in
it first.
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